Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[Worfiedoodles]

Like Cindy, I'm just doing a quick drive by. I've been hitting all my workouts this week -- until today. My plan is to walk my miles after work -- wogging doesn't turn out well for me at the end of the day.

My pants are looser, and I consider that progress! The scale is moving a bit slower, but that's ok, I'll get there eventually.

Everyone have an awesome lean mean evening!
Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Tracey: At least DH wasn't noshing on popcorn, ice-cream, macademia nut clusters (shout out to JEFF) while watching BL. Guess who tends to do that if she's not careful? And with every TV show, especially because DOOD can eat anything he wants.... Seriously, I think DH will really love the walks the two of you take as a time to destress and reconnect. (Not that you're stressed or unconnected.) I think you're a lovely person for being so encouraging of him.

Mike: I love that you've posted your progress in swimming--what a great moment of insight. For me, too. Your term "incremental improvements" is something that's so easy for me to be frustrated by, but you've provided me with a nice reminder--a jolt--that such things DO make a difference. And not only your swimming numbers, though I do like to see the cold, hard numbers. I've thought a lot about how you came back from your surgery to continue training for your tris. Very impressive. I hope you'll be able to compete in them for a long time. (Which is actually a question from me--will you be able to do so?)

Beth: Leapin' lizards! (Yes, I'm trying out new, DIS-friendly expressions. Fill in that phrase with whatever profanity you think I might use for astonishment.) I didn't know it had been such a long streak. You should be proud--not just because of the mileage and the effect on your weight loss, important both. That's a commitment: mind, body, soul. And you're still challenging yourself in the classes, instead of getting complacent. Upping the weight/intensity in your Pump class...You earned the happy soreness and a decreased appetite. Now, if you'll just scream BACK at the instructor today, I'll be perfectly happy. (That's my fantasy.)

Amy: I'd be more than slightly bitter about the medal. Not to be too petty, but a 1/2 is an exercise in delayed gratification for that medal. The weeks of training, of proper fueling and planning. The time spend training instead of noshing--or other hobbies, for you smart folk. The race weekend, with packet pickup. Showing up before the race early and standing in corrals. Then the time on the course. I know there are many milestones met and satisfactions along the way, so there is gratification along the way in those things. But after all is said and done, is it too much to ask that the finish feature your flippin' medal? So, um, yeah. Let me do bitter for you. P.S. DO THE HALF.

Jeff: I didn't know Marcia was in town. Boy, the damage the two of you can do together. Hope O'Toole's had a lot of converage. Ah, Lost.

Cindy: Great to have you check in.

Vicky: It's not fair. You eat junk and your body says, "No, no, no." I eat junk and my body says, "Gimme some (more) sugar, baby." (<--Army of Darkness.) I can't imagine struggling with groceries on the subway. Heck, I generally have to elbow people out of the way on the sidewalk. Luckily, my training from those old days of running to Space Mountain after rope drop still kick in.... Tell your PT that I'm scared of him, in a respectful kind of way.

Maria: I love the pants test--much more satisfying (and reliable) than the scale! Have a great walk tonight--I, too, find it harder to run (you call it wog, but we know you're running!)--after a full day.

About SparkPeople, especially for Tracey but others, too. I'm not sure we have control to adjust the carbs/fiber/protein/fat intake. Probably for the best, given the whacked out diets some people are on that I've read about in the SP forums. I just try to adjust, roughly, and go from there. At one point, I was really trying to absorb information from their articles, etc. and figure out exact numbers. But you know, these days I pretty much figure my whole approach to eating is trying to eat mostly clean--thanks, Vicky--with as little processed foods as possible. On a reasonable level, too, which doesn't deprive me of treats. Kind of an 80/20 ratio. (I think I owe that number to Beth.) When I do that, I find the numbers in the categories tend to roughly correspond with what I need to eat, although I still need to pay attention to protein and fat. My preferred diet is low in both those areas. So I try to adjust for those.

Brief run today, and have yet to do Pilates. I might not get to it tonight--I find it difficult to WO at home when DOOD is around sometimes.
And in case you were wondering...it was a "come hither" look DOOD gave me the other night. Man, one of us is really bad at that whole seduction scenario.

One last thing. If you get Runner's World, check out this month's issue (April). It features weight-loss for runners and dispels a lot of dieting myths. Very useful for us Lean Meaners! I might post a thing or two from the issue here, if people don't get the magazine. Anyone here not subscribe?

 

[JustSmile]

Hi guys,
A quick drive by for me, too. I'll be MIA for a few days, my kiddos have a day off and we're headed to the lake.
Beth.... workout queen that's all I can say
Julie, oh Julie,.....where are you? The last I remember you were home with your kiddos.
Vicky....your PT workouts always sound so tough...I must be such a marshamallow...yum, marshmallows! I hope you like the Shred DVD. Amy and I both think it's helping.
Amy...Oh, yeah, I forgot about the 5k. You should've just let us believe that you look that glamorous after a 1/2 marathon in the rain.
Deb...There is so much on Sparkpeople to check out. I need to sit down someday and really go through it. For now, I just post nutrition and fitness and that's it. Still trying to work on DH and walking...he really doesn't seem that interested...it might be time to make a deal ! Thanks for thinking that I'm motivating, I'm beginning to doubt it.

And in case you were wondering...it was a "come hither" look DOOD gave me the other night. Man, one of us is really bad at that whole seduction scenario

. Seriously, and people think we only talk about weight loss down here.
Jeff...you always seem to be doing something exciting...crawling through mud, catching octopus, seeing mongoose (what is the plural), running on the beach, and now living like a famous Hollywood dude and seeing the sights of Lost. Very cool!
Maria and Cindy....good to hear from you guys!
Take care all and have a good weekend!

 

[laxdef69]

Going to a lecture tonight.

Got in 3200 yards swimming today...and I thought yesterday was a milestone!

Along with 5.5 miles in 55 minutes on the elliptical.

Got to thinking...dangerous, I know....about the target heart rates of 65% and 85%.

While I don't remember the exact numbers, suppose they were 120 and 140.

Does that mean that if your heart rate isn't over 140, you aren't in the aerobic zone? Or if you are between 120 and 140, you are aerobic, but anerobic over 140?

Something doesn't seem right, but I'm pretty tired right now.

Any insight as to what the 65% and 85% means would be appreciated!

Mike

 

[mkymsehi]

I did a slow jog of 7 miles with a friend who runs, well SLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOW. Got the miles in, that's all that counts today.

Notice how empty Hale Koa Beach is. Overcast, windy, and drizzling.

Marcia did a short jog on her own, and met up with me at the end of my run.

This is what it looked like at 6:30 pm, at Ala Moana Beach Park.

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! It's Friday!!!! I am really glad the week is at an end!

Debra: I was reviewing the Self Challenge in the magazine last night....when you sign up online, do they track your food and activity? I was thinking of joining, but I am not sure I have the time to put all that stuff in everyday. I did make the healthy blueberry muffin recipe (I think page 90 something) and they are actually very good! I didn't have bananas, so I used a little more buttermilk and some banana flavoring. Even dh liked them.....and he usually hates anything healthy! I ate one for breakfast today, and enjoyed it!

Jeff: You have such wonderful stories.....I enjoy reading them. Good for you slowing down your pace for a friend. I know that is not always easy to do...my dsis will slow down to run with me, and I always appreciate her efforts to make me comfortable. I ususally to speed up my pace somewhat, but I know she has slowed down ALOT to stay with me.

Mike: I wish I could help you with the heart rate question, but it's beyond me! I know that I work out usually in the 150-160's when I am pushing it. I don't know if that is good or bad......

AFM: I didn't really set out to have a streak of exercise days.......but I sort just fell into it. I am really committed to getting the rest of this weight off, and feel like the exercise can only help. I am down 10 from the beginning of the year, but I feel like my body looks alot different from working out. It's not alot of weight loss, but I think I probably lost alot of body fat %. I did do a weight check and body fat check just at the gym in January, so maybe I will jump back on and see what it says! I know my clothes feel alot better, that's for sure! I know I will never be 'skinny'......I am not built that way, but I sure would like to get off another 20 pounds!

Thanks for then encouragement, Meaners, on the exercise streak! We'll see how long it goes......

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Tracey: Have a great time at the lake. It's supposed to be a fabulous weekend in this area of the country, and I'm hoping it's the same for you! Sure, I think you're a motivating person, but maybe I respond to words given my background and all. Your DH being, well, your DH, probably needs other incentives--as you suggest. Aren't men supposed to be visual? Aren't hot, sweaty women sexy? (Mike? Jeff? Vic? Chris?) What can I say? I'm all about the increased HR.

Mike: I'm sure you got it figured out by now, after a little rest and some Scotch (mmmm), but...

Or if you are between 120 and 140, you are aerobic, but anerobic over 140?

That's it, that's it! At the anerobic point, you're using more oxygen than you can process. If keep working at the pace you'll collapse because you're exceeding your body's ability to sustain itself in terms of oxygen. It's great for speed training.

Of course, that whole HR number thing is too complicated for my little brain as my HR never seems to match the machines at the gym. I do think the accuracy on machines is not to be trusted. I tend to use RPE (rate of perceived exertion) instead of HR. And I don't have a watch with a HR monitor. Do you know your resting HR?

Jeff: Beautiful skies and beach. Running with a slow friend just gives you more time to enjoy them. Great photo of you and Marcia, btw.

Beth: The Self Challenge site is a lot like SparkPeople or FitDay in terms of tracking. The exercise, if you're choosing fairly conventional activities, is pretty simple. But the food tracking is a hassle unless you're using their meals. SP is much easier. And right now, I'm doing both. I signed up before I knew what the site was like, though, and some sickness in me is keeping me logging in. I guess I just don't want to take myself off "active" challenge status, even if I keep on doing the challenge. Which I am--and loving it (see below). If you like the idea behind the challenge, I'd just do it but not sign up. Unless you're the type of person who always wins things at sweepstakes and lotteries, and could figure on winning some of Self's giveaway swag. I definitely need to try the muffins.

I'm so, so proud of you for the weight loss--10 pounds as an active athlete is a lot of weight. And you're so right to concentrate on BF% and body shape. Not to mention increased strength, flexibility, endurance. That's the big difference from Lean Meaners of all kinds and dieters. We're working toward an overall healthier lifestyle, not just numbers on a scale. Thanks for reminding me, as I find it too easy to get sucked into that diet mentality.

As for me: Good news for me. This week, I've finally lost a solid 2 pounds and am feeling the sugar cravings come more under control. I'm still struggling with the daily pills/pilates and my strength training, but it's getting better. Sunshine and warm weather helps a lot. And I'm moving the RW issue, too. So it's feeling like I'll have a good weekend.

Sometimes it's like the stars align to keep me on track when things are challenging. Sure, there's these article I read, but there's also these things I think about when I'm struggling!

• Beth's exercise streak to push me to a daily effort and her always-helpful foodie tips
• Vicky's enviable leanness, her excitement for XT, and the encouragement she passes via her PT sessions (it's like a two-for-one special) and reminders about the pills/pilates
• Tracey's "Girls on the Run" is something I think about when *I* run (and think about how running is something she shares with her DSs)
• Mike's IM perseverance and all his successes in swimming
• Wendy's battles with her Achilles and ITB, plus her amazing race history
• Cindy's strength and positive attitude in pursing a BQ
• Jeff's attitude toward "running to eat"--a healthy approach--and generosity toward friends
• Chris's inspirational story and focus on his family, plus his Goofy goals
• Maria's newfound love of yoga as part of her balanced life,
• Vic's almost nonchalant "get 'r done" stair work and running (and for teaching me a bit about Nascar)
• Julie's early a.m. running--5 a.m. when I'm busy hogging the pillows--and her signing up for a spring half when I'm still loving my slacker "maintenance" schedule
• Jeanne's ability to take any race, any conditions, and make them fun (I know she won't read this until after the PH, but she's gotta beat the Greek)
• Amy's willingness to go "no beer" to achieve her goals--and her crazy "let's do back-to-back races" plan

And I could go on, for the Lean Meaners--past and present--who help me become a better, healthier person.

 

[amykab]

Hey Lean Meaners!!

Quick check in here. Down another half pounds this week. I am actually pretty excited about it since I've taken the week off of running and have been into the beer. and wine. I have done core though and plan to get fully back on track next week. I need to come up with a happy medium with the booze thing. What are everyone's favorite lower calorie drinks, beers?? I can not stoop to bud light or anything like that. I just can't. No offense to anyone who drinks them, I am just a beer snob. I do like amstel light and DH was telling me that Beck's has a light beer.

We're off to Disney for a couple nights since MIL is down and wants to take Delena. We head out tomorrow and will come back monday. I am harboring a slight disappointment that I am not doing the princess, but am mostly glad that I will have a nice relaxing weekend and be able to enjoy a night out with DH by ourselves.

I decided against the 12K next weekend. I have made a policy that I will not run a race over 10K if there is no bling. Unless it is for a charity I feel strongly about. I may do a 5K though.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Cheers,
Amy

 

[laxdef69]

I just rode for 22 GLORIOUS miles outside in 60 plus degree weather.

Giggity giggity giggidy!!!!

That is all...

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday everyone! The weather is finally warming up here! I guess spring is finally around the corner. I saw lots of people out running on my way home from work. Lots of people in shorts too! I would still be in long sleeved stuff because I never seem to warm up very easily.

Jeff - Gorgeous pictures! I especially like the sunset. Say hi to Marcia

Amy - Woo-hoo for the mini Disney vacation! I know how you feel about missing out on the race. I'm planning to be at WDW around the Race for the Taste but won't be running it. I feel like I'm missing out but I know I'll have a more relaxing trip this way.

Mike - Wow! WTG on the 22 miles I'm thinking of looking for a bike this spring. Mostly so I can go back and forth between DF's house and mine. I thought about biking to work but downtown traffic is scary!!


Beth - WTG on the 10 pound loss so far!

Tracey - Yeah my physio is tough! I remember the first time I went in to see him for an ART treatment. He made me do squats and lunges afterward Then he gave me rehab exercises that I had to do every hour for a week! I thought that was insane but they worked! I think *I* was the marshmallow going in so I hope to come out ... um... whatever the opposite of a marshallow is.

Debra - Did I ever tell you that I always look forward to reading your posts? Congrats on the 2 pound loss!! That is awesome!! I saw the new issue of RW quickly at the drugstore. I didn't have time to check it out but noticed they had two different covers! Remember your pills and pilates!

AFM - I worked out last night and did more medicine ball stuff but this time there was a lot more cardio involved. Like throwing the ball, running after it, doing a set of burpies and then repeating... I'm debating whether to get a Wii Speak. I started playing Animal Crossing with a couple other DIS'ers. But I'm afraid that if I get one, it's going to want to play all the time and won't have time for running. Of course I don't want them to think that I just made friends so I could steal fruit from their towns ...

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[Creativebeth]

So, I got a chance to run outside, with shorts, short sleeves, for 5 miles! My back isn't feeling so hot, but boy was it nice to be outside! I couldn't miss my oppurtunity!

The family went to a all you can eat turkey supper tonight.....boy is was good! My 'diet' went by the wayside, but I didn't eat the dessert! My 12 year old was only $3.50 for dinner, and I am telling you that they lost money on him! (I think he ate more than me!)

I know the above post is not by any means a lean meaner post.....but it was good!

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Good Saturday evening, Lean Meaners! Yes, the exciting life I lead calls for staying in Saturday night. Worked out, did errands, long phone call with a friend, and I'm all tuckered out. Going to catch up on some DVD goodness with DOOD soon. Don't you want my exciting life?

Amy: DOOD suggests Sam Adams Lightship. Now, I'm not a beer drinker, so I got nothing. But have you thought about keeping your favorite beers and drinking 1/2 of one, giving the rest to DH or--gasp--throwing it away? It's a strategy that I'm not sure I could do, too much willpower for me, but I was thinking it might be an option to keep enjoying the taste of your beloved beer. I'd think it would be much harder to do that with liquids, of course. You can split up portion and 1/2 portion sizes of, say, your favorite chocolate--me being the chocolate snob--but beer? Still, an option? Especially with you, since you're still losing poundage on a rest week!

I'm so jealous that you're in Disney, princess 1/2 or no princess half. Good times, always. Great news that you're able to spend some quality time with DH. Much better than a 12K, at least one without bling.

Mike: I'm so happy you're enjoying the great weather, too, even if your 22 miles makes me feel like a total slacker. And thanks for the Family Guy reference. Always makes me laugh.

Vicky: Wow, you're getting a touch of spring, too! I bet we all come back from the weekend smiling and sweaty. Well, hopefully showered, but you get my meaning! Thanks for the compliment on my posts--I often worry that I annoy more people than I please. (The wordiness and all.) Do check out the RW when you get a chance. It's sooooo refreshing to see nutrition advice that talks to our needs and emphasizes that weight loss is part of a healthy lifestyle and not an end in itself. I know nothing about the Wii other than what I read here--still trying to talk DOOD into it--but fear I would have the same problems as those you mention. My whole running life replaced by a pleasant alternate reality. But I don't think that would happen to you, just can't see it. Oh, and a question: what is a burpy?

Beth: Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! Love the 5 miles in shorts--hope your back is still doing okay. Your turkey dinner sounds like both quite the well-deserved indulgence and a bargain. My mom always said that she had to take advantage of such opportunities when my brother was that age, or he wouldn't have had a college fund.

As for me: Good run on Thursday, stonker of a run today. Can't figure it out, except the difference was I was on a TM today. (DOOD's been experiencing hip and knee pain, so he decided to go the gym so he could get on the elliptical and use the sauna. I went along for weights.) That shouldn't have caused a problem. Fueling, hydration, and rest were in my normal range. Took a cardio rest day yesterday and only did Pilates and stretching. But no go. So, since I can't figure out what happened I'm just forgetting it happened and we'll see what happens on Tuesday (next run).

Other news...DOOD and I are saw Watchman yesterday (couldn't talk him into a midnight movie). It's 3:40 long. It was a faithful adaptation of a graphic novel that I am, at best, lukewarm about. My tendency is to nosh through long movies that I'm not particularly interested in watching. Yep, when I don't like a movie I eat. Helps keep my mouth shut so DOOD can enjoy a movie in peace. Plus, these days I'm eating every 3 hours to help keep my energy up. Because I knew I'd want to eat for those two reasons, I made myself a little trail mix of almonds, dried cherries, and just a touch of chocolate. A movie treat, but one with some good protein and fats! I tracked it in SP and still came in within range for the day!

 

[Big Vic]

Good morning Meaners!

Hoping your Sunday is going well. Did everyone remember to set their clocks an hour ahead?

Just a quick drive through.

Out for 2 miles this morning. I haven't exercised for 10 days due to some serious work issues, so getting out felt good.

Everyone - Keep up the great work!

GO Dale Jr.!!!

 

[deekaypee]

'Ohana Monday Mixer

Mental Health Day

We all know that our mental-health days are just as important as our workouts, recovery days, and proper fueling. So, Monday's question for the 'Ohana mixer, which starts here on the team thread, is....

If you had an unexpected free day--no work or other obligations--and $20 to spend just on you, what would you do?

So please share those small indulgences that are essential to your mental well-being. Hopefully, we'll get new ideas and find kindred souls.

There are three little rules. Just because.

1. You have to spend at least part of the $20 on you. No giving it away, no saving it for a rainy day, and no spending the $20 entirely on your beloved partner, cute kidlets, or BFF. You can spend time with these folks, of course, and some of the money. But the focus is on YOU and what you want to do.
2. You can choose to work out, if you wish, or your mental health day can coincide with a recovery day.
3. What you do on your mental health day has to reflect your everyday, local life. No "I just happened to be in Paris..." You can imagine, however, that you have perfect weather.

As usual, full stories that are related to your mental-health day are welcome. Not to mention the odd digression! And you're always welcome to bring drinks, goodies, and profound thoughts on the meaning of life.

 

[mkymsehi]

I did 8 miles, Marcia went with the intermediate group for 6.

Now off to go sell more Girl Scout cookies with my daughters.

 

[Creativebeth]

Didn't I just post that it was Friday? I don't understand how the weekend goes so fast...... It's like it never happened, ya know?

Back to work today....... still missing Nancy! And by the way.....she is doing fantastic! She has gone out for several walks with her dh and dear dog, and looks great! I stopped by yesterday with some more food.....I know that they are eating well, since she has a ziti dinner in the oven at the time I stopped from another friend. I made some potato soup for the Light and Tasty magazine, and my dh raved about it! He said it was one of the best soups I have made yet! Hope Nancy and her family like it too!

Jeff: I bought some girl scout cookies yesterday and am impressed that they had a sugar free chocolate chip cookie box (which are very good, by the way). My dh loves the peanut butter sandwich ones, so he got a box of them. Hope your cookie sale was productive!

Big Vic: So not the race we were hoping for, but at least he was up in the pecking order somewhat.....Will anybody sacrifice themselves and take out the Bush brothers????? I just can't like either one of them.

Debra: Yeah, we sure did get our money's worth with the turkey supper! DS1 is still thinking about it! Good job getting the workouts in! I don't think I will officially join the Self challenge.....I just don't have the time to report the meals and exercise in one more place. That can drive me crazy! But I am now down 11 pounds since Jan 1st! I am happy with that!

AFM: Well, I did pretty well over the weekend. I got 5 miles in Sat (not the greatest run, but it was outside!) and 6.5 miles in on Sunday. I did a little farlek work with the run on Sunday, since I felt pretty good. I have a 1/2 marathon next Sunday......it sure did sneak up on me! My friend Heidi talked me into last November. It only cost me $30, so what the heck! It's in Delaware and it's Heidi's birthday to boot! It will be a nice weekend away!
I am down another pound in today's BL weigh in......I am happy with that! I got up to run this morning too! I am going to try to get up every day this week, since my dh is out of town. I get 3 miles in before my shower. I have to admit though today it's pooped me out a little. I guess because I just couldn't go to sleep last night.....my dh and his SNORING.....if I don't go to sleep before him, I just can't go after the snoring starts......makes it hard to get up, that's for sure!

I am looking forward to Pilates tonight, so I hope I can get there!

Beth

 

[Big Vic]

Big Vic: So not the race we were hoping for, but at least he was up in the pecking order somewhat.....Will anybody sacrifice themselves and take out the Bush brothers????? I just can't like either one of them.

I think he was pretty lucky to finish 11th. What was up with that dude chasing the tire? He changed the entire complexion of the race.

The comment about hitting his crew with a hammer if the wheel came off was priceless. I listen to their scanner through nascar.com and he was either loose or tight all day, and they didn't get the left rear wheel tightened during a pitstop. There was no happy medium, and you could tell towards the end of the race when the "F" bombs started to fly that he was totally frustrated. I wouldn't have Tony Eury's job on a bet.

 

[goofyinohio]

I think he was pretty lucky to finish 11th. What was up with that dude chasing the tire? He changed the entire complexion of the race.

The comment about hitting his crew with a hammer if the wheel came off was priceless. I listen to their scanner through nascar.com and he was either loose or tight all day, and they didn't get the left rear wheel tightened during a pitstop. There was no happy medium, and you could tell towards the end of the race when the "F" bombs started to fly that he was totally frustrated. I wouldn't have Tony Eury's job on a bet.

I'm with you guys on this. He was about lapped or lapped all day. He wasn't very good that's for sure, but I was happy he finished 11th.

I wouldn't take that job either because everyone is on Tony Jr when Jr isn't running good and talk about how great Jr is when the 88 is running well.

 

[Creativebeth]

Vic and Chris: Yeah, the guy chasing the tire was priceless. Supposedly the 'team' forgave him, but I think there are plenty of other guys wanting to beat on him a little. It went from 16-18 cars on the lead lap to 6 after the yellow came out. I would think there were a few drivers who would have liked to have hit him on the track! Yeah, it changed the whole dynamics of the race, that's for sure!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Debra - No, I don't find your posts annoying at all! I think it's great that you take the time to read posts and then reply to everyone individually I sometimes post at work (shh!!) with a teeny tiny window so I always miss stuff.

Oh a burpee... you've probably done them before. I found this on Youtube. I don't do them quite that quickly. But you get the idea... at least it's better than me explaining it I'm not very good at explaining exercises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Dq_NCzj8M