Is this realistic?

[StayCool]

Last night I found out that my Zumba instructor wouldn't be able to do my 10 am Friday class at least for today and possibly not anymore. I know there is a 5 am class, but seriously who wants to get up at 4:30 am when it is their day off?? I set my alarm anyway, but never believed it would happen. Well it did!!! I got up and went and am so glad I did! I would have really regretted it if I hadn't. My legs and back are so sore right now though. lol

I finally went to the dr and they are going to do some testing. He knows I am exercising and didn't tell me to stop so I will just keep plugging along unless something changes.

I spent a lot of time today buying the rest of the ingredients I didn't have on hand for the whole paleo thing. Some stuff was a pain and there are a few things that I couldn't find. I guess I will have to go to Wegmans. I do plan to splurge some this weekend to have foods like ice cream and cheese that I won't be able to have after this weekend. I do have the points for them though so all is good.

Like Chiomaca, I always bake for the holidays. The good thing about this year is that I won't be home, so anything I make will stay there. Plus there will be a lot of kids, so I won't be eating it! It doesn't feel like Christmas or Thanksgiving if I don't bake. It feels incomplete. Weird, I know. Also this way I can just have a little and walk away... and go home. lol I will make a turkey for our house, but I will not go crazy with the whole meal. I just really like the leftovers.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Waiting2goback - you've got the right attitude about not wanting to slow down during the winter. Are there any races you can sign up for (Turkey Trots, New Years runs) near you that you can set as smaller goals to keep you motivated? You're right about needing to get back on track, after about two weeks that base you built will be gone. I can go about a week without running and knock out a good 13 miles, but if I skip pull-ups for longer than three days, I'm back to square one.

Instead of being angry about eating the candy, is there something else you can do? I have a few weaknesses - right now peanut butter m&ms. But if I regulate my intake, I can have my treat without a huge impact. I measure out 15-20 of them for the day and when they're gone, I'm done. Today, I had them for lunch, because it was that kind of day. At another point, I wanted cheese puffs (I know...I'm 12.) I'd buy a bag at the beginning of the month and when it was gone, I was done for the month. After about three months, I was done and haven't had a craving for them since. Or just get rid of it all - give it away, toss it, or hide it in the highest cupboard in the house so you have to work hard to get to it.

The holidays are hard for me because it's the season where I make candy and cookies - and the one year I didn't make them, the look of disappointment on my mother-in-law's face was enough that I won't skip that any more. Thankfully, I give most of it away, but the tasting always makes me crave more. But I also bought the fixings for butternut squash soup and chicken soup, so the weekend will end with good winter comfort food in the freezer!

I know you and SC are both right. I may be eating candy but I am not having the amount I used to. I have a couple of the small Halloween size pieces when I do have it. I know it isn't that bad. I still stay either under, or very close, to my calorie limit when I do. So I am not going crazy by any means.

The funny thing is, I feel like crap physically (and mentally) when I do have it so I don't know why I keep having some. When I have a bowl of grapes I feel so much better. Of course it is hard to find grapes this time of year so that makes it harder.

No apologies for your rant. However, I do want to point something out to you. One - food is linked to emotions in people very often. Two - you are going through so many changes and have so many stressors in your life right now, something is going to have to give. I DON'T mean that you should give in to eating lots of candy or stop exercising, BUT you should be a little nicer to yourself. You WILL do this. You have already done it. Just be careful to push too hard. You need to be able to cope physically and emotionally.

As far as not having support, well what is probably going to be happen is that you will be someone's inspiration. You may be the first of everyone you know to adopt a healthy lifestyle but I have no doubt that someone is going to notice and ask how you are doing it. Even if they don't ask they may be watching. Besides, we are here. I may not always do as well as I want but that doesn't mean that I won't support you in your journey.

Training is over now, right? Get into a routine. Set it up so it repeats weekly. Put the candy in the freezer. Only eat what you want on Thanksgiving and if anyone gives you grief just say that since you've lost some weight, your stomach just can't handle so much rich, delicious food. If it bothers them, that's their problem. No worries.

I'm excited about the whole Paleo thing. It really is not a huge stretch from what I do already so I'm hoping it won't be too much of a shock. Other than no candy...

I ration my candy too. Until recently it was mini M&Ms. Mini because I could have "more". It worked for me and I didn't sit there and eat the whole bag even though I could have.

I know I need to give myself some slack. I know I have had some stuff to deal with lately and that is probably making me eat this stuff out of stress. That is the problem though. I don't want her to be the reason I fall off the wagon and get back into my old habits. That's what she did to me all these years and that's what she wants.

It would be nice if I was someone's inspiration. I don't know if that will happen though. People just don't seem to care about living a healthy lifestyle anymore. Let's face it, it is easier to sit and watch TV. There aren't many people who would run on a lunch break (Dizzy), wake up at 4:30am to workout (SC-so proud of you by the way), or run in the midst of a wind/sandstorm (Chiomaca). Those are hard things to do. They take will power and dedication. You have a certain amount of respect for yourself to be able to do that.

Yes, today was my last day of training. I work Sunday but unless the wife gives me trouble I will come home from work and then after the kids go to bed I am off to the gym. Monday I have off and it is supposed to be 60' (and rainy ) but I will get out and enjoy a run that day if its not raining too bad. If it is I am off to the gym again. SC, I did the 4:30 wake up a few times during training to fit my workout in. It is hard to do but you feel great at the end of the day knowing you did it, don't you?

What kind of stuff couldn't you find for your new diet? Wegmans does have a large selection but their prices are high. My son's diet is limited so we have had to go there a few times and on top of the prices it is 30-40 minutes away.

Last night I found out that my Zumba instructor wouldn't be able to do my 10 am Friday class at least for today and possibly not anymore. I know there is a 5 am class, but seriously who wants to get up at 4:30 am when it is their day off?? I set my alarm anyway, but never believed it would happen. Well it did!!! I got up and went and am so glad I did! I would have really regretted it if I hadn't. My legs and back are so sore right now though. lol

I finally went to the dr and they are going to do some testing. He knows I am exercising and didn't tell me to stop so I will just keep plugging along unless something changes.

I spent a lot of time today buying the rest of the ingredients I didn't have on hand for the whole paleo thing. Some stuff was a pain and there are a few things that I couldn't find. I guess I will have to go to Wegmans. I do plan to splurge some this weekend to have foods like ice cream and cheese that I won't be able to have after this weekend. I do have the points for them though so all is good.

I am out of order for my comments based on the quotes. Hopefully you can put the pieces together. I do thank you for your support though. It helps.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Waiting2goback - you've got the right attitude about not wanting to slow down during the winter. Are there any races you can sign up for (Turkey Trots, New Years runs) near you that you can set as smaller goals to keep you motivated? You're right about needing to get back on track, after about two weeks that base you built will be gone. I can go about a week without running and knock out a good 13 miles, but if I skip pull-ups for longer than three days, I'm back to square one.
QUOTE]

I didn't mean to ignore this. There are some races I could sign up for but I really don't want to start my job and be asking for all kinds of time off right away. As it is I need days off for my son's doctor's appointments that he has coming up. I have been looking for races to sign up for in the spring but they aren't all out yet. I am trying to go for the bigger and more reputable races this year. My first race last year was a small one and not as well run. I don't mind paying more for a better race and nicer medal.

I was thinking of signing up for a Spartan race but I am concerned about running off pavement and having it cause an injury so I haven't done it yet.

And, if I am being honest with myself, I need more strength training than I do running right now. Not to say I can stop running, I can't. But I need to work my core big time if I am going to up my running game. I need to do my Yoga consistently as it helps with the core and it will help keep me loose and stretch me out, hopefully preventing the cramps in the big race again.

Long-winded answer I know. I bet you're wishing I forgot to respond to this now.

 

[StayCool]

I know I need to give myself some slack. I know I have had some stuff to deal with lately and that is probably making me eat this stuff out of stress. That is the problem though. I don't want her to be the reason I fall off the wagon and get back into my old habits. That's what she did to me all these years and that's what she wants.

Yes, today was my last day of training. I work Sunday but unless the wife gives me trouble I will come home from work and then after the kids go to bed I am off to the gym. Monday I have off and it is supposed to be 60' (and rainy ) but I will get out and enjoy a run that day if its not raining too bad. If it is I am off to the gym again. SC, I did the 4:30 wake up a few times during training to fit my workout in. It is hard to do but you feel great at the end of the day knowing you did it, don't you?

What kind of stuff couldn't you find for your new diet? Wegmans does have a large selection but their prices are high. My son's diet is limited so we have had to go there a few times and on top of the prices it is 30-40 minutes away.

Glad that training is over. Were you able to get out and do your workout last night? You wife and the stress she causes will not do anything to you that you do not allow. Meaning that even if you slip, as long as you don't fall, she loses. You are going to slip up. This is learning a new lifestyle and new coping skills. It will come but so will mistakes. Just keep moving.

I was just looking for ghee. I haven't found it yet and I live in a rural area so everyone is the same and therefore eats the same stuff. lol

 

[StayCool]

Day 1 of the Paleo challenge. Well I spent some time yesterday prepping foods to be easy for my husband to make. I made 2 kinds of homemade salad dressing and made both of our lunches. I've been feeling pretty snacky today but I know that is because I can't eat this and that. It will pass as I get more comfortable.

Warning, vent ahead:

I think it is really getting to my husband that he is not going to be able to eat whatever he wants. We had a very loud conversation about how he wishes he was skinny so I would leave him alone... However, he is the one that asked if he could join in! I did call him lazy though because he only wants to sit in front of the tv and I am so bored with it! I love my husband to pieces, really. But his idea of a good time is either eating or shopping or watching tv. He used to be really motivated to do things, even just stuff around the house. Now, not so much. He's become a recluse to a degree and it is so frustrating. So my response to him last night was that this diet and exercise stuff is about ME, not him and I don't care if he doesn't want to join in. I'm fine with it. And I really am. I don't want him to be miserable but I'm not going to sit around and wait for him either. I think he got it because this morning he got up, made coffee using the creamer I made and took his lunch that is all paleo. His emotional ties to eating are stronger than mine are. It will be interesting to see if he follows through the whole 30 days.

 

[Chiomaca]

I didn't mean to ignore this. There are some races I could sign up for but I really don't want to start my job and be asking for all kinds of time off right away. As it is I need days off for my son's doctor's appointments that he has coming up. I have been looking for races to sign up for in the spring but they aren't all out yet. I am trying to go for the bigger and more reputable races this year. My first race last year was a small one and not as well run. I don't mind paying more for a better race and nicer medal.

I was thinking of signing up for a Spartan race but I am concerned about running off pavement and having it cause an injury so I haven't done it yet.

And, if I am being honest with myself, I need more strength training than I do running right now. Not to say I can stop running, I can't. But I need to work my core big time if I am going to up my running game. I need to do my Yoga consistently as it helps with the core and it will help keep me loose and stretch me out, hopefully preventing the cramps in the big race again.

Long-winded answer I know. I bet you're wishing I forgot to respond to this now.

I didn't take it personally, nor am I sorry you answered. I can understand not being able to sign up for races if you are working on Sundays - will you be working both weekend days? I was just thinking of things that would help you move around. Virtual races/challenges might work for you, too. That way you can run on your own time but still have a goal.

Core work is really important, but it doesn't take a 90 minute yoga session to work that. Add some planks and v-ups or hollow body exercises after you run 2-3 times a week and if you do them right, that will help. I don't think that being tight was the cause of your cramps during the marathon - it sounds to be like you didn't do the salt tabs that you'd used during training and you also need to some up with a better nutrition plan. You can get away with minimal nutrition up to a half, but after that you really need to eat well.

I was just looking for ghee. I haven't found it yet and I live in a rural area so everyone is the same and therefore eats the same stuff. lol

You can make your own ghee - it's probably cheaper than buying it. I know there are google instructions, but my aunt has used it forever as a part of regular Indian cooking. Just put butter over the stove at a medium heat. Skim off all the foamy stuff as it heats. When the butter is clear, you'll see milk proteins settled at the bottom. Strain that out (cheesecloth) and you're left with ghee. I have to say - not having dairy is one of my biggest gripes with Paleo!

Sorry your husband is not thrilled with the change to Paleo. I suspect that he will get over it eventually. Some people do not like change, especially when it means they have to do the changing. If he wants to cheat, he can do it on his own, and you can continue to do what makes you feel good. It does stink to not feel like you're being supported, but we're in your corner!

Dizzy - haven't heard from you in a few days, did you get in any good exercise? How's the food shift going?

I haven't run since Avengers, mainly due to the utter exhaustion I felt after that trip. And a sick puppy who needed an emergency vet trip on Saturday (he's okay, just ate something disgusting on the street that didn't agree with him, the little scavenger.) I did get one trapeze workout in and yesterday I trained with a friend who about killed me with core and glute work. If I can get out of the office early today, I'll go for a run. Likelihood of that is relatively low, since I was briefing the thing I was working on to my boss about the time the word that our Big Boss' resignation flashed across the screen on CNN. The thing is supposed to go to aforementioned Big Boss, so...

BUT - trapeze at least twice this week, plus 5 mile Turkey Trot and a relatively unscheduled weekend mean I should get some workouts in. Last year's Jingle Bell run coincided with the first snow of the year, the rumors are that this year it might be for the Turkey Trot.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Glad that training is over. Were you able to get out and do your workout last night? You wife and the stress she causes will not do anything to you that you do not allow. Meaning that even if you slip, as long as you don't fall, she loses. You are going to slip up. This is learning a new lifestyle and new coping skills. It will come but so will mistakes. Just keep moving.

I was just looking for ghee. I haven't found it yet and I live in a rural area so everyone is the same and therefore eats the same stuff. lol

Nope. No workout yesterday. I had every intention of it. I told the wife before work I was going to go to the gym after the kids went to bed last night. I got home from work at 7. She said she needed to run to the store to get some things for the kids for school today. She said she'd be back so I could go to the gym. She left at 7:15 and came home at 9:30. Needless to say, she didn't come back in time and I didn't get to the gym. Oh well.

I did go this morning after I dropped the kids off at school. I did 3.5 miles and then a few miles on the bike. It will be a long winter. I already miss running outside. It was 63' today but pouring out. I wish I could have been outside. Now we are getting snow Wednesday, they say 6". Welcome to New England.

I'm sore. I was tired after 30 minutes of running. I need to build things back up. I will be looking for a race to sign up for in the next few days. I need a goal and a deadline to keep me pushing.

Day 1 of the Paleo challenge. Well I spent some time yesterday prepping foods to be easy for my husband to make. I made 2 kinds of homemade salad dressing and made both of our lunches. I've been feeling pretty snacky today but I know that is because I can't eat this and that. It will pass as I get more comfortable.

Warning, vent ahead:

I think it is really getting to my husband that he is not going to be able to eat whatever he wants. We had a very loud conversation about how he wishes he was skinny so I would leave him alone... However, he is the one that asked if he could join in! I did call him lazy though because he only wants to sit in front of the tv and I am so bored with it! I love my husband to pieces, really. But his idea of a good time is either eating or shopping or watching tv. He used to be really motivated to do things, even just stuff around the house. Now, not so much. He's become a recluse to a degree and it is so frustrating. So my response to him last night was that this diet and exercise stuff is about ME, not him and I don't care if he doesn't want to join in. I'm fine with it. And I really am. I don't want him to be miserable but I'm not going to sit around and wait for him either. I think he got it because this morning he got up, made coffee using the creamer I made and took his lunch that is all paleo. His emotional ties to eating are stronger than mine are. It will be interesting to see if he follows through the whole 30 days.

First thing first. I am proud of you for sticking to your plan and starting that diet today. That is commitment. It is a hard diet to follow and you're doing it. You will see a difference by the end of the month, guaranteed.

OK. As for your husband. I will attempt to defend him a bit. First, please don't call him lazy. He may very well be. You may think it. But if he is struggling with self-esteem issues (which people in his situation usually are) having your wife say your lazy is not going to help.

My guess is that he sees you trying your butt off to make changes and he is jealous. He wants to make changes too. That book I mentioned to you on self-esteem said that often times people we are closest to will try to sabotage our efforts to improve ourselves out of fear. They may not know they are doing it. I saw it in my "wife" because all the times I ever tried to lose weight she'd always be negative about it and try to make it hard on me. I would give up after a month or 2. This time I didn't let it stop me.

So, I think he wants you to succeed. I think he wants to succeed too. I think he is afraid to try because it is hard and because he's afraid to fail. So, he sits on watches TV and eats. I lived that life for 10 years.

The best thing you can do is to not ask him again to change. You keep living your new healthy lifestyle, set the example, and he will follow once he sees how happy you become.

Have you ever seen people in weight loss pics. The difference in before and after. Go to beachbody.com. They are the company that make P90X and other programs. Look at the photo galleries. It's no coincidence that the people are always smiling in the after pics. They have improved self esteem. They are proud of themselves. They are just happy with the work they did. He'll see it when you get there too.

Of course, I don't know him. Maybe he is lazy. So, this is all based on what my impression is from what you said. I don't think anybody WANTS to be a couch potato. I think people just end up there because it's easier and that is more socially acceptable than running a marathon is, for example.

Ever hear a bunch of people standing around the water cooler talking about the marathon they ran? Or are they talking about the TV show they watched the night before?

I didn't take it personally, nor am I sorry you answered. I can understand not being able to sign up for races if you are working on Sundays - will you be working both weekend days? I was just thinking of things that would help you move around. Virtual races/challenges might work for you, too. That way you can run on your own time but still have a goal.

Core work is really important, but it doesn't take a 90 minute yoga session to work that. Add some planks and v-ups or hollow body exercises after you run 2-3 times a week and if you do them right, that will help. I don't think that being tight was the cause of your cramps during the marathon - it sounds to be like you didn't do the salt tabs that you'd used during training and you also need to some up with a better nutrition plan. You can get away with minimal nutrition up to a half, but after that you really need to eat well.

Sorry your husband is not thrilled with the change to Paleo. I suspect that he will get over it eventually. Some people do not like change, especially when it means they have to do the changing. If he wants to cheat, he can do it on his own, and you can continue to do what makes you feel good. It does stink to not feel like you're being supported, but we're in your corner!

Dizzy - haven't heard from you in a few days, did you get in any good exercise? How's the food shift going?

I haven't run since Avengers, mainly due to the utter exhaustion I felt after that trip. And a sick puppy who needed an emergency vet trip on Saturday (he's okay, just ate something disgusting on the street that didn't agree with him, the little scavenger.) I did get one trapeze workout in and yesterday I trained with a friend who about killed me with core and glute work. If I can get out of the office early today, I'll go for a run. Likelihood of that is relatively low, since I was briefing the thing I was working on to my boss about the time the word that our Big Boss' resignation flashed across the screen on CNN. The thing is supposed to go to aforementioned Big Boss, so...

BUT - trapeze at least twice this week, plus 5 mile Turkey Trot and a relatively unscheduled weekend mean I should get some workouts in. Last year's Jingle Bell run coincided with the first snow of the year, the rumors are that this year it might be for the Turkey Trot.

No, I won't be working every weekend day. And, I can request a certain day off since I only need to work 5 a week and there are 7. So, I will be running some in the spring. I just need my requests now for my son's doctor's appointments, my own appointments, etc...

I know I don't need to do a 90 minute Yoga to work the core. I do planks sometimes. I just don't do any of it consistently, which is what I need to work on. I will get something down more consistently. I was more focused during my run today because I was mad at myself (well, and the wife a bit for not coming home last night for me to workout).

Who is your Big Boss that was on CNN?

I was beat when I got back from my Disney run too. It takes a lot out of you for not being able to eat your normal foods, sleep in your bed, etc.... But I would do almost every one of the races every year if I could swing it.

Your core must be ridiculously strong from your trapeze work though?

Yes, Dizzy. Where are you? I was supposed to be bugging you but I am failing you. Are you kicking butt or what?

 

[StayCool]

You can make your own ghee - it's probably cheaper than buying it. I know there are google instructions, but my aunt has used it forever as a part of regular Indian cooking. Just put butter over the stove at a medium heat. Skim off all the foamy stuff as it heats. When the butter is clear, you'll see milk proteins settled at the bottom. Strain that out (cheesecloth) and you're left with ghee. I have to say - not having dairy is one of my biggest gripes with Paleo!

Sorry your husband is not thrilled with the change to Paleo. I suspect that he will get over it eventually. Some people do not like change, especially when it means they have to do the changing. If he wants to cheat, he can do it on his own, and you can continue to do what makes you feel good. It does stink to not feel like you're being supported, but we're in your corner!

I haven't run since Avengers, mainly due to the utter exhaustion I felt after that trip. And a sick puppy who needed an emergency vet trip on Saturday (he's okay, just ate something disgusting on the street that didn't agree with him, the little scavenger.) I did get one trapeze workout in and yesterday I trained with a friend who about killed me with core and glute work. If I can get out of the office early today, I'll go for a run. Likelihood of that is relatively low, since I was briefing the thing I was working on to my boss about the time the word that our Big Boss' resignation flashed across the screen on CNN. The thing is supposed to go to aforementioned Big Boss, so...

BUT - trapeze at least twice this week, plus 5 mile Turkey Trot and a relatively unscheduled weekend mean I should get some workouts in. Last year's Jingle Bell run coincided with the first snow of the year, the rumors are that this year it might be for the Turkey Trot.

Hmmm, I will have to look into making it. It never occurred to me.

I do wish he hadn't committed to doing Paleo with me. I think it is too restrictive for him and would rather he just count calories or do WW with me.

Have fun with the Turkey Trot! I didn't realize that they were 5 miles. For some reason I thought they were like a 5k lol.

Nope. No workout yesterday.

I'm sore. I was tired after 30 minutes of running. I need to build things back up. I will be looking for a race to sign up for in the next few days. I need a goal and a deadline to keep me pushing.

OK. As for your husband. I will attempt to defend him a bit. First, please don't call him lazy. He may very well be. You may think it. But if he is struggling with self-esteem issues (which people in his situation usually are) having your wife say your lazy is not going to help.

My guess is that he sees you trying your butt off to make changes and he is jealous. He wants to make changes too. That book I mentioned to you on self-esteem said that often times people we are closest to will try to sabotage our efforts to improve ourselves out of fear. They may not know they are doing it. I saw it in my "wife" because all the times I ever tried to lose weight she'd always be negative about it and try to make it hard on me. I would give up after a month or 2. This time I didn't let it stop me.

So, I think he wants you to succeed. I think he wants to succeed too. I think he is afraid to try because it is hard and because he's afraid to fail. So, he sits on watches TV and eats. I lived that life for 10 years.

The best thing you can do is to not ask him again to change. You keep living your new healthy lifestyle, set the example, and he will follow once he sees how happy you become.

That sucks that you didn't make it to the gym, but you did get in a run the next day so that is good. I know that when I finally went back to Zumba after nearly a month off I was pretty sore for a couple of days as well. It will be ok once you get into a routine.

You are totally right that I should not call him lazy. I was angry that I had worked all weekend, literally, in the kitchen between baking and prepping food. He went hunting for a few hours Saturday morning and then sat on the couch the rest of the weekend. I reminded him to do something (that he knew he had to do) and he got really mad at me. So him being mad at me plus me being irritated because he got to relax all weekend =

I don't know why he chose to tag along on this paleo experiment. I haven't asked him to diet with me since I started WW for the first time years ago. I have asked him to walk with me and stuff like that, but I didn't press the issue. I've decided that he is HANGRY. lol I like that word, but it really does sum up the situation. He gets a mental block about what he can and can't eat and fixates on it. I have decided that I am going to try to make it as easy as possible on him but he is going to struggle a lot. The funny thing is that I told him it is ok to quit (I wasn't being mean either) and he is even more determined to stick with it. I hope that he does see some change by the end of the month that helps keep him motivated.

 

[StayCool]

Today is my weigh in day for WW. I am down 2.2 lbs! I was not expecting that at all. I definitely indulged in some not so good carbs over the weekend in preparation for my paleo challenge.

Goals for this week:
Stick with paleo (except on Thanksgiving, I haven't decided about that yet)
Try to get in 2 Zumba workouts this week.

If I get down another 1.9 lbs I will enter a new "decade" that I haven't seen in quite a while. I am definitely motivated by my progress over the last couple of weeks so that is exciting.

 

[Chiomaca]

Nope. No workout yesterday. I had every intention of it. I told the wife before work I was going to go to the gym after the kids went to bed last night. I got home from work at 7. She said she needed to run to the store to get some things for the kids for school today. She said she'd be back so I could go to the gym. She left at 7:15 and came home at 9:30. Needless to say, she didn't come back in time and I didn't get to the gym. Oh well.

I did go this morning after I dropped the kids off at school. I did 3.5 miles and then a few miles on the bike. It will be a long winter. I already miss running outside. It was 63' today but pouring out. I wish I could have been outside. Now we are getting snow Wednesday, they say 6". Welcome to New England.

I'm sore. I was tired after 30 minutes of running. I need to build things back up. I will be looking for a race to sign up for in the next few days. I need a goal and a deadline to keep me pushing.

A run today is a great start. We're only supposed to get an inch of snow, so I'm going to try and get in a short run. Today was a crazy day, so the only running I did was in place, like Alice, running as fast as I could to stay in one place.

Ever hear a bunch of people standing around the water cooler talking about the marathon they ran? Or are they talking about the TV show they watched the night before?

All the time! This is why you need a running group! Or at least find local friends who run - it's a daily subject where I work - two of us ran Marine Corps, about a dozen ran the Army Ten Miler, and several of us run Disney. Non runners do get bored with all the pace, mileage and food talk though.

Who is your Big Boss that was on CNN?

I was beat when I got back from my Disney run too. It takes a lot out of you for not being able to eat your normal foods, sleep in your bed, etc.... But I would do almost every one of the races every year if I could swing it.

Your core must be ridiculously strong from your trapeze work though?

My Big Boss is the Secretary of Defense, as opposed, I guess, to the big boss, who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I work on the Chairman's staff, which in turn works for the Secretary's staff.

I think had I not played in the park after the race, I would have been less tired. And had my flight not been delayed by five hours.

We have a saying: "There is strong, and then there is Circus Strong." I am stronger than most normal people, but I'm average at best, and usually slightly below average, when I'm with my circus friends. It can be frustrating, but I'm getting there.

Today is my weigh in day for WW. I am down 2.2 lbs! I was not expecting that at all. I definitely indulged in some not so good carbs over the weekend in preparation for my paleo challenge.

Goals for this week:
Stick with paleo (except on Thanksgiving, I haven't decided about that yet)
Try to get in 2 Zumba workouts this week.

If I get down another 1.9 lbs I will enter a new "decade" that I haven't seen in quite a while. I am definitely motivated by my progress over the last couple of weeks so that is exciting.

Hurray! Keep working out and keep smiling!

 

[Waiting2goback]

You are totally right that I should not call him lazy. I was angry that I had worked all weekend, literally, in the kitchen between baking and prepping food. He went hunting for a few hours Saturday morning and then sat on the couch the rest of the weekend. I reminded him to do something (that he knew he had to do) and he got really mad at me. So him being mad at me plus me being irritated because he got to relax all weekend =

I don't know why he chose to tag along on this paleo experiment. I haven't asked him to diet with me since I started WW for the first time years ago. I have asked him to walk with me and stuff like that, but I didn't press the issue. I've decided that he is HANGRY. lol I like that word, but it really does sum up the situation. He gets a mental block about what he can and can't eat and fixates on it. I have decided that I am going to try to make it as easy as possible on him but he is going to struggle a lot. The funny thing is that I told him it is ok to quit (I wasn't being mean either) and he is even more determined to stick with it. I hope that he does see some change by the end of the month that helps keep him motivated.

Believe me, I get being frustrated at the spouse. I used to be with the kids all day long when I wasn't working and she'd come home and either take a nap cuz she had a headache or go right to the couch and lay down. One day over the summer she took a 5 hour nap in the middle of the day and the very next day she had the balls to tell me I don't do anything around the house. I snapped a little bit after that one. But, your situation is different than mine in that you still want to be married to him, so name calling not helpful. Ok, that was my attempt to be funny. Doesn't always come across in writing though.

Why is he sticking to this diet? HMMMM? Maybe he sees you making changes and doesn't want to be left behind? Maybe he is not happy with how he is living and doesn't know how to change or ASK FOR HELP, so he is doing what you're doing. Maybe he is competitive and doesn't want to let his wife win? You know him best, do any of these sound possible?

Today is my weigh in day for WW. I am down 2.2 lbs! I was not expecting that at all. I definitely indulged in some not so good carbs over the weekend in preparation for my paleo challenge.

Goals for this week:
Stick with paleo (except on Thanksgiving, I haven't decided about that yet)
Try to get in 2 Zumba workouts this week.

If I get down another 1.9 lbs I will enter a new "decade" that I haven't seen in quite a while. I am definitely motivated by my progress over the last couple of weeks so that is exciting.

Excellent job. See, you are moving in the right direction and right at holiday time when most people fall behind. Awesome. My opinion on the Thanksgiving issue, if it means anything, is if you know you can jump back on track after the day off then enjoy Thanksgiving and get back to it on Friday. If you have doubts about if you can pick back up then stick to it. You don't want to ruin this momentum now that you are moving forward. My guess is that given your renewed motivation that you will be able to do it but only you know for sure.

All the time! This is why you need a running group! Or at least find local friends who run - it's a daily subject where I work - two of us ran Marine Corps, about a dozen ran the Army Ten Miler, and several of us run Disney. Non runners do get bored with all the pace, mileage and food talk though.

My Big Boss is the Secretary of Defense, as opposed, I guess, to the big boss, who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I work on the Chairman's staff, which in turn works for the Secretary's staff.

I think had I not played in the park after the race, I would have been less tired. And had my flight not been delayed by five hours.

We have a saying: "There is strong, and then there is Circus Strong." I am stronger than most normal people, but I'm average at best, and usually slightly below average, when I'm with my circus friends. It can be frustrating, but I'm getting there.


Hurray! Keep working out and keep smiling!

Running in place. Now that is dedication. I don't think I could do that, although I guess the threadmill is doing just that. It feels different though.

I wish I could find a running group or had co-workers that ran. I was trying to talk about it at work today and people were looking at me like I'm an alien. Then I got the typical comment, "I can't run from here to the door without being out of breath." But I also think most water cooler talk in this country is about TV. You're lucky.

Can your circus friends run marathons too? If not then you have them beat in all around fitness, no?

I don't listen to the news anymore, to negative. I hadn't heard about the resignation. Sounds like you have an important job then? Are you married, I don't think you told us?

I went to the gym from work. Told the wife during the day that I was going right from work. She wasn't too happy but oh well. I was tired and my back and legs hurt from standing all day but I went and SO GLAD I DID. It took a while to warm up but once I did it was great. I started on the elliptical, which I used to love. Now I don't like it so much. So I moved to the treadmill and did another 3.5 miles. I was feeling so good. If I wasn't so tired I could have run 10 miles easily. But, since I haven't done 2 days of running in a row in weeks I decided to take it easy.

Was going to go tomorrow because I thought the kids had a 1/2 day of school. They have the whole day off so I will be working out here with a P90X workout. The gym is open Thanksgiving until noon so my plan is to wake up early and go in the morning. We'll see if it happens.

DIZZY, where are you?????? HELLO???????

 

[StayCool]

We have a saying: "There is strong, and then there is Circus Strong." I am stronger than most normal people, but I'm average at best, and usually slightly below average, when I'm with my circus friends. It can be frustrating, but I'm getting there.

You are comparing yourself to an elite group. And you are average in that group. That is amazing!

Believe me, I get being frustrated at the spouse. But, your situation is different than mine in that you still want to be married to him, so name calling not helpful. Ok, that was my attempt to be funny. Doesn't always come across in writing though.

Why is he sticking to this diet? HMMMM? Maybe he sees you making changes and doesn't want to be left behind? Maybe he is not happy with how he is living and doesn't know how to change or ASK FOR HELP, so he is doing what you're doing. Maybe he is competitive and doesn't want to let his wife win? You know him best, do any of these sound possible?

My opinion on the Thanksgiving issue, if it means anything, is if you know you can jump back on track after the day off then enjoy Thanksgiving and get back to it on Friday. If you have doubts about if you can pick back up then stick to it. You don't want to ruin this momentum now that you are moving forward. My guess is that given your renewed motivation that you will be able to do it but only you know for sure.

I went to the gym from work. Told the wife during the day that I was going right from work. She wasn't too happy but oh well. I was tired and my back and legs hurt from standing all day but I went and SO GLAD I DID. It took a while to warm up but once I did it was great. I started on the elliptical, which I used to love. Now I don't like it so much. So I moved to the treadmill and did another 3.5 miles. I was feeling so good. If I wasn't so tired I could have run 10 miles easily. But, since I haven't done 2 days of running in a row in weeks I decided to take it easy.

I'm trying not to be frustrated with him. And I don't really know what his motivation is. I think part of it is because he sees me and he knows that, for his own health, he should be trying too. He tells me it is because he wants to be supportive. We did learn a while ago that restricting his food makes him very cranky, and he is the least cranky person I know normally! He has been doing a modified version of it though. I'm not sure if I should let him know when he slips or if I should just let it go.

As far as Thanksgiving, right now the plan is to go to Zumba in the morning and then just take it easy and see how I feel. I do not plan to go too crazy but I am going to have some cranberry wine for sure. I won't eat the way I used to, which is all out, but I won't follow paleo for the day either.

And woohoo to you for getting to the gym! I'm glad to hear that you finally had a workout you feel good about.

Right now I'm sitting at work bored because the snow has started and they are predicting 6-10 inches. I'm hoping that I just get to my friend's tonight. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving!

 

[Waiting2goback]

You are comparing yourself to an elite group. And you are average in that group. That is amazing!

I'm not sure if I should let him know when he slips or if I should just let it go.

As far as Thanksgiving, right now the plan is to go to Zumba in the morning and then just take it easy and see how I feel. I do not plan to go too crazy but I am going to have some cranberry wine for sure. I won't eat the way I used to, which is all out, but I won't follow paleo for the day either.

And woohoo to you for getting to the gym! I'm glad to hear that you finally had a workout you feel good about.

Right now I'm sitting at work bored because the snow has started and they are predicting 6-10 inches. I'm hoping that I just get to my friend's tonight. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving!

You should listen to the words you shared with Chiomaca. You used to be hard on yourself for your running ability. You were average amongst an elite group as well. You just didn't see it that way at the time.

I wouldn't point it out to him. Chances are he knows if he slips up and you don't need to "nag" him about it. Not that you are a nag but he may see it that way. Just give him all the support he needs and tell him you will be there to help him when he is ready. That is better than pointing out his mistakes IMO.

Is he overweight? I don't think you have ever said or not.

Sounds like you have a good plan for Thanksgiving. I hope you, and everyone else out there, has a great Thanksgiving. It was always my favorite holiday mostly because of the food. Not looking forward to it as much this year. I don't plan to eat more than I normally would on a regular day.

Yeah, I felt good last night. Then I woke up with another head cold. I felt it coming on yesterday but it is here now. So, I did normal stuff and errands today but no workout as planned. I am hoping to still go to the gym in the morning but won't kill myself if I don't feel good. I am just hoping for a good night sleep and keeping my fingers crossed.

We are supposed to get up to a foot of snow today too but it has been mostly rain so far so who knows what we will end up with. If we get a lot it will make getting to the gym more difficult as I will have to snowblow first.

Have a Great Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[Chiomaca]

Running in place. Now that is dedication. I don't think I could do that, although I guess the threadmill is doing just that. It feels different though.

I wish I could find a running group or had co-workers that ran. I was trying to talk about it at work today and people were looking at me like I'm an alien. Then I got the typical comment, "I can't run from here to the door without being out of breath." But I also think most water cooler talk in this country is about TV. You're lucky.

Can your circus friends run marathons too? If not then you have them beat in all around fitness, no?

Running to stay in place was just a figure of speech, though you're right...the treadmill is pretty much exactly that. I did three miles this morning on the indoor track at work. It was okay, but I hate running in small circles as much as I do running in place.

A few of my circus friends are also runners, including my marathon mentor. I'm running tomorrow's (Frozen) Turkey Trot with two of my circus friends and one Navy buddy. I'm trying to get him to try circus, but he isn't all that interested. He does like all my single, extremely fit friends though.

There's a decent list of running groups for Massachusetts here. Your challenge will be finding one that works with your time. My local store offers multiple groups with differing times for long runs and track workouts so you can fit them into your schedule.

I don't listen to the news anymore, to negative. I hadn't heard about the resignation. Sounds like you have an important job then? Are you married, I don't think you told us?

My daily life can be affected by the news; there are five TVs in our office (but no windows) so we can pay attention. As for important job - when you spend months of your life on a ship at sea, you quickly come to the conclusion that all jobs are important. But I do hope that what I do has a positive impact on the world. I know I've had a positive impact on individuals, which is my ultimate goal. Being the first person to tell a 19-year-old "I trust you" and seeing his/her reaction is the best thing ever.

I'm single. Mostly by choice. It's hard to find a guy who isn't threatened by a woman who drives an 8,000 ton warship. But I'm in a long term, long distance, relationship with another Navy Officer. We've spent six months of the last two years in the same time zone, and of the most recent 18 months, we've managed to snatch about 30 days total of time together, usually a weekend here or there. Got a whole 18 hours with him at Disneyland before he had to fly out to a work thing. It sucks, but we talk most nights.

I went to the gym from work. Told the wife during the day that I was going right from work. She wasn't too happy but oh well. I was tired and my back and legs hurt from standing all day but I went and SO GLAD I DID. It took a while to warm up but once I did it was great. I started on the elliptical, which I used to love. Now I don't like it so much. So I moved to the treadmill and did another 3.5 miles. I was feeling so good. If I wasn't so tired I could have run 10 miles easily. But, since I haven't done 2 days of running in a row in weeks I decided to take it easy.

The elliptical is good cross-training at least. I think it helps to really move your body after standing on your feet but not moving around for a long time.

You are comparing yourself to an elite group. And you are average in that group. That is amazing!

The thing is, I'm crazy strong without putting in a lot of effort. If I valued it more, I could be better than average. The elites train daily for several hours at a time and that's just not in the cards for me - as much as I love circus, my priorities are work, community service, and my animals. Right now I train 3-5 hours a week. I could put in more time, but something would have to give and I'm not ready to do that just yet. So, I remain average at best. I'm okay with that most of the time.

I'm trying not to be frustrated with him. And I don't really know what his motivation is. I think part of it is because he sees me and he knows that, for his own health, he should be trying too. He tells me it is because he wants to be supportive. We did learn a while ago that restricting his food makes him very cranky, and he is the least cranky person I know normally! He has been doing a modified version of it though. I'm not sure if I should let him know when he slips or if I should just let it go.

As far as Thanksgiving, right now the plan is to go to Zumba in the morning and then just take it easy and see how I feel. I do not plan to go too crazy but I am going to have some cranberry wine for sure. I won't eat the way I used to, which is all out, but I won't follow paleo for the day either.

I'd let it go when he slips, unless it's egregious. As long as he's mostly following the rules, I'd say that's a major change for him. Once he's gotten used to that, then you can make the changes to follow the rules more closely. That might be a better way to approach him so as not to increase the cranky. When I take my food cautious BF to a new restaurant, I always check out the menu and be sure that there's at least one thing he will eat. Sometimes I suggest he try something else, but giving him a place with an option he's comfortable with seems to make it easier for him to branch out.

Cranberry wine sounds interesting. I haven't heard of that. Are you in New England, too?

Hope you guys both enjoy the holiday! Mine should be interesting...going to dinner with some circus friends. One is gluten free and one is vegan, but at least not preachy about it. I'm pretty sure there will still be turkey. Or else I'm going somewhere else!

 

[Chiomaca]

Turkey Trot complete - all the local 5k Turkey Trots and we picked the one five miler of the bunch. It was jam packed, spend most of the first four miles threading my way through people with strollers and dogs who should have started towards the back. It was freezing and it started to rain right as the race was starting. Thankfully it didn't last too long and I was warm by the end of the first mile.

I missed most of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but am glad I ran.

 

[StayCool]

I live in NY, not the city, so I guess cranberry wine is a newer tradition for me. I live near the finger lakes and we have a ton of wineries all over. They can make for a fun day trip. Glad you had a good Turkey Trot. I am not sure that I wouldn't cramp up in the cold.

I went to Zumba this morning and it was a 90 minute class and we did about 9000 steps so that was awesome. I did have a sandwich but I bought some watermelon n oranges for snacks to tide me over until dinner. So I will behave until then.

My friend n I put her turkey in the morning according to the package instructions, thinking it would be done at 5 pm. Well it was done at noon... So we are going to have to heat it up later. I think her oven runs hot. Oops.

 

[dizzyr]

I can see finishing the yogurts you bought but why do you need to finish the soda? If you do any research on diet soda you will see it is no better for you at all. I would say put the soda down and drink only water. I only drink water. I have limited calories all day and I don't want to drink my calories. I can tell you I feel much better from drinking only water.

Well the honest answer to that is because I don't want to give up the diet coke! I believe it's not great for you but I just can't get onboard with the it's horrible. The reason is I've given it up before and have never felt a difference. I didn't feel better, didn't feel worse, didn't lose more, didn't lose less I just missed the taste and the fizz. I'm not saying the research is wrong it just makes it hard for me to get on board when I don't see the results. That being said I started it on Monday and I left two diet cokes in the fridge!

It's been three days so far and the only difference is I have a headache that won't go away. I don't drink coffee or tea so the diet coke is my only source of caffeine and I always get a headache the first couple of days I give it up.

I bought a Columbia running jacket in the spring. It is waterproof and it keeps you really warm too. It was $40 on sale I think and it is bright green so if you run when it is dark it helps drivers see you. Once the sneakers get wet then I might as well be drenched all over anyway.

Hmmm I should look into something like that - we have fully entered our rainy season and it sucks. I walked in the rain for two hours on Tuesday and my coat was still wet on Wednesday morning. Between the rain and the pool I feel like I'm always wet these days.

There is a guy in my training class. He is probably 6'4" and has to be at least 400 lbs. I watch him try and get around. He can't fit in the chairs. He had trouble getting into the stall in the bathroom. He struggles just to breath. He makes jokes about his size all the time. I was never that size but I was on my way there. I used to sweat just trying to tie my shoes. I couldn't walk a flight of stairs without sucking wind. I worry about this guy even though I don't know him. But how long can he live if he keeps up the way he is going?

This is what I'm afraid of. I'm tired of not being able to fit places. I have always been really healthy (with the exception of my weight of course) and active but when I hit 40 it all became harder. I was always able to ignore the seriousness of my weight because I almost never got sick and I was more active than my "skinny" friends. Most of that is still true but I get out of breath way quicker and that can't be good.

No, Tee didn't run in costume, but as I posted in the pics I sent to our group of friends, some superheros don't need costumes. And she just e-mailed around looking to set up her next race, so it looks like I'm going to be doing the Shamrock Half in March. She'll have been three months out of chemo by then, so she'll probably be back to beating me again.

That's awesome!!

Yup, sounds like lunchtime running is your best bet. I run in the morning during the summer, but once again it's getting to the point where it's too dark to run to work since there are a few poorly lit areas on each of my routes. Now I have to break away from the gravitational pull of my desk...hasn't happened this week. Things are supposed to start slowing down before the holidays, but all I have been doing for a week and a half is jumping through hoops. I do plan to run this weekend, and I'm signed up for a five mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.

For cold weather running - LAYERS! Start with something close to your skin that is wicking because you'll still sweat and you want that to move away from your skin. Then a top layer - if it's cool and rainy, you can get away with a windbreaker that is water-resistant. Colder than that, add another shirt. I usually do a tank under a long sleeve shirt, with a jacket over the top. Bottoms, I can run in capris until it gets below freezing, then I move to leggings and start layering under those. Also: a headband or hat (ball cap for rain, headband if it's just cold), gloves, and wool socks. Those instant hand warmers could help warm you up at the beginning of a run or help keep your legs warmish on a windy day, but I've never used them except on race days.

It's never really cold (well not by Canadian standards anyway) it's just wet. Really really really wet. I'm going to look into finding some sort of waterproof windbreaker or jacket that I leave at work just for running.

Instead of being angry about eating the candy, is there something else you can do? I have a few weaknesses - right now peanut butter m&ms. But if I regulate my intake, I can have my treat without a huge impact. I measure out 15-20 of them for the day and when they're gone, I'm done. Today, I had them for lunch, because it was that kind of day. At another point, I wanted cheese puffs (I know...I'm 12.) I'd buy a bag at the beginning of the month and when it was gone, I was done for the month. After about three months, I was done and haven't had a craving for them since. Or just get rid of it all - give it away, toss it, or hide it in the highest cupboard in the house so you have to work hard to get to it.

The holidays are hard for me because it's the season where I make candy and cookies - and the one year I didn't make them, the look of disappointment on my mother-in-law's face was enough that I won't skip that any more. Thankfully, I give most of it away, but the tasting always makes me crave more. But I also bought the fixings for butternut squash soup and chicken soup, so the weekend will end with good winter comfort food in the freezer!

My biggest weakness is chips and my husband bought me a microwave chip maker for my birthday and I was shocked at how tasty the chips were. I know a potato is still a potato and it's a starchy food but it's so much better than chips because 1. its not deep fried and 2. it's somewhat labour intensive to make so it stops the implulse and overeating problems I have with chips. Yeah hubby!

That has to be so hard to have that many birthdays at once! It is nice that everyone want to spend time with you and take you out to eat, but I would be frustrated as well. Good for you to get back on track and prepping everything on Sunday!

Just ride out the weigh in next week and I'm sure you will see a loss on the scale after.

The eating out craziness is over! The scale has also moved in the right direction again!! Last year we went to Disney for our birthdays and my youngest daughter was a bit sad that we all had birthdays on the trip (well we came home the day before my oldest daughters birthday but she still celebrated it there) so going in January for marathon weekend works great because my youngest daughter's birthday is in January.

Maybe bring a couple disposable ponchos to wear while you are waiting to start. During the run it probably won't bother you as much to get wet but a hat or visor will help keep the rain out of your face.

The disposable ponchos are a great idea and we have a couple of them at home already!

Last night I found out that my Zumba instructor wouldn't be able to do my 10 am Friday class at least for today and possibly not anymore. I know there is a 5 am class, but seriously who wants to get up at 4:30 am when it is their day off?? I set my alarm anyway, but never believed it would happen. Well it did!!! I got up and went and am so glad I did! I would have really regretted it if I hadn't. My legs and back are so sore right now though. lol

I finally went to the dr and they are going to do some testing. He knows I am exercising and didn't tell me to stop so I will just keep plugging along unless something changes.

Good for you for going!! 5:00 is EARLY! I thought my 6:35 aquafit class was early LOL! I'd never make a 5:00 class. My friend cancelled this morning so I would have had to get up at 5:30 and then walk to the pool and I just couldn't get up the energy to get out of bed (needed a diet coke for that LOL) so I missed the class

Hopefully you'll get some answers from the doctor.

Like Chiomaca, I always bake for the holidays. The good thing about this year is that I won't be home, so anything I make will stay there. Plus there will be a lot of kids, so I won't be eating it! It doesn't feel like Christmas or Thanksgiving if I don't bake. It feels incomplete. Weird, I know. Also this way I can just have a little and walk away... and go home. lol I will make a turkey for our house, but I will not go crazy with the whole meal. I just really like the leftovers.

I never make a turkey for Christmas because it's just the 4 of us so a week before Christmas I do a big turkey dinner with all our friends (there's usually about 24 of us in total). It works out great because we have to have the house ready and most if not all of the shopping done because we exchange presents so the week before Christmas is all about enjoying our clean house and decorations and warm fires! LOVE IT! I bake for that but a lot of people bring deserts so I don't go too crazy and then I send them all home with doggy bags so it's not too bad with the deserts but this year I'm going to have to make sure not to buy any chips or I will just eat them every night. For Christmas dinner we have a fondue! Because I spent most of my childhood and teenage years on the east coast I'm still a maritimer at heart so I order some Atlantic lobster and we cook it on Christmas Eve and my daughter videos it - her Christmas movie collection is Lobster Killing 1,2 & 3 LOL!

I know you and SC are both right. I may be eating candy but I am not having the amount I used to. I have a couple of the small Halloween size pieces when I do have it. I know it isn't that bad. I still stay either under, or very close, to my calorie limit when I do. So I am not going crazy by any means.

The funny thing is, I feel like crap physically (and mentally) when I do have it so I don't know why I keep having some. When I have a bowl of grapes I feel so much better. Of course it is hard to find grapes this time of year so that makes it harder.

I know I need to give myself some slack. I know I have had some stuff to deal with lately and that is probably making me eat this stuff out of stress. That is the problem though. I don't want her to be the reason I fall off the wagon and get back into my old habits. That's what she did to me all these years and that's what she wants.

It would be nice if I was someone's inspiration. I don't know if that will happen though. People just don't seem to care about living a healthy lifestyle anymore. Let's face it, it is easier to sit and watch TV. There aren't many people who would run on a lunch break (Dizzy), wake up at 4:30am to workout (SC-so proud of you by the way), or run in the midst of a wind/sandstorm (Chiomaca). Those are hard things to do. They take will power and dedication. You have a certain amount of respect for yourself to be able to do that.

You are an inspiration to me. As a matter of fact I was just thinking in my head I was going to give up on the idea of running at lunch until I read what you just wrote and now I'm inspired again to try and overcome the hurdles that go along with it.

I was thinking of signing up for a Spartan race but I am concerned about running off pavement and having it cause an injury so I haven't done it yet.

And, if I am being honest with myself, I need more strength training than I do running right now. Not to say I can stop running, I can't. But I need to work my core big time if I am going to up my running game. I need to do my Yoga consistently as it helps with the core and it will help keep me loose and stretch me out, hopefully preventing the cramps in the big race again.

Long-winded answer I know. I bet you're wishing I forgot to respond to this now.

The Spartan looks like fun - I also really want to do the tough mudder one day. I'm starting to think I need to do more cardio and strength right now as well and then add in the running. Right now with the extra weight I'm risking injury and I think it's making the running harder. My original thought process was the running would cause me to loose weight but I'd get a much better workout doing a cardio class than I would from running (since right now my running is just slightly faster walking and for short bursts)

Day 1 of the Paleo challenge. Well I spent some time yesterday prepping foods to be easy for my husband to make. I made 2 kinds of homemade salad dressing and made both of our lunches. I've been feeling pretty snacky today but I know that is because I can't eat this and that. It will pass as I get more comfortable.

Warning, vent ahead:

I think it is really getting to my husband that he is not going to be able to eat whatever he wants. We had a very loud conversation about how he wishes he was skinny so I would leave him alone... However, he is the one that asked if he could join in! I did call him lazy though because he only wants to sit in front of the tv and I am so bored with it! I love my husband to pieces, really. But his idea of a good time is either eating or shopping or watching tv. He used to be really motivated to do things, even just stuff around the house. Now, not so much. He's become a recluse to a degree and it is so frustrating. So my response to him last night was that this diet and exercise stuff is about ME, not him and I don't care if he doesn't want to join in. I'm fine with it. And I really am. I don't want him to be miserable but I'm not going to sit around and wait for him either. I think he got it because this morning he got up, made coffee using the creamer I made and took his lunch that is all paleo. His emotional ties to eating are stronger than mine are. It will be interesting to see if he follows through the whole 30 days.

I can understand that - I would sometimes get mad I couldn't eat this or that even when I was the one making the choice. Even though I was making the choice to do it I was mad I had to make the choice. Does that make sense? He probably knows he needs to do something but he may be angry he let it get to this point.

Dizzy - haven't heard from you in a few days, did you get in any good exercise? How's the food shift going?

I did good last week with the exercise - I went to the pool 5 times and also did my usual walks and I tried to either pick up the pace or walk a few extra stops (or both). I still haven't managed to get out at lunch though.

I'm finally back to eating at home and taking my lunch. Work has been crazy bust so I haven't done much surfing so that's why I haven't posted as much

I haven't run since Avengers, mainly due to the utter exhaustion I felt after that trip. And a sick puppy who needed an emergency vet trip on Saturday (he's okay, just ate something disgusting on the street that didn't agree with him, the little scavenger.) I did get one trapeze workout in and yesterday I trained with a friend who about killed me with core and glute work. If I can get out of the office early today, I'll go for a run. Likelihood of that is relatively low, since I was briefing the thing I was working on to my boss about the time the word that our Big Boss' resignation flashed across the screen on CNN. The thing is supposed to go to aforementioned Big Boss, so...

BUT - trapeze at least twice this week, plus 5 mile Turkey Trot and a relatively unscheduled weekend mean I should get some workouts in. Last year's Jingle Bell run coincided with the first snow of the year, the rumors are that this year it might be for the Turkey Trot.

Glad to hear your puppy is ok! They are calling for snow here tomorrow which is virtually unheard of! I don't remember ever having snow in November and I've lived here since 1995. We usually get one dumping (sprinkling by anyone else's standards!) right around Christmas and maybe one or two more after that and then we're good for another year!

I googled "who's resignation was on CNN" and saw who you meant! What do you do?

Yes, Dizzy. Where are you? I was supposed to be bugging you but I am failing you. Are you kicking butt or what?

It's so nice that I'm missed!

Today is my weigh in day for WW. I am down 2.2 lbs! I was not expecting that at all. I definitely indulged in some not so good carbs over the weekend in preparation for my paleo challenge.

Goals for this week:
Stick with paleo (except on Thanksgiving, I haven't decided about that yet)
Try to get in 2 Zumba workouts this week.

If I get down another 1.9 lbs I will enter a new "decade" that I haven't seen in quite a while. I am definitely motivated by my progress over the last couple of weeks so that is exciting.

Congrats on the weight loss!! Keep it up!

We have a saying: "There is strong, and then there is Circus Strong." I am stronger than most normal people, but I'm average at best, and usually slightly below average, when I'm with my circus friends. It can be frustrating, but I'm getting there.

I wanna be circus strong too!!

I wish I could find a running group or had co-workers that ran. I was trying to talk about it at work today and people were looking at me like I'm an alien. Then I got the typical comment, "I can't run from here to the door without being out of breath." But I also think most water cooler talk in this country is about TV. You're lucky.

I was surprised at how many people I know have actually run a marathon or at least a half. My friends are all very supportive but they do think I'm crazy and I can tell they are bored with some of the conversation. Lazy *****! LOL

DIZZY, where are you?????? HELLO???????

Now I want to stay away more just to feel the love when I come back!!!

You are comparing yourself to an elite group. And you are average in that group. That is amazing!

Ditto what she said!!

You should listen to the words you shared with Chiomaca. You used to be hard on yourself for your running ability. You were average amongst an elite group as well. You just didn't see it that way at the time.

Ditto what he said!!

My daily life can be affected by the news; there are five TVs in our office (but no windows) so we can pay attention. As for important job - when you spend months of your life on a ship at sea, you quickly come to the conclusion that all jobs are important. But I do hope that what I do has a positive impact on the world. I know I've had a positive impact on individuals, which is my ultimate goal. Being the first person to tell a 19-year-old "I trust you" and seeing his/her reaction is the best thing ever.

I'm single. Mostly by choice. It's hard to find a guy who isn't threatened by a woman who drives an 8,000 ton warship. But I'm in a long term, long distance, relationship with another Navy Officer. We've spent six months of the last two years in the same time zone, and of the most recent 18 months, we've managed to snatch about 30 days total of time together, usually a weekend here or there. Got a whole 18 hours with him at Disneyland before he had to fly out to a work thing. It sucks, but we talk most nights.

I grew up in the military (my dad was an MP in the Air Force) and when I was a kid I wanted to join - I wanted to be a jet pilot - not exactly sure how I ended up being an accountant! LOL

Long distance relationships are hard but hopefully you will find a way to be in the same time zone again soon.


Phew I think I'm all caught up now!! Just in time too since I need to log off the computer and go to a meeting - this week has been one meeting after another!!

I hope you are all having a lovely Thanksgiving - I've been there, done that already this year!!!

 

[StayCool]

Dizzy - glad to hear from you!

Well I have not paleo for a couple days, but Thanksgiving day I followed it until dinner. Then I ate what I wanted but nothing crazy. Ok portions and one small piece of pie. Today we had breakfast out and I got an omelette. We shopped from 3 am to 3 pm and my feet hurt from all the standing in place! Lol. The plus side is that most of my shopping is done. Tomorrow morning I will go home and get back into the groove again.

 

[Chiomaca]

My biggest weakness is chips and my husband bought me a microwave chip maker for my birthday and I was shocked at how tasty the chips were. I know a potato is still a potato and it's a starchy food but it's so much better than chips because 1. its not deep fried and 2. it's somewhat labour intensive to make so it stops the implulse and overeating problems I have with chips. Yeah hubby!

I love chips, too. I pretty much never have them in the house because I could easily eat a full bag on my own. I have a snack sized bag with my lunch once in a while, but not more than once a week.

The eating out craziness is over! The scale has also moved in the right direction again!!

Yay!

The disposable ponchos are a great idea and we have a couple of them at home already!

Plastic garbage bags work, too. They're good for waiting around...wrapping around you to keep warm, sitting on in wet grass, that sort of thing.

My friend cancelled this morning so I would have had to get up at 5:30 and then walk to the pool and I just couldn't get up the energy to get out of bed (needed a diet coke for that LOL) so I missed the class

You gotta work on that Dizzy - you're doing this for you, not your friend. I'm reading the book "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running and just got through a neat quote:

If I used being busy as an excuse not to run, I'd never run again. I have only a few reasons to keep on running, and a truckload of them to quit. All I can do is keep those few reasons nicely polished.

I'm going to print that one up on something to look at daily...

For Christmas dinner we have a fondue! Because I spent most of my childhood and teenage years on the east coast I'm still a maritimer at heart so I order some Atlantic lobster and we cook it on Christmas Eve and my daughter videos it - her Christmas movie collection is Lobster Killing 1,2 & 3 LOL!

I think I want to come to your house for the holidays - sounds right up my alley!

I wanna be circus strong too!!

Only one way to do that...do circus.

Long distance relationships are hard but hopefully you will find a way to be in the same time zone again soon.

Thanks. Not in the next 15-18 months, but maybe after that. I am trying to con him into coming to WDW for marathon weekend, but he's a workaholic, so pulling him away from work can be hard. (I am not as bad, but used to be, so I get it.)

Well I have not paleo for a couple days, but Thanksgiving day I followed it until dinner. Then I ate what I wanted but nothing crazy. Ok portions and one small piece of pie. Today we had breakfast out and I got an omelette. We shopped from 3 am to 3 pm and my feet hurt from all the standing in place! Lol. The plus side is that most of my shopping is done. Tomorrow morning I will go home and get back into the groove again.

Hope you roll back into the groove. My part normal, part vegan, part gluten-free Thanksgiving was quite good. Especially after I violated the vegan, gluten-free stuffing with turkey gravy.

Long run tomorrow - 14 miles!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Well the honest answer to that is because I don't want to give up the diet coke!

It's been three days so far and the only difference is I have a headache that won't go away. I don't drink coffee or tea so the diet coke is my only source of caffeine and I always get a headache the first couple of days I give it up.

This post is too long to remember everything to respond after so I am trying to comment in the quote. Hopefully it works. My question to you is, if you were guaranteed to lose 10 lbs this month not drinking diet coke, would you do it? The fact you are getting headaches by not having it is a HUGE sign of how dependent your body and mind have become on it. Just a thought.

This is what I'm afraid of. I'm tired of not being able to fit places. I have always been really healthy (with the exception of my weight of course) and active but when I hit 40 it all became harder. I was always able to ignore the seriousness of my weight because I almost never got sick and I was more active than my "skinny" friends. Most of that is still true but I get out of breath way quicker and that can't be good.

I very rarely get sick either. I get a cold here and there but that's about it. It doesn't mean I was healthy though. Far from it. I was a mess. You have to make sure not to confuse the 2. If you never get "sick" but only like til your 55 years old were you healthy? I am still about 30 lbs overweight but I am off all my meds and my high blood pressure is gone. I am much healthier than I have been in 10+ years.

My biggest weakness is chips and my husband bought me a microwave chip maker for my birthday and I was shocked at how tasty the chips were. I know a potato is still a potato and it's a starchy food but it's so much better than chips because 1. its not deep fried and 2. it's somewhat labour intensive to make so it stops the implulse and overeating problems I have with chips. Yeah hubby!

Chips/potatoes are one of those foods that cause your blood sugar to spike and then you get hungry faster.


You are an inspiration to me. As a matter of fact I was just thinking in my head I was going to give up on the idea of running at lunch until I read what you just wrote and now I'm inspired again to try and overcome the hurdles that go along with it.

I appreciate that. It's nice of you to say. The reality is I will probably never see myself as an inspiration to anyone. While my self-esteem is improving I don't know if it will ever improve to the point I believe I inspire anyone.

The Spartan looks like fun - I also really want to do the tough mudder one day. I'm starting to think I need to do more cardio and strength right now as well and then add in the running. Right now with the extra weight I'm risking injury and I think it's making the running harder. My original thought process was the running would cause me to loose weight but I'd get a much better workout doing a cardio class than I would from running (since right now my running is just slightly faster walking and for short bursts)

I think you need to pick something and commit to it. It is like any goal, if you don't have a defined target how can you hit it. If you keep changing your exercise you won't give your body a chance to get stronger in any one area. Nobody said you need to run fast so that is not important now. But, if you are going to run Dopey 13 months you need to start putting in some miles. You can start run walking and as you become stronger and lose weight you can work on speed. I think the aquafit classes, some run walking, and some strength training can work perfectly for you. Maybe the others will disagree with me.

I was surprised at how many people I know have actually run a marathon or at least a half. My friends are all very supportive but they do think I'm crazy and I can tell they are bored with some of the conversation. Lazy *****! LOL

I must live in an unhealthy state then because when I look around I see so many overweight people. People coming into work aren't in shape for the most part.

Now I want to stay away more just to feel the love when I come back!!!

We just want to make sure you are doing OK. I still don't think you ever told us what you decided to run for races at WDW Marathon weekend. Have you committed yet?

Long distance relationships are hard but hopefully you will find a way to be in the same time zone again soon.

Yes, they are hard. But if it is worth it then the work it takes shouldn't be an issue. Besides, there are benefits too. You get your space while still having someone to call for support when needed.[/COLOR]

I hope you are all having a lovely Thanksgiving - I've been there, done that already this year!!!

Thanksgiving was a busy day. I am still sick with a headcold. I worked 10 hours on Black Friday, it was a busy day. I got home late then got up early for work today. No workouts for me. I wouldn't be working out anyway as I don't feel good. I have nothing left after work. I am hoping to get to the gym tomorrow night. We'll see how I feel and if the wife cooperates.

Chiomaca, thanks for the link to the running groups. I have started looking into them. There are a lot on the link but most of them are in the Boston area, which makes it difficult to meet up often for me. But, I am checking them out. I am a bit jealous of your run. I was always afraid to be alone on holidays once the divorce was finalized but now I am seeing I can take advantage of all these types of things I can't currently do on holidays. I am even a bit jealous of your 14 mile long run. I am missing my running. It's crazy, I never thought I'd say it. I did find a couple of races that I might sign up for in June. They are both close together. One hasn't announced the dates yet so I'm waiting as that would be my preferred race of the 2. But I am happy to see they are starting to list the 2015 races.

SC- great job getting to the Zumba class. Don't worry about the diet. You'll be back at it soon enough. I feel like I have more to comment on but I can't remember it all right now.