Happiness in the Making

Get Lucky!

2011-03-21T11:49:00.002-05:00

This weekend, I completed my first 7k, which is officially the longest distance I've ever run. It was the Get Lucky 7k in Minneapolis and it was an absolute blast!

The day started out with preparations of the green variety. I pulled my hair into a pony tail using a green hair binder with a shamrock on it and sprayed it bright green. Then, I dressed, wearing my "I'm not Irish, but...Kiss me I'm cute" shirt. Then came the green headband with green tinsel and pigtails attached and the green and gold beaded necklace. I was ready to be feisty and fast!

I'm so lucky in that I met up with a friend and her sister for the festivities. We took pictures before the race and decided we would run together. One of us slow (me!), one of us running her first race and one of us a half-marathoner.

Let me tell you, they really pushed me into running faster than I ever would have on my own and therefore helped me hit my fastest miles yet. We finished the race in 48:56, giving us an average of 11:15 miles. Woo hoo!

This race was the first time I had actually run with someone and it sure made the time fly by faster than even the best play list on my iPod would have. We chatted and laughed, which is something I never thought would be possible while running. There were a few moments where my body wanted to slow down or walk, but I was determined to keep going and keep up with my running partners.

The Get Lucky may have to be an annual tradition because I sure love any excuse I can find to dress up and act goofy. I loved it!

I'm not 1/4 done with my New Year's resolution of completing one running event per month for the year. My next event is a 5k on April 9th and the goal will be to shave time off of the last 5k. I'm still in awe that I think running is fun...I used to think of it as pure, unnecessary torture.

Guilt, Deprivation and Fear

2011-03-18T08:35:00.002-05:00

These are the three words I heard repeated over and over in my Weight Watchers meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting topic was deprivation and what to do when you're feeling deprived. Many of the women said they try to distract themselves or eat a fruit or veggie when they're feeling deprived of their favorite foods or are having cravings.

Next, they talked about the guilt the feel after eating something they "shouldn't" or "can't".

Last, the fear came. Fear they would fall of the diet, fear they would gain back some weight, and fear of what others would say about their food choices. Fear that someone might say, "I thought you were on a diet. Should you be eating that?"

Then, the cyle begins again.

If you ask me, guilt, deprivation and fear don't belong in a healthy lifestyle change. If the Biggest Loser and other weight loss shows have taught me anything, it's that you have to change your mental health along the way in order to change your physical health. Beating yourself up over and over again doesn't do any good.
The way I see it, if you're feeling deprived or having a really strong craving, it's best to eat what you really want...in moderation. I've found that the craving goes away, but even better, once I start eating it I realize it usually isn't as good as I remembered.

If we stop beating ourselves up over being human, the guilt will subside. Do something about a choice you aren't fond of, such as going for a walk. Not to "erase the damage" but to do something to make your mind and body feel better. Make no apologies, just acknowledge that it was something you needed and move on without further thought.

Truly, what is there to fear? We all fluctuate a few pounds here and there and it's natural. Every day is it's own adventure and by not fully living life and enjoying the things around us be cause of fear, we aren't experiencing things the way we should. Those snide comments from others? Who cares?! Dismiss their comments because deep down they are either saying it to make themselves feel better by belitting you OR because they think these comments are helpful. Sometimes, it's because they want your advice on getting healthy and losing weight but they're scared to ask for it. See the vicious cyle popping up again?

Sure, by getting rid of the guilt, deprivation and fear, I haven't lost weight as quickly as I'd like to. After all, we'd all like that magic pill that takes care of it for us. But, I can say I've experienced what my day has to offer and enjoyed it. I'm happier and FEEL lighter because of the freedom of not being a slave to these negative feelings.

If I want ice cream, I eat it. Just less than what I would have eaten before my lifestyle change. Do I fear that I'll gain weight again? Nope, but I acknowledge there might be a temporary fluctuation. Am I having fun? Absolutely! Am I healthy? Yes!

These things go hand-in-hand with my previous post about playing like a kid. Do what feels right for you and your body. As long as you're healthy (by this I mean good numbers where the doctors are concerned: blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, etc.), then you're doing something right!

Play Like a Kid!

2011-03-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

And I don't mean video games.

I've been reading a lot lately about playing like a kid for exercise and it all makes sense. I look at my boyfriend's seven year old son who can't sit still 90% of the time. He summersaults across the entire house (hardwood floor included!), jumps around while playing video games, runs almost everywhere and loves to scooter around the driveway. You know what? He's strong AND slim. Oh, and he sleeps like a rock.

I remember being a kid and being on the go constantly. Rainy days and extremely cold days were torturous without a good book to read with my dog on my lap. We literally cried and begged our parents to let us play outside just five more minutes, even when the sun was gone from the sky, our stomachs were growling and we were getting tired.

My sister and I rode bikes around the neighborhood, played hockey on our rollerblades, had food races, played basketball, and chased our friends around the local jungle gym. We ate whatever we wanted to and were slim, healthy kids. We were also happy because we were always moving.

The fond memories from childhood come not from playing video games for hours on end or from having the most expensive pair of jeans (remember Gibeaus?). The best memories come from chasing your friends around, beating someone in a hula hoop contest or having calloused hands from too many hours on the monkey bars.

This brings me to my fitness plan for the more pleasant seasons coming up here in Minnesota. Yes, I do think spring will come! Anyway, I'm going to play like a kid. I was already planning on utilizing the jungle gym as a way to train for Warrior Dash, but then I thought about what else I'd like to spend more time doing this summer. It sure didn't involve exercising to a DVD in my basement or running on my treadmill.

I want to ride my bike, run outside, hike, hula hoop, play tennis, do cartwheels, jump rope and ride my horse. It's going to be all about fun! Exercising isn't going to feel like work. We all know we stick to the exercises that are fun over the ones we don't care for; hence the Zumba craze.

I encourage all of you to watch how the kids around you play and copy it. Sure, it might mean looking silly to those boring adults around you, but I guarantee you'll have more fun and it will lift your mood. Let's be kids again, even if it's only for a few minutes a day. I double dog dare you!

Your Community Education Programs

2011-03-14T09:35:00.002-05:00

Zumba! Cardio Kickboxing! Bootcamp! Yoga! Volleyball!

The above are just a few classes I've taken through my local Community Ed. What I love about these programs is they give me a chance to try something new without commitment. No expensive gym membership required! Most of the classes offered are "drop-in" classes, where people can show up whenever it fits into their schedule and pay a small fee on that night (typically $5-8). However, many offer punch cards at a slight discount if you buy 10 sessions at once. Oh, and you don't typically need to live in a certain community to attend their community ed classes.

This is such a great way to add variety to a routine to avoid getting bored and to keep working different muscles. Some may choose to attend once and use moves from various classes in their personal routines at home or at the gym. Others may find they love a specific class so much, it becomes a regular part of the routine. Still others may attend a new class on occasion to move past a plateau or rutt. It's also a great way to meet other people interested in fitness!

If you need to pump a little life into your fitness routine, I suggest taking a look at your local community ed. You may discover a new passion or meet some new friends!

Freedom is Visiting the Scale Less

2011-03-14T09:34:00.001-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Freedomg is visiting the scale less. It's hard to do, but it's possible, I promise.
After a nine month plateau where I literally saw only the same 5 lbs. fluctuating on the scale, I was frustrated and ready to give up. I tried everything including switching my workout routine, eating more, eating less, eating exercise calories and not eating them, drowning myself in water, watching sodium intake, etc. None of it worked! I was weighing myself obsessively (2 times a day or more!) trying to figure out what the problem was. Had it not been for my friends on MFP, who I would miss chatting with, I would have disappeared off the radar.

In an act of desperation, I decided to go back to Weight Watchers for something different. They rolled out their new plan in November, where fruits and veggies were now zero "Points" and they were encouraged. I figured I'd give it a try for a few weeks and if it didn't work, it didn't work. Nothing to lose (except pounds!).
What do you know? It worked. From the first weigh-in, I told myself I would not be allowed to weigh myself more than two times per WEEK at home. I've been with Weight Watchers eight weeks now and am down 8 lbs. What a relief.

Even though I believe in the Weight Watchers program, because it has worked for me in the past and is working for me now, I think the real magic is in having better balanced meals and weighing less often. When counting calories, I know I had a tendency to just look at the calories only. It didn't matter if I was eating ice cream, fruit or Cheerios, as long as it fit in my calories. The WW Points system takes into consideration the protein, fat, carbs and fiber, which is what is beneficial to me.

However, even more than the change in food balance, I think the stress obsessively weighing was hindering my progress. Now that I only check my own weight twice per week, I don't obsess about it and don't think about it. It's forcing me to think more about how my jeans feel, how I felt on a run or seeing definition in my biceps.

Those most helpful think I learned from my LONG plateau is to "Step Away from the Scale!" Seriously, your mind and body will thank you and reward you!

P.S. I know people have their opinions about WW, but if you have a negative viewpoint on it, please keep it to yourself. I understand that it doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me. I truly believe that each person knows what works best for them and they have to go with it. I wish everyone the best on their weight loss and fitness goals!

Tentative Running Event Schedule

2011-02-14T12:42:00.001-06:00

With two 5ks under my belt for 2011 toward my goal of completing one running event per month this year, I'm excited that I have my running schedule figured out. I've registered for the events through July and will be signing up for the rest once registration opens for them.

Here's the tentative schedule:

January 29th - Celebration of the Lakes 5k ~ finished in 40:09

February 12th - Freeze Your Bunz 5k ~ finished in 37:08

March 19th - Get Lucky 7k

April 9th - Spring Fever 5k

May 7th - Nick Clare Memorial 5k

June 18th - Dew Days 4 Miler

July 23rd - Warrior Dash

August 13th - Stockyard Days 5k

September 11th - Defeat of Jesse James Days 5k

October 15th - Big Woods Trail 5k

November 24th - Gobble Gait 8k

December 25th - Christmas Day Joyous 5k

I'm really looking forward to my running journey!

Freeze Your Bunz 5k

2011-02-14T12:41:00.002-06:00

Saturday, I completed the second 5k toward my 2011 goal of completing one running event per month!

Thank goodness it was a warm(er) morning here in Minnesota. The race took place on a path that had been plowed, but was still snowy and icy in spots, with the snowmobile trail running next to it. I wasn't sure how I'd do, but I did have my WinterTrax on my running shoes, in hopes it would give me the needed traction.

There weren't very many participants, with only 50 pre-registered. Let me tell you, it was a FAST group! Thankfully, I know my limitations and am only competitive with myself when it comes to running. I think it says it all when I say the first few people were making their way back before I'd made it to the half way point, which is somewhat discouraging when the trail is straight and flat with a turn-around half way. It's hard to watch the fast people zoom past you! Courses that loop so you can't see those speed demons kick your butt are much easier to handle.

Anyway, I heard someone say "Eighteen minutes" when I hit the turn around and I thought to myself, "if I keep this pace, I will definitely beat my last time." The last time, or my first 5k, was two weeks ago at a 40:09. Not too shabby for someone who has only been running (sporadically) for a year, if you ask me.

I made it 2/3 of the way when I felt myself starting to run out of steam. I slowed to a walk for about 10 steps, ran for a while, walked 10 steps, ran for a while, walked 15 steps and then ran the rest of the way. Had I brought my iPod with, I may have been able to focus on something else, but since I knew the course was flat, I thought I'd give it a try on my own.

Once I could see the family of three standing to the side of the path, cheering people on, I felt like I couldn't let them down. I picked up the pace again and held it through the finish line. I mean, really, who could walk past the adorable little girl in her pink snowsuit, waving and smiling at you? She needs role models in her life, or so I told myself.

My time? 37:08. Yep, 3:01 faster than two weeks ago. I just wanted to finish in under 40 minutes, so I surpassed even my goals and expectations! I'm proud of myself, but to be honest, nothing can compare to the feeling of crossing the finish line on my first 5k because I didn't know if I could do it. Now I know I can do it and it's just a matter of how fast I can do it.

The best thing about this race, though, was how friendly and encouraging the other runners were. Even those passing me on their way back threw out encouraging words and high fives.
Just after the turn-around point, two middle school-aged girls were cheering participants on. One of the girls, a stocky, bubbly girl said, "You're doing great! You're more than half way!" I said, "I'm getting there." Her response? "I couldn't do it."

Her comment almost stopped me in my tracks. I wanted to go back to her and say, "But, yes you can!" I wanted to tell her about how I was never a runner and turned myself into one. It almost broke my heart that by her voice I could tell she really thought she couldn't do it. Hopefully, someday she'll realize that she can do it if she really wants to.

As for me, I've already signed up for all of my running events through July! Once the registration opens for those beyond July, I'll be signing up. Happy running!

I did it! I ran my first 5k!

2011-01-31T14:21:00.001-06:00

January 29th, 2011 is a day that will live in infamy.

Well, maybe only for me. I ran my first 5k in 40:09. Amazing. A little over a year ago, if someone had told me I would RUN a 5k, I would have laughed. Me? Run? No way!

It all started in fall of 2009 when fellow MFPers suggested I try the Couch to 5k program. I thought, well, I'll do it but if I hate it I'll quit. Keep in mind I was someone who never, ever ran the mile in gym class at school. I "power-walked" it in 15 minutes, so didn't see any reason whatso ever to work harder than that.

I ended up finishing C25k, but didn't follow the program religiously or on the time frame suggested. I did it here and there as I could talk myself into running. Winter months are hard here with the snow, cold and ice and the treadmill is dreadfully boring so I'd do it for a few weeks, give it up for a few weeks, pick up where I left off for a few weeks, etc. But, I realized I kind of liked running, which was weird to think let alone say out loud.

Prior to last week, the last time I ran was probably early October but in the midst of making New Year's goals, I decided I would do one physical (running) even each month for the entire year. That meant I had to find a January event! Only two weeks to train? Yikes!

Then, I caught a cold and that put exercising out of my mind for a week. Shoot! Only a week to train? I can fit a few runs in on the treadmill and maybe one outside. Then, as it usually does, life happened. I ended up running one time on the treadmill five days prior to the 5k. Even then, I walked almost 1/3 of it.

Going into the 5k, I told myself I wasn't out to prove anything to anyone but myself. If I ended up walking 1/3 of it, that's fine as long as I finished. That morning, I got there early and spent a lot of time debating over whether to wear a jacket, which hat to wear, etc. You should have seen me when they gave me my registration packet with a timing chip! "What do I do with this?" Luckily, I spied someone who had their strapped around their ankle with the velcro strip attached to the chip. Whew! Didn't want to look like an amateur!

Soon, it was time to line up. I kept inching back further and further in the crowd, willing the serious runners to get in front of me. I didn't want to hold anyone back with my super slow jogging. I ended up finding the walkers and lined up just in front of them. When they gave the cue to start, I started off jogging, only to see that the first leg of the race was all uphill! "Oh, crap!" I thought to myself, followed by "You totally have this!"
It wasn't long and I found a good pace and some good tunes to get me through it. I started passing the power-walkers, then the walkers who started out jogging, and soon I was passing other joggers. What? I'm passing people? No way!

About 1.5 miles into the race, I hit another uphill portion that was covered in 2" of slush, which made it feel like running in sand. Gotta love Minnesota winters! I ran as much as I could, even passing two more people, but had to give my legs a break. I walked maybe a 1/2 mile, then started jogging again. One of the women I passed whizzed past me but she had a great pace, so I fell in behind her and kept pace with her. Before I knew it, we were on the last mile, which was mostly downhill. Yes!

As we passed the signs for 100 yds, 50 yds, 25 yds, etc., I kicked it into gear and started running faster and faster until I was sure my heart was going to explode or my legs would give way beneath me. The annoucer called my name and I crossed the finish line. I did it! I did it!

After a brief conversation with the woman I followed, I walked back to my car with tears in my eyes. I was so proud of myself for doing something I never thought I could do. I did my stretches and wiped my tears before going to the awards tent. I figured, I should experience all of the 5k.

Just as I was walking in the tent, I heard them call my name but given I have a terribly common name I figured they couldn't possibly be calling my name. It had to be another Heather J. So, I watched as awards were given out, then snuck up to the announcer and asked. He then confirmed that he HAD called my name. I then received my medal for placing 3rd of 6 in my age bracket! Unbelievable!

My official time was 40:09, which I thought was fantastic given I had never completed 3.1 miles on my treadmill in less than 42 minutes. I was told by my MFP friends that I would automatically run faster on race day, but never believed it to be true.

As I crossed that finish line, all I could think about was how I couldn't wait to tell my friends on MFP that I did it! I never would have started running, let alone have the courage to do a 5k had it not been for my wonderful, supportive friends here. Who would have believed that someone who started running at 200 lbs would run a 5k just over a year later?

For those of you who encouraged me and supported me through this, I can tell you how much it means to me. For those of you who want to do a 5k but don't think you can, I'm here to tell you that yes, you can!! You may have to work up to it, but I promise you it will be worth the time and effort.

As for me, my next 5k is in two weeks. Runners aren't joking when they say it can become addictive!

Seeing Progress Again

2011-01-18T14:32:00.001-06:00

Today starts my fourth week of Weight Watchers and I'm seeing progress again on the scale after being stuck since March! It's renewed my motivation and I'm so glad I didn't give up this journey. Trust me, there were several times that had it not been for my MFP friends and weight loss sisters, I would have given up. I don't like to admit that I would have given up, but it's true.

I've lost all of the holiday gain plus a little bit and this morning's at-home, morning weight sans clothing was the lowest I've seen yet at 183.8! Exciting! Of course, I'm only counting my official Weight Watchers weekly weigh-ins on my ticker right now, but it's nice to know something good is happening again.

It's time to pick up momentum and work on those fitness goals! Being sick with a cold this weekend threw a loop in my plans to start training again for 5ks, but I'm jumping back on the exercise wagon starting tonight. 2011 is all about self-improvement and being the healthiest, fittest person I can be.

Weight Watchers Restarted

2010-12-29T14:31:00.001-06:00

I realize that I've posted several "plans of attack" throughout my weight loss journey so far and I've come to the conclusion that I'm still working the trial and error part of finding what works for me. As you may know, I've been stick in a pleateau since March and it's getting frustrating. My friends here on MFP have kept me from throwing in the towel, but I figured it was time to start something different to hopefully get things moving in the right direction again.

I basically took the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas off from really watching what I ate. For most of that time, I still tracked my food, but I just needed a break. Unfortunately that enjoyment came with several pounds.

Yesterday, I restarted Weight Watchers to see if it would shake things up. I was a Weight Watchers member in 2006, where I lost 12 lbs in 9 weeks. It was awesome! However, I quit because I moved and there were no convenient centers. Yes, it's a terrible excuse and it caused me to gain it all back over the next year, plus some. Now, I'm still at a lower weight than I was when I left in 2006, so that's at least something.

Even though I had eaten the majority of my food for the day prior to going to my meeting, I still went back and tracked what I had eaten and even had to use some of my weekly extra points. It's a good thing, however, that I've started eating a lot more fruits and veggies since most are now 0 points on the new plan. Yay!

I know everyone has their opinions about Weight Watchers, but I know it works for me and I need to see progress again to keep my motivation. Heck, the little "Bravo" stickers I got yesterday for declaring my 2011 goal (non-scale goal, mind you!) were a little bit motivating. I don't even care that it's a little bit elementary. Yep, I even like the round of applause you get at meetings for meeting goals!

A New Plan of Attack

2010-12-10T14:30:00.000-06:00

As you may know, I've recently expressed my frustration at the whole weight loss journey and the fact that I've been stuck in a rut (plateau!) for quite some time now. After reading Jackie Warner's "This is Why You're Fat" book, I decided to try her jumpstart plan in which you add foods to the things you're already eating.

The plan includes adding 2 eggs, 1 cup of oatmeal, 3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 3 liters of lemon water and whey protein daily to what you're already eating. As you can guess, adding all of those things leaves less room for the junk.

I started the plan on Monday, December 6th and so far, I've only had the oatmeal once and haven't had the eggs. I've grown up hating the smell of cooking eggs, so therefore I didn't eat the stuff. I did give them a try on Sunday and although I didn't hate them, I didn't love them either. It will take some getting used to. The oatmeal was the same way, since I'd never eaten it before and the texture gets to me.

Anyway, I've decided I'm going to focus on the eating first. I know last week I said I was going to focus on the exercising but I've come to realize that the food is the root cause. I love food...who doesn't? I especially love ice cream, which is a major problem.

I'm still going to be as active as I can, but I'm not going to stress over getting my workouts done. If I can get the eating under control, the rest will come; I'm sure of this. Most of the time, I like working out but the junk food I'm eating has made me lazy. I also find that I eat the junk with the intention of working out ("I'll burn at least 300 calories tonight"). Of course, I eat the junk and then don't fit the workout in. Enter the list of excuses here.

So, this is my course of action of the next few weeks, and beyond if it takes longer to get the food under control. To be honest, though, after eating more fruits and veggies throughout the week, I had more energy last night than I've had in a long time. I actually stayed awake past 10pm. The clean eating phenomenon suddenly makes even more sense. I realize it will take me a while to get it down and control the cravings, but I think it's important, so I'll do it.

Goal weight, I'll see you 2011!

Inches Lost

2010-12-07T14:29:00.000-06:00

As many of my MFP friends know, I've been very down and frustrated this week because I'm stressed about constantly logging calories, trying to exercise enough to eat what I want, etc. and not seeing any results. Add these things to the fact that I've been teetering between 184-188 lbs. since March and I'm bummed.

I decided to take a step back from logging so obsessively and am attempting to get on my scale less. The stress of my weight loss journey is likely causing my body to hold onto weight and I need to figure something out. Now is a good time to relax a little because the six week weight loss challenge I've been on is done. Obviously, I didn't win anything but it did force me to take a look at how far I've come since starting this journey just over a year ago.

As the title of this blog says, I've lost inches. The scale hasn't moved, but my body has apparently reshaped itself.

Since August 2009, I've lost:

Bust 1.50 inches

Waist 7.50 inches!

Hips 3.0 inches

Thigh 1.70 inches

Bicep 0.50 inches

Total: 14.2 inches from my body overall!

Going forward, I need to remember not to be so hard on myself. Things are happening, whether it seems like they are or not. Not only have I lost 14.2 inches and 33 lbs. since starting this weight loss journey, I've increased my BMR.

Now, it's time for me to make a plan to get me though the next 33 lbs of my weight loss journey without feeling like I have to throw the scale through a wall.

Dwindling Motivation

2010-10-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

I'm sure others experience this, but I find my motivation starts out really strong at the beginning of the week and by Thursday, it's almost gone. The eating starts to slide along with the desire to workout. I start by telling myself I'm not going to miss any workouts this week. Then, by Wednesday or Thursday, I tell myself, "I can use today as a rest day and rearrange the rest of my schedule. It will be fine." By the weekend, I start telling myself I can start again Monday.

No, I can't start again Monday! It only makes it that much harder. Yes, I WANT to get to my goal weight. I'm excited when I see any kind of progress, be it on the scale, inches or muscles and bones showing that didn't before (biceps, collar bones). I need to figure out how to keep the momentum going!

Analysis Results

2010-10-11T14:27:00.003-05:00

I did a brief analysis today in an attempt to get my weight loss moving consisently again. I've been stalled out basically since May, other than fluctuations in the 4 lb. range. What I found was interesting. Here's what has changed.

1. I was drinking protein shakes as meal replacements for 1-2 meals (usually lunch and/or dinner). I gave up the shakes completely when I was getting nauseous after drinking them. I've since learned that it was the brand of coffee/cappuccino flavoring I was using.

2. I was eating a snack during the day, generally at 11am or 3pm, depending on how I was feeling at work. I now rarely have a snack between meals.

3. I was drinking barely any water.

4. I was eating an average of 2,000 calories per day with lots of zig-zagging. Since around the time of my stall, I've been averaging 1700-1800 on days without exercise.

So what am I going to do with the information I've learned? I'm going to start experimenting to see if I can get things moving consistently again. I recently had my 1 year anniversary with MFP and have lost half of the weight I want to lose. Now, I'd like to lose the other half before my 2 year anniversary with MFP.

Here's the plan:
1. Start using protein shakes as meal replacements for at least 1 meal, most likely breakfast since this is the hardest meal for me.

2. Pack healthy snacks so I can have one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon to keep the metabolism going. Fruit and veggies are key!

3. Keep drinking lots of water! This part I've since gotten much better at and I feel better overall when I'm well-hydrated.

4. Start eating closer to 2,000 calories a day (average) with zig-zagging. I think it's especially important to eat enough calories now that I'm doing a weight lifting program.

5. Focus on the kinds of foods I eat and make an attempt to try eating clean(er). After all, it makes perfect sense but it does take some effort.

For a while, it's going to be all about experimentation to see what works for me. As long as I have a plan, though, and know I can tweak it at any time I think it will be okay.

Shred with Weights by Jillian Michaels - A Review

2010-09-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd post this for you Jillian Michaels fans out there.

I just received Shred with Weights by Jillian Michaels, which was released earlier this month. It's a kettlebell workout, but can be modified to use a single dumbbell. Unfortunately, Jillian does not give a recommendation for the weight of kettlebell to be used, but does push her adjustable kettlebell. She does suggest those using dumbbells use 3-8 lb weight.

The video consists of a tutorial and two different level workouts. I highly recommend using the tutorial if you haven't used kettlebells before, like me. It was very helpful to take the time to figure out the correct form for the movements before adding the cardio aspect.

I did the tutorial followed by Level 1 and it was HARD. My fitness level is intermediate, as I've been working out consistently for over a year now. It's been a long time since I've felt like passing out during a workout. I did stop to sit down during the workout, in the third circuit during a move called "Turkish Getups". Personally, I burned 199 calories in the 27 minutes of Level 1. I did not count my calories during the tutorial because it is slow-paced.

Overall, I believe this would be a very effective video, like the rest of hers are. It's a killer workout incorporating her famous circuits which include both strength and cardio.

As an FYI for you Jillian fans, her Six Week Six Pack DVD will be released November 30th.

A Milestone

2010-09-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

It happened today. The scale said 185 for the first time since 2006, when I was doing Weight Watchers. Of course, I gained everything back once I stopped following the program, but that's another story.

Typically, I wait until my official weigh-in day to change my ticker and really count any losses. However, I was too excited to wait two days until Friday. I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I even had 185 set as my Labor Day goal, and although it's two days late, it's the first weight goal I've met by my own deadline.

Perhaps even more exciting than the actual number of 185 is that today's weigh-in moved my BMI score from "obese" to "overweight." Seeing the calculation left me speechless for a few moments; all I could do was grin.

Sure, I know as well as the next person that BMI isn't necessarily an accurate measure of one's body composition, but I'm finding all of the reasons I can to celebrate my success. In fact, everyone should, rather than focus on the what they have left to accomplish.

Here's to a new milestone and my successes so far!

Angry at the Scale!

2010-09-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

It happened for the first time this morning. I was so angry at the scale, I wanted to throw it out the window.

What happened to create these feelings? I worked hard all week with exercising, staying within my calories enough to have a good deficit and drinking more than enough water and the scale "rewarded" me by showing a 0.6 lb weight gain.

Trust me, I'm no stranger to gaining weight from week to week. I've had fluctuations of 5 lbs from one day to the next at times, but this one angered me more than any others because I really had my heart set on seeing a 185 on the scale; my Labor Day goal.

After letting my anger fester for a few hours, I tried to talk myself down with the usual reasoning. Too much sodium, sore muscles, etc. It was when I got up from my desk to walk to the fax machine that I realized my size 10 jeans, which I just bought last week, felt looser. They aren't snug around my waist.

I've calmed down and come to the conclusion that I must be losing inches instead of pounds again. For me, I only see decreases in one of them at a time. So, it looks like it's time to take measurements again...and remind myself to breathe and let it go!

A Successful Weekend

2010-08-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

For probably the first time since starting my weight loss journey in November 2009, I had a successful weekend in regards to weight loss. For the first time, I didn't over eat and go crazy, thinking "I'll behave again on Monday." Instead, I thought, "I'll behave all weekend because it makes Monday easier."

The very best part of the weekend? I didn't deprive myself of anything I wanted, but simply counted all of my calories BEFORE I ate it; especially when it came to ice cream. Sure, the sodium was still higher than during the week, but even that wasn't higher than a typical weekend and I know the 1.2 lbs gained over the weekend will be gone by tomorrow. It's all water-weight due to the sodium, so no freaking out here!

It's also been easier this morning to fall back into my routine because I won't feel like I'm starving, the way I do after two or three days of eating whatever I want. Who knew behaving on the weekends would be LESS stressful than doing whatever I want to? It's a nice change and one I'm hoping I'll be able to continue going forward.

Hot by Halloween

2010-08-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

One of my weight loss sisters remind me today that it's only 12 weeks until Halloween. Where did the time go?
A while ago, my weight loss sisters and I set Halloween goals so that we could wear the costumes we really want to wear to parties. For me, that means dressing provocatively; mostly because I've never been able to do so. Last year's spandex leopard print pants do NOT count.

What all of this boils down to is that it's really time to get serious and start behaving on the weekends! I do really well all week and crash on the weekends with too much unhealthy food and adult beverages. No more! I want badly to see 175 on the scale for Halloween. I realize that 14 lbs in 12 weeks may not be reasonable for me, but I want to at least be able to say that I tried my hardest and have no regrets!

Swimming Confidence

2010-08-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

As a child, I remember taking horrifying swimming lessons from a woman who would make us hold empty gallon milk jugs under our arms (caps were on) and jump into the deep end. From there, we had to swim to the shallow end, where she would shove our heads under the water to get us used to putting our faces in the water. Instead all of this making me like swimming and making me want to learn to swim properly, it scared me! As you can probably imagine, my swimming has been pretty limited because of it. I somewhat like to swim (if I can touch and/or see the bottom), but rarely go under water and never open my eyes under water. Oh, and forget going under water without plugging my nose! I even used to fake reasons why I couldn't swim when it was part of gym class in school.

Last night I was at a pool party with my boyfriend's family and his nieces thought that it was funny when I told them I'd never jumped off of a diving board because it was scary. His 11 year old niece took me on as her special project, trying to teach me to go under water without holding my nose. Eventually, when I couldn't figure out how to blow enough air out of my nose under water, she told me "Well, maybe you could hire a personal swimming teacher for like $10 an hour." Yeah, even an 11 year old realizes I'm hopeless!

Even though I "failed" at my lessons last night, the fact that I tried and let the kids try to help me was progress in itself. For several years now I've had the desire to learn to swim properly or be able to jump in the water, but there's a fear factor there dating back about 22 years. It's hard to overcome that and it's certainly not going to happen overnight. Considering I live in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," it just might be a good idea to take the advice and hire a personal swimming teacher!

What Will it Take?

2010-08-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

What will it take for me to realize that I am no longer a size 14 in pants or an XL in shirts? Yes, I know that I've lost just over 30 pounds and yes, I know that I can now fit into smaller clothes. But when will I stop wearing the old, baggy clothes that look terrible on me and replace them with fashionable, well-fitting clothes?

Quite a while ago, I purchased a shirt on clearance for $1 at Steve & Barry's when they were going out of business. I figured for $1, I would buy a "goal shirt" as something to work toward. When I took the shirt home that night and tried it on, I couldn't even get it on all the way, so I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me.

Fast forward to last night, when I pulled the lovely "goal shirt" out of the dresser drawer and tried it on. Surprise! It fit beautifully and the saying on the front, "It's not my fault I'm AWESOME" has become even more appropriate than it was when I bought the shirt. It sums everything up. I am awesome.

This brings me to today. I pulled on a pair of my favorite size 14 jeans and wore them to work. Within an hour, I realized they are baggy and look terrible on me. I have jeans of the same brand in both 14s and 12s but continue to wear the 14s. I need to give them up once and for all but the familiarity of being the same size for many years brings emotional attachment. Will giving them up change me? Probably not because the change happened before needing to give up the jeans.

So, the question remains. What is it that will finally convince me I'm no longer the same size I was 30 pounds ago? The answer has yet to be determined.

Weight Loss Makes You Taller

2010-08-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, so weight loss may not actually make you taller, but it makes you seem taller in several ways.

1. Weight loss causes increased confidence which in turn causes one to have better posture creating the illusion of being taller.

2. Weight loss decreases or eliminates foot and joint pain, causing women to be more likely to wear high heels when they didn't before.

3. When you aren't as large around, especially in the hip, butt and thigh regions, your clothes don't need to stretch as far and your pants suddenly become longer. Because your clothes fit better, you'll appear taller.

All of the above are strange but true. Amazingly, I'm no longer having to seek out "tall" length pants for my 5'6" self because average lengths are now appropriate and no longer look like flood pants.

My "Short" Pants

2010-08-03T15:00:00.001-05:00

A while back, my sister gave me a pair of her size 12 Molly flair jeans from Maurice's. At the time she gave them to me, I couldn't quite fit into them but held on to them for the future.

Last week, I wore the the jeans for the first time in public and thought of them as my "short" pants. I typically wear long length jeans but my sister always wears average length. I was convinced these jeans looked and felt too short, but when you forget to do laundry, you run out of options.

A friend said they looked good and that they were actually the perfect length because they covered the heel of my boot without dragging in the mud. Then, I went to the boyfriend's house and he couldn't keep his hands off of my rump, saying the jeans looked awesome. Whether the jeans actually looked awesome or whethey they just looked better than the size 14s that are extremely bagging and falling off of me, is up for debate.

Regardless, I've added my "short" pants to my regular wardrobe.

All of the above brings me to another point. Wearing clothing the right size is the key to adding self esteem and confidence! I can't stop checking myself out in the mirror while wearing my "short" pants!

Weekend Follow-Up

2010-08-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

On Thursday of last week, I posted my plan for staying on track for the weekend. Surprise, surprise! With potlucks both Saturday and Sunday, I can't say I was as good as I would have liked, but I wasn't as terrible as I would have been in the past, either.

However, I did get most of the exercising completed that I planned on, most of it being horseback riding and all that goes with it (catching, grooming, saddling the horse). I did not do the running or tennis as anticipated due to soreness from Thursday night's Cardio Max workout. Well, that and the fact that my tennis partners (family) had their own plans last minute.

Although today is only Tuesday, I'm starting to think ahead to my plans for the weekend and how I'm going to compensate for another potluck and/or drinks at a bachelorette party. I think for me, planning is key because I feel guilty when I am not sticking to my plans.

Sure, I gained a little last weekend, but what I gained is almost gone already and I'm looking forward to Friday with hopes of seeing a loss.

A Weekend Plan

2010-07-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

One of my "weight loss sisters" challenged me to behave this weekend. There seems to be a common trend of doing a great job staying within daily calorie goals and exercising during the week, only to backtrack on the weekends by having cheat meals or even cheat days and being somewhat lazy. I know I repeatedly have this problem.

Sometime in the past two months, I lost my motivation. I made it to my half-way point for my final goal and felt somewhat content with my progress. In my mind, it was time to reward myself by indulging a bit more and taking it easier with the workouts. I'm sure you can guess what happened. I gained back about five pounds and bounced those same pounds around for a while.

Fast forward to last week, when I saw 198.4 on the scale for the first time since March, when I saw it briefly one morning. Now that I've seen movement on the scale again, I've found my motivation again which brings me to the weekend challenge. Yes, I mean challenge because there are a few events this weekend that will test my willpower; that being said, here is my plan. I'm posting it here in hopes that it will make me more accountable to sticking to it.

Thursday (today): My meals are planned for the day with a little leeway for snacks should I get hungry this evening after volunteering. I plan on doing a boxing video after volunteering.
Friday: I will plan my meals for the day in the morning and be sure to stick to it. For exercise, will with ride my horse and run or play tennis.

Saturday: Will go running or horseback riding in the morning. My challenge will be to really watch my eating at the birthday party will be attending in the evening. The hosts are fans of Leinenkugel beer and so am I! Beware!

Sunday: Walking, running or workout DVD in the morning. My challenge will be to watch the eating during the potluck lunch at the barn where I board my horse. After the potluck, I will be horseback riding with others from the barn.