Skinny Mini Challenge

Alright people, you ready for the "deets"? That would be details for those of you who don't speak slang :) Anyway, the Skinny Mini Challenge is starting January 1st so it's time to lay out the specifics.
So here's the deal. The challenge is a basic contest seeing who can lose the biggest percentage of their current weight....Biggest Loser style. To participate all you have to do is email me with your name, age and current weight. The challenge will run the entire month of January. I'll collect mid-way(Jan 15th) and final weights(Jan 31st). In the end I will do the calculations and crown a winner. The winner gets bragging rights, a trophy (made by yours truly) and a small prize. So rev up the competitive spirit, and let this serve as motivation to kick your weight loss into high gear!
I have 2 ladies who have already contacted me with their info and I can't wait for the rest of you to join us in the fun. If you want to participate, please email me your info no later than Jan 4th at: the_skinnyjeans@yahoo.com Let's do this thing!

Time to Refocus...

Like most everyone, I went off my normal healthy regimine during the holidays. It's hard not to temporarily slide back into old habits. But here's the thing, eating that way made me feel bad. And gross. My body is wondering what the heck I'm doing to it. Sometimes the idea of eating something is more tempting than how it actually tastes. So now's the time to refocus. Set some new goals. Get back on the healthy track and move forward. I'm not waiting for the new year. I'm not waiting for Monday. Each time I eat something it's a choice, good or bad. Time to start making the right ones again. I haven't made all the best choices today, but I did make the choice to go out and run 4 miles. It's a step in the right direction and I can live with that. How is every else doing getting back on track?

Gettin' Revved...

So after my last post about feeling better, I ended up with an ear infection. It just seems like it's never ending. The worst of it seems to be over now (knock, knock on wood). The kids are on the mend and though my hearing is still not back to 100%, I am not in pain anymore. I even managed to get out for a run last night....woo-hoo! I ran a 3 miler in 25:15. My lungs held up okay, but I could tell that I've been sick :) I just needed to get back out there though and start getting back into my pre-holiday season routine. My half marathon is in 12 weeks and I know it will go quickly. My training schedule is 10 weeks long and I am getting so excited to get into it. There's something about having a goal that just revs me up! I even stocked up on sweet potatoes and salad stuff at the grocery store yesterday (for the perfect lunch, in my opinion).
Hope everyone is getting revved to start the Skinny Mini Challenge. I set up my new email for this blog. Feel free to email me directly if you have a question or comment you don't want viewed publicly. For those of you participating in the challenge, remember we're starting Jan 1st so I will need you to email me the following info no later than Jan 4th: Name, Age, & Starting Weight. The email is.... the_skinnyjeans@yahoo.com
Have a great Christmas everyone! And remember.... CONTROL, CONTROL, YOU MUST LEARN CONTROL =)

Update...

Yes, I am alive. I'm feeling better, thankfully, but I wear out so easily right now. I haven't forgotten about the contest either. There are so many things going on with the holidays and everything, I just haven't gotten around to writing about anything lately. Just to give everyone a heads up, the Skinny Mini Challenge will be starting on Jan 1st. As cliched as it is, we might as well use that as our jumping off point. The way things look, we'll be doing a Biggest Loser type competition. (Maybe the next month we'll try something else). Your weigh-in number will be anonymous, so don't start freaking out that I'm going to post names and weights....I won't. All participants will email me their starting stats so it will be private....I may however give nicknames or numbers to everyone. So that's the update. Hope everyone is doing well. Happy Holidays!

Bit by the bug....

Yup, I'm sick. Blech. I've got the body aches, fever, sinus pressure, chills....the whole she-bang. I'm feeling slightly better than yesterday, but not a whole lot. Just thought I'd fill everyone in. The bright side? I don't really feel like eating so maybe I'll drop a few lbs this week...hahaha. Not exactly the best way, but.....
I'll check back in soon. Take care everyone!

Here's the Scoop...

I decided to face the music this morning and step on the scale. I've been avoiding it because I felt really bad about the way I've been eating and thought I was up about 5 lbs. Well, this weeks' better behavior really paid off. I'm only up 1 lb from my lowest weight the day before Thanksgiving! Yipee. What a great feeling. I just had to share the good news. Now I definitely feel like my head is back on straight and I'm on the right path.
Next on the agenda is getting my workouts back in line, which is why I suggested what we're gonna start calling the "Skinny Mini Challenge". Thanks to everyone who responded about participating. Please vote on the type of contest you want me to host, (even if you aren't participating). I still want more people to jump in as well...lets make this a fun endeavor! We're in this journey together, let's have some fun while we're at it.

Did Someone say PRIZE?

So here's the update. I've been doing better. Not totally back on track, but WAY better than I was doing. I'm excited to be exercising again, even if it's not as intense as before. I'll get there again, but for now I'm working out ways to use my time wisely and concentrating on little things instead of the whole picture. Something new I've been trying this week is a mini workout in the evening while my littlest monkey is in the tub. Why didn't I think of this before? Some squats, pushups, basic pilates moves and I'm getting toned up while the kid plays. He thinks it's pretty amusing too (though at 16 months alot of things Mommy does are amusing). My point is....get creative!
On a side note, I'm thinking of doing a little contest. Anyone up for a challenge? I'm not sure exactly what the parameters will be, but I'm open to suggestions. Fitness or weight loss. I'm just curious if anyone is interested. There will definitely be a trophy and bragging rights up for grabs, as well as a small token prize. If I get 5 people who want to participate I'll set something up. Leave me a comment if you want in!

I've Been Thinking...Oooo scary!

Ya'll are getting a second post today! Don't you feel special? Hehehe. No, this is actually a serious post after some soul searching and analyzing. I had one of those "Ah-Ha" moments today while I was doing the dishes. I've been battling the old eating habits and overeating....again. I was trying to figure out WHY. Are you interested? Well, I'm sure it's just one piece of the puzzle, but figuring out some of the reasons WHY I'm hoping will help me avoid sidetracks in the future. Okay, now I'm stalling. I really don't want to cop to this....it's embarrassing.
I want to be lazy and lounge around right now. But I feel guilty if I'm not being productive. I could be cleaning something, folding laundry or any number of things. If I'm taking a "break" to eat something though, THAT'S a legitimate excuse to sit down and veg. Isn't that pathetic? I'm using food as a stalling tactic, just like I used to use cigarettes when I smoked. Throw in some hormonal loveliness and you've got a recipe for disaster.
So enough of this crap! If I'm having a lazy day, so be it. Every once in a while it's okay, continuing on with it is not. Acknowledge and move on! Now. I am not a lazy person, most of the time. I am not going to allow myself to regain any more weight that I've worked so hard to get off in the first place. That is not an option!
So now I think my noggin is back on straight. How is yours doing?

Burnt Out!

So yeah, I'm burnt out. I'm trying to pull myself together and do a small amount of exercise but I have been lacking the drive. I really just want to get back to the basics. The first of the year I'll start back up with the Insanity workouts, but I need a break. And I've decided that 5 days a week is plenty of workout days. With 2 small children and a household to care for, I need to make sure my priorities are in order and I have enough in the tank to take care of my responsibilities. I have no idea what I weigh at the moment and I'm so afraid to find out. So for now I'm taking a break. I'm going to work on getting my focus back. Exercising because I enjoy it, not because I feel like I have to. Eating healthy because it makes me feel good. Doing the things that make me a better wife and mommy. Stay tuned, I'll be back soon!

The New Plan...

So I figured I needed to come up with a clear game plan for the week. Something to help me stay focused and accountable. Last night I was tossing and turning. Feeling horrible about the choices I made. Stressing out because I screwed up and ate chocolate cake for dinner. I didn't, however, follow it with a big glass of wine like I was thinking of. That gets a point in the positive column right? Yup, it does!
So here's the plan-

• Get up at 5 a.m. and walk on the treadmill (3 mi)
  
• Do pilates after treadmill
• 45 squats a day 15x3 (morning, noon & night)
• Insanity workout
  
• Run or walk post dinner
  
• Only buy healthy foods
  
• Clean the junk out of the cupboards and donate it
• Have a discussion with hubby about changing the junk food habit

What do you think? Looking at it, there is alot of exercising going on. But really the only thing I'm adding is the treadmill/pilates and I am getting up earlier to get my day started on the right foot. If I manage to stick to this all week I am going to reward myself with a much needed pedicure. The discussion with hubby should be interesting, but it has to be done. I sent him to the store for 1 thing yesterday and he came home with a bunch of junk (including the aformentioned chocolate cake). That can't be the case anymore. The staus quo has got to change...for everyones sake.
Do you have a plan for the week? I'd love to hear how everyone else is getting back on track.

Paying the Piper

So my "One Day" mentality didn't pan out so well. I'm having a difficult time with sweets... again. It seems like once I get a taste I want more and more. The cravings are intense and constant. The little voice saying "Doesn't that sound GOOD?" is so hard to ignore. And the stuff is here. The pumpkin pie, the chocolate cake, Oreos and the ice cream. And they are all talking to me (and yes, I realize if I think food is talking to me, I'm a little crazy). I'm also having a hard time with something that was said to me on Thanksgiving. That's not helping either. So, time to deal with it. Wanna know what it was? Maybe if I share it will help.
I got called scrawny. Which wasn't really a big deal. My uncle was just trying to be cute. Then came the barrage of questions, "How'd you do it?" etc, etc. I don't do well when the attention is focused on me, so that was very uncomfortable. But then, from across the room, I hear a muttering...."Oh well, she just doesn't eat! THAT'S how she lost the weight." And the tone of voice, the body language, was very hurtful to me. I have worked my butt off, literally, to get where I am right now. I haven't starved myself. I workout, I run, I eat less and I really strive to eat healthy. It just hurts that someone in my family would talk that way....basically to my face. And what I'm realizing now as I write this, I'm giving what this person said way too much importance. I cannot control what others say or think. I can however control what I do. So what am I going to do? I am going to put my big girl pants back on and do what I know I should. Eat well & exercise. Stop making excuses. Enjoy the fact that I set a PR in my 5K. Start training for my second half marathon. Get back to my Insanity workouts (which I love cause they really kick my butt). And finally, start thinking of a way to reward myself for hitting goal, cause I'm really close (not as close as I was a couple days ago, but that's the penalty I pay for gluttony). Keep moving forward right?

One Day

So, how'd you do on Turkey Day? I ate too much dessert. Sweets are my weakness and once I got a taste, I kept eating. But, I made a conscious choice to start today fresh. The one day is over so I do not get to keep eating that way. It was a special day, and now it's done. Unfortunately the scale was up 2 lbs this morning. Well, I lost the 2 lbs before, I can do it again.

Turkey Trot

I am just going to start by saying that a race is a totally great way to start Thanksgiving Day! It was beautiful this morning and there was an awesome turnout! I set a PR (personal record) for myself so that was also a great feeling. I finished in a mind-blowing 24:25. This is 5 seconds under my goal so I couldn't be be happier. That puts my average mile pace at 7:53....woo-hoo. I'll be back to post more later. Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy all the blessing in your life, I know I am!!

Feelin' Good, How 'Bout You?

I had an awesome run last night. I wanted to go for one more run before my 5K on Thanksgiving and I wanted to go all out. I haven't been timing my runs for a while since my watch went ker-put, but I finally remembered to grab one the other day. Any guesses as to my time? Drum roll please....... 24:12. That is an 8:04 mile! Yeah! What a vast improvement on my 10 min miles 6 months ago. I revised my time goal for my race on Thursday, now I'm just hoping I have a great run that morning too.
I also had a super day with my eating yesterday. I did 50 (or 60) squats through out the day....I kinda lost track. Today is going to be great too. Now, I gotta get to it.

Back to Work....

I'm so close to my goal I can practically taste it....so what have I been doing? Making really poor choices. As I've said before I'm an emotional eater. The idea of hitting goal is freaking me out slightly. Hubby has been working alot and coming home so stressed out that he just explodes. The kids are both going through interesting stages with their attitudes. The list could go on and on. And I have not been coping well with any of it. But, this is a new week. Recognizing that I am sabotaging all my own hard work really pissed me off this morning. This is a new day, a new start. All I can do is accept that I made mistakes last week and make the changes I need to succeed and make it to my goal.
It really hit me when I went through my closet again this weekend and cleaned out the clothes that are too big.....I have come so far. I can't lose the drive now. I need to get to the goal and figure out how to stay there. I'm looking forward to my 5K on Thursday. After that I am going to start training for another half marathon. And, after seeing my quads tone up from all the squats in the Insanity workouts, I am going to steal another bloggers' idea and do 10-15 squats after each time I take a potty break :) Small steps often bring great reward. It's time to get back to work!
Oh, and thank you all for the kind words when I was struggling last week. Keep moving forward. Remember....Failure is not falling down, it's refusing to get back up! I'm getting back up, are you?

Battling the FUNK...

The kinda depressed feeling, the Funk, is trying to creep it's way back in. I am holding on by my fingertips keeping it at bay. I don't want to be powerless against it and sink into the hole so I'm fighting. Even though I don't want to, I am. It's hard. Hubby doesn't get it. That doesn't help things. What does help? Exercise. Pushing myself to do things even when I don't want to. Mostly, if I get going, get started, I can push through and feel better. But it's a struggle. Food is my friend at these times. Food makes me feel better....but not for very long. After the first initial "feel good", I feel worse because I've just undone a part of the good thing I've been working so hard at. It's a vicious cycle. Yesterday had good parts and bad. Today I'm gritting my teeth and trying to push through. I haven't made any big food mistakes so far, but the thought is there.... wouldn't a candy bar taste good right now? I have a walk scheduled this evening with my sis-in-law. I'm getting things done around the house....slowly, but it's better than curling up on the couch or crawling back into bed. Guess I better get back to it...

A Blogging Award.....for me!?!

Thank you to Greta over at Big Bottom Blogger for giving me my first blogger award! I feel so honored!! (Oh, and thanks for calling me a skinny-mini....you totally made my day).
Feel free to pop over to her blog and check it out....along with the blogs I'm passing the award on to.

The Rules & Regulations are as follows:


-Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the award on to five most deserving blogger.

-Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and the name of the blog from whom s/he has received the award.

-Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog, and link to The Scholastic Scribe, which explains the award.

-Each blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr Linky List. That way, they'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honour. http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2008/10/200-this-blings-for-you.html

-Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

So, without further ado, these are the 5 blogs I've picked to pass the award on to....

GET OFF YOUR BUTT & GET FIT
NO BROWNIES FOR LUNCH
HEALTH, HAPPINESS & SKINNY JEANS
A DAILY DOSE OF DIETING
PINK SUGAR DESSERTS (This blog is Deadly if you love sweets...but I love to drool over the pictures. Check it out at your own risk)

Movin' In The Right Direction

Ha....149! I saw 149 on the scale. Finally the scale is moving in the right direction again. I feel like I've been bouncing up and down 3 lbs for the last month! I'm a little nervous about staying in the 140's though. I think once I lose a couple more lbs I'll feel more comfortable that the 140's are here to stay. Unfortunately I didn't hit my goal of 147 by the 14th. Since I knew it probably wasn't going to happen anyway, I just concentrated on making choices that wouldn't spiral me downward.
My niece had a birthday party yesterday but I stuck with the veggie tray. I avoided the pizza. I did eat a cupcake and a couple pieces of candy, but enjoyed a nice chicken salad for dinner and went for a run to help offset the indulgences. All in all I'm pretty happy with how I handled things.
Hubby has gone back into sabotage mode (unconsciously)...thankfully I recognize the signs. I have to be strong and say "No Thanks" to the sweets he keeps bringing into the house. If I want to stay in the 140s and fit into size 6, I need to control myself. I had a weak moment this morning when I was very tempted to attack the peanut butter. I was seconds away from shoveling it in when I realized that I just couldn't...not if I want to keep the weight off that I've worked so hard to lose. What's the point in losing it if I'm just going to indulge in bad habits every time I get frustrated or stressed?
So, I set my new weight goal. I'm looking forward to my next race. I figured out my body fat % and it's at 20%....normal is 12-22%. Even though I'm in the normal range I'd like to concentrate on reducing that percent to 17. Tomorrow I start the 2nd month of Insanity. I figure I'll just keep moving forward with the new goals. Just because I didn't hit my goal this time doesn't mean I give up. What it means is that I work harder to hit the new goals I set. So, if you're having a tough time right now, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Straighten your spine, pick a goal and go full force till you get it! We can do it!!

Why Are Your Eyes Closed?

I really wanted pizza tonight for dinner! We've been trying to eat out less or get sandwiches from the deli instead of eating fast food. Well, I was starving and the idea of chicken salads for dinner was just not cutting it (since that's what I had for lunch). Running out and grabbing something, anything, just had so much more appeal. Then the thought of PIZZA popped in my head. Oh man, we haven't ordered a pizza in forever. So what's a girl to do? Well, instead of ordering a pizza....I made one. Thankfully I remembered that I had crust mix and sauce in the cupboard. Throw on chicken, mushrooms, tomato, caramelized onions & a little feta and cheddar cheese and we had a delicious pizza that's so much better for you than any pizza parlor could ever make. It tasted so good I literally closed my eyes in ecstasy....which made my 5 yr old look at me funny and ask "Mommy, why are you eating with your eyes closed?". I couldn't help but laugh. It just reinforced the point that I can eat well and enjoy my food. Obviously I won't be making pizza all the time, but making a healthier version from time to time is acceptable. I was able to enjoy it without feeling like I was "off the diet" and I satisfied an urge that could have turned very ugly, very fast. I even controlled myself when hubby went out and bought dessert. I enjoyed two bites (again with the eyes closed), and then removed myself from temptation with a cup of sweet tea. Go me :)
So, think about it. Is there a situation you can handle differently like I did. In the past I would have been on the phone in two seconds ordering up a pizza. Coming up with alternatives to make our lives healthier is important.
This is my war. I know I will not win every battle, but I triumphed this time. And that's good enough for me.

I Touched the Ceiling!?!

So this is my recovery week for my DVD workout. I'm still working out, it's just not pounding my body as hard. Next week we go into MAX Insanity which is a little scary to think about. Anyhow one of the drills on the recovery DVD is vertical jumps. Stand with feet together and jump up as high as you can. Well, I did. And I hit the ceiling with my fingertips! Out of curiosity I measured the distance and there is a 12 inch gap between my hands and the ceiling if I just stand with my hands up. A foot! Yay! How cool is that?
In addition to the workouts I've been making time again for my power walks or a run. This seems to be a big key to a positive mindset for me as well. And, I registered for the local Turkey Trot. I can't wait. Running a 5K Thanksgiving morning should be a blast! Something to look forward to beside the food...

Take stock and analyze...

Today was great! It was one of those days where everything clicked along pretty well. I'm figuring out some of my "environmental" triggers that help keep me in a funk. Things like an unmade bed, a dirty house or hanging out in my pj's ALL DAY LONG. I'm paying more attention to how things affect me. If I roll out of bed and turn around and make it, it puts me in a better mindset than if I walk away and come back an hour later to make it. I'm finding that clutter and disorder overwhelm me and help lead me down the path to the dark side of comfort eating. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not a clean freak (my sister will attest to that). But I do like things straightened up- shoes piled by the door (not strewn across the floor), toys in the basket after the kids are done playing with them, etc, etc (you get the point). When my life is more organized and ordered my eating is more controlled. When my home is in chaos my eating generally is too. The thing is, while some of these thoughts were rattling around my head, it's not until I sat down and started writing this post that some of it coalesced. It's amazing what we can learn about ourselves when we stop to think, analyze, and for me, write.
Originally this post was supposed to focus on the great day I had, but the writing went another direction. I did have a great day. I did eat really well. I did go for an awesome run tonight. Mostly though, I wrote something that made me, and hopefully you, think.

Awww, COME ON!!

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, want to see 140 something on the scale! It's just not happening. Grrrrr. I know I need to be patient, it's just hard to be patient. Even though I know the reason for the "plateau" I still get frustrated by it...every stinkin' month. For a week or so I stick at a certain number then the next week I usually see a significant drop. This time however it's a little more irritating than normal. Seeing 150 is just pissing me off. Getting into the 140's would be a huge milestone for me. Since frustration many times "makes" me eat, I am going to try and stay off the scale till Wednesday at least....Saturday if I can stand it.

Mantra of the week: Stop obsessing

Sweet Tooth Beware...

Can I just say "Thank You" to my sister-in-law. She gave me this tea since her mom didn't care for it...it was too sweet for her taste. And oh my, I LOVE IT!! Love, love, love it! (Did I mention I kinda like it?) Anyway, it's been helping kill the sweet cravings I've had after my sugar coma this past weekend. So, if you like sweet tea (or sweets in general), check it out. And FYI- Good Earth also makes a Vanilla Blend White Tea that is very tasty and more citrus-y if that's more your style. Just thought I'd share...

Ha Ha...He Couldn't Hang

So my husband has seen me doing the "Insanity" workouts a few times and has jokingly said that he might start doing them with me. I wasn't holding my breath. He's just not a workout kind of guy. He's in good shape from a physical job, but he doesn't actively train. Anyhow, I wasn't able to work out this morning like usual so I was forced to this afternoon. Well, imagine my surprise when the spouse joined in. Let me just say...it was hilarious! Since some of my readers actually know my husband, I won't say anything beyond the fact that he couldn't hang. Don't say anything to him though, he would just say he was goofing off and not seriously trying to do the workout. I do think he came away from it with a greater respect for how hard I've been working though. And the hard work is paying off. My muscles are getting more defined and I am stronger than I was 3 weeks ago...yay :)

Back in the groove...

Let's just put it out there first and say I struggled this weekend. I've been struggling lately, but add in a holiday that revolves around sugar and candy and you have a recipe for disaster (at least for me). Which, Sunday was. A complete train wreck from start to finish. But it's over. I was up 3 lbs on the scale this morning. Talk about a smack-you-in-the-face wake-up call.
But, I did well with my eating today. Tomorrow will be a good day too (I'm working on a positive outlook). My kids were driving me bananas today, but I handled it without shoving food in my face. I went for a run instead. I haven't run in about a month (due to injury) but it felt great to get out there again. I did my workout this morning and sweated my butt off...hopefully literally. I'm back in the groove and more determined than ever not to let myself be undermined. The goal is in sight. Now to keep moving forward!

Let your clothes be your guide...

Initially when I started losing weight (this time), I thought 145 was the magic number. That was the ultimate weight goal in my future....5'5" and 145. Now, I'm reevaluating and I've decided that I don't care what the number says. I just want to fit in a size 6ish. Even when I started high school I was a size 9. I don't even know what it's like to wear a size 6. But, I bought 2 pairs of pants in size 6 today. Knock me over with a feather! I can get them on and buttoned, but they are Tight. They are perfect though as motivational pieces.
I decided it was time for the concrete end goal. So that's it. Size 6. I'm not really worried about the number on the scale, it just drives me crazy anyway. As long as I can fit my tush into my goal size, that's good enough for me.
I've still got some work ahead of me. I've probably got to lose another 10-15 lbs to really be comfortable in a size 6. That's okay though, I have my final goal. (Seriously, a size 6???a year ago I would have told you that you were crazy!) So, keep moving forward!

Well, that kinda backfired....

So I mentioned that I was going on a hunt to find a motivational outfit. I figured a pair of size 8 pants was just the thing. So, I bought a pair of Dockers at the thrift store. I got home and pulled them on to see how tight they were....and they fit perfectly! WHAT!?! Are you kidding me??? I haven't been able to wear a size 8 in about 12 years. This is crazy! I also bought 2 pairs of pants in size 10 and they fit comfortably, not too loose (yet). I'm in shock though. It's an awesome feeling, but now I have to find something else. Do I dare buy something in a size 6? I don't know, that just seems crazy.
One other thing...I bought a top in a size medium (which is a HUGE deal for me). It's really hitting me how much my body is changing. Yay! I got sidetracked this week from time to time but this morning I am feeling strong and pulling myself back together. I can do this! I am doing this! You can too!

Workout Update

The "insanity" workouts are going great. I'm feeling stronger and I hurt when I'm doing them and I'm dripping sweat usually by the time I finish the warm ups. But there's a part of me that feels like I'm not doing enough. So, I've decided that I need to start walking again. My walking time was also my thinking time and my time to get out in the fresh air...without the kids. I'm missing that alone time. I think that's been part of my discontent the last few days. Part of what flipped the switch to uncaring about what I'm eating.
I'm really trying today. I didn't get my motivational outfit yesterday so it's on the agenda today...along with plenty of other things. Guess I better get off the computer and get to it.

Unmotivated

It's like a switch flipped the last few days. I just stopped caring about what I'm eating. It's horrible! I don't know what happened, but I feel like I've lost my drive. I'm not quite sure how to click it back into place either. I need something to push me. Something concrete. In the past few months it's been getting into a pair of pants or hitting a number on the scale that motivated me. But right now, the number on the scale isn't doing it for me. In fact, it seems to be having the opposite effect. And now all my clothes fit so it's kinda like "What's the point in losing more?".
I haven't figured out the solution, but I have an idea. Today, I'm going on a mission. I'm going to go on a search for a motivational outfit. Something in a size 8. That's a good goal, don't you think? Thrift stores here I come....

This is gonna suck!

So, I did my first workout today on the new program. It was just a "fit test" to give you a starting point to compare to after each month. I think I did pretty well compared to the starting numbers of the people on the video . Obviously, there's room for improvement- but that's the point right?
Anyway, after sampling what the actual workouts are going to be like, one thought popped into my head. This is gonna suck...but in a GOOD way! (Does that make sense?) It's gonna be tough and I'm gonna hurt. Yay :) I think there's something wrong with me....

Tried & True #7

Help your body work for you by eating foods that will boost your metabolism and your fat burning abilities. I found an article here that gives a wonderful overview to eating fat burning & thermogenic foods. One thing that wasn't on the list that I use all the time is cinnamon. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and has thermogenic properties as well. Lately I've taken to drinking a cup of apple cinnamon tea right before bed. It can't hurt to give the body a boost right?
So, check out the article, tell me what you think....

It's Still Jiggly...

I'm almost at my goal, I think. I'm at the lowest weight (by 2 lbs) that I can remember in my adult life. The problem...I've had two kids and gained WAY too much both times. The result....I have some major problem areas. It's frustrating that after losing 78 lbs I can't look in the mirror and see the svelte body I think should be there. I know, I know, your body isn't the same after two kids. I just wish that I wasn't jiggling in some of the places I am.
So I decided to kick it up a notch with my workouts. I ordered "INSANITY" (click on the link if you want to check it out). Supposedly this is an ass-kickin'-whip-you-into-the-best-shape-of-your-life type workout. I hope so. I'll let you know. I'm super excited to get started. And when I get done working out 6 days a week for 60 days I hope there is less that jiggles...

Just leave it alone

I have a weakness certain foods. Sweets are a big deal for me but I've been good about not overindulging...for the most part. We all have our slip ups from time to time. But anyway, I have a few foods that are "staples" that I struggle to eat in moderation. Butter, mayo, peanut butter and cream cheese are my downfalls lately. When I started losing weight I cut out mayo (I do have some light stuff, but I'd rather go without since it doesn't taste like mayo to me). I think I'm going to have to leave the peanut butter alone too now since I can't seem to control myself. A small amount seems to explode into a peanut butter eating frenzy. I did find that if I stuck it on the top shelf out of sight, instead of at eye level every time I opened the cupboard, I did better. I think it's a matter of figuring out triggers and removing temptations. Next on the agenda, figuring out a place for the butter....
Do you have a solution you've used to keep yourself from overeating? Besides willpower :)

Tried & True #6

Consider a juice fast. If it's not your thing, fine. I have gotten a few questions about what I do during a JF so I thought I'd turn it into a Tried & True post for the week.
First things first, prepare yourself. Mentally- Have a idea how many days you want to go...1,3,& 7 are fairly common. If you're a first-timer, plan for 1 day and see how you feel. You can extend it easily enough. Also be okay with being hungry and tired. The hunger passes but you will most likely feel cranky, tired and sometimes cold. Physically- A day or two before starting you should eat mostly fresh fruits and veggies. Don't gorge on unhealthy stuff. Also, when coming off the fast, don't gorge yourself. Ease your way back in.
Top Tips~
Drink fresh juice, not store bought. Use fruits and veggies you love. Don't over do it with juice...3-6 servings a day (8-12 oz). Drink tea and water also...lots of it. If you just want to chew something...chew gum. Don't overdo it...if you feel tired, REST!
Hope that answers the questions some of you had. If you have any more that I didn't cover, just ask. Have a great weekend!

The Closet Raid...

So, like most women, I have clothes in a few different sizes. From my skinniest to my biggest. Well, since the weather is starting to change I thought I should go through the closet and see what fits. The good news is that I can wear absolutely everything in my closet....even my size 8 leather pants and a hot little dress I never thought I'd wear again. The bad news, I have a very small selection of clothes in all these sizes.
Now at least, the prospect of going shopping isn't such a drag. It's something to get excited about. I plan on waiting till I hit goal though, something to motivate me to the end. 10 more lbs, 10 more lbs, 10 more lbs!

I feel skinny...

I'm starting to feel like all my hard work is paying off. I am feeling great today. My clothes are getting too big...even my smaller stuff. I've got to go bra shopping this weekend I think. Who would think that getting smaller boobs could make someone so happy. It stinks a bit though cause the sports bra I bought a few months ago (and spent $68 on) is getting too big. I'm Miss Frugal, so that just hurts, but what's a girl to do?
The juice fast is going well. I'm on my third day and feeling awesome. I think today is going to be the last day... I miss eating solid food :) It definitely has highlighted how much extra I was picking at all through the day. There were a few times I almost popped something in my mouth before I caught myself. I think I'm back in the right mindset, which feels great too. I ordered a new workout called "INSANITY" but since I ordered it on ebay there are some issues that have arisen. Hopefully I can get it ironed out without too much hassle. I'll keep you posted. I'm super excited cause I am at the point where I feel major toning needs to be my focus. Keep moving forward!

Funkytown...

I'm trying hard not to be, but I'm in a funk none the less. I've been eating pretty bad the last few days and not exercising either. I went out for a run this morning and made it a half a mile before turning around and walking home. My calf has been bothering me for about 3 weeks and I am tired of running through/with the pain or discomfort. Some days it's better than others and I only feel a twinge that gets better as I loosen up, but this morning it was hurting. I made the decision that it just wasn't worth it. Since I'm starting a juice fast tomorrow, I figure I'll let the leg rest at the same time. Basically I'm going to walk and do pilates or yoga this week and leave the high impact stuff alone.
I am excited to start my detox/ juice fast though. I hope that it helps me push through this block I'm having. I'm stocked up on my fruits and veggies and I'm in the right mental place to start a juice fast. Since a lot of it's mental, you have to embrace the idea or you'll fall flat on your face (I'm speaking from experience).
There are generally two schools of thought in the juice fasting arena....Pro JF or Anti JF. I know how I feel after a fast, so I tend to advocate it. It's a personal thing though. If it helps you feel better, readjusts your taste buds, busts through a plateau or refocuses you into the right mindset, I think it's a good thing. What do you think? Have you done a fast before? Or, do you think it's crazy? Let's hear your opinion on the topic...

It's a Weird Feeling...

Some of you may know that I was breastfeeding. Well, not anymore. We finally completely weaned and I'm just trying to adjust. It is a little surreal. I'm so used to thinking about everything I eat and drink (in terms of what it will do to my milk). After almost 13 months of bf it's done. With my daughter I weaned at 6 months but she was on formula too. There was a difference. I think part of the issue is that monkey #2 is probably our last child. I'm finding my way through this, and I know my hormones are trying to stabilize. I'm not feeling bad or depressed per se, just a little sad at times that it's over. However, now that I'm done, I'm thinking of doing a cleanse. I have done juice fasts before, and I told myself when I was done nursing that I would do one again. Guess that time has come. Time to pull out the juicer and head to the store for my fruits and veggies. Stay tuned for that next week.

Cancer Awareness 10K

I had a great run on Saturday and set a personal record in the 10K with a time of 56:20. I finished 4th in my age group...11 seconds behind the 3rd place finisher. I was pushing hard to catch that girl in the pink shirt! It irks me that she's the one who got the medal. (I'm just slightly competitive if you couldn't tell). Anyhow, I ended up 69th overall out of 160 runners. Not too shabby in my humble opinion. I hit my weight goal of 160 and my time goal of a sub 57 min race. I was also able to go for a easy 8+ mile run Sunday morning with out difficulty. Hooray!
I'm 15 lbs from goal and it's getting easier most days to make the healthy choices. I feel like I'm finding a good rhythm. Now, I just need to stick with it. I'm going to try and keep my exercise routine pretty much the same for a while and just work on consistency. Also, I'm noticing a big problem area is my lower abs so I am going to work on focusing in and toning that. It's all about the goals for me...

Tried & True #5

Eat your carbs and fruits toward the beginning of the day and veggies and protein later. This gives your body more time to burn the sugars. And since excess sugar is what turns into fat, the earlier we eat it, the better. Your body does need carbs though. Eat them, but eat them wisely. Seriously, don't eat a cupcake or cookies then go to bed. Then they really will go straight to your tush!

Am I just a creep magnent?

Seriously, I'm so over the creepy guys coming up and talking to me or leering at me. I've dealt with it as long as I've had boobs, and I'm irritated. Does this happen to everyone or am I just hyper-sensitive to it? Ugh, for instance, last night I'm on the last bit of a 6 mile run...some creepy older guy rides up beside me on his bike and strikes up a weird conversation. Dude, I've got my iPod on and I'm running....what about that scenario suggests I want to have a conversation? He was giving off that creepy vibe too. I didn't even really want to go home, lest he see where I live. I just kinda ran onto my street and kept running till he couldn't see which house I was going to. Why should I have to do that though? It makes me so mad. It's not like I'm God's gift to men...
My hubby just bought me pepper spray the other day. I think I'm going to start carrying it every time I go running or walking now...just to be on the safe side. I haven't told him about the incident last night since he gets all uptight about me running solo anyway (hence the pepper spray). Does anyone else feel this way? Am I just over-reacting? I would love to hear feedback on this topic.

I threw it away...

I hate to waste food! I feel like I'm throwing money away. But, I know my limits. I knew that if I didn't throw away the leftover cake and the two partial containers of frosting I had from making the cake pops for my kids' birthday party, I would continue to pick at them. Since that would be counter productive, I bit the bullet and tossed the junk!It was hard, I won't lie. But I did it. The way I look at it, if it's not good for you anyway then it's not really being wasteful :)
I did well at the actual birthday party. I behaved and made good food choices. I had a couple bites of potato salad and mac salad when I got home but a taste was enough to satisfy me. The veggie trays were a hit and the watermelon was tasty. Overall, I'm pretty pleased by my lifestyle choices this weekend. On Saturday the hubby and I went to a concert and I got a turkey sandwich to eat...instead of garlic fries and pizza. I will cop to drinking a beer, but it was light. It made me realize that it is getting easier for me to make the better choices. And that's encouraging.

Tried & True #4

Eat a little fat 20 minutes before your meal (5-10 unsalted roasted almonds works well for me). Seriously, I said fat. This tip comes from the book YOU on a Diet. Basically you want to help your brain chemicals work with you. That means triggering them (with the good fat) to help you feel full sooner so you avoid overeating as it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register the "full" signal. If you are scarfing your food down then you will stuff yourself with extra calories before the brain says "Stop, I'm full". It also helps you feel full longer so you aren't as tempted to snack.
If you haven't read the book I also recommend picking it up at the library or bookstore. There are lots of great tips to help you make your body work with you instead of fighting against it. It's been a few years since I've read my copy, I think it's time for a little refresher :)
Are you gonna try this trick? If you do this or are going to try, I wanna hear about it. Remember, I LOVE COMMENTS :)

Get over it!

Pretty much everyone has some sort of body issues. I don't know anyone that is happy with every part of themselves. But me, I am paranoid all the time that some part of my body is looking unflattering. It's sad but true. For example, I rarely wear shorts. I own one pair...and I live in California! This past weekend I went shopping and found this cute tennis/running skirt. I've been eye balling running skirts for a while now. This one happened to be on clearance for $4. I couldn't pass that price up. I bought it without trying it on...
Holy cow, it's short. Duh! It's not any shorter than a pair of shorts, but for some reason the fact that it's a skirt makes it feel uncomfortably short. Add to that, I am still "the old body" when I look in the mirror. There's a disconnect going on in my brain. I KNOW that I've lost weight, I am just having a hard time seeing it.
Anyhow, I almost took it back. Then I thought, "Push the comfort zone a little Tiff". It's not indecent. Hubby likes it :) My legs aren't rockin', but they're starting to look pretty good. I put it on the other night and went for my evening walk. The whole time I was tugging the hem down, but I wore it. I don't think it will be one of my favorite things workout in, but I am going to wear it!

On my game...

I'm feeling very optimistic about this week. I've got lots to do, but I want to stick with my fitness plan and really concentrate on getting my eating back in line 100%. I've been fudging here and there and it's not really helping me get to the end goal. I've got my game plan worked out for the week and I'm gonna hit it as hard as I can. I had an awesome run this morning and two great days off with the family. Hubby is back at work tomorrow, the eldest child is back to school and Mommy is going to handle business :)

Color the Skies 5K Race

Just let me start by saying....WOO-HOO! This was such a fun race to run. A 5K is only 3.1 miles so it was easy compared to the last race which was the half marathon (13.1 miles). I managed to finish with an all time personal best. The clock said 26:45 as I crossed the finish line...and my prior best was 27:33 (and that was over 2 years ago). Since my goal heading into this race was to finish under 27 minutes, I'm doing a happy dance right now. And actually with as long as it took me to get to the official start line, my time would have been even better. I won't go on a rant about the people who line up in the front who have no business being there...I could, but I won't :)
Anyhow, I definately feel reinvigorated and ready to jump back on the wagon (or maybe push the wagon for a while) and keep going till I get to my goal. I only have 20 more pounds to go. I can do this!
*After looking at my official standings here is the outcome: 6th in my age group, 130th overall (out of almost 400)* Decent standings, I think :)

Tried & True #3

When you go out, it's easy to overeat....as we all know. So, ask for a box when you first get your food. Separate out your portion and box up the rest to take home. Or, if you want to stop yourself from picking at food left on your plate...dump water on it. You were done anyway. You won't be eating it if it's soggy.

How far I've come...

Wednesday was my little man's first birthday. Since then I've been thinking alot about how far I've come in the last year. A couple weeks after giving birth I stepped on the scale and it was still 232 lbs. I was mortified! I gained way too much during my pregnancy. But 1 year later I'm 165 lbs and still going. That means I've lost 67 lbs overall. That's HUGE! Sometimes you have to step back and look at the big picture to appreciate how far you've come. I am very proud of the progress I've made. I've had some difficulties lately but I am not giving up. I'm just going to accept that I've made some bad choices and move on to the next goal. Tomorrow I run a 5K and I am really excited. I'm planning on going all out and hoping for a personal record.
Seriously, I'm down 67 lbs AND I can run 10+ miles...are you kidding me? I can run 10 miles! I ROCK! I still have a ways to go, but whatever. I'm gonna get there. You will too. Keep moving forward...

I hate PMS!

That's really all I have to say. I am struggling! Grrr. I ate some bad stuff today and yesterday. I'm jumping on the treadmill right now. As much as I prefer going outside to walk or run, "IT DOESN'T MATTER". The treadmill is my only option since hubby is out and the kids are in bed. I should be thankful I have it to use! My calf is still a touch sore so I'm not going to run for a few days. I want to be in top form on Saturday for my 5K race. Okay, now I'm just stalling :) I'm seriously going and getting on the treadmill....right NOW!
*Update- I did an hour on the treadmill & feel much better!*

Be the tortoise!

The last few days have been ROUGH! Sunday night Riley didn't sleep...which means mommy didn't sleep either. Poor baby is sick, and it was grueling. Anyhow, Monday I was dragging. I had planned on doing an 8 mile run but by the time the kids' bedtime rolled around I didn't want to go anywhere. But, I laced up my Asics and headed out the door. Running usually energizes me (exercise in general actually) so I figured that a run would be just the thing to help battle the fatigue.
Unfortunately that was not the case. It was one of those runs where nothing felt right. At the 3 mile mark I turned around and headed for home. I'm disappointed I only ran 6 miles instead of 8, but most people wouldn't have even gone out. My watch died so I have no clue how long it took me. I couldn't seem to get my stride right. My left leg started killin' me. I was so tired I didn't have the energy to run very quickly. Basically I had to repeat over and and over in my head "be the tortoise" just to make it home. I'm very proud of myself for gutting it out, but it was a horrible feeling. My calf still hurts today, I have blisters from the wrong socks, and I'm still tired. I got home and Riley was crying so it was straight back into mommy mode.
I did get to thinking though that my mantra "be the tortoise" was apt. Think of losing weight as a race. Getting to the finish is the only objective. Don't be the hare...sprinting out at the start, burning out and laying down for a nap. Slow and steady wins the race. Just keep plodding along and before you know it, you've reached the finish line.

The 2 lb lie...

You may laugh when you read this, it's a little silly. I have one of those old scales that has the dial you turn to get the line pointed straight up at zero. I always have it set about 2 lbs lighter. There is just something psychological that makes me feel better when I'm at a heavier weight. However, when I get into the 160's I generally say, "that's ridiculous, why did I do that" and I fix it. Which means I have to deal with seeing a bigger number and the feeling "heavier" for a few weeks even though nothing really changed. I didn't gain weight. It's goofy, I know. So, I've done away with the 2 lb lie...even though I feel better seeing the smaller weight on the scale. I'm doing better staying off the scale anyway, which is a good thing.
Do you have anything silly that you do? I'd really feel better if I'm not the only one. Please share...seriously :)

Tried and true Fridays #2

If you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first. Sometimes we confuse the hunger and thirst signals our brain is sending out. If you are actually hungry after you've had a glass, great, eat. If you aren't, and you were just thirsty, now you've avoided the extra calories you didn't need.
This has been very helpful for me. Give it a shot, see what happens. Let me know if it works for you.

Time inside my head...

I figured out today why I like to run. There are several reasons, but the top three are-1) I can compete against myself and challenge myself to get better, 2) it gets the endorphins flowing, and 3) it gives me time to get inside my head. It's my thinking time. What I want to change, what I want to do next, what I'm frustrated about...etc, etc, etc. Let's face it, as a mom we take care of everyone else first usually. My running time is when I get a mental break from thinking about what everyone else needs and I can think about what I want :0) Mowing the lawn has the same effect for me too. I'm starting to crave the "head time" almost as much as the runners high. But it's a good thing to be introspective. I'm trying really hard to pinpoint my weaknesses so I can fix them.
For instance, Saturday was a 2 bowls of ice cream for breakfast kind of day, followed by anything else unhealthy I could put my hands on. What set off the binge you wonder? I did too. On my long run on Sunday I analyzed. And you know what I figured out? I freaked out because I can fit into 90% of the clothes in my closet, which means I'm getting close to my lowest previous weight from a few years ago. Silly, I know, but that's what touched things off. So what now? Am I just going to let my insecurities rule my life...I DON'T THINK SO! Recognizing and accepting that I am scared to see myself at my goal weight is a big step for me. I cannot control how others see me, or what they say. I am trying to be proud of the body God gave me and maximize it's potential. Whether I have a layer of fat to hide behind or not, I'll have an ass and big boobs that attract attention. That's just a fact. I need to keep moving forward...right through the fear and insecurities.
So now you know. I really hadn't planned on baring my soul, but now I feel better. I'm coming to realize that unless I fix the issues that made me gain weight or throw in the towel countless other times, I won't be able to keep it off.
You see, this is what happens when I spend time inside my head...epiphany!

Taking a breather...

I've been doing a lot of thinking and soul searching lately. The conclusion...I need to take a breather and pull out of the obsessive track I've managed to become entrenched in. I'm taking 2 weeks and I'm not going to count points, not going to weigh myself, not going to obsess about how many pounds I still want to lose. I'm not going to go hog wild, that's not what I'm saying. I'm not taking a break from the healthy lifestyle that I'm working on creating. I am going to keep running, working out and eating healthy.
The goal is to make food less of a priority...eat to live, not live to eat. Food can't be a comfort. Can't be where I turn when I'm having a bad day. I'm making an effort to really listen to my body too. Eat when I'm truly hungry and STOP when I'm full. I want to eat healthy and enjoy it. One thing I realized today was that I have a hard time stopping...even if I'm full, I'll keep eating just because "It tastes SOOO good". What is that? Like I'm never gonna eat it ever again? Not likely! Chances are if I'm enjoying it, I'm gonna make it or eat it again. So that means I need to enjoy my food responsibly. It's going to be hard. This I know.
I'm actually excited about letting my body tell me what it needs. I found today I was eating small meals more often when I followed my hunger/full cues. Interesting. Hopefully my body will respond to this new tactic. I guess we'll see. I'm really not worried about it though...my brain needs the rest from thinking and obsessing about dieting.

Tried and true Fridays...

So, I've decided to do a "Tried & True Tip of the week" every Friday. By doing this tip on Fridays hopefully you will have something to help you through the weekend....weekends are the hardest for me. I'll also post the tip on the side bar as a reminder all week :0) So, here we go....

~ Keep a package of Listerine breath strips, Altoids or something similar on the kitchen counter. Pop one in your mouth as a deterrent to snacking. Or, go brush your teeth. Have you noticed that stuff doesn't taste as good in conjunction with minty fresh breath?

My new favorites...

I have made no secret of the fact that I love fattening foods. Thankfully my tastes are adjusting and healthier things are now becoming what I crave. This was my breakfast this morning. I loved how it looked, so I thought I'd share. Cottage cheese and fruit has become my go-to breakfast of late. I'm trying not to vary too much because I know that the more choices I give myself, the higher the chance is I'll make a bad one.
Same thing at lunch. The more variety, the worse I do. If I take the guess work out of what's for lunch, it's better all around. Now, I don't eat the SAME thing everyday, I just eat a variation. These wraps are AWESOME! Not only do they taste great (I've tried plenty that are gross), but they have 9 grams of fiber so you'll stay full forever. There are plenty of different flavors too...I tried the spinach this time and it's YUMMY.
Do you have a favorite healthy food? Please share....I'm always on the lookout for something tastier.

We're gettin' there...

Haha! Yes! I have officially lost 40 lbs. I'm excited to get into the 160's! Though, I have to say... 150's here I come! I also weigh significantly less than my hubby now...a huge milestone for me. I HATED weighing more than him. There was just something that felt wrong about it.
I've been feeling really good the last few days, in control and finding things that I can eat that will fill me up and keep me satisfied (I'll share my new favorite food in another post soon).
But anyway, I'm getting there. I ran 9 miles on Sunday...and I'm not sore. That's HUGE! I found another half marathon I'm thinking of doing (in Nov) and a couple smaller races I'm looking forward to in the next month. I'm getting excited to see myself in the end. I think when I hit goal I'm going to give myself a makeover- (chop the hair and donate to Locks of Love, new clothes etc.) Can't wait...

It Doesn't Matter

I was reading some running advice on the message boards at Active.com and one particular quote struck me. I don't remember the content of the original question but someone offered up a response from an old high school coach....
"But I'm sore Coach"..... "It doesn't matter"
"I'm tired" ........."It doesn't matter"
"I had too much to do"......"It doesn't matter" !!!!!
You get the point. We can always find an excuse not to work out, not to do what needs to be done. Trust me, I know. I'm the queen of procrastination and excuses. But from now on I'm going to try and employ the "Doesn't matter" motto and get things done.

Yummy in my tummy...

I've been on the lookout for different healthy things to eat that will fill me up and taste fantastic. I grabbed a sweet potato last time I went shopping with the idea of making sweet potato fries this week. While that never happened, I did stick the sweet potato in the micro and had a lovely baked sweet potato for dinner last night. As I was munching away I wondered about some of the health benefits of a sweet potato. So this morning I found this article and thought I' share.
The Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes | LIVESTRONG.COM
One more thing I learned was that it's a great food for me to eat before a run. It gives me a nice sustained boost. This will definitely be part of my pre-run menu from now on.
So, do you like sweet potatoes? What's your favorite way to prepare them? Please share...

It's War!!

*This post is dedicated to my sis- the idea came from her*
I think that losing weight is like waging war...on body and mind. There will be many battles, and you won't win them all. Casualties(lbs lost) will be many and ultimately we hope to be on the winning side. War is serious business. Don't go in half @$$ or you'll lose. Strategy is important. Know ahead of time that it's not going to be fun...war never is. Become a general in your own personal army. GO, FIGHT, WIN!

The results are in....

So I finished the half marathon without walking...except up the very last hill. I just couldn't find it in me to jog that hill again (it was a double loop course so I'd already run up it once). We were almost 12 miles in and I was EXHAUSTED! Overall I'm pleased with my performance. I wish I had managed a bit faster pace, but I didn't prepare myself as well as I should have. Mainly, I didn't eat enough early in the day. Also, the course had some major flaws- insufficient lighting and a narrow trail made things treacherous and slowed it down. My finish time ended up at 2 hrs 24 min. That means I averaged an 11 min. mile. I did learn a lot though. The next one will be better. I am going to stick to shorter races for a while, but now I can say I've done it. I'll post a few pictures soon...right now I'm going to take a nap!

Oh so AMP'd

I feel like I'm crawling out of my skin right now...AHHHH! I'm excited and the adrenaline is starting to flow for my race. Whoever thought that an evening race was a good idea? If I find them, I may skin 'em alive. The anticipation is killin' me! I've had all day to think about how my first half marathon is going to go. For someone who suffers from low self esteem, this is torture. At least when the races are in the morning, you can toss and turn and sleep a little. Grrrr.
Okay, postive self-talk time...."I can do this. This is what I've been training for. Pull it together and enjoy the experience." :)
On a happy note, I did hit my weight goal. I am offically 170 lbs. I had revised the goal earlier this month to 172 on race day, but I was pleasantly surprised to see 170 when I stepped on the scale this morning. Yeah me!
So blogging helped me vent my anxiety a little. I'm feeling better now. Tomorrow I'll have the full story about how the race went...stay tuned!

State of Mind...

Sometimes it's all about the way you think about something. And you know what I realized? I am NOT deprived! I make a choice every time I eat something, be it good or bad. I can choose to eat healthy or I can choose to eat crap and feel like crap. Sometimes it feels like you can't control it...I know, I've been there recently. But most of the time you can. So, I've decided that I refuse to feel deprived. I'm making a concerted effort change my behaviors and habits, and it's working! Tonight at dinner I made the healthy choices and I feel great about it. I just got back from a camping trip and I made decent choices there too. My point is that you have to think outside the box. Consider your options from a different angle and you may give yourself new perspective. Focus on the prize and keep moving forward...

I am not a cow...

It dawned on me that I have been grazing- A LOT. I am not a cow though. So grazing is not how I should be eating. I find it hard sometimes not to grab a slice of cheese or whatever when I'm getting a snack for the kids, or even walking through the kitchen. That's part of the reason I'm not losing as quickly and why I'm feeling like I can't eat as much- I'm using my points on stupid things that don't fill me up. So, no more grazing. I'll eat my meals and snacks and avoid the calories that add up by grabbing a bite here and there.

Something new...

I was asked to do a guest post over at "A Daily Dose of Dieting". It will be appearing on Saturday. I hope you'll check it out. Just click on the button on the sidebar....if you're still reading then you didn't click. Seriously, stop reading and go....LOL :)
If any of you are dropping by from ADDOD...Welcome!! Leave me a comment and say "Hi". I LOVE comments!!

Persevere...

I am back on track and feeling good again. I feel like I can't eat very much right now, and that kinda stinks, but it will be worth it in the end. I'm very pleased with the physical side of things though. I'm getting stronger and faster. That's the best feeling. I finished a 3 mile run in 27 minutes, and a 6 miler in 57 minutes. Both those times are personal bests for me. It really goes to show that perseverance can get you places.

Lock it down...

After my shenanigans at the beginning of the week, I finally found the strength to lock things down and refocus. It wasn't easy. You see, I *heart* butter. Every time I walked into the kitchen I wanted to pull out a sourdough roll and slather it in butter. I resisted though. And after I "denied" myself the pleasure a few times I felt better. Back in control. Ready to rock and roll again. I went for a run last night and that helped with the refocusing effort as well. I really tried pinpointing the issues that led to my slip too. One thing for sure, I was wallowing. I'm sure it was partially a hormone thing as well. I've started the weaning process pretty seriously and that kind of hit me hard. I can't believe Riley is 11 months old. I know that he is ready because he was losing interest in nursing, but it is emotionally difficult on mommy not to feel needed like before. Onward and upward though. My kids need a strong healthy mommy. And I need to be a strong healthy woman -for me.
Today I have a birthday party to attend and I am going to be good. I let things slide a little for hubby's party and that started the downhill trend. Knowing that I am easily swayed back to old habits, I am going to stick to the things I know will help me get to my goal.

I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATER...

Let's just get that one thing straight, and out on the table. Things kinda snowballed and got out of control this week. I haven't exercised in 3 days, I've been eating things that are really bad. So, today it stops. Last night I vented to my husband some of the things that were bothering me. That's all it takes sometimes. I just can't internalize my hurt or irritation or anger over things. When I don't express them, I eat.....really bad things. Today I feel better emotionally. I'm tired cause the baby is teething, but I can deal with that. I am going to pay my penalty for the week and reevaluate my weight goal for the month. Keep moving forward, right?

Attack of the cupcake monster...

I haven't indulged in a binge in a few months but today I did, and I must confess. I felt better after my last post...for a little while. Anyway, I ended up eating the tops off about 4 cupcakes. I've been staring at them since Friday and I finally caved. I was pissed about the scale going up even after I've been so good, so I indulged. I am not proud of it, but it's done. I stopped myself from eating more, and threw away the few cupcakes that were left. Hubby is probably not going to be real happy with me when he gets home, but oh well. The bad part, I didn't even enjoy 'em. I knew what I was doing was bad, I just couldn't control the beast once I let it loose. After the cupcakes I shoved a few more things in my face before I snapped out of it. UGH, I'm disappointed in myself. I do feel like I got it out of my system though. I am going to have a salad for dinner and hope that helps compensate for the slip-up. I'll probably go for a walk this evening too. I don't want to push too hard though, because I've run 12 miles in the last 2 days and my body needs a rest. Tomorrow is a 6 miler anyway. Alright, off to do Yoga....maybe that will help calm the queasiness in my belly.

Well that Sucks!

While I freely admit I had a bit extra over the weekend, I didn't go crazy or anything. And, I ran 8 miles...that should count for something right? Imagine my shock when I stepped on the scale this morning and I was UP about 3 lbs. HUH??? It makes me want to scream! It's gotta be water retention. We ate Teriyaki Burgers last night and I also had a hot dog at lunch yesterday. I'm going to push the water today and really watch everything I eat. I know the 100+ degree weather doesn't help things, but this is frustrating. The last few days I've been feeling "fat" as it is, and this definitely touches a sore spot. Deep breath. It's okay. I've accomplished alot to this point. I'm able to get past this. I think I'll stay off the scale for a few days. I mentioned before that I get obsessive about weighing myself, I've gotten better, but I still weigh once a day(as opposed to a few times a day, it's improvement). Can I stay off the scale till Friday? That's the plan...

New Shoes...

It was time. I've been meaning to get new running shoes but haven't taken the time to go out and look. Well, with all the running I've been doing lately I just couldn't ignore it anymore. Shin splints are no fun and I've been battling them. Nothing makes you NOT want to run more than when you're dealing with pain. Obviously there is a certain amount of discomfort that is normal while running, what I've been experiencing is normal plus some extra for good measure :)
So, today I got new shoes. Yeah! I am even tempted to go for a second run, just so I can try them out. I won't though because it's 103 freakin' degrees outside and that would be NUTS!!! However, I am excited to see how they perform during tomorrow nights' run.
On a side note, for anyone interested, I ran approx. 8 miles this morning (in 1:23). This is the farthest distance I've attempted to date, and I am pleased to report that I felt super when I got done. I definitely think I'll be ready by Aug. 8th for the half marathon. Look out world, I'm on a roll...

And Another One Bites the Dust...

And another one down, and another one down....ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!!!
For some reason that song just keeps circling in my brain, probably because I been on a roll. The other night I ran six miles in exactly 1 hr. (thanks to a push from Melissa my running buddy), I hit 30 lbs lost (WHAT??? That's just CRAZY!), and tonight I ran a 3 miler in 28:56 (that's right baby, less than 29 minutes).
Can you tell I'm happy? Excited? Had caffeine this evening :0P Tomorrow is going to be a bit of a test. Surprise party for hubby...cupcakes galore, potato salad, burgers, chips. Guess since I was the one planning it I could've come up with a healthier menu...oh well. I'll limit my portions, and get right back to it Sunday morning. Here's to a great weekend!!

Get a friend...

It really hit me last night that having a exercise partner is the way to go. Of course, sometimes that's easier said than done. If possible though, finding someone of the same(ish) fitness level can be very beneficial because you can push and motivate each other. A prime example is myself and my sister-in-law. We are both excited for the half marathon next month and are doing some of our training together. Last night we ran 6 miles together and I shaved 6 minutes off my normal time. Having someone to work out with can also help distract from the monotony of exercise. And, it's harder to not exercise if you make plans with someone else. Just, haha, food for thought.

Sometimes You Gotta Loosen Up...

So last night instead of running my 3 miles like I planned, I went shopping. Thank you Melissa for calling and tempting me =) j/k It was a good thing actually because I need to break away from the routine from time to time or it gets boring. I've burned out before and I don't want to again. I do however want to be prepared for the half marathon that is on the agenda next month. So I went jogging tonight after the kids FINALLY went to sleep (don't even get me started on that topic...suffice to say that a teething 10 month old can make bedtime interesting). Anyway, I got in my 3 miles that I skipped yesterday and I did my yoga this morning like planned, so I am back on track for the week. Tomorrow I am supposed to run 6 miles. I hate that the temps have rocketed back up because that means I get to run in the heat. I guess I should be grateful to my hubby for getting me a "trail pack" because it is definitely going to come in handy as the temp creeps toward 103*.
My wise advice for the evening- loosen up every once in a while. Go shopping. Do something fun. Exercise will be waiting for you tomorrow. However, be mindful that you don't get too loose (I'm not even going to mention the joke I'm thinking of...hehehe). Anyway, one day off can quickly snowball, so be careful. If you keep at it though, it happens. I think back to a few months ago and I reread some of my posts....I realize now that it just hadn't clicked. If you are struggling, keep at it, and eventually it will click for you. Just keep moving forward.....

Determined....

So a few things happened this weekend that would normally have thrown me off. I am more determined than ever though that I am going to reach my goal this time around. My hubby is falling into the sub-conscious sabotage mode and I have to be aware and counter act the bad stuff. It is very difficult, but it dawned on me that there are a few reasons that he gets so un-helpful at this point. 1) He gets jealous of the time I am spending training or exercising and feels that I am neglecting him 2) He gets insecure the more weight I lose. So, now that I've realized these issues I can address them as needed and avoid some of the traps that I've fallen into in the past. I refuse to let myself be undermined. I am going to try my best to spend quality time with my husband but I am not going to let negativity rule my world. I think as long as I prove that training is not interfering with my other "duties" as a wife and a mother I will be okay... So, off to clean so the house is spic-span and I can go for my evening run tonight :)

10K Race

Yes, that is a medal you see! I finished 3rd in my age group with an overall time of 1:03:48. Since the goal was to finish under 1:05, I think my time is pretty great. This experience was a good one. Between miles 3.5-5 or so was a bit of a struggle. It was awesome coming in the home stretch (the last 3/4 mile) though because a very experienced runner (who had already finished) paced me in and gave me a push and pointers. It was GREAT! I can't even tell you what a boost that gave me. I am definitely considering joining the running club in town because I think I would be able to glean alot of info and pointers to help me through the half marathon I want to participate in next month. I'll be updating my goals in the next few days and sharing pictures of my penalty and reward system. Stay tuned...

I'm SO Excited!!

Today I feel good. I put on my smallest pair of jeans and I can wear them! Don't get me wrong, they don't fit perfectly, but I got them on! Tomorrow I have my 10K and I am totally prepared for it. And, I'm thinking ahead for my next goal. I've been waffling back and forth about whether to attempt a half marathon that's taking place next month here in town. I've decided that I'm going to go for it. Even if I don't run the whole thing, I know I can finish. Especially if I train for it. This is an opportunity I don't want to pass up. So, I'm feeling amp'd. I'm starting to feel better about myself overall and I'm loving the physical strides I am making. SO, next month is the half marathon (13 miles...eek) and then in September (yes I'm thinking that far in advance) I'm going to do a half in Tahoe. Do you think I'm crazy? I kinda think I am slightly :P

Penalties AND Rewards

I've been thinking about my last post some more and have a variation for those of you who are more motivated by rewards than penalties. So, again start with goals- weekly and monthly. For every goal that you keep give yourself a "tip". If you keep your weekly fitness goal, put $5 in your reward box. If you hit your monthly weight goal, $20 goes in. Then, by the time you hit your goal weight at the end, you have a nice little stash to buy some new clothes. Also, if you did the penalties too, you could take the $ from your reward box (that money could then be kept separately and maybe donated to a worthy cause).
I myself am very excited about this idea. Next week I plan on setting this up for me personally because I feel myself slipping. Not alot, but enough that I know if I don't get a handle on it I will start going back into old habits. Tonight I'm very proud of myself though, because even though I DID NOT WANT TO RUN, I DID IT ANYWAY!! I'm looking forward to my 10K in a couple days, and super excited that I've lost 26 lbs so far....

Here's a thought....

So, this is a thought I had for anyone who's having a hard time sticking with it. I had it after reading a post earlier today on another blog. Laura (the blogger), is having a difficult time and tends to get derailed easily. I suggested weekly and monthly goals first, but the problem for her is that she isn't very good being accountable to herself. This made me think. And it clicked, what about a penalty? If you set a weekly fitness goal i.e. workout 3x/wk, and you don't do it you pay a $5 penalty. Set a monthly weight goal and if you don't get it you pay $20(or whatever amount will motivate you) . Have a penalty jar that a friend holds for you, that way you have to confess at the time you pay. And, you cannot touch the $ until you get to your goal.
Sometimes you gotta think outside the box. Set yourself up for success. If a hit to the pocketbook is the most motivating, try this. If there's something else you think would motivate you more, I wanna hear about it. What do you think? (I, of course, think it's brilliant!)

Personal Best

So last night I decided to run a 3 miler instead of 6. I haven't run only 3 miles in a while. Since I'm training for the 10K on Saturday, I've been running longer distance for practice. I finished my 3 miles in 29 minutes. This is a personal best for me and I am so excited. I also got on the scale this morning (even though I shouldn't have) and I'm down to 180. Yeah!! That means I've lost 26 lbs so far.
Last week was difficult for me because I just wasn't eating enough lean proteins. I didn't gain, but I just didn't lose. So, this week I am focusing on great dinners with the protein falling into the fish or fowl category. You heard about my Teriyaki Burgers, then last night we did breakfast for dinner (that means eggs). Tonight it's fish tacos...mmmmm=) Anyway, my point is, if you are having a tough time, mix it up a little. Change one thing (like doing fish or fowl for a week), and see what happens. You don't have to make huge changes all at once, just do little things and it adds up. Keep movin' forward....

Teriyaki Burgers

This is a little out of my normal vein, but I just have to share. I'm getting so tired of cooking the same old thing. I have this list of meals that I keep rotating through...and I'M BORED! So, while planning this weeks' meals I had this flash of brilliance, if I may say so myself. All the sudden I thought, "teriyaki turkey burgers". And oh my, did they ever turn out beautifully. Moist and flavorful. Everything you could want in a healthy low fat meal. So, I thought I'd pass it along. I know that I'm not the only one who gets tired of cooking and eating the same old things.
So, all you need to do is mix about a 1/2 c. of Mr. Yoshida's Teriyaki Sauce, some minced garlic, garlic salt, pepper & of course your lean ground turkey. Make them into patties and grill 'em up. As a bonus, I had hubby throw some pineapple rings on the bbq and those went onto the burger as well. I also topped the burger with a slice of part skim mozzarella (Dylan used cheddar, both were yummy). For added healthy factor, I went with a "protein style", meaning I decided to forgo the bun and wrap the patty in lettuce (I was bad yesterday!!). It was one of the best meals we've done in a while. And the best part, I didn't feel guilty enjoying it. If you're interested in what else was the plate(I know I would be), we had homemade coleslaw-made with light mayo, and Ranch Beans. The coleslaw wasn't the healthiest choice in the world, but I limited my portion, and I knew how much mayo I used...and it wasn't much.
So, do you have an awesome healthy dinner idea to share? If you do, I'd love to hear about it. And, if I have any more flashed of brilliance, I'll share too. Here's to an great week!! (I have no idea how that one section got to be posted in black, and I can't fix it...sorry! LOL :P)

My Reward

I rewarded myself with a mani/pedi for making it back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Just thought I'd share a picture cause I think my nails turned out adorable=) My manicurist gave me a little flower power bonus on my ring fingers (just because she likes me). Also, I've been going there for 5+ years.
So anyway I am planning my next reward after I lose 40 lbs. I'm thinking a massage or a facial would be a nice treat. I guess that means I better kick my butt back into gear. I've been slacking off and this is the first week that I haven't lost weight. I haven't gained, so for that I'm thankful. I just need to buckle back down. Exercise, eat more fruits and veges, make better choices. Part of my problem has been that I haven't been eating enough lean proteins. We've been doing to much red meat. So, tonight I'm gonna go get some chicken for the grill. I also came across a recipe for roasted veges that sounded delish so that's on the menu too.
One other thing I wanted to share, a quote I came across...A moment on the lips, a month on the hips... Is it really worth it? Probably not! Just keep that in mind.

Know your limits...

I made a stupid choice last night. I ran almost 6 miles in 96* weather after not having a sufficient meal (meaning a meal with some carbs to burn while running). Not smart! And I just kept pushing. It's one thing if you are in a life-or-death situation and you need to run, it's something else if you are just being stubborn. I tend to get into the "mode"- be it exercise or dieting or both, and get obsessive. I'm getting to the obsessive stage right now. I need to step back and relax- just a little, not a lot. My point is, just because you CAN do something like run when it's hot outside, doesn't mean you should. Listen to what your body is telling you. Mine was trying to tell me STOP! I was nauseous & my face went numb, that's not good!
Just remember, your fitness level varies from day to day, and that's okay! Know your limits and don't push too hard, or you'll burn yourself out. I've done that to myself in the past and I don't want to end up there again. Challenging yourself is different, that's a good thing. Obsessing on the other hand, that's a bad thing. So, I'm reevaluating for this upcoming week. I'm going to be smart. I am going to stay within my limits and work on the obsessing part. That means I think I need to get rid of the scale (or at least put it in the garage). That way I'm not tempted to get on it several times a day...seriously, I do that. But, not anymore. Here's to a good week!

Am I Crazy?

I know that a nursing mommy can be a little crazy.....all those hormones running around and wreaking havoc. I just feel a little nuts right now. On top of the *woo-hoo* feeling is the urge to be done nursing. I want to have my body back. I want to be able to eat anything, drink anything, run a long distance...without thinking about the effect I am having on my milk. Don't get me wrong, I love love love breastfeeding. And as I'm sitting here writing this I'm wondering why I don't shut up and quit complaining. I'm giving my son the best food ever created and doing what my body was meant to do. See what I mean, I'm crazy, I'm arguing with myself and telling me to shut up :P
Okay, sorry. This post is mostly for me. I know that. If you read it, thanks for listening to my rant....

Having a tough one...

I'm having a tough day. I haven't gone completely out of control with my eating, but it's on the verge. I don't know what it is. My emotions are all over the place. I'm tired and frustrated over nothing in particular. GGRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! Need to vent. Now Riley's crying. I feel a little better just having written a few lines. I think it's time to reward myself for my hard work up to this point (and the fact that I made it back to pre-pregnancy weight). Mani/pedi is in order. I've got the gift certificate, I need to go and make the time for myself. SOON! Keep movin' forward right?

Reaching a milestone...

Can I just say WOO-HOO!!! What am I so excited about you may ask? Well, I made it back to my pre-pregnancy weight (185lbs). I still have 40+ lbs to lose, but this is a big deal for me! This week was somewhat of a struggle for me too. I was having a difficult time staying focused. Just fudging here and there, but that adds up. Last night I forced myself out for a run at 9:15. Dylan wasn't real happy about it, but I NEEDED to do it. I can't fall into the trap of not exercising cause it's too easy to let it become the norm. And, I've got the 10K looming =) Wednesday I went for it and ran 6 miles, just to see if I could even do it. Guess what, I DID! Just had to brag a little, sorry.
But anyway, I reached a milestone, so here's what I want to know...what are your short term goals? Milestones? Do you have a # of pounds you want to lose? A physical challenge you want to accomplish? I want to hear about it!

This is what I do....

This post is for you Tiffany (bloggy friend)- obviously not me as I'm the one writing it =) Anyhow, Tiffany posted a comment requesting a rundown of the foods I eat. So, here it is. This is just a general accounting of what I do right now. Since she hasn't been reading the blog for very long some of this will be a repeat from prior posts. So, here goes...
I am actually doing the Weight Watchers points right now. I follow fairly loosely from home. I just needed a general guideline to help me track my daily intake. I have done WW in the past, gone to meetings etc. etc. but I wanted to do this at home. Part of the reason is because while my hubby is supportive of me losing weight, he thinks that meetings and programs are a waste of time and money....he would rather see me spend $ on a personal trainer or exercise equipment. Anyhow, I have lots of info just skittering around in my noggin. I worked at LA Weight Loss, I've done different programs, I've lost weight, I've gained weight, I've read books, the list goes on and on. So, I have taken little bits and pieces and made it work for me.
First and foremost, the one thing I found true every time I've lost weight, I HAVE to be in the right mind set. I know right now that I am making a lifestyle change. I don't want to struggle and yo-yo the rest of my life. I am making changes that I intend to live with. This is important to note because you must address the issues that cause the weight to begin with. I know I can have a special treat, but not all the time. I know I can have a burger, just not every day. Realizing that there is a difference between hunger and the urge to eat is HUGE for me. Understanding that you will have great days and bad days is important too. Just because you have a bad day though doesn't give you license to give up. If I want this, I have to be willing to make the uncomfortable choices and put the blood, sweat and tears into it. Otherwise, it's not really worth it. If you don't have to work for something, it's easy to take for granted.
I know, I know I was supposed to be telling you what I'm eating....sorry, I got side tracked. Sometimes thoughts just flow. I also find that writing out some of the insightful things I've realized helps me remember them too. Okay, focus, food =)
Breakfast is usually one of two things- applesauce and cottage cheese, or a 2 egg omelette
Lunch- sandwich, fruit, granola bar
Dinner- lots of chicken dishes, steaks, LOTS of veges.
I like to keep things basic! Use tomato sauces instead of creamy sauces. Marinade and grill things. Limit your portions of the fatty stuff. I take a few bites of the stuff that I used to eat like it was going out of style, like Mac'n'Cheese. One of my favorite snacks- popcorn. Also, portion size is important! Eat slowly, drink water with your meal, buy a cookbook with HEALTHY family recipes. Get a buddy or in my case, a blog =)
Losing weight is hard! But, breaking it up into smaller chunks and doing small goals is really helping me this time around. Okay, I'm done with my ramble. Tiff, I hope you got what you were looking for out of this post!