Update, recap, lotsa pictures!

Yeah...I know, I'm not a good "keeping-up-to-date" blogger.  I get busy, I don't have anything to write about, no one reads, excuse excuse excuse.  I should do it JUST to hold me accountable.

Anywho...

Weigh in on Friday... well I amazingly lost weight, but not much.  0.4lb.  I will take it considering I had a drink fest over the weekend - oh yea and tons of food

2 weeks ago (11/1):  179.4
Last week (11/8):  177.4
This week (well last week technically 11/15):  177

I didn't meet my birthday goal of being under 175... but it's a loss.  Womp Womp.

I really did try, but honestly after looking at my Value Diary...yeah, not so much.  I lie to myself, and that's a huge problem.  Gotta stop the lying!!!

Last Wednesday I took the kiddos to the skating rink for a birthday party.  And this Momma actually put skates on and amazingly did NOT fall!  Whew.!!!

I was able to get in a few evening runs on the trusty, boring, ugh-do-I-have-to Dreadmill...  but still didn't meet my Pile On the Miles goal of 7lbs (UGH!).

I had a wonderful weekend with friends and family for my birthday...which of course resulted in lots of drinking and more damn food.  Blah!!!  So now I have to kick ass again this week to see ANYTHING on the scale gone.  Sigh.  I see a cycle.

I had Mexican on Friday with my Mom, best friend and all the kiddos... and yes, my little guy informed our waiter immediately that it was my birthday and I wanted to wear the Sombrero .  Yikes!

I then had an "Open House" with professional karoke stuff at my house so my friends could drop in whenever they wanted and sing while I didn't have to drive anywhere (i.e. I could drink like a fish and sing all night long!).  LOL!!!

Saturday my besties and I went to a Euchre Tournament which was a pitch in and another drink fest.  It was a lot of fun....

(I'm bottom right... this is what we call the Fab 5)
Euchre tournament winner in the middle (LOL)

 On Sunday my out-of-town friends left and I went grocery shopping after making my meal plan for the week.  Focused to get back on track and not let the weekend of eating and drinking detour me (SIX WEEKS until my 12 week goal and NYE).

Scary storms and tornadoes ripped through our state, and unfortunately the town where my little men were with their Daddy.  Thankful Daddy had a basement for them all to take cover in, because a tornado went through and flattened half of the town.  Talk about one scared Momma!  And my little men were terrified to say the least.

Sunday evening after the boys got home, we went to my parents house where my Mom slaved over my favorite healthy crockpot meal (Chicken Noodle Soup) and made me an Angel Lush cake.  (She even made the actual angel food cake).   She tries SO hard to help me stay on track.

The healthy cake my Momma made me for my 38th birthday!

My parents bought me an AWESOME camping hammock...we are a camping family!  I have a PopUp and my parents have an RV... we LOVE camping!

AND (because I seriously asked for it!).............(Tomorrow maybe I"ll give you my review after the first time wearing it!  LOL!)

Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra.... I desperately needed this!!!

Some new, yummy healthy recipes I've made this past week... quick Italian Turkey Soup (Six Sisters) and Pumpkin Protein Bars

And everyone needs a selife.....

REMINDER TO SELF (even if selfies don't show the truth)

Weekend Recap

Things didn't go quite as planned over the weekend. I drank too much wine and too little water, ate some crappy bar food at 2am and never stepped foot in the resort gym.  Sigh.

The positives were that I walked a ton and got plenty of steps in on the 2 tours we took and the walking back and forth from our hotel room to the casino.  My brother and I acted like teenagers roaming through the halls at all hours of the night.  Because we had taken the tours concerning the hotel history we were really intrigued by the 7th floor living quarters, and how to find "secret" places.  I think my Mom loved it...and thought of us as her "kids" again.

All in all we had a wonderful time, it just may not have been great for my weightloss and getting healthy efforts.  Sigh....

Because I never made it to the gym, and I was too pooped by the time I got home on Sunday, I was unable to meet my Pile On The Miles challenge weekly goal of 7 miles.

Another negative is that I haven't been keeping up with the Arm Challenge!

Argh!!!

That's okay though, I am NOT giving up!  I have 7 weeks left in this 12 week challenge, and I'm about to LIGHT IT ON FIRE now!!!  (can someone push me, please?!!)

So, some pictures from our weekend at West Baden/French Lick.....

Weigh In

That's right... Friday's are now my weigh day!!  I worked my ass off this week, but yet there I was at 10:30 last night dancing in my kitchen, getting more sweat on, just so I'd see the appropriate number on the scale this morning - naked.  

Side note...I hate how the scale has that much affect on me, and yet I love it.  I love that it pushed me to dance around late last night and going to bed "hungry".  Though I also feared it that it wouldn't say what I needed it to, and I'd be disappointed.

Fortunately this morning I was not disappointed.

That's EXACTLY what I needed to see today...2lbs baby!!!!

Sure, I'd love to see 5lbs... but I know me... that doesn't happen.  Even when I've not been on track for quite awhile, I still never pull a huge number.  I'm okay with that.  2lbs/week is healthy!

Now I just need to kick ass this weekend and all next week, workout maybe 2 times/day, and see another great loss.  My "hidden" goal has been 174 by my birthday - next Friday... but eh, I'll just take 2lbs to be happy.  

Busy weekend planned...so I'll update / recap on Monday!!!!

Last weigh in (11/1):  179.4

This weigh in (11/8):  177.4

My love/hate relationship....

Today I went out for a run at lunch again.  It took some coercing, I won't lie...   It would have been easier to go to the group fitness class.  Because honestly, running is still very hard for me.

In 2008 I started Couch 2 5k training.  Why?  I really have no clue.  I think because all he blogs I read, everyone was on this new running kick.

I remember driving along seeing runners and thought to myself..."look how easy that looks, I can do that!".  Mind you, this was coming from the same girl that came in dead last when we hard to run the mile in gym for our final exam.  Yeah...uh...gulp!  So did that really come from my mouth?

Sure enough I started the program and was literally in the best shape of my life when I finished.  I was getting ready for my wedding in Vegas (uh, we're now divorced - bummer) in the middle of this and I just felt amazing.  Amazing that I could do this!!!

As the weeks when on, the more addicting it became.  Then it was time for my first 5k (IU Mini Marathon and 5k). Wow, what an experience! (I must add that I did c25k on a treadmill, yes, the entire program!)  Needless to say it is quite different running outside than on a treadmill.  There are many other factors such as hills, wind, steps, cracks, not to mention people!

And this was when that love/hate relationship for running started.  I'm not even for sure how many 5k's I have ran now... I've even ran a Warrior Dash, and a 4-mile trail run.  Eventually...yes soon...I'm planning on running a 1/2 marathon (more on that another time).

I admit, I have always struggled, but mainly because I pushed myself.  I would up my mileage and/or speed (appropriately and safely) .... and yea it was tough!!

There are many reasons I still have this love/hate relationship with running... and while I was setting off for my lunch run today this came to mind.  WHY do I have such a relationship with running?  Here's what I could come up with...

I love running because....

• Shapes my legs, amazingly!
• I can do it without any other equipment or gym
• I love telling people I went for a run
• I love accumulating miles for my own self satisfaction - yes it makes me proud
• It slims my hips and butt - no other workout has done this for me yet
• I can do it anywhere, at any time
• I now have many friends who do it...and I love motivating others 
• It gives me personal time, listening to my favorite music
• Races, number bibs, medals, free stuff
• Other runners at races really push you... the whole running community is amazing!
• The feeling I get when I see the finish line (either real or not)
• That feeling I get when I'm finished (natural endorphins are my friend!)

I hate running because.....

• Still is a struggle for me, and it always will be because I continue to challenge myself with more miles or faster times
• The cost of shoes, sports bra, warm running gear (pants, jackets), shirts,.... 
• The cost of races (and because they are becoming more popular they costs keep going up!)

So, as you can see the love outweighs the hate....I guess I"ll keep on running!!!!

This week I've already 4.9 miles for my Pile on the Miles goal.  I pledged 7 this week, with a monthly grand total of 35.  I can do this!!!!!!  Then I'm considering training for my first half marathon.... shhhh.... that's scaring my body!!!!!

Working on the 8 weeks...

Today ended the first 4 weeks in my personal 12 week challenge.  This goes along with the quote/saying, "It takes 4 weeks for you to see your body changing, 8 weeks for your friends and family, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world".

So, to recap the past 4 weeks... though the scale didn't budge a bunch, I was more consciousnesses with eating healthier, I pulled back on my drinking, and consistently worked out.  Sounds like a great start right?!

The best part, I DO see/feel my body changing!
I can run longer without dying!
I feel more energized.
I was able to go a full week without drinking (which included a weekend!).
And I am pushing myself more in the workouts!

The scale has gone down 3.6lbs, which isn't super...but I'm glad to take a loss for the month.

Plus, I wasn't looking for just a number on the scale, actually didn't a number down...instead my goal was to be able to wear my jeans.

Yeah, I'd gained enough that I couldn't even wear my jeans...and well here comes fall/winter!  I need to be able to fit back into them.

And guess what...THEY FIT!!!  Sweet!  That alone made me happy happy happy!!!!!

Now I'm totally stoked for the next 4 weeks.  Which my goal is to get into 3 more pairs of "skinny" jeans that are a tad to tight still...but I KNOW at the end of the next 4 weeks they're gonna fit and I'm going to feel SMOKING HOT in them!!!!

Here's how I'm going to fit into them - NOT SQUEEZE INTO....

Continue to track using my Value Diary
10,000 steps/day
Exercise 5 days/week
Arm Challenge
Continue to motivate my friends and reminding them we are getting closer to the goal
and of course....
Keep up with my #POTM2013 commitment (This week's mile goal is 7 miles)

There ya have it... my goals for the next 4 weeks!!!!  I know it's going to be successful!!!

Yes, I'm finally updating... and November Pile on the Miles 2013 Challenge

* Hanging head in shame *

For some reason I just couldn't get myself to motivate in any way, shape or form...obviously.  I didn't blog, I didn't track, I didn't succeed in getting back to my healthy self, I just didn't try.

That season is now over, and I'm emerging.  Finally.

It's been a slow one, but I think I'm ready to crack out of this shell and finish 2013 off strong.  I could go into great detail of how crappy this year has been for me...but I'm not going to.  Instead, I think I will focus on the good that is about to come, and my goals.

Last month I started this 12 week challenge.  I know you've seen the famous saying of 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks... well I decided to try it out.

On Monday (November 4th) my 4 weeks will be up.  And honestly...I can tell a difference.  Not so much on the scale, because my eating hasn't been up to par, but by clothes, yes.

In these past 4 weeks I have finally got better with my exercise, and have been eating better 60% of the time.  These next 4 weeks I want to finish even stronger.  Monday I will blog more about the next 4 weeks goals.

I have pushed several of my friends into this challenge (8 weeks left ladies!)... and believe me, that is helping me tremendously!!!  We are pushing each other, and that's truly what I need!!!!

Moving on....  I have decided to really rock out November and join the "Pile on the Miles 2013" challenge.  GULP!!!  I have set the realistic goal of 35 miles this month.  I'm still working on upping (and struggling) with my miles since I took a sabbatical, so 35 miles this month will be just what I need, and even push me some.

Come and join the challenge!  Seems like a ton of great prizes, and lots of people/support!!!  #POTM2013

Let's get started!!!!

July Challenge...and pep talk to myself

This post (and blog) is mainly for me.... 

I'm tired of feeling guilty for not posting.
I'm tired of feeling crappy for regaining weight I never said I would.
I'm tired of feeling like I'm failing at this ......
It's time to actually MOVE FORWARD.

I wake up every morning with great intentions and plans.  Because if you fail to plan....you plan to fail! 
By 10am'ish (hence this post NOW) I've talked myself out of going to workout at lunch, and just eating Subway instead.
Yes...Subway is a healthier choice than the mexican I'd rather be shoveling down my face...but still I need to eat cleaner and WHAT I BRING TO EAT (instead of spending more money!).

ANYWAY, I'm a new reader to this cutie's (Amber) blog, and I'm so inspired and motivated with her posts.  Yes, I'm a blog stalker.  Not to just be nosey in other people's lives, but to hopefully spark some motivation in me.  Am I the only one???

She and Holly started the wonderful (and never completed) July challenge of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  Yeah, you read that right...I have NEVER completed the 30 DS.  Ugh.  So, I'm seriously going to put everything I have into this challenge and do it!  Shoot, it's a whopping 25 minutes total (by the time I throw on my workout clothes).

You can buy this super cheap at Amazon (or Walmart) for less than $10

And I missed the first day.  I was in that funk slump and just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Fortunately I had a stressful day yesterday and NEEDED the high of working out...and at 9:30pm I cranked out my first day of 30DS!!!

Yeowch...I forgot that it sucked!  Well, not exactly....it goes by quick (and today I feel sore a little! WOOT WOOT).  I did something new this time, I put my music in my ears and totally muted Jillian (sorry doll...I already know what you're going to tell me!).  This truly made the world of difference.  I plan on jamming to my music EVERY night I do this!!!!

I took the "wow-is-that-me" starting pictures...and silently cried to myself that I let myself get out of hand.  But I'm excited to let this challenge mold me and jumpstart me back to where I once was!

I hope/plan/will blog more consistently.  I think it will help me stay accountable for doing the challenge.  I will post my pics/results at the end of the challenge.  

Here we go again....

I never seem to have time to write... I know it's crazy.  Okay, so maybe it's not always time I don't have...but rather I'm embarrassed of the lack of progress.  Sigh.  I'm still at the SAME weight.  I'm stuck so bad it's killing me.  Well, not literally - or maybe - but emotionally I'm drowning.

Sigh.

I'm starting fresh now, and for myself.   I joined the Kelsey Byers Labrada Challenge this week, and here's my meal plan for the week:

M1: oats, pb2, veggie egg "muffins" (with salsa)
M2: carrot cake protein bars (Jamie Eason), fruit (pear, apple, banana)
M3: Brown Rice Medley (Minute Rice) plus salsa, california blend, roasted chicken breast
M4: 1/2 c cottage cheese, fruit, light string cheese
M5: Slow cooker taco "soup" (that isn't too soupy this time), sweet potato (1/2), veggie
M6: Hardboiled egg whites

Yes, this looks like A LOT of food...and yes, eating it is A LOT of food....but, because it is mostly (very mostly) clean...it's healthy and low calorie and GOOD FOR YOU!!! Literally ...this close to 1300 calories.

Within the next few days I plan on posting meal pictures, measurements, and possibly my bikini pictures.  We'll see....  ;)

Some days are sad....

Today I don't feel like myself.  I can't figure it out.  I'm just not happy.  I'm upset with myself mainly.  That I would let myself go like I have, regain the weight I worked SO hard to get off (nearly 30lbs).  I'm just blah.  I get motivation from others...but then can't follow through.

Being a single Mom is tough.  I'm stressed out .  From financially always struggling.... figuring out how to date....and just dealing with every day life (laundry, dinner, housework, homework, kids), is just so hard.  I think I tend to eat because of the stress at home.  I do fantastic all day at work...and then go home and I'm like STARVING.  I dunno...

Anyway, I never give up.  That's the key...never giving up.

I just joined a DietBet challenge this weekend and can hardly wait!  Praying it keeps me motivated and I lose my 4%!

I'm signing up for a 5K, the Bunny Rock and possibly the 500 Festival 5K.  I was supposed to be doing the half marathon, but I'm ashamed to admit I haven't trained a lick for it. Can't even run a straight 3 miles right now.... Sigh.  So, I'm working on those.  There will be some more 5K's (Color Run for sure!)...and hopefully by fall a half marathon.  That is my ultimate goal.  I love running, WHEN I'm in shape and trained for it.

I'm just so unhappy with where I am right now... sigh.  Really could use some prayers.

Thursday Weigh in

Oh I know, I know....it doesn't quite have the same ring as "Weigh in Wednesday", but I weigh on Thursday's... so has to do.  Unless I can think of a another title....hmmm....

Anyway, the wonderful news is I lost!  Woot Woot!!!!  I'm down 1.6lbs and super stoked about it.  #operationredbikini here I come!!!!  I worked out 5 times last week, and tracked the whole time (even the crappy food).  I use Myfitnesspal, as well as my WW app on my phone.   I think it worked well.  Here's to hoping next week is another success.

A short post today...but plan to do a bigger one tomorrow (maybe with pictures?!!)  These no pictures blogs are boring!  LOL!!!

Last Weigh IN (1/3/13) 179.2
TODAY at 177.6  -1.6

Weekend Recap and Weekly Goals!

Oh the weekends how you mess me up!  I had such awesome goals, and though I did cross off a few ... my eating was horrid (let's just say eating out 3 times does not equal a great weekend - sigh).

On the good side though, I was able to meal plan, and grocery shop.  I so wanted to take a picture of all the fresh yummy food in my fridge, and then the ex sends home a huge cake that's sitting smack dab in the middle of my beautifully healthy stocked fridge.  Blah... the cake kind of ruins the picture.  LOL!

I took before pictures, and oh my gosh.... I hope and pray that in a few months I am one of those people that post the before and "after" and there is an amazing difference, because what I saw (not in the swimsuit this time, but rather tight workout clothes) is depressing!!!!

Though I had planned to workout both days, I was only able to get in a run last night.  I'm actually pre-training for half marathon training.  LOL!  Yeah, I know...sounds weird.  But I haven't ran in forever that I have to get used to running again.  I'm not sure which training plan I will be using, either the Marathon Rookie one, or Hal Higdon. Anyone have comments??   So, even though I didn't workout both days, I did get in 1.  I'm happy about that.

Tonight I'm meal prepping breakfasts and lunches for the week... more of that Weight Watcher Garden Vegetable Soup... yummy!!!!  It's Monday, so I have a feeling there won't be much more than that!  LOL!  Dinner tonight is taco something

Goals for the week:

Drink 100oz h20/day
Exercise
Track everything

Weekend plans

Well today marks day 3 of being back on track.  Yea, I'm like the rest of the world who decides to get healthy at the first of the year.  So what.  LOL!

Spin class uh... well... I may not walk tomorrow!!!  I was super stoked when I woke up and I immediately realized my quads weren't killing me, cuz then I knew I would be able to go to Spin class.  Umm...what's wrong with me?  Did I really say I was excited about going to Spin?? 

I made a few coworkers mad on my way out of the office at noon.  I knew I had to book it to the gym (7 minute brisk walk) to secure a bike.  I got questioned because I chose going to workout at lunch instead of attending the office baby shower for a coworker.  I gave money for the gift... isn't that enough?  Ugh.  Oh well, they'll get over it.

Thankfully I got to class in time to get a bike.  But none too soon, as there were only 4 left!  I knew the class would fill up, they always do.  Wasn't long we were pedaling our little legs off .  Totally annoyed by the 2 chics sitting next to me TALKING!  Really?? If you want to have a chit chat session, go for a walk.  I'm here to bust ass...not have to REALLY listen to the instructor so I can hear over your damn conversation!  Ugh!  I gave them several dirty looks, but they never got the drift.  All in all, it was a killer workout, and I'm so glad I went, even if I pissed off the office. 

The weekend I have tons to do.  Meal plan (working on that right now), grocery shop (Aldi's here I come!), dinner out with friends/family tonight, RV shopping with my parents tomorrow morning, workout both days (a run tomorrow?!), meal cooking/prep for lunches, etc. 

Whew... let's throw in that the EX screwed up the weekend by getting sick, and they'll be home.  LOL!  I know that comes out sounding all wrong.  Love my kiddos, but they make grocery shopping difficult.  And my run will have to be on the dreadmill.  Oh well.....  (WAIT ... Hold the phone, he just text and said he was sticking to the plan and getting them.  Hmmm....) 

Goals for the weekend:

Journal/track food
100oz h20/day
Workout both days (a run hopefully)
Meal plan, grocery shop, meal prep for week
Before pics

(Sorry...boring post, no pictures.  Gonna work on that next week. MORE pics!)

New Year... challenges, goals....

Can you believe the holiday's have come and gone (whew)?  And as usual I've overdid it, and gained the holiday weight gain.  But it wasn't just holiday weight gain... over the course of the year I gained (lost and regained) 11.8lbs.  Not fun to start the year off like that, but I'll use it.  It's a starting point, and I'm ready.  Focused. 

I'm actually still working on a plan, with some goals and what-not...so stay tuned for that.  I am excited to be doing this # operatioredbikini .  I may or may not die from this challenge!  LOL!  No, but seriously, I love the support that is going around with it.  I mean, come on....bathing suit time is and WILL creep up on us... and already just a few short months (cough...5!).  So I'm jumping on the bandwagon and using this challenge to keep me going!!!

My goal isn't going to be a red bikini, or any bikini for that matter.  What this girl wants (ok, NEEDS) is a new swimsuit - period.  The one I have is getting real close to 5 years old....that's right ladies... 5 years old.  Who the hell keeps a swimsuit for 5 years?  Doesn't it go out of style you ask?  Didn't matter, cuz I HATE swimsuit shopping and this one FIT and looked okay on me (lying to myself - pics to come later).

So, with this Operation Red Bikini (or more for me Operation Summer's Coming) challenge going on, I'm a pinning fool on Pinterest (follow ME).  I'm going to start utilizing Instagram more for it (Mandie333)....  so anyone wanna help me keep on it??

Besides Operation Red Bikini, I'm contemplating on this whole 1/2 marathon thing, again.  Every year at this time I contemplate it and then never get the fire under my ass.  I have no clue if it's that I'm scared, lazy... I seriously do not know.  BUT, I have about 18 weeks....so I'm going to give it a try again.  I truly DO want to do a 1/2... so I don't get it.  I haven't consistently ran for quite some time though...so I'm not 100% sure I can do this.  Okay, wait...YES I CAN do this.  I just may not be able to run the whole thing.  I don't want to injure myself and do too much... so I'm going to play it by ear.

What Half you ask???  Well, I always do the Hoosier Mini/5K  (5K of course), but I haven't wanted to do the Half part of it, because it's sooooo flipping hilly!!!!  I'm telling you, hardest 5K I've ever done (well, not including Warrior Dash, which wasn't just a 5K). Sooo, I have a girlfriend that has done the Indy 500 Mini Marathon and RAVES about it.... said it's so fun (yea, who really says things like that?) and the atmosphere is out-of-this world.  It's the largest mini in the country.... so I'm not sure!  LOL!!! 

And moving on to weightloss...I'm just in that funky rut.  I haven't done CRAP in a year... What's worse is I'm up 25.2lbs from my lowest.  Sooo, I have to work on those 25lbs first.  I'm using Myfitnesspal (poohbearhunney), and also my Weight Watcher's point system (with an app on my phone).  I'm considering going back to WW meetings...so we'll see.  I just need SOMETHING to get me going again!!!

This week I've already kicked butt with 2 group fitness classes.  Yesterday was Strength Core with the almighty Zach.  OMG.... that's about all I can say.  HOT HOT HOT... and I was a hot mess leaving his bodybuilding skilled class!  Ugh!!!  Today was Cardio Kickboxing, which was fun, but the "you're out of shape reminder" came on oh about 4 minutes into it.  Holy hell...I used to LOVE this stuff!!!  Tomorrow I'm hoping my legs (my quads may or may not make it!) are well enough to enjoy (Bwwaaaahhha!!) a spin class.  It's been several years since I've been to spin... I use(d) the bikes in the gym...but actually going to class, yea ... years!  And I wanna go!  Please legs cooperate!

Well, this was a mouth full, and I'm hoping the start to something.  I miss blogging!!!