end of challenge weigh in

236 this morning which is no loss in the last 2 weeks but that's 10 total for the challenge. I'm pretty pleased with that! Also, my BMI is down 3%. I haven't seen that move in quite a while!

Right now I'm sick as a dog with a cold I caught at a kids birthday party and just came back from a trip to the doc with a chest x-ray and 3 kinds of meds. I'm not dying so that's good - even though it feels like it!

While I was there I was venting my frustrations about not being able to get below 235 and she decided to check my thyroid (again!) and this time check for insulin resistance. We'll see what happens with that! I've had thyroid symptoms since I was a teenager but it's always come back normal or borderline. I also know that there are different tests that can be done so I'm going to push for that if this latest round doesn't turn anything up.

I haven't had any exercise since Saturday and I strangely miss it. The doc told to wait until I can breathe again so hopefully by Thursday I'll be back at it because I've been making some good progress. I even managed to up my weights a bit in the Body Pump class and do all the squats. I know I will feel even more victorious when I can make it through the 4 minutes of lunges! oy....

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I'm off for some more couch time while it lasts!! :)

week 4 challenge weigh in

I really didn't even want to post today but all the amazing comments I got on yesterdays post made me realize I have to keep going through good and bad. If it wasn't for this blog, I may have given it all up today.

I gained a freakin pound but as the oh so wise Mr. Sh*t told me, "know that what you're doing is better than what you're NOT doing (binging, slothing)". So I did exactly what he said. He's kinda like my male Oprah. I do whatever he tells me to do. I'm sure he'll be thrilled with that comparison ;)

Yesterday after my post I did go to the pool but not for an easy swim by any means. I rocked 40 laps in 45 minutes. At one point there was a "real" swimmer girl who kept looking at me and I almost said out loud "I'm not racing you so so stop looking at me you dumb $*%#!". I calmed myself down and remembered I was there to change my mood and not take it out on some girl who dared look at me. I swear I'm not a mean person but sometimes....grrrr. I felt awesome when I finished and too a long soak in the hot tub even though I had a ton of work to do.

My reaction this morning was downright stupid. My first thoughts were along the lines of "I can eat like crap and gain weight so I might as well" and so on. Later when my husband saw my tears and reminded me how much better I said I felt. My reply was "well what I really feel is tired, sore, sad and pissed of at my stupid sister who woke me up with a stupid drunk phone call after I'd gone to bed twice this week."

I ALMOST didn't go this morning. I still had tears in my eyes as I was staring at the moon getting in the car. But I went because I knew everyone was cheering me on. My husband and my blog friends are my biggest fans and I'm not letting them down. I did a pretty kick-ass half hour of c25k week 4 and then another half hour of incline intervals walking. I managed 3.25 miles in an hour which means my time is improving ever so slightly.

Speaking of my husband, he has lost 15 pounds now and I'm so proud of him. He will be in onederland by next week. I'm glad he's seeing progress because it's been a little hard for him to adjust to drinking very little beer and only having potatoes once a week :)

The point of all of this is to get my mind to the point where "going back" is out of the question. Where I don't want to eat like crap and sit on the couch. I'm getting there.

This is where it gets tough

Well it seems I've already hit my first plateau which happened to coincide with my 1940's plaster kitchen ceiling falling down. $1600 to replace. That's the family price! Ironically it's the same price as a trip to Scotland which I was planning for Christmas. Looks like now my husband will go without me (again) and I'll stay home and bask in my modern day drywall kitchen ceiling. You can probably hear my heavy sigh from wherever you are reading this :)

The scale has my mind all messed up this week. Even though the official weigh in for the challenge isn't until tomorrow, I've been checking all week and I've somehow gained. I'm eating like a saint and doing an hour and 30 minutes a day of cardio.

No worries though, I'm not giving up. I just need to recognize when I'm feeling weak and get it out there.

Yesterday could have been really bad. I had a meeting in a particular part of town that I used to love to go to because our beloved drive-in, the Varsity Jr. is right there. It's the perfect place to sit in the car and gorge on the greasiest of chili dogs and pimento cheeseburgers (oh and the fried peach pies). I never thought I'd say this but thanks to the City of Atlanta zoning department, they just closed over the weekend and I avoided at least a 2,000 calorie disaster. Luckily the main location is ridiculous crowded and difficult to get to so I think my biggest temptation in the ATL is now gone for good.

Even my workout yesterday felt crappy. I was sore and tired and my legs felt like I had ankle weights on. Then we went to a concert last night and now my entire body hurts from jumping around to some seriously good Ska music. My left hip has been sore during my runs but today they are both on fire so I'm finally going to go to a chiropractor about it. It's not unbearable but it would be nice if it wasn't there at all! I'm sure being a fat person running isn't helping.

I'm off to the pool in a few for a gentle swim in hopes of improving my mood and my aching bones. Trying to treat myself to things that make me feel good that don't involve food and/or shopping.

I'm hoping that I at least stay the same for tomorrows weigh-in instead of having to post a gain in the challenge. I will not let that piece 0' crap scale beat me. I HAVE TO keep going. I'm a half-marathon participant now and those people don't just give up :)

no turning back now!

I started week 4 of couch to 5k today after a full day off yesterday (aside from a 20 minute dog walk!). For some reason I was really nervous and doubting I could do it. Probably because this is the point where I stopped the last time. I did really well considering it was a full 16 minutes of running although I couldn't do my additional 30 minutes of incline interval walking. My legs just weren't having it and I'm sure tomorrow will be a little easier.

I'm (still) so motivated and full of energy which is a good thing

because....








as of this morning

I'm a registered participant of the Georgia Half Marathon.


I looked closely at the route for the first time this morning and at this point can't even really fathom the distance even though the course is through all familiar territory. I just have to put all fears aside and convince myself I will be able to do this by March. It's fun to have a huge goal but utterly terrifying at the same time.

I've been eating great as well and seeing big changes in my body, though not as much on the (damn) scale. I blame that on my weightlifting efforts at Body Pump but like I've said a million times before, I know it's necessary for my overall fitness. I'm hoping for at least a pound or 2 for my weigh in on Friday - the second to the last in the challenge! We're going out tomorrow night and I really need to compensate for that all week. If I'm careful, I can fit in a rosemary infused grapefruit margarita in a mason jar (my favorite drink on earth). Plus, grapefruit juice is healthy ;)

end of the week weigh in

Week three of the challenge yields an (almost) 2 lb. loss for the week. That's a total of 10 since the challenge began!

I've still been working out 6 days a week at 6am and eating really well and it's paying off. Some days I wish for bigger numbers but the way I'm living right now is maintainable over the long run and that's the key to keeping it off this time.

It's been a super busy week with extra hours at my part time job but I still managed 3-5 miles a day of intervals. That makes me very proud.

Tomorrow is another Body Pump class and then Sunday is the day my husband and I do at least 3 miles with the dogs both running and walking. He's lost 10 pounds too!

I'm really in the groove right now. Long may it continue!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Monday mix tape

I'm so proud to say I've completed another successful week and am fully prepared for this one that has just begun. I think the motivation I've been blessed with has been coming from being truly honest with myself and listening to my body. I'm feeling GREAT!

Friday night we went out with a friend to a bar that has amazing food of both the healthy and unhealthy varieties. I could have eaten everything but decided to start with munching on steamed edamame because I wasn't sure I had eaten enough vegetables that day. What a great way to fill up a little before ordering! After that, I was completely satisfied by one little chicken parmesean slider (about 3 bites worth) and a caprese salad with local tomatoes. Yes I had 2 beers but had planned on that ALL week! For a brief moment I wanted to stop at Dairy Queen but my husband reminded me we had 4o calorie fudge bars at home.

Saturday I was up and at my Body Pump class by 9:15. I did much better this week than last (which was my first time in 10 years) At least this week I didn't have to come home and take a nap! My soreness only lasted a day or 2 so I will probably up my weights just a tiny bit on the legs next week. My arms were burning just fine though! I have such a long way to go before I'm able to plow through it like I did 10 years ago but I'm really trying hard not to focus on that. Sometimes the realization of starting over hits me like a ton of bricks.

Saturday night we had shrimp and chicken fajitas that I made and brought them to the neighbors to pair with margaritas they had made. I had a few too many chips and and maybe an extra margarita but I felt it was a success for an "outing". Normally we would have gone out for mexican and it would NOT have been lovingly prepared with all healthy ingredients! Even the margaritas were nothing but fresh lime and tequila with no sugary mix.

Sunday morning my husband and I took the dogs out for a 3 miler. I wasn't planning on running but I (being honest with myself again) reminded myself that I was going to be doing a half marathon and that running outside at least some of the time is a necessary part of training. I decided to run on the downhills only but still managed about a mile! My husband usually runs ahead of me because I'm so slow but there's nothing like running toward his smiling face while he's cheering me on...even though I'm sure it's not the prettiest sight in the world. He says it's beautiful to see me running but all I can think about is all the jiggling that's going on - not that I would ever let that stop me. I'm hoping to look back fondly at these times when I'm crossing the finish line in March!

Shortly after that I got to meet Tammy at the farmers market and had a BLAST. She is so sweet and funny...one of those people I feel like I've known forever. I had a huge salad with a piece of homemade pita bread and only 1 bite of the pineapple croissants as we passed the bread sampling table. I loaded up with healthy fruit and veggies for the week and even with a pound of tilapia and rotisserie chicken, spent only $33. Fish is being made tonight with mango salsa, roasted brussels sprouts and their corn on the cob which is the best I've ever had. 2 ears of corn were 30 cents!

Sunday night was quiet and relaxing but I was still exhausted when I got up this morning. I could barely stay awake and was debating taking a day off after 6 in a row. My husband said I should listen to my body and do what I thought was best. My body was just saying I was sleepy but not sore really so I went. It wasn't the best workout and I felt like I was all over the place but I did the first day of week 3 of couch to 5k which is 9 minutes of running. I did 45 minutes total on the treadmill and then just threw in the towel. I hear the body pump instructor say it's better to do less than do more with bad form and that's what my problem was this morning. I just didn't have the energy to stand up tall and engage my core. I think some days are just going to be like that. Mondays especially.

That brings me to my question for y'all after this ridiculous long post about not a lot.

How do you handle "days off" from exercise?

I know from previous experience that I need to do 6 days a week but when I take a day off it seems to make me more tired. It's almost like if I don't have that exercise I just can't get going or I feel guilty about it. I know my body needs a break but I thought maybe something like yoga, a leisurely walk or a swim would be good for that seventh day. Or maybe I just take Mondays of altogether and quit obsessing about it. I would love to some thoughts on rest!

Here's to another great week ahead. I'm hoping the scale decides to reward me for some good behavior this week for the challenge now that Tom is almost gone :)

Not that I’m checking out your stats...

I realized yesterday during a horrible afternoon bout with cramps that it was that fun time of the month again but at least it explained my cravings, hunger, and general irritability. Instead of curling up in a fetal position on the sofa I figured a walk with the husband and dogs would make me feel better. It was 105 heat index AND garbage day but there were parts of it that were enjoyable. Like running the length of the park without stopping! I know it’s a hell of a long way from a half marathon but It’s a big start.

I got up at 5:30 this morning still in a relatively foul mood despite the fact that I had a dream I was making out with Cristiano Ronaldo (superstar soccer player for those who don’t know) in a convenience store. At the gym by 6:15 I did a half an hour of C25K intervals. About halfway through, “the incredible stinking woman”, as I’ve now named her, showed up and got on a treadmill 4 down from me. I smelled her before I saw her. Even from that distance. I had to chuckle as a guy got off the one next to her and moved but the whole thing just added to the foulness of my mood.

All along I had been glancing over at the guy next to me who had been running the entire time - at 7.5 miles an hour - burning more than 500 calories. I try not to look at what anyone else is doing because I’m only in competition with myself but that was impressive!! Just as we both slowed down to a walk at the end of the first 30 minutes he gave me a thumbs up so I took out one of my earbuds and he said “interval training is the best thing you can do.” I had a HUGE smile on my face as we both started up again for another 30 minutes. Of course he ran ANOTHER 30 minutes at 7.5 miles an hour and burned another 500+ calories but I did walking incline intervals with an extra spring in my step. Thanks dude. You probably have no idea how much you encouraged me today :)

Dodging a Bullet

Yesterday was a bit of a struggle for me but luckily being back to blogging regularly has made me so much more self-aware.

I had taken day off from the gym after 7 days in a row and I never seemed to be able to get going for the day without it. Later in the afternoon my business partner and I had to deal with a huge mess regarding a friend we thought we could rely on as another partner. I almost had an anxiety attack so I took half a xanax which didn't help my energy level.

I was really hurt and disappointed and all I wanted to do was eat. That's how quickly I found myself retreating to my old thoughts. I had already eaten a huge salad for lunch so I had an apple and Laughing Cow. Then a hundred calorie pack (luckily, only one). Then all I could think about was a cheeseburger from Five Guys. I wanted to be stuffed full and go to bed early. Even though we had already planned on having some whole wheat pasta with sauce that was already made and defrosting, I just couldn't bare the thought of it. The dogs were desperate for an "outing" so we decided to go to Moe's and pick up something that would satisfy my need for comfort without breaking the calorie bank. (a Joey Junior has only 383 calories without cheese)

It was delicious of course and fulfilled a need but I feel like that need to eat for comfort is never going to leave me. The important thing now I suppose is my awareness of it and working around it. Don't get me wrong. I know I can work the things I love into my meal plans but this really showed me how working out first thing in the morning sets the tone for my WHOLE day. Even my only day off, I need to move a little to get my head on straight.

I was still a little blah and tired this morning but I got up, laced up my shoes, and drove my husband to the train. In that short trip his encouragement turned my crap attitude around and by 7:15 am I had done AN HOUR on the treadmill. 30 minutes of that was couch to 5k then another half hour of incline walking. I feel like yesterday never happened and I'm back to my motivated self. If I'm going to do this half marathon, there is no room for setbacks.

As I was getting dressed for my part time job, I realized I didn't really have any summer pants that fit anymore. I'm hoping there's something in the archives to get me through this summer without having to buy anything new. Buh-bye to the size 20 somethings. The teens are back! I WILL remember this feeling next time I face a challenge.

Recovery

Wow what a week this has been!

Not only did I have an 8 pound loss, today is the 7th day in a row I was in a gym.

Yesterday I survived my first Body Pump class. It was very intimidating because it was at a different Y and I hadn't done it in 10 years but I sucked it up and went. There were several people waiting to get in the room and I sat down next to a really cute skinny girl with an AMAZING butt. I wasn't going to talk to anyone and then I noticed she had a tattoo so I thought she might be "cool". (Don't you love the profiling going on in my head?) I asked her if she came to this class often and I realized right away she was a totally sweet girl. I was able to get the low down on which classes were the most crowded, best instructors etc. I was so thankful for her and I look forward to seeing her next week. I took it really easy on the weight but was already feeling it during the warm up which worried me until I realized everyone else was too! I was truly exhausted when I got home and took a nap which is something I rarely do.

Today was my official rest day but I woke up really sore and quickly realized if I didn't do some moving it was going to get much worse. I couldn't lift my coffee cup to my mouth! There was a very rare breeze blowing this morning so we took the dogs out and just kept going and going. Before we knew it we had done almost 3 miles, including some running. I was absolutely drenched with sweat but I embraced it and had a great time. Then I had the brilliant idea of throwing on my suit and going to jump in the pool at the Y. I did just a few easy laps, some major stretching and ended with a dip in the hot tub. It was a perfect morning with very few people there and totally relaxing.

As I sit here and type this I'm finding it difficult to move my arms. Standing up is even more difficult but at the same time it's the greatest feeling. I know I'm on my way to losing this 100 pounds for the last time.

So, all my blog friends, how do you recover from killer workouts? Any advice would be appreciated because I anticipate feeling like this a lot throughout the rest of my journey. Hope y'all had a great weekend!!

week one challenge

GREAT DAY!!!!

I'm calling this one an 8 pound loss this week. Maybe more like 7.6 but whatev.

To add to my excitement, I get to finally meet Crys today. I will try to take a picture but the farmers market we are going to has huge signs everywhere that you will be kicked out if you're caught taking pictures.

I've been exercising every day (sweating like never before), eating more veggies and drinking my water. I earned every pound of the loss this week. Of course I'm not expecting this every week but it sure is a nice way to start the challenge!

Tomorrow is my first Body Pump class which makes 6 days in a row so I'm taking Sunday OFF except for a dog walk of course.

Have a great weekend everyone! I made a promise to at least do one post over the weekend so I will be checking in!!

Good Morning Moon

I woke up this morning at 5:30 staring at the moon out the window and thinking how crazy it is to be up before the sun. I fought the morning workout thing most of my life and I have to admit that after a month now, I’m getting into the swing of it. There’s an entire world out there I didn’t know existed - a world of healthy people starting the day off right.

On the days my husband goes to his gym at the hospital, I drop him off at the train by 6. He just started the morning routine since his afternoon boot camps at work ended and I think he’s struggling a bit to get used to it. Our routine before consisted of sitting around drinking coffee, watching Today, and easing into the morning. Now it’s rushing to dress, eat something and head out the door. Luckily I have that time AFTER the gym but he has to go straight to work.

As we were driving and observing all the people out walking and running in the neighborhood, it kind of hit me like a ton of bricks. I said to my husband “if we want to be like these people, we have to live like them.” I thought that was awfully profound of me at 6am :) I think my husband was a bit surprised as well. I don’t know why but things are finally starting to make sense.

I almost had to stop my workout this morning because of a horrible, stinky woman next to me on the treadmill. I could tell right away when she got on it was bad but then she started moving her arms all around and grooving to her music while running. That was completely intolerable. There were no other treadmills available and so I just put my towel over my mouth and nose. Not even caring at all if she was offended. As soon as I saw another open up I slammed on the stop button and switched. I really hope she got the hint. I did manage a full 30 minutes C25k workout and then added on another 20 minutes of fast walking. Combine that with a 20 minute dog walk in 105 degree heat later and you’ve got 70 minutes of cardio. And I haven’t missed a day this week.<

Tammy’s challenge has been extremely motivating and I’m really glad I finally took one on. I’m going to weigh in on Saturday so stay tuned. I believe we’re going to have some good results!

I can't believe I'm saying this out loud

This past March, I sat on my living room sofa and watched the news coverage of the ING marathon in Atlanta. I knew people who were participating and I wanted more than anything to be out there with them on that gorgeous day. It seems to be the only running event in Atlanta that takes place at a reasonable time of year - when it's not blistering hot. Also, the route is through the neighborhoods on my side of town.

Since then I've thought about doing the half but it was just a thought. Something I wasn't sure I could do or wanted to commit to. I've done the 3-day three times but this is different. Especially with the hills. In fact, when I think about it I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach like I get at the end of day one on the 3-Day. The "what the hell have I gotten myself into" and the "I don't think I can do this" feeling.

My friend Crys also shares my desire to become a runner and I'm hoping that the 2 of us can accomplish this enormous goal together. There's plenty of time to train but I had to put it out there as a real goal. Now. So I take it seriously.

Dear lord what have I done.

My Hero

Dear Al Roker,

I watched the video of you crossing the finish line of the Rock n Roll Chicago half marathon while I was on the treadmill this morning. I was practically in tears I was so proud of you.

A few months ago when you spoke for the first time on the Today show about your amazing weight loss, there was a video clip of you running at 3:30 am and it's something I've never forgotten. Just when I think I can't get up and work out, I think about you, plowing through it every day, hours earlier than me. In fact, you're already on the weather channel by that time.

You joked about how you should have "worn a bra" but you are still my hero. Man boobs and all. I just hope you know how much of an inspiration you are to me and everyone struggling with weight issues.

I know your journey hasn't been easy but I hope that inspiring the rest of us makes it a little easier. I dream of doing the ING half marathon in March. Now I know I can do it.

With thanks and admiration,
Tina
p.s. Not a stalker :)

my first challenge

Tammy my fellow Atlanta blogger is having a challenge! You can read all about it over at her blog.

I've never done a challenge before but I need a little motivation and some short term goals so I figure it can't hurt.

The only thing that did hurt is posting this today. I broke into the 230's last month and really want to get back on the downward trend. Lets see how low we can go by the end of the month!

I got a good start today. I was up at 5:45am after a restless night due to dogs and storms. I did 45 minutes on the treadmill and was soaked through with sweat. Since getting proper shoes, my hip has been better and I'm going to try running again tomorrow. I also added 20 minutes of stretching along with abs and push-ups on ball.

All healthy meals are planned for the week and the house has been cleared of Oreos.

Here's to a happy, healthy week! Join in the challenge if you can!

me week

Is anyone else amazed that it's August already? I'm trying to clear my head of negative thoughts about how much I'd hoped to accomplish by this time and focus on what I have done. I think I've survived the loss of my job and have come out okay on the other side. It's still a struggle financially and I have to work so much harder to pay the bills but I actually had a few bucks left over this month and treated myself to a "me week". I got my hair cut and colored, I went shopping, I got some new makeup, cleaned and organized my bathroom and closet and stocked up on some good food for the week ahead. I thought I would finish it off with a weekend blog post which always makes me feel great. After this it's back to work :)

I've been keeping up my exercise during the hottest summer we've ever had but weekend eating has been negating all my efforts during the week. I feel strong but flabby which is a sign that it's time to add some weights into the routine. My plan for this week is to do my usual cardio and give myself some time after for some body weight exercises. Saturday, the other Y (that I haven't been to yet) has a Body Pump class at 9:30 am that has a 15 minute setup class for first timers. I haven't been in years and that helps ease my fears a little. When I lost 100 pounds the last time, I went 3 days a week religiously and it was my favorite way to workout. I'm hoping to see some results from this plan.

Okay now I'm totally procrastinating and need to work in hopes of one day going on vacation again. Here's to the week ahead!