Between the BLs (Biggest Loser) Summer Challenge 2010 Part 2

[Connie96]

To continue the discussion about the new measurement challenge...

I need two things from you guys:

ONE... This challenge needs a name. This is not my strong suit and the best I've got is "Inch Loss Challenge" or "ILC". SURELY one of you can do better than that!

TWO... Those of you who are already planning to participate, please tell me which EIGHT of these body measurements you would want to include:

* Bust
* Chest
* Waist
* Hips
* Thighs (one or both)
* Calves (one or both)
* Upper Arms (one or both)
* Forearms (one or both)
* Neck

We'll probably whittle it down to six, but let's start with everyone's top 8. (And, yes, "both thighs", for example, would count as 2 out of your 8 measurements.)

The idea is to keep it simple while getting a good sampling to total up and track. Keep in mind that no single measurement indicates your weight/fat loss - your waist measurement, for instance, is not as important on it's own as the overall picture of your body composition. Totaling up the measurements is where you'll see the overall inch loss.

I'm going to put this out there, though. I've never done this before. Guidance, please?!?!?!

To be perfectly honest, the last time I measured anything was when I was trying to decide what size running shorts to order online. So, I've never really done this quite this way either. Have you had a chance to read this article: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1281 It gives tips about how and where exactly to measure. After you've read the measurement descriptions and the tips, please post any questions you still have and, hopefully, we can make sure to have thorough information available before we get started.

 

[flipflopmom]

Things are finally picking up and just hoping it stays this way! I love my job and making people feel refreshed and relaxed!

Tracey - one of my wish list items is a massage. I've had exactly 2 in my life, and they were up there in my top ten moments! I think it is awesome that you get to impart so much joy into everyone's life!

ETA: I am down 1.3 for the week!

Great job! You are taking control of your life lady!

I am down .2. down is down, right? I'm right at 210.0, and down 3.4 for the challenge.

Good job Kathy! I've decided that summer might be the hardest time to loose weight. Don't know why. We should be loosing like mad with the heat, fresh garden veggies and produce. I know you won't see this probably, but I hope you have fun camping!

I will also share and admit that it is a bit taxing on me emotionally and I haven't felt like coming here and sharing much.

Jen, I know what you mean about sharing sometimes. I am glad you felt up to clueing us in. A school would be lucky to have you! I am SO PROUD of the way you are handling this in conjunction with becoming a stronger lady, you are such an inspiration.

I'm a little nervous, since we have had such great coaches and questions, but I'm also excited about being the coach for the last week of the challenge. Taryn—Hugs to you. I don’t know how you are still standing with the schedule you’ve been keeping.Well, yesterday I reached my goal. It was very anti-climatic. Once again in my head, I kept thinking should I go lower.

Rose - you've already done great coaching! AND OH MY GOSH GOAL!!!!!!! GIRL!!!!! SHOUT IT! But I completely understand where the hesitation is coming from. I am guessing that the goal you set was a ambigious number, one you felt good about within your range. And yet, when the number was there, you looked in the mirror, and didn't feel like you looked the way you want to? I get this. Try to think of it this way. You've made your goal for weight loss. You are running and working out like a rock star. I bet as you keep that up, the areas you might want to look better, will. If you loose a few more in the process, that's fine. You met your goal. If you exceed it, that's okay, but the goal has been met. You have begun a healthy, athlete's lifestyle, and you will NEVER go back. We, and Mike won't let you. If you are worried loosing too much, Mike will be there, since we can't see you... I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Now that the challenge is wrapping up, have you had any AHA moments or revelations that you feel comfortable sharing? Have you been able to identify any specific reasons that have contributed to your weight?

Lack of control. I've learned that if there is unhealthy food available to me, and I'm not in the public eye, I have no control. I do great around people I know, but at home, forget it. I did better with saying no at home the heavier I was, but now, it's hard. DH gets a pizza, I'm going to binge. Bag of chex mix snuck into the house? I'm going to eat it until it's gone. Another one? If I am exhausted, which is frequent, my eating is hugely effected. Either I give in to DH's suggestion to get pizza, if I'm home, and end up eating it on the couch in front of the tv, OR, I eat a bowl of spinach, some fruit, or string cheese and call it dinner. As the school year goes on, I need to do more crock pot meals so I can balance this out.

Becoming a mother not only put the lbs on during pregnancy but even after I would feel like the only time I could relax would be if we would go out to eat. No cooking or cleaning involved. We ate out so much on a daily basis. This packed on the weight as well as wasted our money too.

I know what you mean about that. Going out to eat seemed to be a pampering experience. Sometimes getting it all done is more than I can handle!

I got up this morning and ran 4M, which felt pretty good. I'm not sure what tomorrow's workout will be, it depends on when I get up. We're going to meet dh's SB and his wife about 1.5 hrs away at noon, so if I get up early enough I can get in my 10M, if not I'll do it Sunday. I ate really well last night, and I plan to continue that through tonight.

Maria - you continually inspire me with your running! I am so proud of what you do!

I think I have RE-learned that being too strict on myself is not healthy or a lifestyle. When we started this challenge, I was much easier on myself - allowing for a wider range of calories - and I was losing just fine. But as I saw the weight coming off, I got all calculating and determined and over-strict. That's when the weekend binges started.

Connie - I think I shared before that I read something that said that 80% of people who go on a "diet" gain it back, whereas people that make lifestyle changes keep it off. I think what you are talking about hits that nail on the head.

While I don't think that AT ALL, perhaps these thoughts I keep getting about wanting to get into the 120's are a bit insane.

P - you've been at this for a while, I think you are in a mindset to loose. Make sense? It's your lifestyle. I think you are truly one of the best at having made this a lifestyle, your plans are infamous, and you have great mantras and sayings that equal health and longevity. Whatever you decide, I have no doubts that you will be healthy and strong. You already are.

I am sure, I could lose more weight. But I really don't think it would make me any healthier and at this point, I don't think it will make me any happier.

Good statement lady!

I know exactly why I was fat – I didn’t care. Now I care and have the motivation to lose the weight. That is my AHA moment I guess, deciding that I do care and I want to be healthy.

ITA girl! Get your rest! I agree with what someone said. I think when I started the c25K, I was more tired for a while as my body recovered. I hope you can catch up this weekend!

Things just don't want to stay where they should and look lumpy. I really need to create a new plan for the next challenge. I need to tone my body and if I don't start now things are going to get increasingly more loose.

A friend in her late 40's told me last week that her OBGYN said that without exercise, commitment to diet, and conscious behavior, women will gain 10 pounds every 10 years. I think that's probably true. A pound a year doesn't sound like much, especially when I've been known to gain 12 in a week! But you add them up, sheez! I will say that my work with 5 pound hand weights for my arms, has given me a few cut lines and is toning them pretty nicely when I am consistent. I just wish I could say the same for core work. Hoping you find something that works for you!

As we come to the end of this challenge, reflect on how you feel that you did in creating a healthier lifestyle.
Share with us one positive change that you were able to make.Share one thing you would like to work on in the future.

I have kept up an exercise routine for 6 months. That's the longest I've ever been consistent with it. I am running. That's so huge for me! I need to keep it up, make sure I am doing the strength/toning on off running days, even if it's just 10 minutes to get/keep things firm. I need to work on the complacency with food splurges ( a cookie here, pizza there) that has come with feeling better about the way I look!

Finally....I totally get you about being a bit scared about maintaining. I know that I have reached my goal at weight watchers and I am thinking that it might be good to lose a few more pounds. Now that I am trying to maintain this weight, I have lessons to learn. There are more maintainers now though so I hope we can help one another figure out what it takes to stay as we are.

Jen, I hope to join that maintainers group soon. I am really struggling right now. I am counting on you and Rose to get me through once I get there.
Good luck to your kids on the dance tryouts!

I know I was under calories by 1pm so that's probably it.

Sounds like maybe you need to eat a bigger breakfast, to avoid the sugar low headaches and splurges at lunch? You'll get back in a groove. I have faith!

I am so glad the weekend is here so I can just relax and get some house work done. Im trying to find something fun for the boys to do tomorrow that doesnt cost money.....any suggestions?

Playground? Water hose in the backyard? Hike? Obstacle course in the backyard? picnic? HAve fun!

Taryn--haven't seen you today. Hope you are having a good evening.

That one statement meant more to me than you'll ever know!

QOTD--I love summer, and hate to see it end, but after all the heat we've had, I'm looking forward to some cooler temps. What three things are you looking forward to about fall?

I love fall! College football. Foilage. Cooler temps for running! DH WILL GO BACK ON 1st SHIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mulled cider scented candle. Not sweating when the kids go on the playground! The county fair! Hikes on the mountain.

I was going to check out balance exercise balls for stretching and ab work and ended up finding a new one in Goodwill. .

I had great results using one of these 5 years ago! If I had a place to store it, I'd grab another!

ONE... This challenge needs a name. This is not my strong suit and the best I've got is "Inch Loss Challenge" or "ILC". SURELY one of you can do better than that!

TWO... Those of you who are already planning to participate, please tell me which EIGHT of these body measurements you would want to include:

* Bust
* Chest
* Waist
* Hips
* Thighs (one or both)
* Calves (one or both)
* Upper Arms (one or both)
* Forearms (one or both)
* Neck

Not coming up with anything either. MOP challenge (measuring our progress) sounds a little too cleaning.

My 8? Bust, Waist, Hips, both thighs, both forearms, and belly, which isn't on the list!

Gonna do a new post for myself now that I'm all caught up!

 

[flipflopmom]

I am in a funk or something. It all started when someone at school that is always running when I am made the comment that she had hit 130 that morning. Made me depressed. I am almost 30 pounds above that. Yes, I am at least 8 inches taller than her, and bigger framed, but still. Made me feel like a phony. As in, "I'm not getting thin. I weigh 157 pounds." Got depressed.

It's strange, I look at my reflection all the time now, trying to assess how I really look. I am getting lots of compliments, and that feels great, and sometimes I feel decent. Like I look in the mirror and think "looking good" (how vain is that?) And when you guys talk about wanting to look athletic? nope, I want to look thin! I think it's because I never have. Sometimes I can look in the mirror and see a thin person, but most of the time my gaze goes right to my midsection, and I am disgusted.

I am really in a quandry. I want to loose at least 9 more pounds. Yet, everything I loose seems to come from my head to my bust, and stop. My collarbones are really out, almost too much so. My ribcage is showing above my bust. I'm scared that if that keeps up, I'm going to look sickly. I need it to go away from my midsection.

Okay, enough of that. Spent yesterday cleaning like madwoman again. Organized both bathroom cabinets, washed the bathroom walls, and organized the laundry area cabinets and shelves. Changed sheets, dusted, vacuumed, cleaned glass. Still have to vacuum downstairs today, but DH is going to weedeat, so I wanted to wait until he finished tracking mess in! Need to sweep and mop, then the weekly stuff will be done. I am in this mode, I think, because I know once my class starts back up for the fall, and AK is in gym 3 nights a week again, I won't have much time, so I need to clean out now so it won't take so long!

And for some reason, I just can't relax or sleep. I am OCD about getting up at 5, regardless of when I go to bed, it's been midnight for about 2 weeks. It's like I am working against some non-existent clock to get as much done as possible??

Plus, we are having a yard sale labor day weekend, so I am trying to get stuff out for that. That's on my list for today. A girl at work wants first dibs on Sophie's clothes for her DD, so I am getting together stuff for her, too.

I am hoping for 9 miles this morning. But, my tummy is already not happy from the pizza last night, and my brain's not in it. I need to psych myself up. 18 laps around the trail, 1.5 hours, just doesn't sound fun this am. Going to see how far I can go, though!

I'll check back in later!
Happy Saturday!
Taryn

 

[disneymom2one]

Two quick answers

Lots of Aha moments for me

- When I get hungry at night, I CAN go back to sleep.
- I can live without salad dressing (just a little salsa instead)
- "Cheat" days don't work for me so I just don't do them.
- I can live (for the most part) without meat, refined sugar, peanut butter, and fried foods.

As to fall, it's my favorite season here (Destin area).
- The tourists leave.
- The weather gets cooler.
- Saints football!
- Planning for our biggest vacation of the year. We go on vacation for all of our winter break.

 

[donac]

Good morning It was pretty quiet here yesterday. Did some knitting and cleaning.

jenanderson - hope you find something soon. It must be very tough for someone who wants to teach these days. My ds is still waiting to hear from his interview and it is driving him crazy.

Rose - Congrats on making goal. I'm glad the car wasn't too difficult to fix.

connie96 - We had a secretary who came back to school last falll very thin. she had a note on her desk "I am not sick I just lost weight" I do think some people go too far on their weight loss. I think the place you can really see that is in the neck. For some reason that has always bothered me.

tigger813 - I hope you feel better from your headache.

Kathy - have a great vacation

cclovedis - hope you did okay on at the neighborhood party last night.

Lindsey - How about running the boys through the sprinkler? I know it is still supposed to be warm in the area today.

zoesmama03 Congrats on the exercise ball. The yoga blocks are used for stretching. If you can't reach the floor then you put your hands on the blocks. Very few yoga tapes use them.

my3princess - I love the fall when we have a more consistent schedule.

Tararyn - Don't let anyone else make you feel bad about how far you have come. You have made great progress since January and that is what counts. This time of year is always difficult on teachers. Dh and I have a tough time the last couple of weeks before and the first couple of weeks of school. We find it hard to sleep. I spent a while yesterday cleaning. It was something that I wanted to do this summer but with it so hot I never had the energy to do it. Now I am anxious about all the things that I did not do this summer so I know how you feel.

The weather here in jersey has been great for sleeping. Had a couple of great nights. Going up to north jersey today to see my folks and do some shopping. They live near a camping store we like to go to and it is not open on Sunday so we are going up there today.


Three things I like about fall

1. Colors

2. Cooler weather

3. quieter pace here at the shore


Have a great day everyone.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Here I am. Dropping in for a drive by to get subscribed. At y parents' house till monday. my beswt friend is on her way down for abeach day. Probably won't be checking in again till Teus or so. Have a great weekend everybody

 

[carmiedog]

Friday QOTD--Now that the challenge is wrapping up, have you had any AHA moments or revelations that you feel comfortable sharing? Have you been able to identify any specific reasons that have contributed to your weight?

Self-control and stress. I *thought* I had conquered it. Wrong. The few weeks before the start of school are absolutely crazy at my job. Yesterday was my turn to bring in birthday treats. I baked cupcakes from scratch, and didn't sample a single one at home. By the end of the day yesterday, I had eaten 9.

Wednesday, I stress binged. Thursday, I punished myself by being super strict. Yesterday, I stress binged. Today, I'm punishing myself again. I am so hoping that once my job calms down I can regain control. However, the kids school and activities will be starting up. I'm really worried about being able to maintain.



Saturday QOTD--I love summer, and hate to see it end, but after all the heat we've had, I'm looking forward to some cooler temps. What three things are you looking forward to about fall?

Corn maze and apple cider

Horseback riding trip with church youth group

Fall camping trips with Scouts

 

[tigger813]

QOTD:
My 3 favorite things are the amazing colors in NE! I always take lots of photos.

I also love to spend Sunday afternoons watching football games, especially my beloved Patriots! Welcome Back Wes Welker!!!

The third thing is the cooler temps and early morning soccer games!!!! Dressing can be a challenge!

Had my strawberry smoothie and now DD2 and I are off to her kindergarten playdate at the school. After that I have to do the errands I skipped yesterday like Target and Market Basket. After church and before taking DD2 to a birthday party we will go to Trader Joe's and Staples.

We also have to buy a new PS3 this week as ours died apparently. We use it as our blu-ray player as well. And we have been using it daily lately with our Lego games.

 

[flipflopmom]

Just another quick post before I soak in the tub!

I forgot to weigh yesterday until after I'd drank two big mugs of coffee, so I weighed this am.

DOWN 3 this week! 155..... I thought it would be close to 2, but glad to pull out 3, after TOM and all! 2 weeks until my birthday.. wonder what I'll weigh when I turn 35????

Did my 9 miles, and it was tough! I had planned on adding a mile each week, but I think I'm going to stick with 9 one more week. About 6 miles in, my abs started killing me. Not stomach, but muscles, just above my belly button. Must have had some weird form thing going on.... Calves are trying to cramp now. Time for my muscle relaxing bath salts!

Have a great day!
Taryn

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Here is Saturday's QOTD,QOTD--I love summer, and hate to see it end, but after all the heat we've had, I'm looking forward to some cooler temps. What three things are you looking forward to about fall?

1. Cooler temps for running
2. Football Season....GO EAGLES!
3. Fall weather foods...crock pot meals, soup, pasta etc. Although I guess I have to find the low fat recipes now!

Thanks for the great idea rose...Im going to try to find somewhere to pick apples this year too.

To continue the discussion about the new measurement challenge...

I need two things from you guys:

ONE... This challenge needs a name. This is not my strong suit and the best I've got is "Inch Loss Challenge" or "ILC". SURELY one of you can do better than that!

TWO... Those of you who are already planning to participate, please tell me which EIGHT of these body measurements you would want to include:

* Bust
* Chest
* Waist
* Hips
* Thighs (one or both)
* Calves (one or both)
* Upper Arms (one or both)
* Forearms (one or both)
* Neck

1. Im not good with this either but how about MOW Measurements of the Week?

2. Bust, waist, hips, both thighs, both calves, both upper arms

I am in a funk or something. It all started when someone at school that is always running when I am made the comment that she had hit 130 that morning. Made me depressed. I am almost 30 pounds above that. Yes, I am at least 8 inches taller than her, and bigger framed, but still. Made me feel like a phony. As in, "I'm not getting thin. I weigh 157 pounds." Got depressed.

It's strange, I look at my reflection all the time now, trying to assess how I really look. I am getting lots of compliments, and that feels great, and sometimes I feel decent. Like I look in the mirror and think "looking good" (how vain is that?) And when you guys talk about wanting to look athletic? nope, I want to look thin! I think it's because I never have. Sometimes I can look in the mirror and see a thin person, but most of the time my gaze goes right to my midsection, and I am disgusted.

I am really in a quandry. I want to loose at least 9 more pounds. Yet, everything I loose seems to come from my head to my bust, and stop. My collarbones are really out, almost too much so. My ribcage is showing above my bust. I'm scared that if that keeps up, I'm going to look sickly. I need it to go away from my midsection.

Okay, enough of that. Spent yesterday cleaning like madwoman again. Organized both bathroom cabinets, washed the bathroom walls, and organized the laundry area cabinets and shelves. Changed sheets, dusted, vacuumed, cleaned glass. Still have to vacuum downstairs today, but DH is going to weedeat, so I wanted to wait until he finished tracking mess in! Need to sweep and mop, then the weekly stuff will be done. I am in this mode, I think, because I know once my class starts back up for the fall, and AK is in gym 3 nights a week again, I won't have much time, so I need to clean out now so it won't take so long!

And for some reason, I just can't relax or sleep. I am OCD about getting up at 5, regardless of when I go to bed, it's been midnight for about 2 weeks. It's like I am working against some non-existent clock to get as much done as possible??

Plus, we are having a yard sale labor day weekend, so I am trying to get stuff out for that. That's on my list for today. A girl at work wants first dibs on Sophie's clothes for her DD, so I am getting together stuff for her, too.

I am hoping for 9 miles this morning. But, my tummy is already not happy from the pizza last night, and my brain's not in it. I need to psych myself up. 18 laps around the trail, 1.5 hours, just doesn't sound fun this am. Going to see how far I can go, though!

I'll check back in later!
Happy Saturday!
Taryn

Taryn you sound just like me....when I am in a funk I cant sit still and I go completely crazy with cleaning, organizing, etc. I guess its what we have control over. Hang in there I hope your day gets better

QOTD:
My 3 favorite things are the amazing colors in NE! I always take lots of photos.

We also have to buy a new PS3 this week as ours died apparently. We use it as our blu-ray player as well. And we have been using it daily lately with our Lego games.

NE is definitely one place I want to travel too in the fall. Maybe when the kids are older or once they are off to college when Dh and I can enjoy just a peaceful trip. My parents also love it there in the fall. They have been to places in vermont, conneticut, and Boston. Sorry to hear about the PS3 yikes thats a bummer.

I forgot to weigh yesterday until after I'd drank two big mugs of coffee, so I weighed this am.

DOWN 3 this week! 155..... I thought it would be close to 2, but glad to pull out 3, after TOM and all! 2 weeks until my birthday.. wonder what I'll weigh when I turn 35????

Did my 9 miles, and it was tough! I had planned on adding a mile each week, but I think I'm going to stick with 9 one more week. About 6 miles in, my abs started killing me. Not stomach, but muscles, just above my belly button. Must have had some weird form thing going on.... Calves are trying to cramp now. Time for my muscle relaxing bath salts!

Have a great day!
Taryn

Awesome weight loss this week. I hope that gives you a good burst of confidence. You are doing great dont let anyone make you feel any different.

I get the same issues on my long runs either in my back or my abd. I think after awhile when fatigue sets in I may slouch more causing the muscles to cramp. I hope you enjoy your bath time.


I got a bunch of cleaning done so far and went through the kids clothes to see what they might need yet for fall/winter. We are going to have lunch shortly and then we are heading outside to do something. Unsure what yet but I like all of your suggestions. There is a place near us called bushkill falls. You have to pay to walk the trails but its beautiful and lots of cool bridges to cross over areas with waterfalls. Im just not sure Dh would be on board for this since his ankle is still pretty sore. I may have to save this idea for another day.

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend.

Take Care.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Zoesmama--great job on finding the exercise ball! I like doing squats with the ball against the wall. (Assuming it's the same kind of ball.)

my3princes--I'm sorry you are not looking forward to fall. The street rod show sounds like fun!

I love summer too. It's definitely my favorite season but, oh my gosh. It has been over 100 degrees here every day for a month. My three things are all about the heat... 1) I can't wait to be able to walk to my car after work with out sweating, 2) I wanna be able to walk during work breaks without offending my coworkers when I'm done, 3) I am SO looking forward to going for a run in 60 degree weather.

I hear you on the heat. We're not as bad as you, but it's been nasty. My car is black w/a grey interior, and I dread getting in it, even with a sunshade up.

Lack of control. I've learned that if there is unhealthy food available to me, and I'm not in the public eye, I have no control. I do great around people I know, but at home, forget it. I did better with saying no at home the heavier I was, but now, it's hard. DH gets a pizza, I'm going to binge. Bag of chex mix snuck into the house? I'm going to eat it until it's gone. Another one? If I am exhausted, which is frequent, my eating is hugely effected. Either I give in to DH's suggestion to get pizza, if I'm home, and end up eating it on the couch in front of the tv, OR, I eat a bowl of spinach, some fruit, or string cheese and call it dinner. As the school year goes on, I need to do more crock pot meals so I can balance this out.


P - you've been at this for a while, I think you are in a mindset to loose. Make sense? It's your lifestyle. I think you are truly one of the best at having made this a lifestyle, your plans are infamous, and you have great mantras and sayings that equal health and longevity. Whatever you decide, I have no doubts that you will be healthy and strong. You already are.

Thanks Taryn. What about this idea--it sounds like more work at first, but what about making pizza at home. The girls could probably do most of it. We buy a thin premade crust (I'll check the brand) and use low sodium tomato sauce. You can gear the toppings to each person. It takes about 10 minutes to throw together and 10 minutes to bake. So much healthier. And for some strange reason I eat less thin crust.

ITA with your comments to Pamela!

I am in a funk or something. It all started when someone at school that is always running when I am made the comment that she had hit 130 that morning. Made me depressed. I am almost 30 pounds above that. Yes, I am at least 8 inches taller than her, and bigger framed, but still. Made me feel like a phony. As in, "I'm not getting thin. I weigh 157 pounds." Got depressed.

It's strange, I look at my reflection all the time now, trying to assess how I really look. I am getting lots of compliments, and that feels great, and sometimes I feel decent. Like I look in the mirror and think "looking good" (how vain is that?) And when you guys talk about wanting to look athletic? nope, I want to look thin! I think it's because I never have. Sometimes I can look in the mirror and see a thin person, but most of the time my gaze goes right to my midsection, and I am disgusted.

I am really in a quandry. I want to loose at least 9 more pounds. Yet, everything I loose seems to come from my head to my bust, and stop. My collarbones are really out, almost too much so. My ribcage is showing above my bust. I'm scared that if that keeps up, I'm going to look sickly. I need it to go away from my midsection.


Taryn

Ok, I've said this before, and I have definitely felt the same way that you do, but the belly will go down. It was my last area to budge. Measure at your natural waist (mine is a good bit above my belly button) and at your belly button. Check it again in a couple weeks. I know it will go down. My waist is the one place I did check earlier, and even though I wish my tummy was smaller, it is down 6+ inches. And that's great that the other teacher hit 130, but it's just a number. This is the stuff I've been obsessing about. I will probably never see 130. I don't know that that's a bad thing. You have come such a long way, and you should be very proud. Hang in there!

Two quick answers

Lots of Aha moments for me

- When I get hungry at night, I CAN go back to sleep.
- I can live without salad dressing (just a little salsa instead)
- "Cheat" days don't work for me so I just don't do them.
- I can live (for the most part) without meat, refined sugar, peanut butter, and fried foods.

As to fall, it's my favorite season here (Destin area).
- The tourists leave.
- The weather gets cooler.
- Saints football!
- Planning for our biggest vacation of the year. We go on vacation for all of our winter break.

I love your aha moments and your fall list!

Hi Dona! Hope your son hears soon!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Here I am. Dropping in for a drive by to get subscribed. At y parents' house till monday. my beswt friend is on her way down for abeach day. Probably won't be checking in again till Teus or so. Have a great weekend everybody

Have a great weekend!

Carmiedog I'm sorry it's been so stressful. When I feel completely out of control I try to focus on just one or two things. Here's some ideas: focus on getting your water in, getting a 20 min walk--which will really help with stress, getting enough fruit and veggies, taking a 10 minute me break and do nothing. I'm sure other people will have other ideas. If I feel like I've gotten just one or two positive things accomplished, the other stuff starts to fall back into place. Hang in there.

Tracey--so sorry about the PS3. Hope you can find a decent price.

Taryn--great job on the loss and the run! Have you looked at any of the running plans? I don't know if you are training for anything, but when you start getting up in miles, they start having you back off every other week. Have a good tubby!

Lindsey--hope you have fun today with your family!

We are back from our run and brunch. We got up at 5:40 (slept in a little) and were running by 6:30. Good thing we got up. The first 3 miles weren't bad, just muggy, the next 3 miles we were deep in the park and in the middle of a thunderstorm. Not fun. Mike kept saying, surely the lightning will hit the trees and not us. The next 4 miles were light rain. at this point we were running the 1.2 mile loop where we park. At mile 10 it started pouring and thundering again. It did this until 12 or so. We finished up 13.11 miles in 2:40. Slow, but I was pretty happy. Was running in a thunderstorm a good choice--nope. And I swear if we didn't have a race in two weeks, we would have canned it and gone home, but this is our last long run before our race. I am now going to go take a nap! I hate getting up that early. I will check back in later. Hope everyone is doing something fun today!

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

The party last night worked out fine. Actually, I got there and the person my age wasn't there, so I was excused. Got to love me mom.

Today has been an okay day. I've eaten quite a bit. I took at test to work toward teacher certification in a 2nd state and you have up to 4 hours to complete it. You don't get a break so I didn't drink anything before I left. I meant to pack some water for post-test, but I didn't. I ended up eating a lot. I wouldn't call it bingeing-I was in complete control and thinking about whether or not I was still hungry the entire time I was eating. I even stopped between bites, etc. I was just really that hungry. I've had some water and am feeling better.

Oh, the test, btw was pretty easy. I am like 99% sure I passed.

We are going out to dinner tonight. Not sure where yet. I will do my best.

CC

 

[tigger813]

Ordered our new PS3 from Best Buy. Can't get it until Aug. 29th! A week plus of no Rock Band or Lego Harry Potter! Guess we'll bring the Wii back upstairs for the week. At least we can play Toy Story Mania on that!

I bought Bob's new workout DVD! It was $12 at Target today. It has 2 workouts on it a 25 minute beginner one and then an hour long workout. I'll start it sometime next week after watching it. My left leg has been bothering me today, sciatica, so I'm laying low today. I'm off in 30 minutes to do chair massage at an event from 4-6. Fortunately it's not excruciating pain.

We're ordering subs and pizza for supper at a place across the street from where I'm going to be this afternoon. I stocked up on WW and LC meals for DH and me. Good price at Target!

Mom called so I have to go and then get ready! I'll be back later!

 

[Rose&Mike]

CC--glad the test went well.

Tracey--hope your leg is feeling better.

It's been very quiet on here today. Mike and I went to dinner tonight. We ended up going later than we planned, because a neighbor stopped by. By the time we got to the restaurant I was doing a major low blood sugar thing. I had to ask the waitress for a glass of oj because the room started spinning. I have not yet figured out what and how to eat on these long run days. I feel like I eat all day, but I still find myself crashing around dinnertime, so obviously I'm not eating enough. Next time I guess I'll track and put it in spark people and see if I can find a pattern.

I think we are going to watch a movie and go to bed early. We are both tired.

Have a nice evening.

 

[Connie96]

Not coming up with anything either. MOP challenge (measuring our progress) sounds a little too cleaning.

My 8? Bust, Waist, Hips, both thighs, both forearms, and belly, which isn't on the list!

1. Im not good with this either but how about MOW Measurements of the Week?

2. Bust, waist, hips, both thighs, both calves, both upper arms

Taryn and Lindsay... thanks so much for your input. I have made notes in my handy dandy new spreadsheet and I am now awaiting further replies from our fellow participants. I'm really looking forward to the new challenge.

I really do want to hear from everyone on this one. Please let me know if you have any "name that challenge" suggestions and which measurements you'd like to see included in your total. Pick your top EIGHT measurement preferences:

* Bust
* Chest
* Waist
* Hips
* Thighs (one or both)
* Calves (one or both)
* Upper Arms (one or both)
* Forearms (one or both)
* Neck
* Belly (This one's for you Taryn! I had left it out because I was thinking the waist/hips combination would suffice for an *overall* measurement, but I'll put it up here just in case anyone else would like to see it included.)

The idea is to keep it simple while getting a good SAMPLING to total up and track. Keep in mind that no single measurement indicates your weight/fat loss - your waist measurement, for instance, is not as important on it's own as the overall picture of your body composition. Totaling up the measurements is where you'll see the overall inch loss.

 

[Connie96]

I am SO sunburned!! I was originally going to take DD to the water park last Wednesday, but it didn't work out. This was the week they up and decided to no longer be open during the weekdays. AND just as we were leaving the house, there was a thunderstorm rolling in. So, I ended up taking her to the Y to use their indoor swimming pool. We're not members, but they were really sweet and let us in for free for our first visit. Anyway... I decided this morning to take DD and my 10yo niece (my 8yo neice had an out-of-town soccer tournament) out to the water park today. We got there about 11:00 this morning and we stayed until 2:30. I really didn't expect to be there that long, but... even with spf50, DD still got a bit pink. I, of course, temporarily lost my mind and didn't bother with sunscreen and my shoulders are RED! We had a great time though.

Speaking of things I told yall I had planned and then didn't do... Last Sunday was supposed to be my first 7 mile run. Well, that didn't happen either. I overslept a bit, but I headed out the door anyway only to find that my Garmin battery was about to die. I decided I would charge it for 30 minutes and try again, but there still wasn't enough charge on it so I just bagged the run. Since I was going to be off work on Wednesday, I decided to do it that morning. And I DID. Run 4, walk 1, times 16 = 7.04 miles. That's 1 hour 20 minutes. I wasn't working on speed, just distance, but I was fairly pleased with my overall time for just putting one foot in front of the other. I'm planning to do 8 miles in the morning. Hopefully the sunburn won't slow me down too much.

 

[cclovesdis]

Morning Everyone,

Am I the only one who doesn't like TOM?

I slept a lot yesterday, got a great night's sleep in last night, and woke up sick. No exercise yesterday and dinner was at The Cheesecake Factory. I really want to make it to the gym today.

I actually did really well at dinner last night. I had an egg white omelet with chicken breast, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms plus a side salad. My mom and I split half a piece of cake. The other half is in our fridge.

It looks like it is going to rain all day today, so outdoor exercise is possible even if I was anywhere decent at that.

Thanks Rose! Not sure when I'll take the next 2 tests. One of the next 2 has a math subtest. Um yeah...better get studying!

Connie-Thank you for the article! Really helpful. My 8 picks would be:
- definitely chest, bust, waist, and belly
- 1 of each: thigh, calf, upper arm, forearm (still can't figure out how I'm going to measure my right upper arm with my left hand-I'm barely righthanded )
Of course, I can see the value in measuring hips as well. Very hard to decide.
WTG on your run!

Taryn-I hope today is a better day!

Looking forward to a decent day. Eating should be good. Exercise? I'm hoping.

Have a great day!

CC

 

[cclovesdis]

Feeling so much better. It's half an hour later. Uh, ok, yeah? I'll take it anyway.

Have a great day everyone!

Will try to check back later, hopefully after a trip to the gym!

 

[flipflopmom]

Good morning It was pretty quiet here yesterday. Did some knitting and cleaning. Tararyn - Don't let anyone else make you feel bad about how far you have come. You have made great progress since January and that is what counts. This time of year is always difficult on teachers.

Thanks Dona! I hope I can remember how to knit if I pick it back up this winter! This is a stressful time, but I am determined to make it!

Here I am. Dropping in for a drive by to get subscribed. At y parents' house till monday. my beswt friend is on her way down for abeach day. Probably won't be checking in again till Teus or so.

Hey! Have fun!

Wednesday, I stress binged. Thursday, I punished myself by being super strict. Yesterday, I stress binged. Today, I'm punishing myself again. I am so hoping that once my job calms down I can regain control. However, the kids school and activities will be starting up. I'm really worried about being able to maintain.

I think that yo-yo of overeating, too strict, overeating, too strict gets us all at one point or another. The key is to find the balance. You are doing great, you know what to do and how to do it. Once things settle down, you'll be fine!

Taryn you sound just like me....when I am in a funk I cant sit still and I go completely crazy with cleaning, organizing, etc. I guess its what we have control over. Hang in there I hope your day gets better I got a bunch of cleaning done so far and went through the kids clothes to see what they might need yet for fall/winter.

That's exactly what I am trying to do. Gain some control! And peace, too. A messy house leads to a messy mind, which leads to stress. If I can declutter and deep clean to the point that 15-30 minutes here and there will keep it fairly straight, then I am less stressed and overwhelmed! If I feel like I have hours of housework, then I just sit on the couch, eat,and feel worse! I've got to go through clothes, too. I am hoping that will magically happen as we get ready for this yard sale!

Thanks Taryn. What about this idea--it sounds like more work at first, but what about making pizza at home.
Ok, I've said this before, and I have definitely felt the same way that you do, but the belly will go down. It was my last area to budge. Measure at your natural waist (mine is a good bit above my belly button) and at your belly button. Check it again in a couple weeks. I know it will go down. My waist is the one place I did check earlier, and even though I wish my tummy was smaller, it is down 6+ inches. And that's great that the other teacher hit 130, but it's just a number. This is the stuff I've been obsessing about. I will probably never see 130. I don't know that that's a bad thing. You have come such a long way, and you should be very proud. Hang in there!

We have been making a few in that express thing Brad bought. I have some crusts for individual ones in the fridge that I made, and I do them about one night a week when things are wild. The girls and Brad like traditional, but I've been doing white pizzas for me with spinach, cheese, garlic, mushrooms, and either EVOO or Ranch dressing. He just had a craving for our pizzeria pizza!


I think the blow about the other girl came from a couple of sources. She has been staying home with her daughter, and had gained a lot over the last 4 years. I mentioned to a friend that she had really lost weight and looked great, and she said "Do you really think so? She was at zumba, and I couldn't really tell." So when she threw out that number, I felt like "well, if she didn't think she looks good at 130, how does she really feel about how I look?" I'm so self-conscious, it's pitiful. I wish my self esteem and image wasn't so tied to how others see me. I think it's from always been a bit overweight, to a lot overweight! I think I am going to start writing down all my compliments and accomplishments, and read them when I start to feel bad!

Taryn--great job on the loss and the run! Have you looked at any of the running plans? I don't know if you are training for anything, but when you start getting up in miles, they start having you back off every other week. Mike kept saying, surely the lightning will hit the trees and not us.At mile 10 it started pouring and thundering again. Was running in a thunderstorm a good choice--nope. And I swear if we didn't have a race in two weeks, we would have canned it and gone home, but this is our last long run before our race.

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU RAN IN A THUNDERSTORM!!!! Where is the beating you with a stick smilie????? Promise me you will never do that again. Okay, sorry for going off, but that scared me just reading it!

I am not really following a training plan. Most of the ones I've seen show 4 or more running days a week, and I'm a little nervous to add a day. I need to find one I can live with. I want to run a half in November, so I was just adding a mile to my long run each Saturday. I was really wasted after that one yesterday. I think I might try 9 with a run/walk ratio next weekend to see if I feel better. I was concentrating on going slower the first half than I really wanted to, which actually made me more tired. I also wonder if I was subconciously "sucking in my gut", which lead to the cramping and pain in my abs?

Oh, the test, btw was pretty easy. I am like 99% sure I passed.

I hate those tests. Was it in a testing center with cameras and everything? That puts me on edge before I start! I know what you mean about the water. Our K assistant wasn't at work Friday, so I couldn't drink as much as I usually do because I knew I couldn't go to the bathroom!

Ordered our new PS3 from Best Buy. Can't get it until Aug. 29th! A week plus of no Rock Band or Lego Harry Potter! Guess we'll bring the Wii back upstairs for the week. At least we can play Toy Story Mania on that!

Hoping you make it without the PS3 and your leg gets better!

I feel like I eat all day, but I still find myself crashing around dinnertime, so obviously I'm not eating enough. Next time I guess I'll track and put it in spark people and see if I can find a pattern.

I ate a lot yesterday after my run, too. Came home and fixed bacon and eggs for the family's breakfast, ate probably 2 eggs and a slice of bacon. Had some graham crackers in the afternoon. Then we had spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. I ate a small portion, though. Then I had a glass of wine! Felt like a lot of "bad" choices, but under control. Does that make sense? Of course, your run was 4 miles longer, so you do need more. My ipod said I burned 1100 calories on that run yesterday, I guess because I was so slow!

I am SO sunburned!! Last Sunday was supposed to be my first 7 mile run. Well, that didn't happen either. I overslept a bit, but I headed out the door anyway only to find that . And I DID. Run 4, walk 1, times 16 = 7.04 miles. That's 1 hour 20 minutes.

So sorry about the sunburn! Sounds like you had fun yesterday, though!Great job on your run. I think I am going to try run walk next weekend to see how that goes. As for the belly measurement, don't stress it. I'll continue to do it whether or not it's part of the challenge. When I typed my list, I was just mentally going down what I measure. Actually, I measure 2 inches above my bb, my waist, and 2 inches below my belly button in addition to my hips. I need to see those numbers go down!

Am I the only one who doesn't like TOM?
I actually did really well at dinner last night. I had an egg white omelet with chicken breast, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms plus a side salad. My mom and I split half a piece of cake. The other half is in our fridge.

Are you kidding? TOM is my best friend. He loves me so much, he came to see me 4 days early this month! Your dinner sounds yummy, minus the tomatoes. I hate the little nasty things!


Well, yesterday was pretty much a bust. Got out 2 bags of clothes to take to my friend to go through for her DD, but I still have 2 tubs that might have the sizes she wanted to go through. Never vaccuumed, or mopped. DH got into yard work, so I helped him, and we put down some new pavers by the back patio, pulled weeds, and he trimmed bushes and we picked up the trimmings. He even cooked dinner! I cleaned up some last night, and finished washing pots this am. At 7:00, I curled up on the couch and watched House Hunter's International, then he wanted to watch a college football preview that came on at 7:30. Gave him the remote, closed my eyes, and woke up at 11:30 when he told me to go to bed. He made sure the girls' had their bath, cleaned up what they had been playing with.... I don't know how I slept through all that, but I must have needed it.

Of course, got up at 5, and did what I didn't last night!

Have a great Sunday!
Taryn