In search of my body...not the one I ate! Part Deux... We sit at the popular table!

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Ok, I am back. I got my long run in...finally.

And....

10 MILES!


TEN MOTHER F'ING MILES!

EriKa!!!!

10 Goddess Crowns for you! You SO totally rock!

(I'm tired just thinking about it!)

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

4) Counter from current company. 4K increase and promotion (to nothing really, job would be the same).

Gosh. That's kinda an insult after seeing the other money!

I would definitely not accept the counter offer from your current place of employment. Leopards don't change their spots and accepting their offer will ultimately weaken your future bargaining power there. Besides, you are miserable there so why stay?

Like Paula, no, option 4 is off the table immediately. We hate them. Done.

I agree with everything the experts above said. About everything. The bag trick, the fact that you are definately in demand, and have a bright future.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Ok, here is one of my two long posts for the evening. The other one will have to wait until after the kids are in bed.

Sorry for lurking and not posting yesterday, but I was one tired chicky... It was pouring here yesterday and I spent the better part of the afternoon standing in the rain and tracing roof drains and ground drains and unplugging them so that water wouldn't start pouring into the windows of the budget offices... I was soaked to the bone. I had to come home and change before my weigh in otherwise I would have gained five pounds of water weight. So the rundown from yesterday is as follows:

items lost
- one pair of Clark loafers (soaked beyond all hope of redemption)
- one half tank of gas for the trip home and then back to go to JC appointment
- one "for me" night as the rest of my night was spent doing laundry and mopping up a minor roof leak at home
- one trip to the grocery store (good thing I keep jarred fruit arount for emergencies)

items gained
- 1/4 pound from last week (not bad considering I ate out every night last week... and did not exercise at all beyond my nine holes of golf)
- one new rain coat from LL Bean because I deserve it after yesterday. It will be arriving on Friday....


Paula

YIKES! What a miserable day! Glad you are feeling better today. I can't stand getting utterly drenched like that. Not bad considering the week you had (weigh-in). Let's hope your social calendar settles down a bit, huh?

For the record, I've only gotten one thing - a diet coke - out of the vending machines here. (Though it was a near thing - I was trying to work out a killer headache and really wanted the real coke, the next button...) But I did stop at the Dollar store and indulge so I'm not completely innocent of wrongdoing.

Deb

I agree with LYZ on this one. It is only Tuesday. The week is totally salvageable. You CAN do this. You have come so far. Do you really want any of those pounds back?

Steph - that pic looks great! 29.7! is alot of poundage lost! You look younger even!

I agree with LYZ yet again! I told you last night how awesome you look there, but she is right...you definitely look younger! WOO HOO

AND LIZ--Ok, I know about the Poison concert, but that is TONIGHT. Where have you been during the DAY?!?!

NANCY--I am so needing you right now. My long post later this evening will explain.

JODI, SARAH, VICKI, STACEY--check in when you can. We miss you guys around here.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Ok, here is one of my two long posts for the evening. The other one will have to wait until after the kids are in bed.

Ohh, interesting.

I agree with LYZ on this one.

I agree with LYZ yet again!

I'm Brilliant. And I'm no college professor.

I told you last night how awesome you look there, but she is right...you definitely look younger! WOO HOO

Definately. At least 8 years younger.

AND LIZ--Ok, I know about the Poison concert, but that is TONIGHT. Where have you been during the DAY?!?!

Oh my goodness. Didn't know Liz decided on the Poison concert! That's a hoot. Maybe sexgod (and obviously balding, else why the ban-dana/hat combo) reality star B. M. (ha-ha B. M. get it?) will pull Liz on stage and give her the opportunity to make all her dreams come true. (gosh, I'm in a real silly mood this evening.)

NANCY--I am so needing you right now. My long post later this evening will explain.

Uh-O. Somebody lost a toenail.

JODI, SARAH, VICKI, STACEY--check in when you can. We miss you guys around here.

Ya, really.

And Stacey - Happy Belated birthday. 24. Ahh, to be in my twenties. (I'm a little bitter.) What did you get for your birthday?

 

[HockeyKat]

Kat -

The offers all sound strangely similar with a few minor exceptions (keep in mind that I consider a 5k swing in salary to be somewhat comparable since it equates to all of about a $75/week difference in your take home pay).

I would definitely not accept the counter offer from your current place of employment. Leopards don't change their spots and accepting their offer will ultimately weaken your future bargaining power there. Besides, you are miserable there so why stay?

As for the other three, what does your gut tell you? If you were to put the three offers in a bag and pull one out, how you feel about the pick will tell you if it is right for you. If you are thinking yes, this is the one - than take it, if your initial repsonse is that of disappointment, than it is not the right job for your at this point in time. Repeat if you need to evaluate the third option.

Hope this helps,
Paula

Thanks Paula!! I totally agree on the counter. Esp given the info I will post below!

Kat! WOW. Super impressed with you.

I read all of your options and made a decision before I read your choice.

I, too, am in Camp C and here is why. Yes, they are less established and in some ways the "riskiest" of the lot. But consider this...in what is definitely a bad economy, you got 5 offers in the span of about what, 3 weeks? AMAZING.

So I say that you go with the one that sounds the most enjoyable. If it goes belly up, you'll get another job right away. Now granted, you don't want to have to go through all of this again next year or whatever, but the point is you won't be out on the curb if this company can't make a go of it.

Like Paula, no, option 4 is off the table immediately. We hate them. Done.

A & B sound like fine offers overall, but not different enough from what you are doing to making the switch that worth it.

So there is my two cents.

Thanks!! Not that impressive, just doing the anal retentive geek thing and over researching!!

So, I went back to company C from 5:30-7 tonight, and they sold me. The CFO and CTO and my manager-to-be basically gave me the sales pitch that they would give to a potential customer (including competitors, advantages, limitations, etc), a demo of their app, and then the underlying changes to the software that they are currently making and want to make in the future.
They also gave me a written offer. 11K more than I am making now, plus stock options, COBRA reimbursement until Jan 1, and a commitment to a group plan as of Jan 1 (all written into the offer).

My manager to be has been there for 6 weeks, and showed me the processes and underlying structure that he is putting in place, and a lot of it is stuff that I have been preaching and wishing for at the bank since I started there. Plus the technology and such is very 2008, where the bank is probably more like 2004, so that will definitely be good for keeping my skill sets current.

I think that they are the best choice. Company A is established, but boring and the commute is still long. Company B has been very cagey in this process, and being someone more candid and not fond of game-playing, well, I just don't think that is the best fit for me.

This will be a risk, but honestly, it is nice to have someone want you that badly that they are willing to go to these kind of lengths to get you to work there. And my gut tells me that this will be a fun place to work.


Oh, and my team lead and I had a 1-on-1 today where he basically told me that I need to "learn" from him. Arrogant SOB. I don't want to learn how to berate people in public (like he did to my BA for 2 hours this morning), order people around, and take credit for others' work.

Okay, enough work talk. Thank you all SO much for letting me type this out and vent. Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Thanks Paula!! I totally agree on the counter. Esp given the info I will post below!



Thanks!! Not that impressive, just doing the anal retentive geek thing and over researching!!

So, I went back to company C from 5:30-7 tonight, and they sold me. The CFO and CTO and my manager-to-be basically gave me the sales pitch that they would give to a potential customer (including competitors, advantages, limitations, etc), a demo of their app, and then the underlying changes to the software that they are currently making and want to make in the future.
They also gave me a written offer. 11K more than I am making now, plus stock options, COBRA reimbursement until Jan 1, and a commitment to a group plan as of Jan 1 (all written into the offer).

My manager to be has been there for 6 weeks, and showed me the processes and underlying structure that he is putting in place, and a lot of it is stuff that I have been preaching and wishing for at the bank since I started there. Plus the technology and such is very 2008, where the bank is probably more like 2004, so that will definitely be good for keeping my skill sets current.

I think that they are the best choice. Company A is established, but boring and the commute is still long. Company B has been very cagey in this process, and being someone more candid and not fond of game-playing, well, I just don't think that is the best fit for me.

This will be a risk, but honestly, it is nice to have someone want you that badly that they are willing to go to these kind of lengths to get you to work there. And my gut tells me that this will be a fun place to work.


Oh, and my team lead and I had a 1-on-1 today where he basically told me that I need to "learn" from him. Arrogant SOB. I don't want to learn how to berate people in public (like he did to my BA for 2 hours this morning), order people around, and take credit for others' work.

Okay, enough work talk. Thank you all SO much for letting me type this out and vent. Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Wow! "C" sounds just so awesome. In so many ways. I'm excited for you. So did you tell them "ok"?

Your team lead. What a d*($h!@^! I hate him.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Hi all...

Dan and I went to WW...Carsyn is saying she is not wanting to go..and I had all the weekly pass options paid for....so they let me switch to him...(since she was unde 18 she could not be on the monthly payment plan taken out of a DC/CC.)

I lost 2 pounds form my last weigh in...1 month ago...not good..but with TOM from he!! and the hospital and all the crap...I am pleased I did not gain...so that is a total of 4.4 lost...yeah...

I am glad Kat you made that decession...I think you would have wondered what if, had you chosen something else...and if this is the next Fortune 500 company...we all get stock...lettin ya know...puttin it out there...I am sending documents as we speak to all those who put their vote on the line...cause then it's official and such...not that we don't trust ya...but my lawyer thought it was a good idea...ya know...to protect our interest...and yours...cause like I have said..we love ya like that...especially when there is big money...SHOW ME THE MONEY...

Ahemm...I mean...we are all happy for your new found wealth and company simpatico.

Have you asked for Dec off yet? (Dan was all over that one!)


Goof - BTW...Thanks for the insight on Carsyn...I forgot to mention that earlier...so many quotes...so little time...

I am off to Florida tom. Will have my lap top so I will stay in touch...packed WW snacks... will be a good girl...I think we are planning on heading to Universal City Walk on Sat night...maybe a bit of fun then...

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

...so that is a total of 4.4 lost...yeah...

Yeah!!!DAWN!!!! 4.4 lbs down!!!! That's what I'm talking bout.

I am glad Kat you made that decession...I think you would have wondered what if, had you chosen something else...and if this is the next Fortune 500 company...we all get stock...lettin ya know...puttin it out there...

 

[3DisneyKids]

Here is my other long post...

I am having a crisis of faith of sorts. About running.

I can't really remember why I am doing this. I mean, there are LOTS of forms of cardio. And I like them all...and am far better at them than I am at running. And they don't hurt. I can do the elliptical/arc forever, it seems, and not feel pain. I can ride my bike and really enjoy it. Boxing or step classes...love them all and do well.

So why the hell am I running? I am not very good at it...I am slow and awkward and it hurts and I get anxious before every run. Every time. Even a little 3.5 miler. I get all nervous and think, "How am I going to make it through this???"

On the other hand...I have come so far. From never even running one mile to running 10. And getting close to a half marathon. It is an accomplishment and I am super proud of myself for coming this far. But honestly, I don't know how much more I can do with it. I HURT. Really. Today's run was not fun. I didn't enjoy it. And I sure as hell didn't feel great when I finished. (Though I am fine now...just sore toes! And no, I haven't lost a nail...yet! )

I started this to lose weight, remember. And I have lost some, but not all I want. I met with my running coach the other day to discuss some of this. And the reality is that weight loss requires a balance of diet and exercise, right? But it is far from 50/50. Your food is far more important than exercise (for weight loss...not for toning obviously). And when doing distance running like this, you just cannot restrict calories. Your body needs a ton of fuel to get through a training program like this. And carbs. The worst thing you can do for a run is to have big protein meal the night before and the morning of a long run.

So I am really questioning all of this right now.

Any comments you have I would love to hear. You all have a great way of bringing clarity to a situation. I am too close to this and too mired in it to see clearly.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Here is my other long post...

I am having a crisis of faith of sorts. About running.

E! WTH? I guess I assumed you enjoyed the running.

I think running is an excellent way to lose weight. Everytime I read about someone losing tons of weight, when they start running, it melts away much faster than walking. So, running is a natural progression. And it did work excellently for getting you into fighting shape. And could part of it be for J?

You know, you'll have to do some form of exercise from now on, or go back to Figment Form.

Running seemed simple for you. I mean, I know it wasn't. But I wasn't even gonna touch running with a 10' pole. I know my limitations and you are a rock star for running.

Maybe you just need a break. And maybe you'll miss it.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I guess maybe I should elaborate.

I am ok with running for the most part. The 3, 4 and 5 mile runs are mostly good. I feel good after them and tend not to hate them (though once in a while I really do). And I really want to be one of those people who is always able to just go out and do a 5 mile run. So that is not the problem. So yeah, I plan to always be running at least at that level.

And the toning...yes, I love running for that. I am in love with my legs thanks to running.

This distance stuff. That is what hurts and what drains me. And it could just be that I am still new at it and thus not conditioned enough. After a year of this maybe my toes won't kill. Don't know.

It definitely does NOT come easy to me whereas other activities do.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Well, you are doing what E does best. Taking something and trying to be the best you can be. Except you aren't having fun.

Who said you had to be a marathon runner? Is being a 5 miler shameful?

 

[3DisneyKids]

No, I don't think it is shameful. But I feel like I have to go somewhere with it, you know? I mean, I don't want it to be stagnant, so it just seems like the normal progression, if that makes sense?

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Erika AIM

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Okay, E, you know what I think. We have talked about this. But for the record... I think you need to decide. Do you want to lose those last 10lbs or run a half?

No, it's not going to come easy. It will be hard and awful. But you can do it if you want to. And you will feel great when it's done.

So maybe the decision is which to do first - lose the last 10lbs or run the half. You will do both, but I think you need to pick which one first.

It does not matter if you are slow, or if you suck, or any of that. What matters is that you run.

Love you.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Hey Team...time to wake up!

Beautiful day here!

And I have to spend it packing and shopping for our trip that begins tomorrow!

LOVED our chat last night. Wish I could have been there the whole time but you guys had be ROLLING. OMG, fun.

Those who are not yet on AIM, please don't feel this is a closed thing. The more the merrier and we would love to have anyone there who want to chat in more real time. But beware....not for the faint of heart!

 

[3DisneyKids]

So, I went back to company C from 5:30-7 tonight, and they sold me.

Sounds awesome Kat and I am glad that you have a clear decision now. Lots of stress off the table. And now today you get to tell all of the assclowns at work to F off. WOO....gonna be a good day for Kat!

Hi all...

I lost 2 pounds form my last weigh in...1 month ago...not good..but with TOM from he!! and the hospital and all the crap...I am pleased I did not gain...so that is a total of 4.4 lost...yeah...


I am off to Florida tom. Will have my lap top so I will stay in touch...packed WW snacks... will be a good girl...I think we are planning on heading to Universal City Walk on Sat night...maybe a bit of fun then...

Awesome news Dawn! Congrats on the loss! Hey, 4.4 pounds in one month is nothing to sneer at! WAY TO GO!

Have a good trip...but remember that it is not a reason not to post, hmmm?

So maybe the decision is which to do first - lose the last 10lbs or run the half. You will do both, but I think you need to pick which one first.

It does not matter if you are slow, or if you suck, or any of that. What matters is that you run.

Love you.

This is why I love you guys! Thanks for this, Liz. And yes, I will do both you are right. At this point, I am so close to being ready for my half next month that I will continue to train for that. If the next two weeks are as hard as this one was, then I will re-evaluate. But for right now, I will stay the course.

As for watching and restricting my calories...I will continue to do that as well (b/c I have made real progress there...definitely lost some sizeage in the last couple of weeks), though I will have to modify it a bit. The day before and the day of a long run I will eat more. And I will drink less alcohol. I have been tracking it and counting it, so when I have been drinking it has not put me over my calorie limit. BUT...I can't expect to run on something like 900 food calories, kwim?

So that is the current plan. Half marathon on Sept. 21. And if my next two long runs are just too much, then I will know that I am not going to be ready for that race. I know that if I pushed it, I would be able to do it. I mean, if it had been yesterday, for example, I could have made myself go another 3 miles. But it would have been super painful and I am not going to injure myself for this. That would just be detrimental to the whole process.

So that is where I am at today...thanks, as always, for hashing this out with me. Opinions still welcome...

Have a great day!

 

[princessrunner]

Hey Erica, first of all and second of all, distance bites, it is painful, it is draining and it is okay to question yourself. Anyone who has done a distance run has had your thoughts/feelings.

My first half was in WDW in January. Before that, I only had done a 5K. The training was grueling as I had to do most of it on the treadmill because it was winter and I hated it. Four weeks before the half, I had to have a colonoscopy (my dad passed 5 years ago from colon cancer) and they found a huge polyp which they had to remove. I could not run for 2 weeks. I was terribly afraid to fly by myself, stay by myself and run by myself. I planned on a R/W scheduling for the half as I was way off my training and my longest run was 8 miles. Guess what...I ran the whole way. It was the most awesome experience I have ever had in my life!! I love 13.1 but I sure would not run it every day.

I try to maintain one 8-10 mile run on the weekends. The rest of my runs are between 4-6 miles during the week. Some days I love to run and can run like the wind. Yesterday, I got a cramp and had to walk. It bit, I was mad, I had a bad run. It happens. Some days you can fly and others you just slog (my MIL word for slow jog). It is okay, really it is. And it is okay to be mad about the crapolicious runs, really it is.

Take your distance running as a challenge. Take your distance running as an opportunity to maintain a steady heart rate and hit your fat burning zone. THe longer your exercise sessions are at a steady state, the sooner you hit the zone. Also, post-run, eat protein, eat lots of it. It helps fill you up and helps your muscles recover better from a run. My post-run in Accelerade, mixed with whey powder and a protein bar. I used to get endless munchies after a long training run. You have to learn to control that part and it takes time.

Also, what your running coach is not telling you, apparently, is that to lose weight while distance training, you should cut 300-500 calories a day from your diet but do it in a smart way. Add in proteins and cut out things like oils and butters that take up your good calories. There is a way to lose weight and distance train, believe me, I have done it. Also, embrace the toning and "reshaping" that you are doing. I may fit in a size 2 but I weigh 135 pounds and I am pretty okay with that (okay most of the time).

There, that is my elongated former lurker speech. I hope everyone is doing well and rocking their workouts and eating plans. Yay for all who lost weight, I find you all really amazing.

Oh, and make sure to tell yourself how awesome you are today. It makes a big difference!!

 

[princessrunner]

http://pictures.aol.com/ap/miniView...+uDYzy3iny/jFCnkV3ciA==&cursor=142&mode=pause

This is me crossing the finish line at Beach to Beacon. I am picture retarded so I had to post the link. I am in the WISH shirt (of course) and I have gels and my phone in the pocket of my skirt. It is my disclaimer because the ASI photos made me look a lot bigger. They were pretty distorted. My friends who ran the race looked the same height and she is 5'11" and he is 5'7".

 

[3DisneyKids]

Lisa...thank you SO much for that. It is exactly what I needed to hear.

I have been posting about the whole weirdness of running for a while now, lol. Like, one day I feel like I could run forever...I am really enjoying it and feeling great. And then the next run I am dying after like 2 miles. I just can't figure it out.

Thanks for the info. about the calories as well. This is good to hear. BTW, my coach is Michael Gaige from Maine Running Co. in Portland (he was featured in last month's Runner's World), and he admits that he is not a weight loss expert. I have not thought about cutting out oils and butter. I don't do much butter anyway, but I cook everything with olive oil. I am usually pretty good about getting a good dose of protein after my runs, but I admit that I could do better.

Thanks again...it feels great to know that I am not alone! I feel like all of the "real" runners live for their long runs, etc. And I want to throw up just thinking about it!