Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen! It's another healthy-living day for you and me. Today's going to be a bit toughter, though, because I'm seriously into planning yummy snacks for tonight! I've got to figure out how I'm going to eat all this and stay within the points, too. Oh, well, that's my problem, not yours. You've got to make sure you stay away from the E.V.M.! Run, oh, Munchie Monster!!!

About tonight: no, you don't have to plan a whole big thing. Ask around the family--what do they want out of tonight? If they want a fancy meal and the works, invite them to get busy with you! It would definitely be more fun if they're involved, too. Maybe DS and DD would like to be in charge of entertainment (games, movies, noisemakers? ), you and DH could handle the food. Or, maybe you'll find out that it's no big deal to anyone and everyone would just like to crash around 10:30!

We'll probably have dinner/snacks around 8 p.m., but I don't know if we'll make it to midnight. DD had a sleepover last night. We're bowling with friends this afternoon, so she won't have a chance to nap much--I predict serious crash around 9:30 or so!

Yep, we've got to plan out what we're going to do training-wise. Let's look at the AVA schedule and set some things up. You want to begin walking together in March? Jan. and Feb. could be too cold, don't you think? As far as walking vs. running goes, I'm going to start incorporating some running in my training schedule to build endurance and increase my speed. My goal is to walk/run the half marathon. . .if I end up walking the whole thing, so be it. Running the whole thing? I don't think that could ever happen! I have some good info from about.com's walking site; they're sending me a weekly half marathon training schedule. According to them, I should be able to do the walk by April (16 weeks)! If I'm that fit by then, I'll just work to maintain that level.

I've heard some talk about the Jan. 12th registration; one person said she didn't believe that's true. Do you know the real scoop? HOW do we register anyway? I'll have to go to the Disney site and check things out.

OK, I've got to get to the treadie. Today's my three mile day. So we're on for a January challenge tomorrow, right? We're going to go forward even though we know we're going to have some hard moments, right? We're going onward and downward into the new year without looking back, right? Fearless! Brave! Healthy!
Right? RIGHT!!!

Have a great day, Doreen!
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Change in plans!! Eddie the Weasel.....oops.....I mean PA Governor Ed Rendell has given us 4 hours off today! I'll be leaving work just after 11 AM.

1. Meds taken, vitamins will have to wait for lunch at home.
2. Only 12 oz so far
3. Pumpkin custard (6 carbs) for breakfast and 2 string cheese (2 carbs) for snack. Total so far = 8 carbs.
4. Will it be warm enough to walk the puppy this afternoon?? I sure could use the sunshine AND the exercise!!

Then maybe I can take an afternoon nap and stay up til midnight. I'll take Erin's advice and ask the family what they want to do. Now I'll have time to get to the store and make food, etc. I love the idea of letting the kids take responsibility for part of the fun! Hopefully DH will play along with whatever they decide....

 

[lulu201]

Eddie the Weasel!

 

[septbride2002]

Doe it sounds like a great day! Enjoy the extra hours off and I hope you get to take a walk this afternoon. I just got back from mine and it was great!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

My plans are always fluctuating! Why do I even bother?

The extra hours off were NOT spent walking the puppy and napping - they were spent at Lowe's getting paint & painting supplies for DD's bedroom.

Now DD is heading out for a sleepover at a friend's. DH, DS and I are getting take-out for dinner - Wendy's for DS and Subway for DH and I. Who knows what will happen next? I guess it's good that I'm a very flexible person.

I had an ounce of nuts (6 carbs) and a protein bar (2 carbs) for a snack / late lunch. Total so far = 16 carbs. Dinner will be a low-carb wrap from Subway (8 carbs).

I'm walking the low-carb walk - this will be my third cheat free day. I put the cute bear back in my siggie in preparation for the cheat free January. Why wait til January to start, right??

Doe-Doe, fearless, brave and healthy!! RIGHT!

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis! for the New Year. It's 2004,
Doreen, and you're going into it 11 pounds lighter and ready to take on the physical challenge of your life: the 2005 Half Marathon! Let the training begin!

Doreen, I can't begin to tell you how much your friendship and support mean to me. I'm so grateful that we're walking the walk--in so many ways--together.

So, it's you, me, Amanda, Deb, and Lisa Zeraspride aiming for the cheat-free January. Let's do it!

Did you make it to midnight last night? Just wondering if I'm the only one who petered out early.

Here's for you and Maya. Enjoy your day. Are you going to begin DDs painting project today? What color did you all decide on?

May your 2004 be filled with blessings,
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Last night we managed to stay up til midnight but were in bed by 12:20. I was cheat-free yesterday - 3rd day in a row!! I'm proud of me for turning around that nasty cycle of eating junk, craving junk, eating more junk, etc.

I'm starting 2004 off right!

I did my weight & measurements this morning - will post them later. I think I'll try to avoid the scale except for once a week at Sunday weigh-ins.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins are on the table.
2. Water - not enough yet but I'll keep my mug with me today.
3. Food - Pumpkin custard (6 carbs) for breakfast. Not hungry for anything else yet. Dinner will be pork & sauerkraut at Mom & Dad's house with them and some good family friends. I'll be skipping the mashed potatoes. She asked me to bring cookies for dessert - bought them, since I was afraid I'd munch the dough if I made them. I'm also bringing a cheese ball (low carb) and crackers. I'll be counting all my carbs and staying under 60 for the day.
4. Exercise - I signed up at coolrunning.com and am keeping a journal. I did the Couch to 5K (C25K) week 1 workout. I was surprised at how well I did but I may have to do week 1 for 2 weeks to build up my stamina and endurance. I took Maya with me and she did well, so I think she'll be my training partner. I asked for a mentor on the site and asked about low-carb eating while running - I've heard it's tough to do them together.

My goal - to complete the 2005 Disney half marathon without being picked up by the sweeper bus!! I don't want to be fast - I just want to finish!

I feel like the sky's the limit this year. I love the support system here on WISH - you all have helped me so much already, especially my WISH-sis, Erin! I feel like I can accomplish anything with my WISH friends!

Onward and inward.

 

[LAinSEA]

Doing the half marathon in 2005 is completely within your reach. I think its a wonderful goal and its great you have a "training partner" - I wish you both a successful year as you work towards your goal.

I have a feeling that as you train, you will probably reach your weight, size and health goals as well - without any worry.

Onward and inward, Doreen!

-Laurie

 

[DoeWDW]

I wanted to post my January 1st weight & measurements.
Weight - 129
Bust - 38
Chest - 32
Waist - 31
Hips - 38.5
Thighs - 39.5

My next weigh & measure day will be NEXT Sunday, the 11th. I'll try to stay off the scale until then....

Today's wrap-up
1. Meds taken, vitamins....will get them tomorrow.
2. Tons of water - at least 72 oz.
3. Food - Dinner was pork, a little sauerkraut and some waldorf salad - couldn't have been any more than 20 carbs total. While everyone else was snacking on cookies, I had some of the crackers and cheese ball that I brought - no more than 25 carbs. I was well under 60 grams for today - YAY!! This is my 4th cheat free day!!
4. Exercise - My thigh muscles have noticed the running today. They're just a little achey, but it feels good!! I told my family about doing the half marathon and they did NOT take it seriously. That's fine - it gives me that "I'll show them" attitude! They can make all the jokes they want but I'll be shaping up, looking good and crossing that finish line while they're still wondering how I did it!! Eat my dust!!

I feel so positive starting this new year! This half-marathon is a gift to myself, for me and no one else, because I'm worth it. I saw a saying today - "triumph" is nothing more than "try" with a little "umph" - I have "umph"!!!

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen!

You're doing the half marathon? Good for you. I feel like I am missing out. I wish I could join you guys but it's not to be 2005. Maybe 2006? Who knows. What wonderful goals you have set for yourself. I know we each will be able to reach our weight loss goals this year with the awesome support on this board and our determination. Keep up the great work!

 

[septbride2002]

You will show them Doe! I went to the website that you mentioned and signed on as well and will be doing the same program. I ran yesterday and my thighs are punishing me today. I plan on walking and running again tomorrow. I was going to work out today but then ended up doing very strenuous housework for about 3 hours and was exhausted by that - so I figured I had enough. You are doing Great! I asked Lulu this techinical ques but since you are a protein person I will ask you as well. My goal everyday is 30 carbs or less and today I ate 31 carbs but also all the housework. Did I cheat? I want to say no but then again this is a techinical kinda thing.

~Amanda

 

[littleducksmom]

doreen........i am there with ya on the half marathon, but i want to run the whole thing.......how much did you run today?.........that sore feeling in your thighs is a good thing!!!!!!do you want to walk or run or combo the marathon?...i have a feeling that you will be able to run it.......if you really train for it. i mean i weighed 250 and started running last jan and i feel that i could run it today without a problem.......and i still weigh in the 190's.

glad to see ya being cheat free for another day!!!!!

 

[lulu201]

OH, MY GOSH!
You're in the 120s!!!! The only time in my life I remember being in the 120s was in 6th GRADE! May I live vicariously through you for a few moments?

Doreen, your attitude and honest sharing of your feelings in your journal are so powerful and have made such a difference in my life. I'm sorry that your family wasn't receptive when you told them about your half marathon goal, but you know that here your dreams are embraced and encouraged. Thank goodness for WISH (and for our DHs), right? What matters is that YOU know you're going to do this! And when the times get rough, and we know that they sometimes do, we'll all be here to support you. You know I'm just a PM away. . .

Are you working in DDs room today? What are your exercise plans?

We're heading downtown (Phila.) today to see Stomp. My DH, the drummer, is excited. DD is willing to tolerate the whole thing, and I'm thinking of it as a big adventure. I'm still a small town girl at heart--all those skyscrapers give me a thrill!. I'll check in with you later.

Let me know if you join a fitness club, btw. I'll come and pay to be your guest for the day, and we can walk side by side on the treadies for one of our training walks!

, Doe-Doe,
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support! You have no idea how much it helps to know that I'm not alone on this journey!

Actually, I'm kind of glad that my family doesn't believe I can do the half-marathon. There's something very motivating about proving them wrong. It's great to know that there are a bunch of us here with the same goal. I know we can do it if we support each other, cheer for each other and lean on each other through the ups and downs. Working together as a group can be so powerful!! I feel blessed to be a part of this!!

Today I'm back at work - no time off for me over the holidays! I'm actually carrying 3 vacation days over into 2004. That's a new record for me!! I usually use my vacation up and carry over only a few hours. Now I have extra days for snow, for me, for all my Disney trips, etc. It's a good feeling!

My thighs are a little sore today, but not nearly as bad as I thought they would be after my first training session yesterday. I still find it hard to see myself as a runner. I'm more of a walker. I just don't think I'll be able to walk a 16 minute mile for 13 miles. I'm already thinking about race strategy....LOL!! I figure I'll walk the first half mile to warm up and to let the crowd thin. Then I'll jog a few miles to put some space between me and the bus that picks people up who can't stay at a 16 minute mile pace. That way I'll have a cushion and I can probably walk the rest of the way, unless I'm really feeling good and want to jog some of it.

A year ago, I never would have set a goal this big. It still scares me a little but with everyone else here who's working toward the same goal, I'm not overwhelmed with fear like I would have been last year. I truly feel like I can achieve this and I'm excited to be going for it. I can't wait until January 12th when I can register for the race.

Goals for today:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the desk
2. Water - 24 oz down - 36 oz to go while at work.
3. Food - B = protein bar (2 carbs). I have nuts and string cheese to snack on and I'll get a salad for lunch. Dinner? I have some chicken thawing in the fridge. Maybe I'll check out that lowcarbfriends website for a new recipe to try.
4. Exercise - Did my 20 minute Pilates workout this morning. I have a sore neck (been bugging me for a couple days - the chiropractor will adjust it next week) so I put a pillow under my head for support.

It's going to be a good day! I can just feel it! I truly wish I could bottle this positive feeling and get it out when the d-zone hits in a few weeks!

Erin, I avoided the scale this morning! We use it as a door stop in the bathroom so I can't hide it. I THOUGHT about stepping on it but we promised to wait, so I held out. I FEEL thinner, though!

Edit: 1:30 PM
Meds & vitamins taken, 36 oz. water down, lunch was a Subway low-carb turkey bacon wrap (11 carbs) - total so far today = 13 carbs. I had to get off my lazy bum and walk to Subway. It isn't that far, but just getting out of my chair and outside is great for me!! I LOVE those Subway wraps!!

I'm doing well and feeling sunny!

Edit: 4 PM
I changed my goal in my signature - I'm just not sure what my goal should be. I want to be healthier and fitter. I know that is at a weight less than I am now. I just am not sure what that weight will be. Do I really HAVE to pick a number? Maybe I should find a better way to define success....

 

[septbride2002]

Girl you are off to a great day! I am craving those subway wraps - I might go get one tomorrow for dinner tonight or I might wait till tomorrow can't make up my mind at the moment. Good job on the pilates, I might do some yoga tomorrow to help stretch myself out from all the running.

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday's recap - I finished the day cheat-free. I had a Wendy's mandarin chicken salad (? carbs - no more than 40) and 2 Dove dark chocolate Promises (7 carbs). My total was under 60 carbs for the day.

I was wide awake at 3 AM this morning. I was worried about training for the half-marathon. I just can't figure out how to train. Should I train to walk it? Should I train to run it? Should I be more worried about the distance for now and then work on time or should I start doing short distances at race pace and then build up distance? Should I train at the fitness center on the treadmill so I can see my distance and time or should I walk the local sidewalks or should I use the local rail trail? So many questions!! I looked at the walking training schedules and the running training schedules.... After a few hours of making myself miserable, I have decided to....not decide....

I've conned my DS into walking with me today. I'm going to do 4 miles on the local rail trail with DS and the puppy. I'm going to walk it as fast as is comfortable and not look at my watch until I finish. Then I'll need to start making some longer term decisions. But I know what I want to do for today and that's enough for now. This half marathon will be more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge for me!! I'm not giving up though - I really want to do this.

Today so far:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the table.
2. 12 oz water so far - tough to drink when I'm at home but I'll try.
3. Under 60 carbs for today. I've had a scrambled egg & some ham - I suppose I should count 2 carbs just in case? Eating low-carb and running do not seem compatible, which is another reason that I'm questioning how I want to train. I may have to up my carbs as I up my distance, even if I'm walking. I'll eat more fruit and NOT more processed junk.
4. Exercise - see above goal - 4 miles as fast as comfortable.

I avoided the scale this morning!

I'm still in the game!

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Athlete Doe-Doe. Let the sun shine down on you and banish all your cares about this Half-Marathon. I know that you're going to work it out.

Did you read what my strategy is? I'm planning to use the next few months to establish the mileage and then try to cut my time down to something I feel comfortable with. To get that time, I know that I'll have to eventually do some kind of walk/jog, but right now, I'm more concerned with developing the strength and endurance part of it. You are a different person, however, and may I say, a much "lighter" person, so your issues may be different. As you know I'm committed to a very brisk race walk attitude--if I'm the last one over the tape I don't care (as long as I'm not riding in the sweeper bus! ). I don't really like running. Maybe it sounds as if I'm not setting my goals high enough, but this is what I feel comfortable with. If you decide to run, girlfriend, then go for it! Do you LIKE to run? Is running a hobby/sport that you'd like to continue doing after the half marathon? Many people here on the boards enjoy it. If you do, then aim for the stars and go for it! Also, if you're feeling that you want to do something different and our little training sessions won't be compatible with that--don't worry! We don't have to train together--I won't be upset. It's enough for me to know that we're in this Half Marathon together. Do you know what I'm trying to say? You have to do what's right for you. Period. End of lecture.

Have fun on the walk with DS. What exactly is walking a rail trail? Are you walking on railroad tracks??

Congratulations on another cheat free day! We're doing this, Doreen!

Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe,
Since I checked out the cool running website I would stick with the plan they given you for the Couch to 5K. After getting through that 9 weeks then start building for distance and speed. Whatever you do listen to your body and let it be the judge of what you can handle right now. And thirdly - don't stress about it! Part of this is suppose to be fun! Per other runners I know the treadmill is great for clocking and watching speed but running outdoors will actually help you burn more calories and build your endurance faster. Why? Because of the terrain and the wind. The trails will be softer and easier on your knees, legs, and chin bone for running. Concrete is hard and unforgiving but is still good for walking if you are not comfortable running on it yet.

You are going to have a great day I know it! (Ohhh.... Dove Promies.....yummy).

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

OK, just got back from my walk and want to post times, steps, etc. while I can still remember them.

I walked 4 miles at my usual brisk-walk pace that I use on longer walks. We walked 2 miles out and 2 miles back. I finished the first 2 miles in 31 minutes. I did the second 2 miles in 32 minutes. Total was 1:03 for 4 miles - this is definitely race pace. 4 16 minute miles is 1:04 - so I was ahead of the sweeper bus! YAY! Could I keep it up for 13+ miles - no, but I definitely could have walked further today. I was fighting off a stitch in my side at about 2.5 miles but it was gone by 3 miles. I felt great!

Total steps were almost exactly 9,000. That means I walk a mile in 2,250 steps. This will be handy to know when I'm walking on the local sidewalks. I won't have to take the car out and measure all my walks. Gee, the half-marathon should only be about 30,000 steps!

I'm feeling much better now that I've seen my stats. I know what race pace "feels" like. I think I'll just do the walking training this week - 3 walks of 3 miles each at a bit slower pace. Then I'll try another 4 mile walk in a week or two and see how I feel. For now, I think I'll hold off on the running. I want to start slow - I have a year, so there's no need to push things.

I also am OK now with having a plan for the next week or two and then reassessing. This morning, I was feeling like I had to have every walk, distance and time goal written down on a spreadsheet for the next 12 months and that's just silly. I do not think rationally in the wee hours of the morning - I should know that by now.

I'm back on track and feeling positive. I'm off to find lunch. I'm still working out the details of my eating plan - I may want to up my carbs to 80 - 100 grams a day, as long as the extra carbs are coming from higher carb veggies and fruits. I'll still consider that a cheat free day. I can't walk all these miles with no glycogen stores in my muscles. I may have to be more concerned with calories and lower my fats.

Weight - who knows. I think the scale will become less important. I'm going to be building muscle so I may even gain weight while losing inches. Maybe my measurements should mean more than the scale number from here on out. I think I need to rely more on how healthy I feel. Again, not something I have to decide now. All in good time.

Erin and Amanda, thank you so much for your posts and kind words. I appreciate all the information and support you've so graciously offered. It especially meant a lot when I was feeling so low this morning before my walk.

Enough for now! Onward!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Doreen, just wanted to say a quick hello and happy new year!