The Day After.....

Yesterday, I went on my first run in about 3 weeks. It was great to get out with my running buds! I have really missed them! My plan was to run about 9-10 miles at a nice easy pace. I ended up running 11 miles. The pace was OK - I did the first 5 a bit faster than I probably should but I was running with a friend that I haven't seen in probably 2 months and we got caught up in the conversation.....I wouldn't trade it for hte world!

The second half of the run was pretty hilly but the pace was slower. Cardiovascularly, I felt great! I was thrilled with the way my Insanity program has kept my cardio shape up. I didn't know how I would feel over a long run because the Insanity workouts are shorter (about 45 min. and I ran for over 2 hours) and they work different energy systems. I was also pleased at the amount of spring I had in my legs going up the hills.

Things felt great until about miles 7-8 which was when I started to feel tight in my legs. There wasn't any pain involved, I just started to feel a tightness, especially in my hamstrings. I was running with a friend who is in PT for a hip problem so we did do some walking which was nice. By the time we got back to our cars at mile 11 I was really ready to be finished!

I did some quick stretching for my legs and sides but boy did I tighten up on the ride home. As soon as I got home, I changed and settled in for some stretching. I was VERY tight! I find that my core area is really effected when I run. I get these little spasms, especially in between my ribs, when I'm finished my runs. I've been trying to work on strengthening my core but I still get those spasms when I'm finished. In addition, my legs, feet and hips were pretty sore for the rest of the day - not injury sore just sore from doing something I haven't done in 3 weeks.

Fast forward to this morning....I am still pretty tight and a bit sore. I was planning on doing my Insanity Plyo CC session this morning but I decided to take a rest day. I figured that if my hips and knees were sore, jumping on them probably wasn't a good idea. I am focusing in stretching today!

I'm also thinking about becoming a BeachBody coach. There is some initial cost involved because you are starting a home business. I'm trying to get a handle on exactly what those costs are and then I'll talk it over with the hubby and decide what to do next. There is a lot of opportunity there but I'm not sure if it is for me - still on the fence. I love the exercise products that is for sure! I haven't tried the nutritional products but everyone on the message boards seem to love them.

Looking forward to a nice day with friends! Also looking forward to getting back to my Insanity workouts tomorrow - I think it is Pure Cardio!

Our First Run/Walk!

Chip (my puppy) and I went for our first run/walk together today. We went 1.25 miles - it is the route that we walk every night so I knew the distance would be no problem. I would try (emphasis on try) to get him to slow down and walk but he was loving it!

We started with Chip picking up a bottle - he is such a Lab! - and walking. Right from the start he just wanted to Go! When we did start to jog I was having trouble keeping up with him but I got him to slow down a bit just by talking to him. He's my smart boy. My jog seems to be a fast walk for him...LOL!

I was really amazed at just how well he took to it! Now I really can't wait for the weather to start getting nicer! I really want to get him out on the trails but there is still snow around here so the loop in our neighborhood is what we'll use. I'm hoping to get him out a few times a week at least at the beginning. He is about 7 1/2 months old so I don't want to go too far or do it too often.

I'm hoping to have many more runnin' with my dog stories in the future!!

Things have been going well!

Monday was my 2nd Fit Test and I was a bit nervous about how my results would turn out. It turned out really well so I was quite pleased! I added more reps to every exercise and I feel like I was going lower in my push-up!! Here are the results (the first number is what I did in the initial test):

Switch kicks: 69/73
Power jacks: 62/63
Power knees: 106/120
Power jumps:39/50 (I'm super thrilled with these b/c I always find these hard)
Globe jumps:11/12
Suicide jumps:16/19
Push-up jacks:23/27 (I think I was also going down further into my push-up)
Low plank oblique: 60/78

On Tuesday, I decided to do my workout in the afternoon because I felt tired when I got up in the morning. Let me tell ya - there is a big difference between morning and afternoon sessions. My legs felt really sluggish in the afternoon (I teach gym classes to preschoolers on Monday and Tuesday). However, I pushed through that Plyo CC session and was very pleased about the whole session. I actually love that particular workout. It is really hard but there is something about it that really appeals to me.

This morning was Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs. First let me say that I find this session really hard because you just never get a break. Add to this that my legs were still a bit fatigued from yesterday and it just turned out to be a really hard workout. I'm proud of myself for doing my best and pushing through.

I'm still working on my nutrition - I've had some ups and downs. I'm also trying to change the way I think about my body and how it looks and functions. Sure I'm heavier than I would like to be but I know that I'm healthy and strong on the inside. I'm still looking to drop some fat weight but I'm also trying to work on feeling better about myself no matter what!

Until next time!

P90X Yoga

I just finished my P90X Yoga session and I feel great! I definitely needed this workout - I was finding that I had many more tight areas than I thought. My flexibility has increased greatly since this summer and I really notice when I start to "slack-off". I've been stretching with my Insanity workouts but I have found that it isn't as much as I was getting with my P90X sessions. I don't necessarily consider this as a fault with Insanity it is just a different workout and I need to adjust accordingly. I will add, at least part, of the P90X Yoga DVD into my workout schedule. I say part because 90 minutes is hard to fit into my day. I'm really happy when I can get the first 45 minutes of the DVD finished.

I've also added a weight loss ticker to the top of my page. I need the extra accountability beause I have been sliding a bit on the nutritional aspect of my program. While getting ready this morning, I turned on the TV and the Insanity infomercial was on. There is one section where Shaun T. says something like: "If you give it you ALL you will see results". I really feel like I'm giving my all during the workouts BUT it occurred to me that I'm not giving it my ALL with my nutrition plan. I have come to learn, through my time with Leanness Lifestyle, that the nutrition is more important than the exercise. You cannot out exercise what you can potentially eat! I need to keep this in mind each and every day!!

If you are a football fan - enjoy the game tonight but watch your eating! That is what I am going to do today. We are spending the day at a friends house and they typically order pizza for dinner. It may not be the best decision but I'm going to allow myself 1 slice of pizza tonight. During the day I will drink lots of water and snack on veggies only! Please check back here and keep me accountable! If I don't post the outcome please send me a comment. Enjoy the day because every day is a blessing!!!

Insanity Day 13

My Insanity workouts continue to roll along. I can't believe that I'm almost 2 weeks into this program. I am starting to see some progress with some of the moves! There is one move called suicide jumps that I was struggling with. It is on the Fit Test and I was able to do 16 in one minute (not sure if this is good or not). This move has you bend down, jump your feet back into plank position, then jump back into the bent position and then finish by standing and jumping up in the air. You then repeat this series over and over again. When I started, I almost felt like my feet were getting "stuck" on the way back in and it took me a long time to get my feet under me so that I could then stand and jump. This morning I felt like my feet got right under me which allowed me to stand and jump more quickly.

I am continuing to work on my nutrition. One thing I need to do more of in this area is plan. I've made progress in that I have moved most of the junky stuff outside into the car (it is the kid's after-school snack) so that I can't mindlessly grab a bag and munch. There is still more junk in my kitchen and I know that my best course of action is to just go up and throw it all away. I'll be honest that it doesn't feel right to just throw out unused food when it hasn't spoiled but I also know that if it is in the house I WILL eventually eat it! OK fast forward about 10 seconds and I just walked up to my kitchen and threw out a bag of chocolate that was up there. I have been munching on it but I can no longer do that - it is at the bottom of my kitchen trash can. Yes, I moved stuff out of the way and put the bag on the bottom and covered it back up. IT IS GONE!!!

My 2nd Fit Test is Monday and I considered making up Wednesday's missed workout tomorrow but have decided against it. I will instead do my P90X Yoga session. I really credit this workout in particular with helping to get my foot back into a pain free state. Side Note: I noticed today that when I went to massage the heel area of my left foot (the one that had the plantar fasciitis) I didn't have any pain anymore! The foot hasn't been bothering me but there was always just a bit of soreness near my heel when I would massage it. My new shoes have also been a big help but I'm looking forward to doing the Yoga session and really working on the stretching of my entire lower body.

Tonight my son got to use his birthday present - Flyers Tickets. He went to the game with his Daddy and just saw them win over the Dallas Stars. I took him to a minor league game a few weeks back and our team won that one too. My "Little Man" 2 for 2 - way to go "Dude"!

The hour is getting late and I need some sleep! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Nutrition is........and other stuff

Nutrition is my Strength!

I am making this my new mantra. I am going to try and say this to myself numerous times each day because as I posted before: "I am what I think about most!" This weekend was a struggle with my nutrition (anniversary dinner Friday night plus some high fat and carb meals on Sunday). So now I need to get back on track and creating this mantra is my first step. Nutrition is my Strength!

My exercise session have been amazing lately! Saturday was Insanity Plyo Cardio Conditioning and then a really" insane" hike at the park. The snow and the hills made it really hard - even our puppy was tired by the end!! I really wish I had worn my HR monitor because I think it would be interesting to see how it compared to my Insanity workouts. Yes, it felt that hard!!!! Oh and, Nutrition is my Strength! Sunday was a much needed rest day. My hubby and I thought about going on another hike at the park but lying around and relaxing felt really good - I even slept in and I never do that.

Monday brought my next Insanity workout - Cardio Power and Resistance. I had trouble getting motivated first thing in the am but ya know what? I got myself up off the sofa and into my workout clothes. It turned out to be an absolutely AWESOME workout! Nutrition is my Strength!! I worked hard and felt extra satisfied when it was all done. I love having a great workout when you struggle to get motivated. Just knowing that even though you didn't want to do it but you pushed through anyway feels great.

That brings us to today and a Pure Cardio workout. Nutrition is my Strength! I think I was able to push through thsi workout a little bit more than the first time through. It was still a struggle - about 15 minutes of non-stop super high intensity cardio. I was feeling great with the way things went and I was finishing up with a few of my own stretches when something happened. The phone rang and it turns out that the kids were off school and so was I because there was all sorts of ice out on the roads. It's only February 1st and the kids are already been off enough to cause them to have make-up days at the end of the year! In one way it makes me glad that I have started the Insanity program because I would be getting really stressed about missing a lot of running days if that was the only thing I was doing right now. Nutrition is my Strength!

I feel like this post got away from me a bit - I've been all over the board here at the end of the post. Thanks to anyone who reads this and I would love to hear back from you! Have a great day and keep eating clean and exercising hard!!

You are.....

You Are What You Think About Most!

I was reading a book called: "The Power of Attitude" by Mac Anderson and came upon this phrase. It is not a new one to me or to may others but it is powerful and I need to keep reminding myself of it a lot more!

I first head about this concept from David Greenwalt at Leanness Lifestyle but it really is all over. It is the basic idea behind "The Secret" and was talked about by Henry Ford and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. If you are not familiar with this type of thinking here it is in a nut shell - you will attract the things you think about. If you are being positive then you tend to see things in a positive light and get positive results in the end. The opposite is also true, if you are feeling and acting in a negative way then you will tend to get negative results in return.

I have seen this work in some areas of my life and in the lives of others around me. About a year ago, I decided to not get so worked up about things that I don't really have control over. I decided to adopt the line of thinking that things will work out and that it wasn't healthy or worth it to get all stressed out about things. I was going to work hard and do my best but if things don't work out exactly how I expect it.....that isn't necessarily all bad. I've been much more comfortable with the things going on around me! It was a wonderful change!

On the flip side, I know someone that is a negative person most of the time. As a result, when some thing happens in her life she tends to see the negative/bad side of things. Everybody is ALWAYS out to get her and she just doesn't seem happy most of the time. Who wants to live that way?!?!?!?!? Not me! It is a conscious decision that we can all make.

This all brings me back around to my exercise sessions and my nutrition. I have, for a long time, used this type of thinking with my exercise sessions. When I'm running up a big hill I will repeat phrases like: "I am a strong runner", "Beat the hill" or "I am strong and I will get up this hill". I am using this same thinking during my Insanity workouts. Today was Pure Cardio and it was hard (no breaks) but I just tried to keep my thinking positive and it really helped me work through the session. I didn't get down when I HAD to take breaks. I viewed it as the first steps toward a stronger and healthier me. It's all in the attitude!!

Now my nutrition.....I haven't been using this technique. Duh! It really struck me as I was reading the book last night. My common phrase is, "I struggle with the nutrition aspect of my programs" Can we say it again? DUH!!! Of course I've been struggling with the nutrition because I've been telling myself over and over again that I struggle with my nutrition!!! I am making a pledge to myself today that I am changing the way I think about food and my overall nutritional program. I am not perfect and my nutrition won't be either. However, I'm going to do work on keeping a clean diet 80% of the time and I'm going to use the Law of Attraction line of thinking to change my views about food.

We all have choices in life. We can choose to be positive or negative. We can choose to be healthy or sickly. We can choose to use this technique or not. What are your choices and how are they effecting your lifestyle and your happiness? I challenge you to try this way of thinking and see how it changes your life! Are you up for the challenge? I am!!

Insanity and Snow - Related???

Today was my first go at the Cardio Recovery workout and I enjoyed it. The intensity is really dialed down from the other workouts and you spend time doing ab work, stretching/yoga moves and some basic strengthening exercises. I felt pretty relaxed after the session but I sort of felt like I should be doing more......here's where the snow enters the picture.

Lots and lots of snow as a matter of fact! I'm not sure how much we actually got here in DE but it was deep and wet. Translation.....heavy! I tried to get out early so that I could clear off the bottom of the drive and so that my hubby wouldn't drive over the snow and pack it down. The mission was accomplished but it took a great deal of effort. I think I was out there for approximately1.5 hours and that was just working on the cars and the driveway. My wonderfully kind neighbor has a snow thrower and cleared the sidewalks! Anyhow, I now feel like I've had a huge amount of work but I still need to clear out the gutters (in the street) and then hopefully get out to play with the kids.

I think I said in my last post that I was keeping track of my heart rates to see if there was any change over the next couple of months. I've made a chart and hopefully in the next few weeks I'll see some changes and be able to report them. My peak HR this morning was only 138 so you can see how much the intensity drops with this recovery workout (the other sessions were in the 170s to 180s). I also tried to take a resting HR (taken after coming down stairs so it isn't truly a resting HR) and got a reading of 58 bpm. I will periodically test this as well and see how that changes as well.

Have a great day and keep working hard!

Power & Resistance

Day 3 of Insanity is the Cardio Power & Resistance workout. It was an awesome workout and really showed me some of my weak areas. Powerful and explosive movements are not my forte - at least not yet!

The workout is extremely difficult. I even started to get a bit lightheaded at the very end of the session. I took a break through most of the last combo. At first, I was a bit upset with myself but then took a step back and took pride in what I did accomplish. Even the people on the DVD take breaks and stop early and I know this isn't their first time through the workouts. My max HR hit 173 during this workout. I want to keep track of my HRs to see if it changes over the course of the workouts. I plan to use average HRs for just the working sections (not the warm-up or cool-down) but today I forgot to set the lap button so the HR values represent all parts of the workout.

I have also been trying to pay more attention to my nutrition. I am trying to focus on keeping most (if not all) caffeine and sugar out of my diet. If I can do this at least 80% of the time, I think it will make a significant difference in my health and appearance. So far the past few days have been really good. I've had some sugary cravings but I have been able to avoid most of them. I have definitely increased my fruit intake and this has helped with the sugar cravings.

Tomorrow is the recovery workout - I'm really looking forward to it! Have a great day!

Start of Insanity and some Accountability

It has been some time since I've posted here and I think it is about time I started again. I was inspired by my new friend Jessica. I know I need to change my way of thinking about my lifestyle and hopefully this will help me get that ball rolling.

I've been using the Beachbody program P90X since the beginning of June 2010. I was having some foot problems and really needed to cut back my running. My entire workout regimen had be skewed toward running. I was no longer lifting or stretching and I believe this was a large part of my problem (there was also a biomechanical problem). So I purchased the P90X program and it was just what I needed! I got me back into lifting and stretching and even added some Yoga. My body was continuing to make positive changes but I was feeling the need for more of a challenge. Enter Insanity!

Insanity is the most intense workout program I have ever seen. I'm only 2 days into it but I already love it. It starts with a Fit Test where you have 8 different exercises that you do for 1 minute and count how many reps you can complete. You retake the test every 2 weeks to chart your progress. Here are my initial numbers:

Switch Kicks 69
Power Jacks 62
Power Knee 106
Power Jumps 39
Globe Jumps 11
Suicide Jumps 16
Push-up Jacks 23
Low Plank Oblique 60

I'm quite pleased with these numbers and can't wait to watch them increase as I progress through the program.

Today was the first actual workout and it was called Plyometric Cardio Circuit. It was really hard! I wore my HR monitor and my average HR was 168 bpm. It left me huffing and puffing and sweat just pouring off my body. It was hard but I loved every minute of it!

My goals, as of right now, are to lose about 20 pounds and to increase my fitness level to a point where I feel I can successfully complete the Half Wit Half Marathon again and beat my previous time (which I will find and post later).

Thanks for reading and I welcome any and all comments and accountability comments.

I Choose Challenge (Day 7 - 4/25/10)

Today was a really good day! I got up this morning and did my Cardio Coach version 7 session and it was awesome. What a great mix of longer intervals, speed intervals and hill intervals. I TOTALLY soaked the towel I brought for sweat.

I am loving the bike workouts but I am really missing my runs and running buddies. I really think my gym classes are the biggest problem with my foot. I have 3 more weeks of classes and then I will be away from that silly floor for a few months. I REALLY hope that will speed the healing process.

Tomorrow is a lifting day. I'm also thinking that I need to vary my bike rides. I don't know if I want to just keep switching Cardio Coach programs or if I just want to add in some steady rides. The weather isn't looking good for the next couple of days so I think I definitely be on the bike for any cardio. I guess I'll just play it by ear for now. Tomorrow is also my measurement day so I'll be rechecking all my circumferences and such. Hopefully I will be happy with the results!

Been a rough few days!

I woke up Thursday morning (2am) and felt awful. My whole body ached and my stomach was somewhat upset. As a result I have not exercised since Wednesday (which was a great lifting and CV workout) but I have dropped my weight to 153.5. The really bad part is that about a day after I got sick, my hubby got it too!!

I have felt pretty good today so my plan is to do a bike workout tomorrow in the am. I want to do the Cardio Coach version 7 workout. I've started it twice and have run out of time both times. I haven't gotten past the 1st challenge yet.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have more detail to write about.

"I Choose Challenge" - 4/18/10

Today has been a pretty good day! My eating was really good up until dinner (poor planning on my part). The good part is that I didn't allow that to mess up the rest of my evening!!!

I did not get an exercise session in though - my son was up sick (again) a number of times overnight and I just didn't have the energy to get moving first thing this am. We then had a fun and busy day at the Wilmington Blue Rocks game. My son got to run out on the field with the players for the National Anthem and then after the game he got to run around the bases. Our seats were great (right behind the 1st base dugout). The Rocks lost the game but it was a great time!!

Probably the best part was when I ran into my cousin that I haven't seen in 9 1/2 years!!! Yes, I said years - I didn't even recognize her. She was a young girl the last time I saw her. I'm hoping to keep in better contact with her now that I know she is in the area.

Day 2 (4/17/10)

I got up this morning and did my Cardio Coach Version 8 program this morning. It is a good workout! Some of the intervals are much longer than on his other programs - it was a nice change of pace. I really enjoy doing his programs! I also don't know what I would do if I didn't have these programs (because of my foot).

I've done pretty well with my eating today - not perfect but pretty good. I had a number of opportunities where I could have had a lot of junk but I kept things pretty clean. My daughter had a soccer game and my son had a baseball game - both sites had concession stands and I stayed away. I took a look once but walked away.

Tomorrow I need to take some measurements and finish my fruit salad (if I don't do that part tonight). We are also going to a baseball game (my son and his team are getting a chance to run out onto the field with the players) so I will again be tempted with the dreaded concession stand!!!

Other things I want to accomplish in the next few days:

1. Make a vision board.
2. Make some menus (3-4 weeks worth).
3. Go food shopping.
4. Set goals for both my fitness and my running (although I realize this will need to be modified).
5. Write my "Why" - this is always something I really struggle with. I never seem to find that fire/spark that excites me whenever I think about it.

That's a lot to take care of over the next few days! Off to try to work on some of the above and watch my Phillies!

It's Been a Long Time!

I have really fallen off on my Blogging and my journal writing. Truth is, many things have fallen off lately and I'm hoping to rectify that starting now.

About a month ago, I ran in the Lower Potomac River Marathon and tried to qualify for Boston. We (my training partners) trained really hard and had to deal with some pretty crappy weather this past winter. However, I thought I had a chance to reach my goal of 3:50:59. To make a long story short, I didn't make it because I got a stomach but during the race - I thought I was having a problem with the heat but it turned out to be much worse. During the race every muscle from my butt down was cramping. The stomach problems didn't start until after the race was over and I was on my way home. I ended up losing 10 pounds because I didn't eat for 2.5 days (unfortunately I gained it all back).

The other problem I have is that I developed plantar fascitis during the training process. It is not going away very quickly either. At this point, I'm only running 2 to 3 days per week and not going over 5 miles. It has improved but I'm really anxious for it to be all healed. I think I've forgotten what it is like to not have foot pain after my runs.

Hopefully this will be the first of a consistent string of posts. I really need to get back into my groove. I did go out a buy a bunch of fruit today at the farmer's market and plan to cut it all up tomorrow. I love having fresh fruit salad available all the time. Maybe it's the spark I need to get the whole thing rolling again.

The Face of My Beast

This is a picture that I found and decided to use as the Face of My Beast. I've made copies and am going to post them in areas that I might go trolling for food. I will also carry one with me in the car. The whole Devil thing has it's own connotation to it and the huge belly in this picture captures how I feel right now. I know I'm making positive changes but the feelings are still there right now.

I will fight this Beast and I WILL WIN!!

Things continue to go well - 5/26/09

My weight has been steadily dropping because I've been eating right and I've been exercising (both weights and aerobics). I've been loving my Flex 4 lifting workouts. They are short but intense so it is very easy to work it into my schedule.

As I said, my weight has been dropping, I'm down to 152#. The only part that is a little frustrating is the Club Bucks program at LL. I can't remember if I've mentioned them before but you gain points by working the program correctly. It goes into a lot of detail that I won't discuss here but the better the follow the program, the more points you earn. They begin over every Tuesday morning. Well, last week I was the leader in points until Sunday and then all of a sudden there were 2 people ahead of me (tied with each other with about 3 points more than me). Now, I know I did really well but I'm kind of frustrated because I don't know what more I could have done and I'm wondering if there are just weeks when you won't be able to win ( because you aren't reaching a goal at that particular moment).

Nevertheless, I will be working my hardest to be on top of that list!

Today has gone well 5/21/09

I'm very pleased with the way the past couple of days have gone. My eating has been better and I've been doing well with my exercise. I recently purchased the Flex 4 workout series from Muscle Audio and it is really helping with my resistance training sessions - I'm actually doing them! LOL!!

Seriously though, the audio helps keep you on tempo and works with a program at LL called the Muscle Professor (MP). The MP takes your lifting weights and progresses your weights and reps so that you can make steady gains and not just lift the same weights for the same reps for month after month after month.

Today I ran 4 miles and since it only took 35 to 40 minutes I decided to make sure I did another 20 minutes on my bike. It took me until 7:30 this evening to get on my bike but I did it!

On a different note, my "baby" graduates from Kindergarten tomorrow. I use the word graduates because he is actually leaving his current school. For the past 4 years, my son has been going to school where I work. Starting next fall, I will no longer have a child coming with me to school - it is going to be strange!

Off to make my plan for tomorrow.

Here We Go Again!

I am yet again finding that I have been away for a very long time. I've been through a lot of weight gain (getting up to 160#) and illnesses. The last illness was a very strange one - I think it may have been Fifth Disease which manifested itself as an extremely itchy rash and sore and swollen joints.

Thankfully, that has cleared up and my weight is on its way downward. I've learned that when I'm not active on LL, I gain weight very easily. When I'm active on the LL site thinks really tend to fall into place. It is never easy and I'm not sure it ever will be, but things at least make sense. The other nice thing is that school is almost over so I'll have more training time and hopefully I'll be able to get the kids out on some trails and then hit the pool. I'm really looking forward to it - the kids are becoming more independent and I'm hoping this will make this summer a bit more relaxing (especially at the pool).

I'm still, as always, trying to figure out my "WHY". I know part of it is that I just don't feel good where I am right now. However, I've felt this way for quite some time and it has never been a driving force for me. I've read, and listened to Coach David, about how a good strong WHY just drives you to your destination. I makes you find solutions instead of giving in to those bouts of emotional eating and truthfully I would love to have that feeling. I know that no one can give me the answers about my WHY because it is just that - MY why. So as I figure it out, I will post it here. Until then, I will just keep taking things one day at a time.

4/14/09 - Trail running in the rain???

NOPE - we chickened out! However, it did allow me to do something that I haven't done in a very long time. I actually worked out in a gym. My friend took me into her gym as a guest and I completed 1 hour on the elliptical machine. It was hard and boy did I sweat like a pig! I tried lots of different resistances and elevations. I have a feeling my butt is going to be quite sore tomorrow!

It was a lot of fun but I'm hoping to get back out to the trails in the next couple of days. I'm not sure what tomorrow's weather will bring - some reports are calling for rain and some aren't. My friends are running in the morning but if it isn't raining in the afternoon I may try to get out on some different trails on my own. Thursday is supposed to be nice and a group of us are going to try and get out in the early am for about 7 miles (I hope!).

I also got my lifting completed for the day and will do different body parts tomorrow. I was supposed to lift yesterday but I messed up my timing over the course of the day.

Eating has been only OK today. I need to get to the farmer's market and make some more bars so that I have my supply ready and on hand.

Different topic - my daughter has been having trouble seeing the board at school recently. I think she may be nearsighted. I called the eye doctor and he was booked until the end of June! The guy is good and his schedule reflects as much. My son when to him for a different situation a couple of years ago and he is wonderful. Luckily, the receptionist wiggled us in for an appointment tomorrow. The "bad" thing is that the kids are supposed to be spending some time with their grandparents and I sort of feel bad about taking them away. The "good" things are that my parents were going to be in the area tomorrow anyway AND that I get a chance to get her in right away. She reads so much, and loves to do so, that I would hate to having something seriously wrong.

Update more tomorrow!

4/13/09

I had an awesome run this morning!!!

My friend and I ran a new route (for me anyway). There were lots of hills and we covered 7.5 miles in about 1:15. I still have to get my lifting finished but I'm pleased with the way things have gone today. My eating has been good although I need to get some more water.

I have a dentist appointment (along with the kids) tomorrow. The last 2 haven't been great so of course I'm starting to worry about this one. I don't feel like I changed my habits but I went from no cavities for about 12 years to having one and then having a filling messed up. The filling was actually the one I had done the visit before and something didn't take so, in reality, I didn't really have anything "wrong" the last visit but I still had to go back for filling work. Just doesn't sit well with me! The kids don't have any cavities so they are looking forward to the visit. They only know that they get "presents" (toothbrush and stickers) when they go - I hope it stays that way!!!

Off to finish my exercising and get dinner started!

4/11/09

Things worked out pretty well this morning. For the past few days they have been calling for rain on both Friday and Saturday. Yesterday ended up being beautiful for a good portion of the day. I woke up this morning hoping that the rain would hold off long enough to get our run in. I was quite please to find no rain when I got up so my friend and I headed off for our run. We had finished about 4 miles when we felt the first rain drop. We decided we would go for about 6 miles. Unfortunately for us, the last 1.5 miles was finished in a pretty heavy rain and stiff wind. The 6 miles took us about an hour and I am very pleased with the time and the effort!

This run put me at 34 miles for the week. I am thrilled with that effort. I was also able to finish 3 RT sessions. I will take tomorrow off (Easter Sunday) and then run and lift again on Monday. My weight was down to 153 this morning. Saturdays are always a challenge for my eating so my goal today is to avoid the donuts at breakfast and really concentrate on sticking to my plan.

4/10/09

It has been a few days since I've posted but things have been OK - not perfect but I feel like I have been taking more forward steps than backward ones.

I've consistently been getting 2-3 RT sessions in per week. This past week has been wonderful in terms of my running. I've gotten out for some trail runs - which was AWESOME - and logged 28 miles and haven't even done my long run for the week. It has felt so good to get back into the rhythm and to feel normal again.

I am slowly trying to get back into the nutritional rhythm. As I said above, it is happening slowly but I do feel like I can make more positive changes. I want this to become lifestyle and not a struggle. I'll be honest, there are times I really wonder whether that will EVER happen but that is all part of the challenge I guess.

As an update, I'm down to 153.5# and will try to update this stat regularly.

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

4/2/09

7:33 am

I am really encouraged by the way things are going this week. Since Monday, I've been able to get in 2 lifting sessions and 2 runs. In addition, my weight has dropped down 152.5! I'm under no illusion that it is fat weight but I'll take water weight drops as well as fat weight drops at this stage of the game!

I had a good run this morning - made my goal of running at least 5 miles. The weather is even getting a bit warmer so things are GOOD!

When I'm in Action Phase, NOTHING can or will stop me from reaching my goals!!

1:30 pm

I've been struggling with some cravings this afternoon but I've been able to stick to my plan. I've been trying to repeat the above statement any time I feel like I might be slipping. As I stated this morning, I've dropped a number of pounds over the past week which makes this a very dangerous time for me. I usually do really well for a couple of weeks and then I get complacent. This then leads to some extra nibbles here etc. All leading back to the fact that I haven't fully committed to the program.

When I'm in Action Phase, NOTHING can or will stop me from reaching my goals!!

April 1. 2009

No April Fools Jokes here!

I am going to try to type short little bursts here because I find it difficult to sit for long periods and type entries (consistently at least). So, my hope is that I will consistently type entries if they are just short bursts.

7:15 am
I got up this morning at 4 am and was lifting by 4:45 am. It usually takes me a bit to get going enough to lift - I don't seem to have that problem with my running. Anyway, it was a good session (I'm doing the Afterburn program - 1st phase). I found myself quite light-headed at times and even nauseous a couple of times. I'm not sure if I should eat before I lift or not.

That's it for now - off to school.

8:38 pm
Today has been a very good day! Not perfect but that was not my goal. My nutrition was good today (couple extra things) and my mindset was pretty positive for most of the day. I was not able to get in any cardio but I am very pleased with how today progressed. I'm off to make some goals for tomorrow!

It's Been Ages!

I feel as though I've been doing a lot of drifting lately! My nutrition has been hit and miss, my health hasn't been all that great (wasn't able to exercise for about 3 weeks because of illness) and I've just not felt excited about much of anything. Many hours have been spent watching TV instead of doing anything remotely constructive and it is time for that to change!

Yesterday I worked on my new and updated "WHY" and will post it here. I want and need accountability but mostly I need to find the strength inside of me to fully commit to the LL and make it's principles a part of my DAILY living! WARNING: my "WHY" is pretty long but here it is anyway:

Why Now?
I’ve just looked back at my last “WHY”, which was written last July while I was in LLE. It talked about wanting to run a 3:50 marathon and how doing that would be easier at 130-135 than it would at 154 pounds. The funny thing is – I am again about 154 pounds and I’m just as displeased with the weight now as I was then. So the question now becomes, if I’m so displeased with the weight, why am I not dropping the pounds and then maintaining that lower weight? I’m not sure I have an answer to that question and to be honest, writing this “WHY” (each and every time I write one in fact) seems to give me as much trouble as keeping my eating clean.
In many aspects of my life, people have told me that I’m a perfectionist and that I’m a Type A personality. I’ve never considered this to be the case but maybe it is true. “If I can’t be perfect with my eating then I won’t pay any attention to it at all”. The funny thing is, other than making sure I run at 4:45 in the morning I don’t think I view my running the same way I view my food. We’ve discussed this type of thinking during our runs but haven’t really come up with any answers.
In addition to being a perfectionist, I’m also a people pleaser and quite content to stay back in the crowd. I do not like confrontations (I may hurt the other person’s feelings) and I’ve never been the one who stood out - I’ve always been the steady and dependable one content to stay in the background.
I now feel that these 2 factors have had a negative effect on my self-esteem. My self-esteem isn’t so low that I hate myself or anything like that but it has caused me to view myself as something less than “special”.
These feeling need to change – I need to transform my body and my mind. I am living a life that God did not intend for me. I need to become the person that He created me to be – “SPECIAL!”


Bring on the Pain!
I really can’t recall “missing-out” on things. I’ve been a part of many wonderful teams and groups – I’ve always been a great team player. Being a part of those groups gave me some of my fondest memories.
My “pain” starts more in the present. I have recently gone through a “who cares” phase and during this phase I added a good 10-15 pounds. So, there is a great deal of poor self-talk that usually accompanies those types of situations: “Great job…all that hard work last year and you threw it all away!” To go along with the increased weight you also have a clothes issue. Many of my clothes do not fit (although it is, at present, getting better) – every time I try to put them on I’m reminded of what a “failure” I am. These feelings and situations are not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated!
I’ve also come to realize that I usually try and take the easy way out of things and I’m coming to realize that this is a character trait that I do not like and one that needs to change. I was about to write that this is true with my nutrition only but who am I trying to kid? I have not been putting the effort out into my exercise programs either. Resistance training is not easy so I have not been performing it regularly! Keeping my eating according to plan during the afternoon is not easy so I have not been sticking to my plan! The truth is, there are many aspects of my life where these traits hold true – I take the easy way out or the short cut.
Finally, I have determined that I have NEVER fully committed to this program. I have not put the Six Strategies into practice and as a result I have not seen the results that I should have seen. This has also not allowed me to make this a part of my life and has kept it as a “program” or a “diet”.

Who else is impacted?
My family is definitely impacted by my current actions as well as by my future actions. My current actions are forming patterns in my kids. If they see me eating junk, they will do the same. Conversely, if they see me eating healthy, fresh foods in the correct portion sizes, they will follow that example as well.
As I start putting my needs first, they will be affected by that as well. It probably won’t be comfortable and in some cases I’m sure I’ll get resistance. That can not and will not stop me!
I am a preschool teacher and one of my responsibilities is teaching our school’s gym classes. I therefore have an opportunity to influence a rather large number of people. I am a very active person so I already get many comments from my co-workers who are amazed at just how much energy I have. I have tried to be a positive influence on their lives so that they can in turn, take it home to their families. However, I feel that my best opportunity is with the 100 children in our school. Children are sponges, at this age, and it is very important to me that I lead them in the right direction – one that will lead them to a happy, healthy and active lifestyle!

Bring on the Pleasure!
Fully committing to something will be a new experience for me and one that I’m sure will bring me pleasures that I can’t even imagine! I know I will feel better physically and emotionally. In addition, my running will also improve! However, there is something much more important to be gained from this journey – self-respect! I will know that I not only set a goal but that I also made sure that I trusted and loved myself enough to make the best choices that I had available to me. As long as that process is occurring, the weight loss becomes a secondary outcome. I am becoming a better person on the inside which will eventually manifest itself on the outside.


Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Fell off the wagon

Things have been tough lately and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I hate when I start making great forward progress and then sabotage myself. I've lost count of how many times I've done it.

I've been spiralling out of control for the past week or so and am beginning again today. I was really sick this weekend and allowed my eating to go crazy. I've felt very bloated on top of all the achy feelings from the cold. It made for a pretty crappy weekend.

I just wish I could figure out why I do it! If I knew why, I could head it off at the pass. I'm listening to my LL MP3s again and hope to get things back on track. Gotta get off the computer - until next time!

January 25, 2009

Usually when I've not been blogging it is because I haven't been following my plan - not this time! This is especially significant because there has been a fair amount of stress around here the past few days. We found out on Thursday that my husband's truck needs a new engine and it is going to cost a boat load of money! This on top of the already strained finances and it has been a rough go lately.

The good news - I have not allowed it to spiral out of control and into an eating frenzy! I have even dropped my weight down to 154 as of this morning which, I believe, is 2 pounds ahead of schedule. I haven't been perfect but I've been pretty darn good and I've kept up my exercise. I'm finding it difficult to do a lot of lifting (especially intense lifting) because of my neck - the tightness and soreness just isn't going away - so I've improvised. I've been doing my lower body exercises on the Bosu ball. That way I can keep my weights lighter but I'm adding a significant balance element (or lack of balance element). For my upper body I've just been keeping my weights light and my reps higher.

I may not be able to get my measurements done in the morning but I want to get them taken sometime tomorrow. One thought I've been tossing around for the measurements is to take them on Fridays. I don't run on Friday and it might be easier to go that route - something to think about! I have lots of work to get done so I'm signing off!

Honor Yourself!
PWE2

January 20, 2009

It is almost 1 pm and the day has been going great! I got out for a VERY cold run this morning. I had hoped for 6 miles but settled for a little over 5 because it was so cold.



I have also vowed to myself that I will keep to my planned meals perfectly today. I inputted my meal plan last night and printed it out and so far I'm 100% on track. This is something that I'm not sure I've actually ever accomplished here at LL. I tend to make small changes here and small changes there and then if you honestly look back on the day, much of the plan was thrown out the window.



It is now almost 8 pm and I've done well today! I did have to change one meal because I didn't budget my time well this afternoon. The good part was that I exchanged it with a healthy alternative (protein smoothie for protein pancakes). I have one more meal and then I'm done for the day. I'm looking forward to seeing downward movement on the scale in the morning!

Off to plan tomorrow's meals!

Honor yourself.
PWE2

January 19, 2009

No school today because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday! It's nice to be able to get on and feel like I have ample time to scan my favorite blogs and get an entry in!

Yesterday was a really crazy day - I slept a lot! I actually slept until 7 am, which is really late for me but then I fell back asleep and got up at 8:30! I went down and ate breakfast and the kids started playing MarioKart. I didn't want to watch it so I went upstairs to watch something I wanted and wouldn't you know it, I fell back asleep and slept for another hour and a half. That is really NOT like me but since I'm fighting a cold, I just let it happen. I guess my body needed it!

However, today has been different! I woke up at 4 am and met my friends for a run. I was looking forward to the hilly loop we usually do on Mondays. However, some new friends showed up and were up for that course so we ran another one which is about 5.5 miles long with one medium hill. I think we will probably do the hilly course tomorrow. Then I came home and did some light resistance training and ab work on the BOSU ball. I'm afraid to do much heavy "stuff" because of my neck - the spasm is still hanging around and I don't want to make it worse!!!!!!!!

I've been doing OK with my weight loss. I've averaged about 1 pound loss per week which is my goal but I would love to get ahead of the game! I am the reason - I've not always been great on my meal plans. I take full responsibility because I am in control of my choices and my emotions. I eat nutritious food to fuel my body and to keep myself healthy and energetic! Here's to the power of positive self-talk! Today has been good so far and it will soon be time for my next meal which will consist of protein packed pancakes (leftover from yesterday).

My neck is starting to bother me so I'm going to get in the shower and let the hot water loosen up the muscles. Have a great day and stay true to your goals and yourself!

PWE2
Honor Yourself

January 13, 2009 & Jan. 14th

I'm kind of viewing today as a Day 1 of sorts. I really felt like I had a different attitude and in this situation, different is GOOD!



I have done much better with my eating today and I accomplished my workout goal of running 6 miles this morning. I was also able to get in 10 minutes of resistance training. I know it isn't much but it is more than I've done in a while and I'm viewing it as a step in the right direction.

Wednesday:
I started this post yesterday but my hubby turned off the computer so I'm combining these 2 days. Today has not been a great day because I woke up with a bad neck spasm. When I get these there is no way I can exercise (yawning hurts!). I've been taking Advil and I've had on a heat patch all day. I am really hoping that it will subside enough by tomorrow that I'll be able to meet the others for our run.

Neck hurts sitting in the chair so I'm done!

Good and Bad

I fell into the trap again! My eating has not been good since the last post so what do I do? I stay away!! Sure, I've been busy but who isn't - and, at least for me, it's an excuse and a bull-crap one at that. One of my goals for today was to post so here I am.

I took my measurements this morning and they are not good:

Weight: 157.5
BF %: 34.8%
Upper Chest 37.5 in
Chest: 39.75
Rib cage: 35
Waist: 39
Hips: 40
L. Thigh: 22
R. Thigh: 21.5
L. Calf: 14
R. Calf: 14

Just about every measurement went up and this is completely due to poor eating habits. I have continued to run most mornings. My lifting routine needs some work but that too is a work in progress.

Now some good: I came up what I think is a good leverage. I gave my boss my before pics (workout shorts and sports bra) in a sealed envelope and if I don't make my goal (147# by 3/30) she is to post them on our school bulletin board. So far, I'm on target although I know that I could be well ahead of the game if I stayed more strict with my eating. I continue to work at changing my overall eating habits so that it becomes a lifestyle and not a "diet".

More good news: I ran my first race of the year yesterday. It was the Icycle 10 Miler. My initial goal was to run it in 1:20:00 but since I had gained weight (instead of loosing it) I decided to alter my race expectations. I decided that 1:30:00 (9:00/mile) would be a good challenge to shoot for. Most of our training runs were no faster than 9:30 pace so dropping 30 seconds sounded like a good goal. The day was very cold and at times there was a strong wind. The course is also a very hilly course so there was a big challenge to be had. I ran with my friend Helenann and we were able to finish in 1:24:22 which is a pace of 8:17/mile. Needless to say, I am THRILLED with the time!

I'm looking forward to what will come next - I took the day off today (except for teaching my gym classes) but I'm looking forward to my run tomorrow. I think we are shooting for one of our hilly routes which will be a challenge this soon after the race but I know it is what I need. If the group wants to start going a bit faster I'm all for that too!

Until next time!

December 15,2008

The weekend is over which means so are the parties and the parades (well most of the parties). We celebrated our family birthday party for the kids on Saturday and it was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday my husband was driving his stations fire engine in our local parade. The weather for both days was beautiful and a great time was had by all!

This week is my daughters actual birthday, so I need to get stuff for her school party and of course we'll have another small birthday dinner with just us. I still have some Christmas prep to do (baking and presents) this week but things are winding down. Which is a good thing, because I'm feeling quite exhausted right now!

Food this weekend was only OK because of the party. I did get a great run in on Saturday but again was EXHAUSTED Sunday and didn't exercise. Today I'm still feeling run down and I think a big part of it has been my poor eating habits. This summer, when I was eating well during LLE, I had energy galore and really need to get back to that!

I will post my meals later - off to school!

Be Exceptional
Just Be Good For Today
PWE2

December 11, 2008

I'm hoping this link will take you to my food journal at LL. If it works then my time spent typing will be greatly reduced. The day has been going well. I've made a goal of trying to decrease my diet soda intake. I had one with lunch and my goal is to have no more today. There has been a discussion on the LL board about diet soda being a trigger for many people and the last thing I need is to be taking in yet another trigger.

I'm off to make a healthy dessert and then exercise.

Be Exceptional
Honor Yourself
PWE2

Accountability!

I'm taking a page from my friend Melissa and putting this info out as an accountability step. I took my measurements tonight and I will continue to post them each week. If you don't see them PLEASE call me on it!

Here they are:
December 10, 2008
Weight: 156
1 Site Skinfold: 27 mm
% BF: 33.8%
Fat Lbs.: 52.7
LBM: 103.3
Upper chest: 37.5 in.
Chest: 39.5
Rib Cage: 34.5
Waist: 38.75
Hips: 40
L. Thigh: 21.5
R. Thigh: 21
L. Calf: 14.5
R. Calf: 14.25

Those measurements do not make me very happy but now they are out there and I will now begin to reduce them. I have also come up with some weight and running related goals. Here they are:

Jan. 11th: Icicle 10 Miler
Wt. 150.5
Time: 1:19:59 or faster

Mar. 15th Caesar Rodney 1/2 Marathon
Wt. 140.5
Time: 1:48:10 or faster

Apr. 19th Buckley's 10K
Wt. 135.5
Time: 47:19 or faster

May 17th DE 1/2 Marathon
Wt. 135.5
Time: 1:44:50

There it is, some of it is based on previous times I have run these specific races and others are based strictly on a target pace. This is going to be extremely challenging but it is something I will work at with all my ability.

Be Exceptional!
Just be good for today!
PWE2

I've been MIA

From my blog - again!

Life really seems to get me going these days. I feel like I never have enough hours to get everything done (as I'm sure many can relate).

I have tried to buckle down with LL again - the system/site/people are great, it's me that drifts away. I have joined a team to help me get through the holidays. My weight is higher that it has been in a long time but I've already been able to drop a couple pounds.

I'm hoping to be able to post here more - if anyone has ideas about stretching time I'm all ears!!!(LOL)

PWE2 - Day 3

Day 3 is in the books. I am proud that I was able to ride my bike for 30 minutes with my Cardio Coach workout. I wasn't sure my butt would last that long but it and I did well. I was sweating like a pig and it felt great!

I'm a work in progress with my eating but I'll continue to work on it every day!

Off to watch a movie because I'm tired of politics!!!

PWE2 - Day 2

I dropped a pretty fair amount of water weight yesterday. The scale read 146 this morning. I followed through on my plan for lifting this morning although my neck/back muscle spasm thing is trying to spoil my plans. I did avoid my bent-over rows but other than that things went well.

I road my bike, on the trainer, for 10 minutes. I know 10 minutes isn't much but I'm doing it more to get my butt used to the seat. There is a huge difference between my road bike and my hybrid bike. Everything is totally different between the 2 bikes and I'm trying to ease my way into everything. When I got on the bike yesterday, I felt like I was going to go head-over-heels over the handle bars because the angle is MUCH steeper than I'm used to.

I'm trying to keep myself positive about my eating. Today has not been perfect but I'm taking forward steps. I've done well with my water intake which will be key for me! I think I'm going to have to ask my dh and my kids to hide the candy. It is pretty clear to me that I will not be able to keep away from it. I'm not going to kick myself for a piece here and there but I know stopping at just one piece is VERY difficult for me.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a 5.5 mile hill run. I hope the rain stays away so that I can get it in. I'm not sure I can stay on the bike long enough to get a sufficient workout.

I'm off to plan for tomorrow!

I Choose!

I choose how I act!

I choose how I eat!

I choose how I react!

I choose to make positive changes in my life!

My kids are big High School Musical fans. So, as a result, I have heard all the songs and seen all the movies many times. I can hear you now: "What in the world does High School Musical have to do with the opening statements?"

More than you might think!

If you aren't familiar with the High School Musical trilogy, the characters are juniors and seniors in high school and they deal with all the "normal" high school pressures (OK, Hollywood's version of "normal high school pressures"). But, the part I take away from the stories is that they end up doing the things they love and the things they have a passion for - even when doing so causes them grief with their friends.

Again, you're asking "Why is she telling me this?" Here it is - they chose what was right for them and so am I! I like being healthy, I like exercising, I like the way good and healthy food makes my body work and feel. So I am choosing to make those things a priority even if it cause me problems in other areas of my life.

The kids in the movies were dealing with peer pressure, which is a huge problem for many people. My pressure comes from within - THE BEAST. For me THE BEAST is a voice inside that tries to draw me toward things that I know are not in my best interests. In the past, I have chosen to listen to this voice. I have chosen to eat the candy. I have chosen to eat the fast food, I have chosen to not do my lifting workouts. I am now choosing to not listen to THE BEAST!

I am starting today - I chose to get up early to run this morning but I was only going to do a little bit. S, I got dressed and went out to set up my Garmin but when I turned it on the charge was gone (I guess I forgot to turn it off yesterday) and since I was running alone, I thought about just skipping the run - I sometimes struggle to get out the door when I run by myself. I chose to take that positive step and walk out the door. While running, I thought 3 laps around the neighborhood would be good. But, I realized that THE BEAST was talking again and I needed to shut him up here and now! I did 4 laps which gave me 5 miles for the workout.

After my shower, it was time to deal with breakfast. Now, the candy abounds in my house right now and my dh was getting doughnuts for breakfast. I chose to have a healthy and balanced breakfast of an egg white sandwich.

These examples may not sound like much but I'm going to put many of these small steps together and end up with huge strides! Even the Sermon at church rung true with me this morning. Father Bob made the statement: "We are all broken sinners and on our worst day we choose the things that make us comfortable." That is exactly what I've been doing with myself. Change is uncomfortable and instead of putting myself in uncomfortable situations I've chosen to give into THE BEAST.

So, this brings me to my:

PWE2 Challenge

For those that don't know, PWE2 ( the 2 means squared) stands for: "Pursue a Worthy Endeavor - Persist Without Exception" and was thought up by David Greenwalt, creator of The Leanness Lifestyle. My worthy endeavor is ME! As of today, I weigh 149.5 pounds and have a body fat of 32.7% (as per a 1 site measurement). I also took circumference measurements which I will post later. So, over the next 6 weeks (Nov. 2 - Dec. 13) I plan on losing 10 pounds of ugly and unwanted fat. Will this be uncomfortable? YOU BET! Am I up for the challenge? YOU BET! I am also going to attempt to make regular updates here so feel free to send a butt-kick or an ata-girl if you get a chance.

Remember, you have the power to choose what path you take. Make it a good one!

Halloween is over!

YEAH!


Being a preschool teacher makes Halloween a very stressful time. Many of the 2 and 3 year old kids don't deal well with all the hub-bub and it creates a lot of stress at school. My kids deal well with Halloween - unfortunately(LOL)!



My kids went out and came back with an unbelievable amount of candy! Now I have to deal with trying to stay away from it. Before I get any further into this entry I want to add pics of my kids in their costume:

My daughter's nose actually made a roaring noise when you pushed the nose. My son wasn't so sure about the shoulder pads at first but once he got them on, he thought he was the coolest thing around!

I'm still struggling with my eating, it's very hard to get back on track once you've jumped off the wagon. Now with the candy in the house, it is all that much harder. I have been slowly adding miles back into my week and next week we will be running 3 days during the week and on the weekend. I'm also planning on getting back into my lifting routine this week. My goal is to lift twice a week an if I can get the third day in I'll be thrilled. It has just been difficult finding the time in the afternoon to get the session in on Wednesdays.

I'm still struggling with my family and church but regardless of how it works out, I know it is out of my hands. It is also a situation that probably won't be resolved any time soon. I'll just keep praying and asking them to come.

I'm Feeling Out-of-Control.....

....in many aspects of my life!

First, with my eating. Ever since my marathon, and maybe even a touch before, I have been absolutely awful with my eating! I've been eating things that I haven't touched in months and I'm just shoveling it in left and right. Every morning I wake up and tell myself that I'm going to have a clean day and by lunch it's already off track. I don't know how to get myself off this "treadmill" that I'm on but I know that I need to do something about it SOON!

Next, every Sunday I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle with my family about going to church. My husband believes in God but does not attend church except on special occasions. I ask him to church but he will only "humor" me on days like Christmas and Easter. I also "fight" with my kids each week. My main wish, is that my family could attend services each week together and that we would all want to be there.

This weekend, that wish was seriously shaken. I asked my kids if they would go to church with me and they both said no and it hit me. I had honestly given up hope that my "dream" would ever come true. I keep telling myself that "all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me" but right now, with this situation, I'm not sure I believe it. Let me tell you, it is a bad place to be. I was in tears most of Sunday morning. I cried on the way to church and even during the service. I had no control over it and I just had this feeling that I couldn't shake. It is a work in progress!

Tomorrow it begins again

I have given myself a week to rest but tomorrow I am starting back up again. I have developed a bit of a cold so I want to take it easy but I WILL be exercising tomorrow. I will do an easy lifting session tomorrow and then an easy run on Tuesday. After that, I will see how I feel and hopefully keep on going.

I am also making a commitment to clean up my eating again. I have not been doing very well in that department and it is very important so tomorrow starts a new program for both my exercising and my nutrition!

Steamtown Marathon

Boy has it been a long time since I've put in an entry!

Well, I ran in the Steamtown Marathon last weekend and I didn't reach my goal of running a 3:50 marathon time. However, because of all the difficulty I had I'm pleased with my effort. I finished in a time of 4:32:59, which is about the same time I ran the MCM last year. The difference? I had to walk the last 5 miles of Steamtown.

I was running with my friends Helenann (who finished in about 4:05) and Cathy (who finished in about 4:12) and we were doing very well. The weather was beautiful and we felt great! Our time was right about where it needed to be through mile 18. I did have to stop for the bathroom twice in those first 18 miles which was not expected - I think I'm going to have to change my long run fuel source.

Like I said, at mile 18 we had to cross a chip timer and I was 4 minutes over my desired pace but feeling OK. I actually thought I just might be able to make up that time or at least come close. Then the wheels started to come off, so to speak. Somewhere between miles 20 and 21 I felt like my legs might want to cramp so I stopped for a second to do a little stretch. Of course, when I stretched my quad, my hamstring cramped - go figure! The cramps weren't too bad though and I got right back into the race. Then, shortly after passing mile 21 I turned a corner and got a VERY sharp pain in my right knee. The pain was enough to make me stop and walk a little. I thought that if I walked just a bit, maybe I could shake it off and still finish near the 4:00 mark - I would have been absolutely thrilled with that time. Unfortunately, I was not able to do much more running. I was completely unable to run any of the uphills, I could run a few steps on the flats but then the pain would really shut me down again and I could do some shuffling on the downhills.

I have to admit that quitting crossed my mind for about a millisecond but I told myself that it was not an option. I had put too many training hours in and Coach Mary (at LL) had helped me too much for me to not honor this commitment. I even put on my shirt PWE2 to help me remember what I was doing this for. I kept telling myself to stick with it and I would be a success - honoring commitments and keeping self-promises is the important part, not the time it takes you to cross the finish line. I will have other opportunities to run 3:50 marathons and that will be an awesome accomplishment. However, this one may actually mean more to me because I didn't give up even when parts of me really wanted to.

Anyway, I decided that I would walk until I reached the last downhill to the finish line. At that point I really wanted to run that last downhill. I was able to accomplish this and the rest is history as they say. I've taken this week off but want to get back into some easy runs this upcoming week. I've also let my nutrition slip a bit the past week and need to get back into that groove as well. I think I'm experiencing some of the depression (for lack of a better title) that I've read some people experience after a big event like this. Most of it has manifested itself in my inability to eat right this week. I just want to eat fatty, junky stuff and am having a really tough time getting the ship righted. I will do it though!

Remember, the journey is the important part and not how long it takes you to get there! Oh, and the Steamtown Marathon is a great marathon to run. If anyone reads this and is considering doing a marathon, I would highly recommend this one. It isn't easy but the scenery is breath-taking (leaves were in full color) and the race itself is well run and well supported!

PWE2

Finally a LLE Update 8/12/08

WOW I can't believe so much time has gone by since my last post! LLE has really been keeping me busy but I am SO enjoying every minute. The program includes reading, listening to audio, watching videos and even quizzes!

The shoes pictured are my new Adidas Supernovas. I got them through the mi Adidas program that Bill gave me as a Christmas present. You have to actually go to their store and have the shoes custom fit to your feet and then you get to create the design. And you create the ENTIRE design from the stitching color to the base shoe color. It was an awesome experience and I highly recommend doing it at least once. There are all sorts of shoes you can pick - basketball, tennis and soccer are the ones I know for sure (other than running of course).

My training is going well. I need to update my miles on the side bar but I've been not only hitting my mileage but also feeling great doing it. Through my work with Coach Mary, in LLE, I've come up with a mantra that is all so true: "I Run As I Eat!" I've always known it to be true but I've never really followed through with it. Since starting LLE I can see the difference. I see it in the fat that I've lost and in my ability to run fast, run long and run hard but smooth on the hills. I am actually pulling away from most of my running group when we go up hills. In fact, the other day we got caught in a thunderstorm and the last bit of our run was up a steep hill. The comment I heard when we were finished was that I "broke them" on the run. I just wanted to get out of the storm so I kind of felt bad but when I look back, I'm proud of the way I was able to maintain my form, power and speed up that hill especially since I significantly picked up the pace over the last 3-4 miles of the run (it was about 12 miles total).

Anyway, I hope to update a bit more often. Oh, I forgot to mention - my shoes are my leverage for the challenge. I will not be wearing them until I reach my goal weight!

New Addidas Shoes

A detailed explaination will follow shortly - off to play some tennis with the kids!

Day 2 of LLE

Things have gone very well today! I got in a good run this morning - interval training. I really feel like my running has been getting stronger. My trail run yesterday felt great and everyone else kept saying how it was such a quick pace - didn't feel that fast to me. Then today, I felt really strong while running the intervals. The woman I run them with was really struggling - she may have been having a bad day but that doesn't negate the fact that I felt strong.

I've also been able to drop my weight to 149.5. That means I'm 1 pound away from hitting my $60 leverage!

As for my assignments for LLE: I'm rereading the nutrient chapter in The Leanness Lifestyle. It is interesting to read again. Not because it is new information - I know the info - I'm just now seeing the info differently. It was a number of years ago that I read it the first time and a lot has happened since then. Last year during one of my adult Sunday school classes, we talked about how things can appear differently because of the "lenses" that we view the world through. Everyone has been through different experiences which color how you view the world. That is what I feel like right now. I'm seeing the information in the book and on the site differently because of where I'm at now in my life. It's a really cool feeling - everything is feeling new again!

That's all for tonight - tomorrow is a lifting day. Oh, and I'm going out with some out-of-state friends tomorrow for dinner. I will be having salmon and steamed veggies. No other eating allowed!

The Day Is Here!

Today was my first day in LLE. Not much new and exciting happened. The first couple of weeks deals mostly with getting better acquainted with the Club. I feel pretty confident there so I'm just going to continue to clear my To Do List and trying to better myself.

I've had a huge calorie expenditure day and must admit that I gave in to some poor thinking and some poor eating. The food itself wasn't "bad" but my meals weren't according to my plan. It was more carbs than I should have consumed. I made some good choices though. My lunch was eaten in a restaurant but was very healthy and when we went out tonight, the family had some ice cream but I stayed away. Overall, I'm OK with the day. I have a lot of room for improvement but that is ultimately what this is all about - improving each day in thoughts and deeds.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

Tomorrow I start my LLE 1.0 program! I have been chomping at the bit for the past week. I'm really excited to start this journey. I don't really know what to expect but I'm really looking forward to jumping in with both feet.

I've also started reading a very good book. It is called What To Say When You Talk to Your Self by Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. It deals with using positive selt-talk. It is a step beyond positive thinking. The basic idea is that not only do you need to eliminate the negative behaviors and attitudes but because that then leaves a void you need to make sure you fill it with positive self-talk, behavior and attitudes. That is very simplified so I would highly recommend the book to all. It has already made me aware of many things that I was doing that I now know need to stop.

Things have been going really well the past week. My exercise has stayed steady and my whole mindset about my nutrition is different. There have been time, during the past week, where I've heard myself saying: "You have a few days before LLE starts, go ahead and have some junk!" That, my friends, is the feast beast talking!! Normally, I would have given in to that voice but not this week - I've actually kept that beast under wraps and have reduced my weight to 150 (started at 154).

I will update what my first day is like tomorrow.

I'm Taking a VERY Important Step!

I've been a part of Club Lifestyle for a number of years now and I truly believe it is the best and most comprehensive program out there, for the transformationist - hands down! Within the Club, Coach has some pretty intense programs that you can participate in and get extra, specialized attention. You can participate in a Bootcamp or become an Elite member. These 2 programs have been a dream of mine but to be completely honest, I couldn't afford them. I know that they are worth every penny that Coach charges and that if you compared the services and expertise that you got it is actually a "steal". However, the costs were simply outside of our family budget.

Now for the AWESOME news. Coach has created a program called Leanness Lifestyle Evolution (LLE 1.0) and I have officially signed up. I'm not going to be working with Coach Dave but we have a number of other absolutely wonderful coaches in the Club. I am so excited to be getting the chance to learn about all the missing pieces and to be pushed to my absolute best. I've had some interesting conversations with Coach Dave over the past couple of days. It can be a touch grating at times but I really do love the way he just lays it out there and doesn't worry about "hurting your feelings" - don't get me wrong, he isn't hurtful, he just puts out an objective opinion. That can be really hard to hear but so very important.

I've actually been doing pretty well this week. I believe I started at 155# on Sunday and I'm now down to 151.5#. Must of this early weight loss is fluid and I know that but I was struggling so much for so long that it's just nice to see the numbers moving in the right direction. I think the better eating and the resistance training is paying off. Today's trail run (very hilly) felt really pretty easy. I led the group most of the 7 miles but did slow down a bit to back track to some of the other runners that were struggling on a particularly tough hill. I even had a couple of runners today mention how great I did. I don't need the praise but it is nice to hear.

Tomorrow's workout will be interval training. I'm very interested to see how that goes. I'm really looking forward to fast times and strong running as my nutrition improves and my training progresses. I honestly feel that with everything I'm going to learn in my class, the weight I'm going to lose and the training (and better nutrition) I'm going to put in - I WILL qualify for Boston on October 12th at the Steamtown Marathon!

I Have Taken Action!

It is time to get this extra weight off! My first step was to come up with a leverage - something that I give to someone else to "hold". If I make my goal then I get it back and if I don't make my goal then I lose it. I'm not usually very good at coming up with effective leverages but I've chosen cash. I have given my husband $60 to hold as my leverage. That amount my not seem like a lot but it is 30% of my monthly spending money so it will be a substantial hit to me if I lose it. My goal is to lose 6 pounds by July 31st.

When I reach this goal I will then set a weight lose goal for August and add another $60 to the pot. Yes, that's right! In August, if I do not make my goal I will lose $120! I am determined to get my weight down for Steamtown and for my health!

I've also come up with a mantra for myself: Better lifestyle; Better life! I know that it is time to view this whole process differently. I feel like I'm still working on this like it is a "diet" - something I'm going to do for a set period of time and then stop. I need to change that point of view and consider this a lifestyle!

Today I ran 5 miles, at a nice quick pace (8:24 m/m) and then started the Afterburn lifting program. The Afterburn program is very challenging and I think it will really help my running as well! I started with 2 sets of the exercises and my whole body was pretty shaky when I was finished. In addition, I can already feel that I'm going to be a touch sore tomorrow - I Love That Feeling after a good lifting session!

I'm very pleased with the way today has gone. My husband and I went to some outlets today (actually got some Christmas presents bought) which meant that lunch was eaten out. I had a nice salad with some chicken and some Asian-sesame dressing. Dinner was here at home and I did well with controlling any "trolling". I am excited to see if I have a weight drop in the morning. I also took the step today of taking some body measurements. Both circumferences and a 1 site skinfold. I will take these measurements on a regular basis to make sure my efforts are progressing me forward.

Day 1 is over and it has been very successful!

Commitment and other ramblings

Let me start by saying that some of this may ramble and go off in who-knows-what direction so please bear with me.

What is Commitment?

1. To be responsible for.
2. To entrust; consign.
3. To place officially in custody, a confinement.
4. To pledge or obligate (oneself). This is the definition I am concerned with!

I have come to realize that commitment is something I have trouble with. That is......commitment to myself!

I recently listened to an interview with Curt King on the LL Blog Site. It really seemed to describe what I've been going through and I highly recommend you listen to it. He has made an amazing transformation and is reaping the benefits of all his hard work. It is where I want to be!

My goals are to run a 3:50 marathon at Steamtown (this would qualify me for Boston) and to weigh 135# while doing it. I am currently 155# and I honestly don't feel like I will be able to accomplish my race goal at my current weight. Yet, I can't seem to avoid eating those crappy carbs.

I'm running 30-35 miles per week and trying to do resistance training 2-3 times per week. And yet my weight continues to rise. There is a saying at Club Lifestyle: "You can not out run what you can potentially eat." I am living proof of that statement!

I have gotten myself to a weight that is uncomfortable. I feel bloated and my clothes don't fit. You would think all these factors together would be enough to get me back in the groove. However, that hasn't happened yet. This led me to the conclusion that I just have trouble making and keeping a commitment to myself. Is that nuts or what?!

I'll be honest - I don't have a solution to my problem and I feel like I'm in a very dangerous place. I'm standing on the proverbial fence. One side has me back on track - exercising hard and eating correctly. The other side has me saying "Who gives a f#@* - this is too dang hard and it isn't worth it!"

The other thing I don't understand is the fact that I honestly feel that fitness is a passion for me. But, if it is such a passion, why do I have trouble putting all the different aspects together? I truly want to get to a point where I view food as a fuel, which would allow me to say no when food is offered and it's not the correct time or food.

I don't have a great end for this post. I would love to be able to say that writing this has made things crystal clear and I now know what road I will take and how I'm going to get there. Unfortunately, I can't. I know what side of the fence I want to be on - I just don't know how to get there. Or, maybe I'm afraid to go there. Not sure why I'd be afraid of being healthier and looking better but on some level I'm sure it's there.

I don't know how many people actually read this blog but I would love to hear your comments. I also sincerely hope that this post could, in some way, help at least 1 person out there. It is worth it to strive for your best. It is hard but I have to believe that I will come out a better person physically, mentally and spiritually if I honor myself by committing to not only myself but also to a proven program. Leanness Lifestyle is that program! It's not easy but if you commit to it 100% it will take you farther than you could ever dream.

I'm going to take that first step right now - anybody want to join me?

Cool Video

I found this video on You Tube and thought some of the exercises were really cool. I want to try the hamstring curl exercise he does on the plates!

First camera pictures

Here are the first 3 pictures. The first one is my son Will, the second one is of my daughter Ally & the last one is of me (my son took a picture just as I started to speak - hence the squinty eyes & funny smile) & my first baby Boomer.

Have a great day!

Birthday Pictures

Here is a picture of the camera that I got for my birthday! It is awesome and I love it! I will post the first couple of pictures that we took with the camera.

I've been doing much better with my nutrition and fitness programs over the past couple of days. It isn't much but I was able to drop 1/2 a pound. I'm also going to try a little visual incentive program with myself. I'm going to put a sticker on the calendar every time I have a successful day. Note, that it doesn't have to be a "perfect" day - I'm trying to get out of my all-or-none mentality and move toward a lifestyle.

Today's run was difficult because of the humidity. We have been in a pretty bad heat wave over the past week or so. It was nice for the kids swim lessons though - the hot temps and heated up the pool water nicely so that it is refreshing but not freezing! Speaking of swim lessons, the kids did well yesterday. Will struggled a touch because of his lack of confidence and I was actually nervous that they might try to move him down a group but he made it through yesterday and then we worked on some things when we stayed afterwards. He seems to be gaining confidence so I'm happy. Ally is her normal fish self and did great!

Off to get some work done before swim lessons!

The Day Has Come!

I'm officially 40!

It has been a really fun day. Early this morning, the kids and I loaded the dog in the car and went to the park. There is a pond there where you can let the dog off the leash and let him run and swim. My dog is 11 years old so he isn't as spry as he used to be. However, he did get in the water and retrieve some sticks (he's a choc. lab btw) and ran around with an obviously much younger dog. We all then did a little bit of walking on the trails and then came home.

In the afternoon, some of the kids friends came over and we ended up playing hide-n-go-seek and then we got the bubble machine out and chased bubbles. The whole afternoon was just a blast!

Then my hubby took us out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I ate way too much but it was delicious! After dinner they gave me my totally fabulous present - I got a digital camera! I will post more about the camera in my next post. I'm still trying to figure it all out and the battery is charging. I can't wait to take my first picture!

Gotta run!

Not so good lately!

Talking about my food intake - I am making poor food choices AND eating way too much of it! The worst part (to me) is that as I make those poor choices, I'm conscious of what I'm doing and pretty much say f*** it and go ahead with an action that I KNOW I should stop dead in it's tracks. An action that I KNOW will make me feel worse afterwards. How utterly messed up is that?

On a positive note, my exercising has been going well. I've done 3 lifting sessions this week and have had some pretty good runs. However, I must keep reminding myself of something that Coach Dave says:

You can not outrun poor nutrition choices!

It is so true! I could run and lift for hours and hours every week (OK, I already do) and if I continue to eat crappy food and make crappy choices - I will continue to gain weight and not lose it, no matter how much I'm exercising!!!!!!

A friend from LL is having a "Junkless June" competition with 25 of her relatives. Each person writes down 3 thing that they feel will be difficult to live without for the next 30 days and then everyone much avoid every item on the list. Every "cheat" costs you $5 and if you drop out you owe $20. I thought this was a great idea and asked my parents if they wanted to join me in a similar competition. I will also ask my dh but I have a feeling he is going to say no - but it can't hurt to ask.

Off to do some chores around the house - until next time!