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.