Inspiring

On Sunday I went out to support my Sister In Law with her first Marathon.  I had thought about trying to walk / run the half but could never get any supporters so that went by the wayside.  As it got closer I was glad it did.  This was her event and it should be about her.  And when my first half comes around I don't want to half-ass it. 

We went up Friday to pick up her packet in what was a let down of an expo.  But it was still kind of cool to see Newport.  Sunday morning came around and I left the house at 4:45am to first get Megan and then pickup our Mother In Law.  We drove, and drove, and drove and were finally pulling into second beach in Middletown RI around 6:30am.  The sun was rising over the crashing waves creating an absolutely breathtaking red sunrise.  I think at that point there were tears in all of our eyes. 

Thankfully a nice lady told us we were in the wrong parking lot and we made our way up to the proper lot.  We got out into the windy cold weather and made our way to the buses. Once we loaded up we were seated next to two guys who had run Hartford the day before (of course sporting their shirts -- throughout the day we'd see lots like that). 


We pulled up to the start and milled around for a bit. Meg got her number pinned on, her belts adjusted, etc.  Finally they blew up the starting arch.  We made our way over and left Meg at the start.  Sharon and I walked up the pathway and found a great spot overlooking the race course and the beach.  I may have taken a few pictures.  The race began and I just started taking pictures.  We never saw Megan, though I later found her in my pics (once zoomed in and asking her for her approximate location). 

Once the pack passed us we walked, and walked and walked and found a nice spot around Mile 10.  We watched a ton of racers go by.  Meg had texted me when she was at Mile 7 so we knew approximately when she'd be coming by.  She handed off her extra shirt and continued on. 

Then we walked a bit more to meet up with my brother in law and nephew and Meg's brother, his finace and their daughter.  We all walked down to the finish since there was no easy way to get to the back half of the course. 

When Megan finished we were all so happy for her and proud of her.  It was just and awesome accomplishment.

I will say watching all the runners in their half marathon bib's made me jealous.  Seeing them I knew I could do it.  I knew I would do it. Now it's just time for training and next year will be my year.

Over the course of the day Sharon and I walked over 7 miles and were on our feet for over 6 hours.

The Newport Marathon was a beautiful course.  The back half was rough from what everyone said.  I also think from a spectator perspective and a cheering group perspective it would have been nice if we could have gotten anywhere on that half to support our runners, but it was impossible.

Overall I could not be happier I went to watch that!

I went MIA

Summer Happened... Now it's time to get back on track...

I've got about a 4 day a week Jazzercise habit, sometimes 5 and generally a 2 day a week running habit, whether it be a short 1.5 mile loop or sometimes longer.  I miss Jazzercising more but with Nate in Kindergarten and bus drop offs it's hard to make it more. 

I ran my first 5K in July and LOVED it.  I plan to run another one on October 30th (if the weather is good -- there's a kid's fun run so I don't want to drag Nate in cruddy weather), if not that one then one on the 17th of November and maybe on in December. 

My sister in law has her Marathon this weekend in Newport.  I will be playing the part of Marathon photographer and taxi driver.  I cannot wait.

I've become slightly obsessed with some running blogs and I plan to train for the half marathon next year.  First item on the list is to run a 5k without stopping and walking.  I can do a mile, sometimes, but I need to get more consistent.  With the help of my lovely pregnant friend Jen's garmin I'm working on pacing.  I still suck at it. 

My weight has stayed the approximately the same, hanging in the high 80's / low 90's since July.  I'm 100% sure if I only tracked my food I would be able to take off some more, but I'm also quite content that I've found a groove to maintain. 

That's all I have to report at the moment, but I'm hoping to get back in action.

Weekly Weigh In

197.2... Down 1.6.  Lovin' It! 

Total: Down 59.2... come on 1 more pound till we're in the 60's!

A Hard Week...

I'm having a hard time making that scale move...and I'm not sure the next few weeks will be any better.

Tomorrow is weigh in day and I'm expecting I'll likely break even.  While I've been pretty much on on my eating I've gone out for cocktails with friends for family almost every night so I suppose that is the reason why. 

These next few weeks I have semi-major events every week so I'm not sure what kind of progress I'll make.  I guess the key is just to keep even or down.

Here's the schedule:

This weekend: 4th of July BBQ at my In-Laws
July 7th & 8th: Work Dinner and Work Picnic
July 14th - 17th: Michigan with my family for my cousin's wedding
July 24th: Our Anniversary
August 1st - 6th: Vacation with Matt's family
August 20th: Jack's 2nd Birthday Party

It's downright nutty!  While I do my best to make good eating decisions I also think it's the cocktails that effect it as well... as long as I can keep looking ahead I can maintain and hopefully loose a little.

Plan of attack... maybe tuesday's is more my thing!

Weekly Eats
M - Turkey Black Bean Enchilada's (left overs) (SkinnyTaste.com)
T - Swedish Meatballs & Whole Wheat Noodles (SkinnyTaste.com)
W - Pizza at a friends house and I'll likely bring a nice salad to counteract the bad!
T - Chicken & Mushrooms with a Garlic Wine Sauce with Cauliflower Puree (SkinnyTaste.com)
F - Maple Glazed Pork & Sweet Potatoes (EatingWell.com) - never got to eat them last week

Keeping Moving
I should hit Jazzercise every day this week I think!

I did 2 miles yesterday.  I borrowed my Sister-in-Law's Woman's Running book and started following the beginner plan.  First goal is to be able to run 4 minutes on and off for a 14 minute stretch. It says I should be able to do that within the week so that's my goal.  

Weekly Weigh In

In the hundreds?!?!?!??!?!

I hit 199.2 on Tuesday but wasn't sure it would last till the Friday weigh in with all we had going on.

This morning I was 198.8 and I'll take it.  I have never been so happy to see that number flip!!!!!

I think my weight loss goals work really nicely because at about every 5lbs I have something to look forward to, either an even number for a total (40lbs, 50lbs, almost 60lbs) and I have the breaking of another digit (210, 200, 190, etc.).

I went for my physical last week and the doctor said my ideal weight is 169lbs.  To me that seems low for me.  I'm a comfortable 12 right now.  A 10 or an 8 would be fantastic, but anything lower than that seems too small. Right now I'm shooting for the 180's.  I'd like enough of a buffer zone from the 200's that I can not have to focus as much and where I can on have to work out 4 - 5 days a week.  That's not saying that I will, but it would be nice.

Plan of Attack... a day late...

How did it get to be Tuesday already???

Weekly Eats
M - Cajun Chicken Pasta (EatingWell.com)
T - Turkey Zucchini Burgers w/ Oven Fries (SkinnyTaste.com) - ended up with Salad instead of fries since my potatoes were a bit outdated.
W - If the T-Ball game actually happens we'll have Subway, if we're rained out we'll have Maple Glazed Pork & Sweet Potatoes (EatingWell.com)
T - Pizza & Salad - Nate's Preschool Graduation is at 6:15 so we need to eat QUICK
F - Turkey Black Bean Enchilada's (SkinnyTaste.com)

Keeping Moving
Jazzercise is planned for everyday except Wednesday.  Sunday we have a demo at the town's Tag Sale on the Green so I get an extra day of Jazzercise in.  After Jazzercise we're heading to the Traveler's Championship (PGA) so that should also have a lot of bonus walking!

I did a quick 1.2 mile run / walk / jog today (Tuesday as well).  Tomorrow I plan to do the 3.2 mile route, as well as potentially Friday and likely Sunday morning.

A little before and current action...

A message board I belong to recently talked about before and after pictures and one of the ladies corrected it to before and current... makes complete sense.

Here I am in November of 2010 on a nice sweaty day at River Ranch in Lake Wales Florida. My 10 year old nice got a hold of my Canon and took a great picture...

Here I am today after tossing the camera in my husband's hands. 

At least 54lbs down at this point, possibly more (especially after all the beer drinking while there).

Running...Running...Running

Friday and Yesterday were literally spent running around like a chicken with my head cut off...and today I ran and totally improved my last 5k time.

Friday and Saturday mornings I Jazzercised.  Saturday morning Lisa did a circuit class, where you mix weights in with the cardio, which was great since I had to book it after 45 minutes to get home and ready for Nate's T-Ball game.

This morning I did my 3.2 mile loop in 36:36.  This was a huge improvement over my 40:48 time last time. I went from a 12:48 mile to an 11:24 mile.  Now lets see if I can get another run in this week!

A Loss is a Loss

It's my lowest loss ever over the last 14 weeks, but it's not a gain and I've realized my mistakes. 

I'm down 0.6lbs to 202.6.  Not great by any means, but not a gain.

This week will be better.

Pre-Weigh in Stressing...

I'm anticipating that tomorrow's weigh in will not be good.  This weekend I was not good with my eating, I didn't exercise at all on Sunday.  Then Tuesday night Matt made Risotto.  It was awesome, but I didn't need the extra helping. 

Wednesday I got back in focus.  I had a nice run (2.3 miles in 25 minutes), I ate right (despite being busy). 

Today I did great as well. I Jazzercised at 6am.  Ate right all day and even got a quick 1.2 mile run in tonight.  I also walked around IKEA 4 times trying to find the darn black mousepads for the office (everyone kept sending me somewhere else)... that has to count for something (especially given the blisters on my feet from high heels -- not to self: high heels and IKEA don't mix). 

Regardless of the number tomorrow it was a good sign that I still have a ways to go and while over indulging for one day is ok, 4 days of it is not so much.

Making Progress

Just got back from a 2.3 mile run in 26 minutes.  RunKeeper said a 12 minute mile average... not bad after my 12:48 average last week.  My biggest problem was where to keep my phone (with RunKeeper installed).  I had it in the back pocked of my workout pants and my pants kept falling down.  If not for that I probably could have done better.

I know that's a lovely mental picture of a girl trying to run while constantly yanking up her pants!  (Imagine the fact that I had probably 9 more cars pass by me today than ever!!)

Bathing Suit Season

Swim lessons start for Nate in a few weeks and while I won't be in the water with him I will likely take him to the pool at the campground for some practice, which means I'll have Jack with me, which means I'll be in the waters since Jack has no fear.  We also have a vacation coming up in Rhode Island, which we will spend 75% of our time on the beach.

With all the shrinking I've been doing I figured I had to get a new bathing suit.  I HATE buying bathing suits.  In order to make sure I wasn't popping out up top I'd end up looking like a grandma.

This year I'd been eyeing this one from Athleta

But the $90 price tag left a bit to be desired...

I ended up happening across the sale section of the site (tricky how they don't show sale items with the regular items) and found these two.

I'm hoping one or both work.  And at $40 and $30 on sale the price tag was a bit easier to take.  I order two sizes in each thanks to free shipping and free returns.  With the 45 day return period if when I loose more weight if it's before I need the bathing suit and the smaller one happens to work, all the better.

The review all say they have great support and great coverage and that they last a long time.  I'm skeptical, but in this case there's nothing to loose! 

In other news...

I did not run yesterday.  I couldn't get my rear end out the door.  I did do some ab work with the stability ball, I'll have to have my sister-in-law show me some more.  I will run today since I can't jazzercise.

I did find a great new snack thinks to the Shape Magazine website... Cucumber Slices with a Laughing Cow Cheese wedge.   YUMMY and only 40 calories.  I picked up a copy of Shape while I was in there and I'm liking that, I'm debating subscribing to that or Fitness.

Today is a semi-busy day.  After work we have T-Ball and after T-Ball I have a party at my Sister-In-Law's for her new Arbonne business.  Should be a great day and hopefully I can keep the eating in check.  Here's the plan:

DD Iced Coffee with Skim Milk & 2 Splenda
Cheerios with Milk
Apple
Lean Pocket
Granola Bar
Chef Salad with Light Balsamic


This should leave a little room for a snack or glass of wine at the party.

Planning for the Week

So close to yet another huge milestone (in the 100 club, only 3.6lbs away).  I lost some focus this weekend with 1 too many days of bad food and good drinks.  Lets see if I can reign it back in.

Weekly Menu
M - Swedish Meatballs with Whole Wheat Noodles (SkinnyTaste.com)
T - Spinach & Sausage Risotto - Matt's own recipe, I'll have to watch the portion here.
W - Subway - We have T-Ball so it has to be quick.
T - Bruchetta Chicken (SkinnyTaste.com)
F - Santa Fe Chicken with White Rice (SkinnyTaste.com) - since we never made it last week.

The Egg Nests for breakfast were awesome!  I will be making those again this week or next.  I didn't get a chance to make the muffins yet so that will be on Wednesday night's agenda I think.


Workout Goals
Last week I did 5 days of Jazzercise and one 3.2 mile run / walk.  This week will be about the same.  I'm hoping to get at least two runs in but we'll see.  We have T-Ball Wednesday night, work stuff Thursday / Friday so it's going to be a very busy latter part of the week.

As far as running goes I'm shooting for a 5k or maybe even a 10k this year, but we'll see.  The outside season in CT is so short that we'll see how it goes.   Luckily I have my sister-in-law to try and teach me the ways of running.

Awesome Weigh In!!!

I weighed in this morning and I'm down another 3.2 for the week bringing me to 203.2.  I'm so close to hitting the hundred's I can feel it!!! We had horrible storms last night, lost power, drove to Jazzercise with my Mother-In-Law in some nasty downpour, luckily made it through class with now power loss.  After that we lost power again after bedtime and right when it came back on my hubby got called out for storm duty (you know where computer programmers go sit next to down power lines to tell people not to touch them).  It sucks.  It especially sucks at 10:30 at night when you know you won't see him till the morning.  Thankfully he's home, sleeping, just now. 

It's going to be a great day!

Planning for the Week

Saturday I hit a huge milestone... 50lbs.  Totally psyched!  To try and keep forward motion to my next huge milestone (just 7lbs away - the 100's) I've got the plan for the week.

Weekly Menu
M - Chef Salad (Turkey & Low Fat Cheese rolled up, cucumbers, tomatoes and light balsamic dressing)
T - Turkey & Black Bean Enchiladas (SkinnyTaste.com)
W - Grilled Chicken & Broccoli & Potato Mash (EatingWell.com)
T - Turkey Zucchini Burgers with Chipolte Sweet Potato Fries (SkinnyTaste.com)
F - Santa Fe Chicken with White Rice (SkinnyTaste.com)

Some New Breakfast Options
Tonight I made the Egg Nests from SkinnyTaste.com from Breakfast for Matt and I a couple days this week. At only 65 calories each even having 3 isn't bad. I also plan to make the Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins for a sweet alternative.

Workout Goals
I did make it to 6 days of Jazzercise last week and I made it out to run once.  Not within my 3 times a week goal, but hopefully I can do better this week.  Today I went to Jazzercise, I'll got tomorrow at 6am.  Wednesday is targeted as a run day since we have Full Day Kindergarten Orientation that night and I'll miss Jazzercise. 

My sister-in-law is considering doing the Newport Marathon in October.  (She's run two halves).  I'm halfway considering signing up for the half.  They welcome walkers at this event (you have to finish within 3.5 hours (17 minute mile).  I think I can do that, but I'm afraid of people wondering what the heck I'm doing.

Anyone out there?

I won

Today I officially won the Jazz it Off competition.  While it was great.  I'm scared for what is to come.  Will I continue to take weight off?  Will it be at the same rate?  Will I ever run?

For so long I've been a person of commitments to myself that never really came to fruition.  Last year I took a couple of vacation days that would have otherwise gone back to the company for myself.  Not my sons, not my husband... for me!  This year I've done two better at least.  My first... I took off with a girlfriend.  We went to a vineyard and had the best time EVER!!!  My second... I ended up exchanging shoes at Fleet Feet and then made a couple of other stops.

I was SUPER nervous going into Fleet Feet.  But the shoes just didn't feel right.  They have a 30 day return policy and in the end I ended up going back.  The sale associate there was wonderful.  I feel confident that he has placed me in the right thing to work with my running.  I may need an alternative for Jazzercise, but it's a start.

I also ran today.  According to my android app I ran an 11.33 mile.  Good, Bad who knows, we'll see when I do it again.  It was one of my best times yet.  But there were more in between stops.  But if I can keep that pace I could, maybe, possbily do a half marathon at some point in my life?!!?

I also won Jazz it Off (45lbs against a total of 30 people loosing 157 (and I'm included int hat)).  I'm proud of Me!  and that's all that matters... and my Dad says he's proud of me!!!

Where I've been...and where I'm going

I've flip flopped weight for most of my life, since at least high school I've never dropped below a size 16 or if I did it was for such a brief period it's already been forgotten.  I've now go loose size 14's and semi-ok size 12's.  Evidently the competitiveness of Jazz It Off was what I needed to get moving down this path, but now I need to figure out a way to continue the journey now that some of the accountability is gone.

I figured writing it down was a good way to start.

Date	Weight	lbs	%
3/8/2011	256.4
3/15/2011	249	7.4	2.89%
3/22/2011	244.4	4.6	1.85%
3/29/2011	241.2	3.2	1.31%
4/5/2011	236.6	4.6	1.91%
4/12/2011	232.8	3.8	1.61%
4/19/2011	229.4	3.4	1.46%
4/28/2011	228.2	1.2	0.52%
5/3/2011	222.4	5.8	2.54%
5/10/2011	218.4	4	1.80%
5/17/2011	214.8	3.6	1.65%
5/23/2011	211.4	3.4	1.58%

So this makes the total lost as of last Friday 45lbs or 17.55% of my body weight.

June Goals to Focus On

1. Get into the 100's.
2. Jazzercise at least 4x per week. (I know I've been going 5 or 6 but I want the flexibility to choose to do other types of exercise if I can't make it).
3. Walk / Jog / Run at least 3x per week.
4. Continue Tracking Eating

Finding my groove

I've been an on and off dieter most of my life and was negotiating with myself to just accept the foodie within (I love love love to cook and bake) when I saw on Facebook that Jazzercise was starting a Jazz it off competition.  I'd been doing Jazzercise since August and had admittedly gotten a little lax after a few too many out of town trips in November / December got me out of my groove.  That and dieting with Jazzercise was just not happening.  I figured it would be good to give it a shot so on the last day (or what I thought was the last day to sign up) after my 6am class I went in and told the instructor I'd give it a go.

Jazz it off is Jazzercise's version of Biggest Looser.  Weekly weigh in, the person with the highest percentage of weight loss wins a prize out of the prize closet (left over promo's and other good stuff) and then at the end of the 12 weeks the Biggest Looser gets $200.


So the program started on March 7th, but that was my 5 year old's 5th birthday and my 18 month's old Aednoid / Tube Surgery so I technically say I started March 8th.  I went in for my initial embarrassing weigh in on Tuesday morning at 6am (because there was no way I was weighing in at my 4:45pm class after a day of eating!).  The following week I was down 7.4lbs and I was positive I'd be the Biggest Looser that week... but I wasn't.  Someone went down over 4% of their body weight (I was only 2.89%).  It was at that point that I made it my goal to at least win one week as the Biggest Looser.  By the 3rd week I finally did it. I remember getting the IM from my sister-in-law saying "You WON!!!".  Now almost twelve weeks later (two more days till it's over) I've won 5 or 6 weeks and am happy to report I'm down 41.6lbs (hopefully more at tomorrow's weigh in.

I really want to run!!!!

I want nothing else than to be able to run.  It makes me feel so defeated that I can't seem to get it all together.

Two weeks ago I was doing pretty good.  I got up to 6.5 to 7 minutes of running (jogging) whatever you want to call it.  Then the pain set in and I was hardly able to Jazzercise so I slowed it down.  Now today I feel like I'm back to square one if that.

My shins hurt so bad when I go.  I've gotten fitted for shoes and they seemed to help for a couple of days but now nothing.  I ice them, icy hot, etc.  And if I push to hard then it feels like they're going to break in half at Jazzercise, which is no good either.

With 42lbs lost I really thought it'd be easier.