I just wanted to post a quick update letting you all know that I finally did it...
25 POUNDS IS OFFICIALLY GONE FOREVER! And I feel great!
My weigh-in was kind of impromptu, but I'm SO glad I decided to do it. I was feeling a little down and this was the pick-me-up that I needed to get me back on track for my goal by my birthday!
Another WooHoo Weigh-In Under My Belt!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Good Days and Bad Days
I have great days. I have bad days. I have days when I feel fat. I have days when I feel skinny. I have days when I feel like the same 'ol person who never bothered to get off the couch and do something with herself. I have days when I can tell my clothes are too big. I have days when my clothes feel too tight. Some days I just want to quit. Other days I can't wait to get out and go on a run. Some days I get a lot of compliments from people, and some days I see people who I haven't seen in months and they don't say anything.
As you can see...this is all SO flip-floppy for me. I wish I knew how to feel. I mentioned in a previous post that losing weight has been a big adjustment. But then I have times where I feel that it shouldn't be a big adjustment because I really haven't lost that much, and the person next to me has lost a ton! My clothes feel different, yet I can't fit in the next size down yet. I have hit a major plateau and it's so frustrating, so some days I feel like this is it for me. Maybe I'm not meant to be smaller. Maybe I am?
Do you have days when you feel so blah that you really can't put it into words that make any sense? Clearly that's how I feel today.
As you can see...this is all SO flip-floppy for me. I wish I knew how to feel. I mentioned in a previous post that losing weight has been a big adjustment. But then I have times where I feel that it shouldn't be a big adjustment because I really haven't lost that much, and the person next to me has lost a ton! My clothes feel different, yet I can't fit in the next size down yet. I have hit a major plateau and it's so frustrating, so some days I feel like this is it for me. Maybe I'm not meant to be smaller. Maybe I am?
Do you have days when you feel so blah that you really can't put it into words that make any sense? Clearly that's how I feel today.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
My New and Improved Goals
It has been a while since I posted last and I want to bring you all up to speed on what has been happening in my life. The summer has been just nuts. With all of the activities and barbecues it seems we are busy all of the time. Also, the summer is generally a busy time at my job. Lots of extra time spent working in the evenings and it's really hard to find that balance between work, my family, exercise, and the blog. Unfortunately, the blog comes last and it has suffered a little bit. But I see the light, and I hope to be posting more now!
As far as my journey, I'm happy to report that I have almost lost 25 pounds. I have been losing merely ounces for the last couple of months and it stinks! Yes, 25 pounds is great, but not good enough for me. I never wanted it to be about a number, but I think a numeral goal makes me want it even more! I went back into my weight tracking program and looked at what I had originally entered as a goal. It's really funny because I wanted to lose a certain amount before my 34th birthday, and I am only 5 pounds away from that. I had totally forgotten about that goal! So, here I am, about 3 weeks away from that date, and I am totally ready! Time to get it together and shed that last 5 pounds!
Every day is a new day and every day is a chance to try again! Enjoy the rest of your weekend all!
As far as my journey, I'm happy to report that I have almost lost 25 pounds. I have been losing merely ounces for the last couple of months and it stinks! Yes, 25 pounds is great, but not good enough for me. I never wanted it to be about a number, but I think a numeral goal makes me want it even more! I went back into my weight tracking program and looked at what I had originally entered as a goal. It's really funny because I wanted to lose a certain amount before my 34th birthday, and I am only 5 pounds away from that. I had totally forgotten about that goal! So, here I am, about 3 weeks away from that date, and I am totally ready! Time to get it together and shed that last 5 pounds!
Every day is a new day and every day is a chance to try again! Enjoy the rest of your weekend all!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Are you a Diet Saboteur? How to be supportive or not...
Welcome back to the blog. Yes, it's been a while. I have lots of excuses, but I don't plan to bore you. I do want to share something that has been on my mind lately. I realize that I have made a personal committment to myself to become an overall healthier person. I believe I have been relatively successful, although I have plateaued, which is totally annoying. But at any rate...
My thoughts evolve around the people I align myslef with on a daily basis and those I associate with from time to time. It's been very interesting in this journey to see how people react to me and the comments that I get and the general "I really don't understand why you are trying to do this?" kind of attitude. I suppose that I'm the one who decided to make this change in my life, and certainly I can't expect other people to jump on board simply because I think it's a great idea. I have to keep reminding myself, "I am the one who has made a change. Not everyone else."
Having said that, I think it's important to highlight things I have experienced since the beginning of the year, and I also wanted to touch on a few tips I think might be helpful to those of you out there who are already skinny, naturally beautiful, non-exercising, and overall perfect. Unfortunately, I have to try at all of those things, and I wish I couold report that I am always successful, but I guess that's the way the world goes around. So here we go. I'll start with the "don't and do's" of "What Not to Do and What to Do When You Have a Loved One Who Has Decided To Change His/Her Life." (Phew, that was long, wasn't it?) Disclaimer: I am going to speak in first person, although these are simply my thoughts, and not necesarily true occurrences. :-)
The Don'ts:
1. Please, please...do not invite me to a restaurant that you know will sabatoge my diet. People, I have addicting personality, and cannot tell you no. I just can't. So, please don't ask.
2. Do not give back-handed compliments. Those of us who have struggles are well aware that we have struggles. It isn't necessary for you to point out that I (or someone else) no longer has rolls on one's back like the Michelin man. Thanks, but no thanks.
3. Don't ask me to exercise with you, knowing that you always have and can still beat me. It isn't a race. I'm still going to let you win if it makes you feel better about yourself.
4. When you come into the same public bathroom and have a million stalls to choose from, DO NOT pick the one right next to mine. What does that have to do with weight loss? Nothing. I'm just sayin'.
5. Don't give unsolicited advice. I know we all think we are experts in this area, but we aren't. My body is different from your body and we operate differently. Enough said.
6. This one is huge! Do not make comments such as, "Wow, you are going to be awesome and skinny, and then you won't be my friend anymore." Read that again...it sounds really dumb, doesn't it?
OK, enough of the negative and sarcastic. I would like to highlight some positive things and give some helpful hints that I (and people like me) need from people like you!
1. When I tell you that I really don't want to exercise, encourage me to go anyway! By now you know how it makes me feel and I need your support!
2. If it really is important to you, ask me what you can do to help me. No, the world does not revolve around me, but throw me a bone, and ask anyway!
3. Let me talk about it! This is all new territory for me and it is exciting. For once, I am successful at something. Even if you don't care, pretend that you do.
4. Treat me the same as you always have. I am the same. But now, I have just a little less to love.
5. Compliment me when you see a positive change. I really need the reinforcement. I am having a lot of trouble accepting the changes that are happening (as weird as that sounds), so your thoughts are much appreciated.
6. If you are going to ask me to go with you to a really fab restaurant, be a dear and look at the menu ahead of time. If you are invested in our relationship, then help me out. Maybe you could suggest some things that you know would work for me?
Those are just some of the thoughts that I have on this subject. My mind swirls around it all of the time. Part of that is because I, myself, am being judgmental. Part of it is because some of these things have really happened to me. It's a daily struggle. I have to admit that sometimes I really hate it. Being healthy IS NOT easy. I digress all of the time. Because I feel like I'm living this life, I have to try and point out things that I know will help me and others in this very same fight to be healthier and happier.
My thoughts evolve around the people I align myslef with on a daily basis and those I associate with from time to time. It's been very interesting in this journey to see how people react to me and the comments that I get and the general "I really don't understand why you are trying to do this?" kind of attitude. I suppose that I'm the one who decided to make this change in my life, and certainly I can't expect other people to jump on board simply because I think it's a great idea. I have to keep reminding myself, "I am the one who has made a change. Not everyone else."
Having said that, I think it's important to highlight things I have experienced since the beginning of the year, and I also wanted to touch on a few tips I think might be helpful to those of you out there who are already skinny, naturally beautiful, non-exercising, and overall perfect. Unfortunately, I have to try at all of those things, and I wish I couold report that I am always successful, but I guess that's the way the world goes around. So here we go. I'll start with the "don't and do's" of "What Not to Do and What to Do When You Have a Loved One Who Has Decided To Change His/Her Life." (Phew, that was long, wasn't it?) Disclaimer: I am going to speak in first person, although these are simply my thoughts, and not necesarily true occurrences. :-)
The Don'ts:
1. Please, please...do not invite me to a restaurant that you know will sabatoge my diet. People, I have addicting personality, and cannot tell you no. I just can't. So, please don't ask.
2. Do not give back-handed compliments. Those of us who have struggles are well aware that we have struggles. It isn't necessary for you to point out that I (or someone else) no longer has rolls on one's back like the Michelin man. Thanks, but no thanks.
3. Don't ask me to exercise with you, knowing that you always have and can still beat me. It isn't a race. I'm still going to let you win if it makes you feel better about yourself.
4. When you come into the same public bathroom and have a million stalls to choose from, DO NOT pick the one right next to mine. What does that have to do with weight loss? Nothing. I'm just sayin'.
5. Don't give unsolicited advice. I know we all think we are experts in this area, but we aren't. My body is different from your body and we operate differently. Enough said.
6. This one is huge! Do not make comments such as, "Wow, you are going to be awesome and skinny, and then you won't be my friend anymore." Read that again...it sounds really dumb, doesn't it?
OK, enough of the negative and sarcastic. I would like to highlight some positive things and give some helpful hints that I (and people like me) need from people like you!
1. When I tell you that I really don't want to exercise, encourage me to go anyway! By now you know how it makes me feel and I need your support!
2. If it really is important to you, ask me what you can do to help me. No, the world does not revolve around me, but throw me a bone, and ask anyway!
3. Let me talk about it! This is all new territory for me and it is exciting. For once, I am successful at something. Even if you don't care, pretend that you do.
4. Treat me the same as you always have. I am the same. But now, I have just a little less to love.
5. Compliment me when you see a positive change. I really need the reinforcement. I am having a lot of trouble accepting the changes that are happening (as weird as that sounds), so your thoughts are much appreciated.
6. If you are going to ask me to go with you to a really fab restaurant, be a dear and look at the menu ahead of time. If you are invested in our relationship, then help me out. Maybe you could suggest some things that you know would work for me?
Those are just some of the thoughts that I have on this subject. My mind swirls around it all of the time. Part of that is because I, myself, am being judgmental. Part of it is because some of these things have really happened to me. It's a daily struggle. I have to admit that sometimes I really hate it. Being healthy IS NOT easy. I digress all of the time. Because I feel like I'm living this life, I have to try and point out things that I know will help me and others in this very same fight to be healthier and happier.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Frankie says "Relax"
But don't relax too much. Because clearly that is what I have done. I weighed in on Friday, and I have only lost .4 pounds in the last three weeks. And while I continue to run three times a week, I have clearly blown my good eating habits over the weekends. I can honestly say that is what happened. I tend to relax a little too much and throw everything I have done down the drain on the weekends. Like I "deserve" to eat. I have to switch that mentality quickly! This is a lifestyle change and food rewards are just no good!
I think everyone struggles when they commit to a change in their life and food issues really are no different. And while, no, I won't gain back the weight overnight, I have to remember that I didn't gain it overnight to begin with. It was a series of years in the making and a long path of poor choices. One bad weekend leads to two bad weekends, and on and on...
So, with that, I plan to totally get back on track. I'm ready to move to the next step which is to lose the final 2.8 pounds to put myself into a new decade!
I sincerely appreciate all of your encouragement!
I think everyone struggles when they commit to a change in their life and food issues really are no different. And while, no, I won't gain back the weight overnight, I have to remember that I didn't gain it overnight to begin with. It was a series of years in the making and a long path of poor choices. One bad weekend leads to two bad weekends, and on and on...
So, with that, I plan to totally get back on track. I'm ready to move to the next step which is to lose the final 2.8 pounds to put myself into a new decade!
I sincerely appreciate all of your encouragement!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My 5k Comeback!
Hello all! It has been awhile, and so much has happened in the last month! I continue to "joggle" 3 days a week and also continue to fight the good healthy food fight. I have a weigh-in this Friday and I'm hopeful that I will enter a new decade this time. It has actually been 3 weeks since I weighed myself.
This past Saturday, I ran in a 5k race to benefit the youth group at my church. It was in my neighborhood, so I couldn't reasonably say no. It was at 8:00 in the morning, so it wasn't too hot, but the humidity in Ohio is just unbearable sometimes, so it was definitely sticky! I couldn't be more ecstatic about my results because I finished it in 37:50! That is just amazing compared to some of the past races I have done. My last 5k was in October, 2010, and I beat that time by 12 minutes. The kicker is that I actually walked the first 5 minutes to warm up, so I was really putting a lot of effort into this run. If I would have kept up that pace for a 10k, I would have beat my results of the 10k race I ran in April by almost 10 minutes. Just awesome for me!
I began using a new training program on my iPhone called Podrunner:Intervals Gateway to 8k, and I love it as much as the 5k training program I previously used. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I am still on week one, but I have been doing it for almost 3 weeks. It is really tough, and again, the heat and humidity has been exhausting, so it's all I can do to run 3-4 times a week! At any rate, I'm still exercising and gettin' my sweat on!
I am trying to reassess my plans to run a Half-Marathon in October. At this point, I just don't know if I'm ready for that large of a goal. Yes, I'm wimping out a little, but I'm also trying to be realistic. I don't want to end up hating exercise. I am really comfortable with running 3-4 miles at a time right now, but at the same time, I know I need to push the envelope a little. So, we shall see. I may make my next goal a 10k and hope to run most of it. I really think that is a better goal for me right now.
I hope all is well with everyone and that you are taking the time to get out and enjoy some of this blistering sun!
This past Saturday, I ran in a 5k race to benefit the youth group at my church. It was in my neighborhood, so I couldn't reasonably say no. It was at 8:00 in the morning, so it wasn't too hot, but the humidity in Ohio is just unbearable sometimes, so it was definitely sticky! I couldn't be more ecstatic about my results because I finished it in 37:50! That is just amazing compared to some of the past races I have done. My last 5k was in October, 2010, and I beat that time by 12 minutes. The kicker is that I actually walked the first 5 minutes to warm up, so I was really putting a lot of effort into this run. If I would have kept up that pace for a 10k, I would have beat my results of the 10k race I ran in April by almost 10 minutes. Just awesome for me!
I began using a new training program on my iPhone called Podrunner:Intervals Gateway to 8k, and I love it as much as the 5k training program I previously used. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I am still on week one, but I have been doing it for almost 3 weeks. It is really tough, and again, the heat and humidity has been exhausting, so it's all I can do to run 3-4 times a week! At any rate, I'm still exercising and gettin' my sweat on!
I am trying to reassess my plans to run a Half-Marathon in October. At this point, I just don't know if I'm ready for that large of a goal. Yes, I'm wimping out a little, but I'm also trying to be realistic. I don't want to end up hating exercise. I am really comfortable with running 3-4 miles at a time right now, but at the same time, I know I need to push the envelope a little. So, we shall see. I may make my next goal a 10k and hope to run most of it. I really think that is a better goal for me right now.
I hope all is well with everyone and that you are taking the time to get out and enjoy some of this blistering sun!
Monday, June 13, 2011
I was Runnin'!
And runnin' I was! Last night I went for a run and I'm proud to say that I ran for two miles straight! This is a huge deal for me folks. I am loving the Podrunner:Intervals program so much! I never, EVER thought I would be able to run the way I used to, so I am definitely thrilled with that. I did it in 25 minutes, with a 5 minute walking warm-up and cool-down on each side. And the best part was that I was not really too winded. So, I am making strides people!
As for my Weigh-In last week, I only lost 1 additional pound over a two-week period. I have slowed WAY down in this department and I would really like to pick that part back up. I have become a little relaxed on my eating habits and I really need to re-focus on this. I have come way too far to quit at this point. I really don't think that the healthy changes I have made are ever going to change, but it has become way too easy to slip in the no-no's every once in a while. I think in my head that one little thing isn't going to hurt me, but I simply cannot live with that attitude. That is what got me into trouble to begin with!
So, I continue on. I plan to run again on Tuesday and Thursday. I need to incorporate my Polar HRM back into my exercise routine, but I found that it is a little cumbersome to have the watch, the monitor strapped around my chest, and my iPhone in my armband all at once. There are a billion programs out there for the iPhone to monitor heart rate and calories, but I just can't imagine how accurate they are if you aren't wearing the actual monitor around your chest.
Do you use any smartphone apps for running or exercise, and if so, what do you like?
As for my Weigh-In last week, I only lost 1 additional pound over a two-week period. I have slowed WAY down in this department and I would really like to pick that part back up. I have become a little relaxed on my eating habits and I really need to re-focus on this. I have come way too far to quit at this point. I really don't think that the healthy changes I have made are ever going to change, but it has become way too easy to slip in the no-no's every once in a while. I think in my head that one little thing isn't going to hurt me, but I simply cannot live with that attitude. That is what got me into trouble to begin with!
So, I continue on. I plan to run again on Tuesday and Thursday. I need to incorporate my Polar HRM back into my exercise routine, but I found that it is a little cumbersome to have the watch, the monitor strapped around my chest, and my iPhone in my armband all at once. There are a billion programs out there for the iPhone to monitor heart rate and calories, but I just can't imagine how accurate they are if you aren't wearing the actual monitor around your chest.
Do you use any smartphone apps for running or exercise, and if so, what do you like?
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