In Search of my Body...Not The One I Ate.. #4 "Inspiring Others... 1 Tiara at a Time"

[HockeyKat]

So Im still waiting for the Plumber to come - the Landlord just called, hopefully he'll be here today if not he will definitely be here before...Monday Not good!

So while I was waiting I decided to check out the TV listings, because new series of my favourite programmes are starting!

Let me break it down for you - Yes, I know I am very behind on these series compared to my US friends!

Saturday - CSI New York. Whats happened to Mac, will they get the bad guy, have they changed the theme tune again!

Monday - 24. Jack Bauer. Enough said.

Tuesday - CSI Las Vegas. Is Warrick dead. How long will Grissom stay for. Will Sarah Sidle come back to 'comfort' him.

Thursday. Er. Last series. Will George Clooney make an appearance. Who dies in the ambulance explosion.

I know what you are thinking - enough already, get off your lazy bummocks and do some exercise instead of watching TV. Fear not my goddess friends, I have a cunning plan

Instead of laying on the settee in my pyjamas eating chocolate while I watch the programmes, why dont I bring the cross trainer into the living room and exercise on it while I watch the programmes. Each episode is an hour long, so BLAM - thats an hour exercising without even missing a beat! Plus, the season premiere of 24 is 2 hours long so I can guarantee you 5 hours minimum of exercise!

adsrtw - Congratulations! 40lbs is amazing!

As to the CSIs, I could answer your questions.

The rest, I don't watch. But I LOVE me some CSI. And Flack is the hottest thing on the planet. Just sayin'.

...

So, if that is how you feel about whole milk, then I guess it is ok. If you consider that your "treat," then go for it. I just cannot understand why whole milk would be important to someone, but that is just me. And realize that it is not just the fat and calories in the case of whole milk. It really is unhealthy due to the cholesterol factor. But again, alcohol certainly ins't on anyone's Top 10 of healthy things and I drink my share of that.

As for whole fruit vs. 100% fruit juice...there really is a difference here. Go for the fruit. When you take just the juice, you are only taking the natural sugar out of the fruit and leaving all of the fiber (which is the important and healthy part).

Ok, enough. If you have questions, ask. I am happy to answer.

But PLEASE, do not think I am trying to convince anyone to be a vegetarian. I am not. This is the lifestyle choice that I was raised with as a child and then chose again on my own terms as an adult.

Not going to quote the whole thing but I enjoyed reading it.

The first point above, I totally agree with. You have to keep at least some of your "treats" or really, what's the point? When I die there is no medal for, she never ate chocolate even though she wanted to. There has to be a balance somewhere.

And I would say the same goes for juice. Drink it if you like it, but don't consider it a healthy alternative to fruit. Even if it says it is. Remember, people, marketing LIES! (because if it didn't, man, I would SO be buying that magic diet pill... )

Erika, Thanks SO much for the suggestions... She won't touch a green bean, but will eat medium spicy caribbean rice!!

Kat, I am made your chili, it's been cooking since this morning and smells SO good. It may rival the beer chili I make.

Just got my butt kicked by Jillian, so I can cross exercise off my list for today.
Has anyone done any of the other DVD's from her??

Hope that you like it! Did you do spicy?

The only Jillian I have ever done is the 30 day shred and it kicked me but good.

Erika - Thanks for all the great info. All really good points that I had not seriously thought about in the past.

I find myself picking up magazines like Self, Women's Health, etc instead of the usual fashion mags. I guess I am growing up.

All good info though so it is a good thing.

Paula

PS - I am officially disconnecting myself from the chaps references. I get the joke, but it is really so not my thing.

Yeah, umm, me too. I had to go back and find it, and... yikes.

 

[amykab]

The sweepers at races: I have never seen anyone get swept, and haven't been myself, but from what I have read over on the Events board, there are certain points at which they do it (like if you don't make it to mile X by this time, then they sweep you), and they just have you get on a van and drive you to the finish. No bling if you get swept.

Kat- I went spicy except for no jalapeños. I may add a bit more cayenne.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Dawn. DAWN! You cannot have a wedding 48 hours after a HALF. You really have completely lost it, haven't you?

Listen, planning and training for a half mentally and physically OWNS you. And planning a wedding mentally and physically owns you. You cannot do both simultaneously. Unless you are a career runner, you will end ruining BOTH events. Like, we know a woman here who runs like a marathon every month. Never has to train or anything because she is always in "marathon-ready" condition. But for most new people, running a marathon wrecks you for up to WEEKS afterward.

 

[amykab]

I really underestimated the mental aspect of training for a 1/2 and the mental stuff that goes on during the race itself. I was also super emotional at the end and right after the race.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Dawn. DAWN! You cannot have a wedding 48 hours after a HALF. You really have completely lost it, haven't you?

Listen, planning and training for a half mentally and physically OWNS you. And planning a wedding mentally and physically owns you. You cannot do both simultaneously. Unless you are a career runner, you will end ruining BOTH events. Like, we know a woman here who runs like a marathon every month. Never has to train or anything because she is always in "marathon-ready" condition. But for most new people, running a marathon wrecks you for up to WEEKS afterward.

I really underestimated the mental aspect of training for a 1/2 and the mental stuff that goes on during the race itself. I was also super emotional at the end and right after the race.

Got it...no go..wedding wins...and I will just keep working for a better me...

 

[3DisneyKids]

Got it...no go..wedding wins...and I will just keep working for a better me...

Oh don't get me wrong. You can still train for an event. Just not one that is at the same time as the wedding. Like, if you want to do a race in JANUARY (ahem, marathon week-end ) and then a wedding in April or May, then definitely!

And instead of a half, maybe look for a 10k. You can be ready for a 10k in like Sept....way before the wedding.

But I would start with a 5k.

 

[DisneyGalUK]

Hi Gang,
A lot here.*
Kelly/Bella - I thought the heat was fixed yesterday!* Oh, no!* Stay warm!!!He came and fixed the heat yesterday, when I woke up this morning it was gone again! Its still not fixed, the Landlord is having a 'domestic' with the plumber At the minute Ive got four big plug in heaters!
Steph - It is sooo super sweet of you to be praying for Jodi and for my mom.* It means a lot.* Really and truly.*
Milk - I agree with Erika on those points.* I have done similar research and truly believe we don't need the dairy we ingest.* There are other, better ways to get calcium.* But, do I eat dairy?* Yes.* Do I feed it to my kid?* Yes.* I'm lazy.* What can I say?* That is another hurdle I will hit one day.* I am also drawn to the partially raw food lifestyle, because of the wonderful, healthy variety of things you eat.* If you ever have a chance to go to a raw food restaurant, do it.* They are amazing. I love Pure Food and Wine in NYC.
I"m forgetting things here...
Hmm.* Okay, newbies. Lukers. Here's the thing.* If you join us, we will support you like nobody's business.* We will love who you love, hate who you hate, we will hold you up every step of the way.* But we do expect support in return, and we're not mamby-pamby.* It's the internet. We're NICE for the internet!* We don't flame people or curse you out!* We're like the genteel ladies of the Wild West.* Seriously.* But, we don't do BS.* We don't have time for that, because we give it our all here, when we can, and plead bankruptcy when we can't.
So if you like our style, come be our friend.* Sit next to us at lunch.* If not, I am sure there is a thread that you will like.
I'm not trying to be rude, I'm not trying to scare anyone off.* In fact, I"m saying COME!* We probably like you already!*** But I am not going to apologize or make nice when there's no need to do either.
Rant over.
Bravo! I agree, all newbies and lurkers should give it a try. I did and I love it here! Theres no getting rid of me now!
So, I went to WW today.* Up 4.4 from pre-Christmas.* I think that's pretty good, considering the total food orgy I had for the last two weeks.* I'm happy with that.* And then I went to the gym, and the bank and the grocery store.* I'm still sad though.* I just AM.* (If you're just tuning in, my mom has cancer, 5th time, is doing chemo, my BFF is having the a risky pregnancy, and it looks like my BIL is getting divorced.* Sadness all around.)
That is a lot for anyone to deal with. You and your family are still in my thoughts
I'm not sad about the weight - please, I'm thrilled.* I'm not sad about my mom's chances.* I'm not sad, although I am worrying, about Jodi.* It's just all of it together.* Sadness.
Okay, so let me get this Princess half right.* Some of us walk the 13.1, some run.* And Dawn, wedding?* Babe, how would we make it?* I might be totally wrong here, but isn't it on a weekend?* The Half?* And don't you have to do a weekday wedding?* Before 10am?* (It's sad how much I know about Disney weddings!)* I'm not sure you want any of us sweaty and gross there, anyway.* ** In any case, someone explain more about how we walkers can pace.* Linky-poo?* And Dawn, get married when and where you want.* It's your day.* Don't bend one more thing in your life around anyone else.* (Except Dan, of course!)* You do everything this year for YOU.

As to the CSIs, I could answer your questions. The rest, I don't watch.* But I LOVE me some CSI.* And Flack is the hottest thing on the planet.* Just sayin'.

Ooh, the temptation to ask you for spoilers is overwhelming...no, I only have a few days to wait. Bad Kelly/Bella!

I do love me some Flack. And Danny is not so bad either!

 

[princessrunner]

Okay, I am in the minority here but I want to say, Dawn, you can train for the half marathon and plan your wedding too. I do not run a half a month but I could. My long run is 9 miles every Sunday and even with me not running (I am skiing my miles right now), I could still do a half. You do NOT have to run the race, but you can train like you are. I would not suggest running on Saturday and getting married on Monday because no matter how smoking hot you looked, you do still have to walk down the aisle... The other option of walking the half marathon could be a better option for you.

As for the walking versus running versus walk/run or run/walk...there are hundreds of people who walk the marathons. Totally walk. No running, no jogging, no slogging (my MIL term for slow jogging), no nothing. They just walk. It is doable even at a 16 mpm pace.

Tidbit of information: The pacing requirement starts when the LAST person crosses the start line. If you are not that last person, you have a buffer on the mpm pacing requirement. The trick is to wriggle your way through the people to nearer the start line. Disney also puts you into corrals so the further up in the corral you are, the more of a buffer zone you have. I have seen people get swept. I started the half marathon in Disney last year with a woman from NH who got swept. I met her at the finish with her in tears. It was heartbreaking.

So, sorry I am one of the eternal optomists. I believe you can train for a half and still plan a wedding. I will let you know how training for a full and having a life goes. That may not be so easy.....

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Lisa, I think you could probably do a half and then run to your wedding. Seriously, I am impressed.

For a non-runner like me, I wouldn't do both in the same time period. But that's me. You're a runner. You can do anything!

Dawn, I would say, go for a 5K. Train for it. Do it. Be proud. But to push a half and a wedding in one weekend is too much. Be kind to yourself.

Why not train for a local 5k? You can start a walking program, do a 5k walk for charity or something. Then pick a 5k run. I personally did not do couch to 5k - found it too hard. But I did do a walk and then a 5k run, where I ran/walked. Or slogged!

Do what works for you.

And Kelly, thanks for the good thoughts.

And Dawn, thanks for the prayers. I know it works, I see the results. So thank you.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

All I can say is WOW!!! You guys are AWESOME! I have been lurking - but I saw the call to come out - so I have!

I was going to read every page - then post when I got to the end - although I have made it to page 8 and couldn't wait to put my hand up and say "I want to join too!!" I can't wait to read more and get to know you better.


#1 Name/Family - I'm Melissa - I turned 40 last March - my DH is Kevin and we have a DD who is 10 - Madison. We recently bought my childhood home from my parents and we ALL live there together! Which is fine for me and Madi - Kevin has his moments! We live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I'm a Construction Coordinator for a hospital - and am in the midst of the construction of a brand new hospital for our community. I work mostly by myself in a trailer on the jobsite, taking care of the paperwork and spending about $200 million dollars!! When I'm not at work - I love activities that allow Madi and me to do stuff together... shopping, going to the movies, playing games, etc. Kevin works most weekends - so Madi and I always find something to do. I also love to read and to scrapbook. Oh - and I LOVE DISNEY!! Our last trip was this past December and I've been trying to figure out exactly how soon I can go back!

#2 What you are the Most Proud of for the Year 2008 in terms of weight loss/excersize/healthy choices - My Dr. and I have been working on my weight issue - which lead to blood pressure issues for a couple of years. I see her on a monthly basis to check-in and see how things are... at my appointment in December - we "discovered" that I had lost 30 pounds since December 07! Really - I had no clue - I haven't bought a new wardrobe, wear basically the same clothes (except for the new ones that I can't pass up at CJ Banks clearance rack!!) So - the small gains, the small losses - for me over 12 months times equalled out to a net loss of 30 pounds. Which I am proud of - and just hope I don't "mess up"!

#3 What your goals are for 2009 in terms of healthy living - First - I want to MAINTAIN the loss I have - then of course add to it! I know excercise needs to be part of my life - and right now, it's not. I feel like I "may" have the way I eat on the way to being under control - but I need to MOVE!! So, December 2007 - I was 263# - December 2008 - 233# I'd like to see 199# sometime this year!

#4 What is needed from us to help you achieve those goals - Even in the first 8 pages that I read of this thread - the support you guys offer here is AMAZING! I feel that I could be staring at an Oreo - post my dilemma here - and could be talked down in a matter of minutes! (Okay - you get the idea!) I love the Sharing and Caring!

#5 A famous person you would love to have the body of...because each of us has a different body style and the realities that go along with it... You know - this hasn't been something I have thought of much! Hmm... I might have to think about this one. I could pick a famous person - but there aren't many that are 5'0 - and although I can get skinnier - I can't get taller!! Okay I've decided - I want to be a "mini-me"!

#6 A good food choice that you turn to to help ward off the munchies... This one is hard for me too! I drink water and chew gum. Although if I'm at home - I scrapbook as a hobby and I don't like mix food with my papers, etc. - so I will put off getting a snack until I'm done - then I really don't want it!

#7 Why are you here/joining us...what do you hope to gain...or what have you gained....(not weight if that's the case! ) - I found this thread through Dawn's PTR and TR! I feel as if I already know her and her family - her stories are hillarious - and she reminds me of me! She has RAVED about how wonderful you all are here - so I came over - intending to lurk - and couldn't help myself!

I can't wait to join in and hopefully offer you guys the same support and friendship you seem to so readily share with others!


Peace, Love and Mickey Mouse!

Melissa

 

[3DisneyKids]

I just lost this post once, which sticks because I said things how I really wanted them said.

Newbies/Lurkers--I just want to reinterate what Liz said, above.

We love, love, love each other here. Some even vacationed together recently.

But...what makes this thread different from others (and what makes it work, imo) is that we are REAL. We don't just blindly say, "You are doing everything great! Go YOU!"

Like, I really need Liz or Kat or Amy or Lisa or anyone else here to say, "Get your head out of your a$$ and work your program!"

We would love for you to join us! We would! New people are always welcome. Look at Aimee and Kelly...brand new and already our new BFFs! But we won't coddle you. We will love you and support you, will laugh with you and cry with you, and we will also tell you when you are going down a path that may not be the best.

The thing is, we all have our own issues, right? Everyone does. And here in this thread, we make people own their sh*t. Because it is that stuff that prevents us from being successful in our weight loss and health journals. So be prepared for honesty here.

But let me say..the success stories here! Amazing! We have several people who have lost well over 50 pounds! Some almost 100! And we have people here who went from completely sedentary and out of shape to running Half Marathons! These are huge events! And everyone here has supported us 100%. Every step, every INCH of the way.

And that goes for other life events as well...things not even remotely related to weight loss. Just life. We have cheered for jobs and prayed when there have been illnesses. All of it.

It is like we are BOTH Jillian and Bob wrapped into one!

 

[3DisneyKids]

All I can say is WOW!!! You guys are AWESOME! I have been lurking - but I saw the call to come out - so I have!

Missy/Melissa! Welcome! WOO HOO! Just wrote about welcoming new people in the post above! Great timing!

For the 30 pound loss! Next step, ONEderland!

Do you have a plan in mind? Want help with suggestions? Let us know!

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Erika- Spot on!

Melissa! Welcome! We are so happy to have you here! I have totally saved a spot for you to sit at lunch. Now, the important thing: Have you read Twilight?

Sorry, I know it's about weight loss, right? But some people forget to eat the books are so good!

Anyway, welcome! And we look forward to getting to know you.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Oh don't get me wrong. You can still train for an event. Just not one that is at the same time as the wedding. Like, if you want to do a race in JANUARY (ahem, marathon week-end ) and then a wedding in April or May, then definitely!

And instead of a half, maybe look for a 10k. You can be ready for a 10k in like Sept....way before the wedding.

But I would start with a 5k.

Totally understand...need to find the balance...and I have never planned a wedding...Chad and I got married in a small ceremony and reception in my grandparent's backyard...that was it...this one will be special...

Okay, I am in the minority here but I want to say, Dawn, you can train for the half marathon and plan your wedding too. I do not run a half a month but I could. My long run is 9 miles every Sunday and even with me not running (I am skiing my miles right now), I could still do a half. You do NOT have to run the race, but you can train like you are. I would not suggest running on Saturday and getting married on Monday because no matter how smoking hot you looked, you do still have to walk down the aisle... The other option of walking the half marathon could be a better option for you.

As for the walking versus running versus walk/run or run/walk...there are hundreds of people who walk the marathons. Totally walk. No running, no jogging, no slogging (my MIL term for slow jogging), no nothing. They just walk. It is doable even at a 16 mpm pace.

Tidbit of information: The pacing requirement starts when the LAST person crosses the start line. If you are not that last person, you have a buffer on the mpm pacing requirement. The trick is to wriggle your way through the people to nearer the start line. Disney also puts you into corrals so the further up in the corral you are, the more of a buffer zone you have. I have seen people get swept. I started the half marathon in Disney last year with a woman from NH who got swept. I met her at the finish with her in tears. It was heartbreaking.

So, sorry I am one of the eternal optomists. I believe you can train for a half and still plan a wedding. I will let you know how training for a full and having a life goes. That may not be so easy.....

Thank you for the words as well...I have literally never ran at all...cheerleading and danceline do not get you prepared for this...but somehow it totally intrigues me...

All I can say is WOW!!! You guys are AWESOME! I have been lurking - but I saw the call to come out - so I have!

I was going to read every page - then post when I got to the end - although I have made it to page 8 and couldn't wait to put my hand up and say "I want to join too!!" I can't wait to read more and get to know you better.


Peace, Love and Mickey Mouse!

Melissa

So glad you came over to join and between you Paulaand Lyz...we will have any construction questions down to a fine science...now if we could just get a plumber to join for Kelly....

 

[DisneyMissy318]

Wow! Thanks for the instant warm welcome!

Okay - I don't have a plan - but I want one!!

I'd love a seat for lunch, as I usually eat along, and I have read ALL of the Twilight books - but haven't seen the movie - sad, I know! (I'm reading the Inkheart/Inkspell/Inkdeath trilogy currently.)

One of the HUGE hurdles I have ALMOST overcome is that I am a COKE addict - no! not that coke! Coca Cola! And that would NOT be the unleaded variety - I'm talking high-test! I have just about curbed my consumption to one glorious, ice-cold, liquid syrup 12 oz can per day! I'm thinking that's where a bunch of my loss can be attributed to - I can't even write here how many I drank a day - it is so obscene it would be rejected by the censors!! My "resolution", promise to myself, whatever you want to call it - is that I can only drink water (or unsweet tea) at my desk! No sugary drinks, no cute little red cans - just water! That's the closest I've come to a plan so far.

We did get a Wii Fit yesterday - I do have a brand new treadmill (well, it was brand new two years ago - although since ITs NEVER BEEN TURNED ON - I'm considering it still new! And, since I work at a hospital - we have a Wellness Center will really low membership rates - but I've never joined. (I think I'm seeing a plan form...)

I'm loving all of the running talk - a confession - many of my dreams have me as a runner - go figure!! The only part of me that runs is my nose!! Maybe there is a runner in me too!

 

[lisaviolet]

OMG!!!

Holy Crap. What a day I missed. Some schools have internet access - at lunch. This week - none. What a day for you guys. Too funny. Sorry I missed it. Really sorry. I like getting work. But I hate missing that.

First - hi Erean (whoops if I'm off on the spelling. ). Hi Melissa. Flowers for you too! A big welcome to you both.

Okay - I don't know if my brain can think. I had a level one class today. Love it. But it takes hours to feel like I have a brain left. Overstimulation for sure.

Lyz - the selling sucks. Not making light of it. It has been a burden in my mind. And sad. I wasn't trying to make light of it - but acknowledging could be facing more difficult issues. But thanks - it does suck. And is draining me. We have a lot of money in this condo. Which is hysterical when we are struggling. So we are fortunate. We bought in an area of downtown that at the time was up and coming. Read: prostitution and drugs up a few blocks (but my neighbourhood is now high end - city life ). Funny story - Jean used to go up to practise soccer drills in a park a few blocks north. She would have so many guys wanting to join her. So they would be in the middle of a drill. Cell rings. "bye" "Got to go". Rushes off in a flash. Over and over. No time for exercise when you have a deal going down. I wish I could write that better. It is funny.

So real estate. Our first condo jumped over seventy thousand in seven years - five years after it was built. (same condo would have been over hundred thousand change right now) So I am lucky. This one is smaller. But terrraces are $$$. So might rent. Might buy. Who knows. Decisions. Don't want to see equity drained. That would depressing. But real estate fees/land transfer tax/lawyers. Life. I'm rambling. But thank you. Thank you guys.

Amiee - congrats on the 41 girl! Fantastic.

Erika - loved the update. And loved mine. Loved the eh? Loved the single. Loved the ish. Loved it. I don't know where forty went. Seems like yesterday. Really. And 42 is in May. Wow. Time.

Liz - so happy about Jodi. You are continually in my thoughts Liz. Continually. Sorry to hear about your BIL.

Hi everyone.

 

[goofyfan-12]

Melissa - welcome to the party...

Let me get this straight, you work in construction, are now drinking only water and unsweetened iced tea and you haven't been an exercise freak your entire life.

I think you and I were separated at birth!!! Forget talking about Twilight, let's talk about hospital construction (just kidding Liz - I am reading the book, really). If all goes well, I'll be building a $300 million hospital addition at this time next year. I'll have my own expert on speed dial.

Glad to have you aboard. This bunch will have you doing things that you never thought possible before. The wealth of information here is great.

Paula

 

[lisaviolet]

Kelly - hope the heat gets worked out for you. That's frustrating. to you. And you're one funny girl. I popped on earlier simply to get caught up and you were making me cry with laughter.

Melissa - I so enjoyed reading your post. Wow, your career sounds fascinating. I tell Paula - I love buildings. I walk around and say "I could eat that building". It's so beautiful. Doesn't flow. Blah. Blah. Blah. I once wanted to be an urban planner. I found geography late in university. It was a nice surprise. So it's a good thing that one is forced out of your major/focus. And anthropology - if I won money - oh I would run back to school. Okay - off topic. Laughing.

I too had part of my weight loss go "unnoticed" because I was never on a scale. And didn't have much of a wardrobe - as in quantity. I too am going to get below 200 soon. Look at that - I said we are both going under 200 - ie. for sure. My goal weight, I suspect, will be close to that. Intutively I think around 178/182. But will be between 170 - 195 for sure. I'm tall and big naturally.

Anyway, really enjoyed hearing about your life.

 

[HockeyKat]

Wow! Thanks for the instant warm welcome!

Okay - I don't have a plan - but I want one!!

I'd love a seat for lunch, as I usually eat along, and I have read ALL of the Twilight books - but haven't seen the movie - sad, I know! (I'm reading the Inkheart/Inkspell/Inkdeath trilogy currently.)

One of the HUGE hurdles I have ALMOST overcome is that I am a COKE addict - no! not that coke! Coca Cola! And that would NOT be the unleaded variety - I'm talking high-test! I have just about curbed my consumption to one glorious, ice-cold, liquid syrup 12 oz can per day! I'm thinking that's where a bunch of my loss can be attributed to - I can't even write here how many I drank a day - it is so obscene it would be rejected by the censors!! My "resolution", promise to myself, whatever you want to call it - is that I can only drink water (or unsweet tea) at my desk! No sugary drinks, no cute little red cans - just water! That's the closest I've come to a plan so far.

We did get a Wii Fit yesterday - I do have a brand new treadmill (well, it was brand new two years ago - although since ITs NEVER BEEN TURNED ON - I'm considering it still new! And, since I work at a hospital - we have a Wellness Center will really low membership rates - but I've never joined. (I think I'm seeing a plan form...)

I'm loving all of the running talk - a confession - many of my dreams have me as a runner - go figure!! The only part of me that runs is my nose!! Maybe there is a runner in me too!

Hi Melissa!!! (or do you prefer Missy?)

Hey, E is a runner now and she wasn't! There is some couch to 5K (I think?) program that people swear by.

And around here, we affectionately refer to it as the dreadmill.

I am not a runner, myself, my poison of choice is ice hockey. I completely suck at it but it is really fun, and a great workout.

Although, I think these folks are going to make me walk/scamper a half one of these days.

I do mostly calorie counting through sparkpeople.com. It is a free site where you can track your intake and exercise. I was very successful on it last year (had gotten down to 60 lbs lost) but lost my way in the 2nd half of 2008 and am trying to find my way back again. I have as of yet been afraid to step on the scale to figure out where my new starting point is.


Oh, and I almost forgot... I am a software engineer for a small company that does real time hospital inventory software. So if your hospital needs it...

 

[AKASnowWhite]

(insert whiney voice here...) holy COW have you been busy. again.

And if you really want your calcium from a milk source, call Nancy! Goat's milk is higher in calcium than cow's.

And easier to digest as well. many people who think that they are "lactose intolerant"...find that it's really the cow's milk that their body doesn't take kindly to, and goat is just fine for them. One of the girls in my 4H club can't tolerate cows milk. Even butter. So now they are making their own butter with goats milk (well, technically cream) as well...

When they were babies, I made my own baby food instead of buying the jar food. I used fresh veggies, steamed them, then put them in the blender with expressed breast milk to mix it up and bump up the protein.

Why does that not surprise me?

but skim does remind me of water dipped with white crayon...

I have some of her DVD's but I am ashamed to admit that I haven't even opened them yet. Truthfully, they intimidated me.

Listen. If you can't work out with your trainer, you can work out to a Jillian dvd. Totally.

(besides. You have the remote. You can always tell her to shut up! )

(ok. Now I just had a Bruce Almighty Moment....I have the power )

We're like the genteel ladies of the Wild West. Seriously. But, we don't do BS. We don't have time for that, because we give it our all here, when we can, and plead bankruptcy when we can't.

So if you like our style, come be our friend. Sit next to us at lunch. If not, I am sure there is a thread that you will like.

we don't bite. Usually. And if we do, it's not hard.

So, I went to WW today. Up 4.4 from pre-Christmas.

When you put it all into perspective, it's not that big of a deal, really, is it? It'll go away soon. But hey - you are NOT allowed to have any "sympathy weight gain" goin' on with Jodi, 'K???

I personally find walking superfast to be harder than running/jogging.

I totally agree. And if you train using the "walk/run" method...it can be VERY successful.

Scamper! E, Kat - I'll scamper!!!

PERFECT. I want to see that on the entry form. Do you intend to a) run, b) walk, c) scamper the 1/2 marathon

I need a lil more of Jillian to offset my Bob...

a little more bad @ss, a little less...kind?

I was wondering how long after that are you feeling icky if you do...or are you so accustomed to it that it is no big deal by then...

Do not want to get married in a few days and feel like I got hit by a car...

Well...here's what happened to me. I trained for, and ran a 1/2 marathon in October (wanted a qualifying time for Disney 1/2 so as to secure a better start corral). Immediately after my October race, I began, or more like continued my training for Disney. Because we are in CT, as soon as the weather got too cold, roads bad, bike trails icy...we trained exclusively on treadmills at the gym. Yep I had the mileage I needed to successfully complete the 1/2 (and in a decent time, I'm proud to say)....however! My body was not accustomed to running on pavement. OMG I could hardly walk for DAYS. It was pathetic.

So no. I would NOT recommend you running your first-ever 1/2 marathon days before your wedding, unless you plan on having someone push you down the aisle in a wheel chair

I really underestimated the mental aspect of training for a 1/2 and the mental stuff that goes on during the race itself. I was also super emotional at the end and right after the race.

Cried like a baby. and after my FULL....I was a WRECK. Physically that race was brutal. But for me, 99% of running is mental. And wowza, what a release when I finished

All I can say is WOW!!! You guys are AWESOME! I have been lurking - but I saw the call to come out - so I have!

I was going to read every page - then post when I got to the end - although I have made it to page 8 and couldn't wait to put my hand up and say "I want to join too!!"

Welcome Melissa and yeah...about that reading? You better go back and catch up (kidding. )

I just lost this post once, which sticks because I said things how I really wanted them said.

Argh. Why does that happen? It's all those little gremlins in the system. Who's turn was it to feed them. Did they forget?

But we won't coddle you. We will love you and support you, will laugh with you and cry with you, and we will also tell you when you are going down a path that may not be the best.

The thing is, we all have our own issues, right? Everyone does. And here in this thread, we make people own their sh*t. Because it is that stuff that prevents us from being successful in our weight loss and health journals. So be prepared for honesty here.

And you can ALWAYS count on Erika to tell it like it is

Okay - I don't have a plan - but I want one!!

WANT one? You NEED one. Get one. Something doable, reachable, achievable. No "pie in the sky" dream. Something you can be accountable to. We are currently doing a January challenge - very individual. We chose our own goals....and we're making sure we all get it done.

So hammer out your plan, sister. And let us know. You can't be held accountable if you don't tell anyone you're doing it. So tell us what it is, and we'll call you out on it, if need be.

OMG!!!

LISA'S BACK..I've missed you