Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[Cindylou]

Hello Lean Meaners,

Sorry I’ve been absent. We went away over the weekend and I’m still trying to get back into a routine. I seriously went into vacation mode with my eating. It won’t be a surprise to me if I gain this week. I’m hoping to work it off by Friday. Unfortunately it has put me into a funk and caused me start to thinking I just can’t do this, it’s too hard, I’m never going to reach my goal, yada, yada, yada. I know I’ve been here before as have some of you, so I’m trying to talk myself back off the ledge.

I did all 3 sections of my tri on Monday. It was so much fun. There were 7 of us that met up at the lake for the swim, we waited for everyone to finish then headed out for the bike and then the run. There was plenty of rest time in between and I don’t think any of us were going all out, but it was a good indication of what it will be like during the race. I felt pretty good right after, but later on I ended up with a stomach ache that won’t seem to go away. I tried a new electrolyte mix during the workout which might be the problem and I also swallowed a fair amount of lake water, so maybe it’s that. But unfortunately it’s not keeping me from eating, just keeping me from eating healthy stuff. Buttered toast and bland white foods appeal to me, fruits and veggies do not. No hope of earning the fiber point the past few days.

Wendy: I had read that same statistic about weight loss, but I needed to see the taking 11 minutes off your marathon time part. It was an “aha” moment for me just when I needed it. Thank you. I completely can relate to you with your wanting a new bike or another vacation, or a costly something else. Don’t feel too badly about it. I think a lot of us think like that, but when we look at it closer we realize we are blessed to have what we have and can make due without everything else. Congrats on your weight loss. I hope it stays lost for you.

Julie: Welcome back. Are you planning any local races this fall?

Beth: Continued congratulations on your weight loss. 73 lbs is amazing. It’s probably the size of one of your sons. Can you imagine walking around carrying him all day long? It’s no wonder you are feeling fantastic. 40 miles for the week!! Great job. Hope your stomach issues are better, though the weight loss is a nice side effect.

Sarah: Good job with the Diet Coke detox. And since you limited yourself to just a few beers, I’d say you did a great job over the holiday.

Amy: Hope you are having a good week.

Vicky: Good job with 1.1 lbs.

Jeanne: Hope your internet is back up and running. Sorry we all abandoned you and Beth over the weekend.

Maria: Are you back yet?

Debra: Hope you are well.

I am going to a swim class tonight as part of a Triathlon prep course. My friend signed up, but she’s down at WDW this week so can’t make it to the class. I am going for her. I’m hoping I learn a few pointers since my race is just 11 days away. If nothing else it will be another swim workout this week.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone! Things have been quiet but busy here - working on personal projects while working a regular job leaves me very little free time. I also ordered an iPhone because I'm finding that I need to have access to e-mail/Internet more often but was told by my cell phone provider that they're so backlogged with orders, it could take 3 weeks. By that time, they'll probably have a new model out

Cindy - I wonder if there was some kind of bug or bacteria in the lake. If you contact the health department, they might be able to tell you if they do regular testing in the lake. I do hope you feel better soon I've had those kinds of stomach problems where toast, crackers and apple juice is all I can eat.

Wendy - Interesting facts about weight loss and speed! That will be motivation for me because I'm always wanting to run faster!

Beth - Love the jump rope challenge idea! Congrats on running 40+ miles last week!!

Julie - Been run over by the wagon a few times myself. But at least you're committed to getting back on track I'm so glad to hear that you'll be at marathon weekend this January!

AFM - Worked out on Monday at the gym. Did some deadlifting, weights, lunges, kettle bells etc. Didn't think I'd like the deadlifting as much as I do but it's fun! However, it does seem to fatigue my back and leg muscles a lot so when I was out for my 3 mile run yesterday, I had do a r/w combo. I'm hoping to go to sleep early tonight and get out there for a 3 miler before work. I'm not a morning person at all ...

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[jeanneg]

Wendy:love the stats! I'm kinda laughing to myself because as I get lighter I will get faster, but as I get older, I'm getting slower......so if all goes well, I'll be able to stay the same.

Julie: glad you were able to sign up for the marathon this year. Is this a first for the full? Forgive me but I can't remember if you did half or full last year.

Beth: WTG on the weight loss! Are you doing the full or half in Chicago? I won't be there but my daughter is doing the full.

Cindy: congrats on doing all the portions of your "tri". Now that you know what is section is like it should make it a little bit easier. Sorry about the queezy stomach

Vicky: I am just the opposite of you. If I don't get my workout done in the morning, it will never happen.

AFM: I actually ran 1.5 miles today nonstop! Never thought I'd be capable of that. Although I don't plan to actually run that long during my marathon, it's pretty good training.

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Everyone,

Wendy - Thanks for the links to those articles. There's a lot of great info there!

Beth - I'm sure you'll be a speed demon in Chicago!

Cindy - It's great that you were able to do all 3 sections of your tri. Sorry to hear about the stomach ache. I hope you're feeling better soon. I'm not doing any local races. I was going to do the BAA Half in October, but now that we're doing Disney in Jan, we have to save our $. All these races can really add up! How about you? Do you have anything planned, other than your upcoming tri?

Vicky - Good luck with your 3 miler tomorrow morning. I'm also planning to get 3 miles in tomorrow morning.

Jeanne - Congrats on running 1.5 miles nonstop. That's terrific! To answer your question, I did the full last year. It was my first full, so I am looking forward to running stronger and smarter this year now that I'm not a newbie anymore.

Today is DH's birthday, so there is cake in the house once again. I'm going to let myself have a small piece (because I have no will power) and then I'm going to do my best to get rid of the leftovers ASAP. I think I'll even let the kids have cake for breakfast tomorrow morning. It's probably no worse than a doughnut and they (unlike me) could afford to put on a pound or two.

 

[Creativebeth]

So week 3 stalled out. I was waiting to hear from everyone, but there have been people missing in action.

So, we will hope that everyone checks in for this weeks weigh in!

I would like to commend Jeanne, Vicky and Wendy on weight losses posted for last week! I will consider all of them winners for last week!

AFM: Well, the weight loss from last week was off since I had gotten sick the day before the weigh in. It's really impossible for me to lose 4 pounds in a week (what it was last week). So, I was up a pound this week......I don't feel bad about it, since I had a really good week (considering the holiday) and ran 42.5 miles last week! So, I am good. The weight was really gone....and my body just had to readjust! I did everything I could to keep it off.....running 2x yesterday for 8 miles, and keeping the calories way down, but it was meant to be! I will work hard for a loss next week!

I had made so many new recipes last week......and most of them were popular with the entire family! Thought I would post one. It's from Kid Shape Cafe by Naomi Neufeld.

Italian Minestrone Soup

6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 med onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp oregano
2 carrots, diced
3/4 pound fresh green beans, cut into thirds
3 med potatoes, diced
1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cooked macaroni
1 (14 oz) can cannellinin beans
salt and pepper to taste

In a large stockpot bring the chicken broth and the wine to a simmer. Add the onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, basil, oregano, carrots, green beans, and potatoes. Simmer for 30 min until vegetables are tender. Stir in the canned tomatoes and the macaroni, and simmer for 10 min until macaroni tender. Stir in the cannellini beans and remove and discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

***I ended up cooking the soup longer in the crock pot to get the potatoes and green beans cooked more. This was WAY popular with the family, and I ate it all week for lunch. Felt that it got better each day!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Well, rats. I had this long post where I spoke to everyone, etc. All gone, who knows where.

The gist is I gained 6 lbs on vacation and my TM won't work until we get a new motor (has to come in the mail, then you set up a visit with the repair person), so I'm in a rut.

I feel Cindy's pain, I celebrate with the losers, and I'm wondering who kidnapped our Debra?

I'm bouncing for Jeanne, in awe of Vicky's deadweight lifts, hoping Sarah has a good weigh-in, having breakfast at Julie's -- yum, birthday cake!, listening the Wendy's advice, in awe of Beth's fantastic weight loss, and hoping this week is going better for Amy. I miss Connie, Mike, Jeff, Panda and others we haven't heard from in awhile.

Still Lovin' my Meaners!

Maria

 

[jeanneg]

Oh Maria, I can SO sympathize with you. Some people just have crappy metabolisms. I feel your pain Last year we did a 15-day cruise with our neighbors. The husband ate EVERYTHING in sight! He would have 3 huge meals and a big double order of chicken fingers as an afternoon snack. He went to the gym occasionally for about 15 min on the bike. He gained 2 pounds! I, on the other hand, worked out like a fiend EVERY day and never, ever took the ship's elevator....even when i had to go from 1 to 9! I was extremely careful about what I ate and only allowed myself a big breakfast every 3rd day. I gained 8 pounds! It's so not fair...... trust me, I understand. Even now, I'm eating so healthy and working out so regularly and my body is fighting to hold on to every single pound. Sooooo frustrating! In my next life I will gladly give up being drop-dead gorgeous in exchange for a normal metabolism!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Thanks, Jeanne!

I was doing so well, and I now I just feel like I have a broken spirit. I was literally 200.0 the day I left. So close I could have sneezed and made it below 200... and now it feels like I'll never get back there again. I know I can, but not having my TM is not good. I am not a social person, and I'm pretty ashamed of how I look. I can't handle the gym at all. Outside it is almost impossible to find a place to run without people (and unleashed dogs!) and with temps that are ok when I can do it.

I could name excuses all day, but the truth is I just can't seem to get motivated again. Posts like yours really help, though. I'm not the only one who has had a barrier to working out, or a big gain, and I can still lose weight when I apply myself. Tomorrow isn't going to be pretty, but there's not reason next Friday's weigh-in has to be a total dud.

Maria

 

[DuffGT06]

Post deleted.

 

[Creativebeth]

Sarah: Such good advice! I love the walking away the pounds DVD, and that one sounds great! I wanted to congradulate you for you weight loss last week too!!! I think it was 1.5 pounds, right? Very good job.....I know you had a few challenging moments there too! Way to get it done!

Maria: You know we know what you are talking about!!!! We have all been there! I know you can get down again! You were right on it before Vacation, and now you need to get it done again. I know you are not doing our challenge, but why don't you try following the point ideas? They might get you into the grove!

1) 25g fiber daily
2) 64 oz water a day
3) multi vit daily
4) 30 min of exercise
5) 5 fruits and veggies daily
6) no eating 2 hours before bedtime
7) 2 dairy servings daily

These are all good habits that may help you get back on track. I know you follow WW, and I thing these will all fit into your plan. Try doing each every day, and maybe it will motivate you!

Debra: A big call out for you to come back!!!!!

Jeanne: I feel your pain. More than you know. It's the most frustrating thing to work so hard all the time, and not be rewarded! I was the only 'fat one' in my family for the longest time. My sibs could eat anything, and never get fat! The advice I got every day is "don't eat so much!" That did not help.....ever! As we have all gotten older, my brothers now suffer the fat wrath! They are both way heavy! My sister is still skinny, but she has to work a little harder at it now. They get it now (but too late!). Don't worry about the pounds right now, enjoy the healthy body!

Wendy: Shout out to you too! I loved your post about losing weight/gaining speed, but I am still skeptical about it! Lets hope for the best!

Hope everyone else checks in too!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Just posting my weigh in results. 137 which I think is a 1 lb loss!!! I'm a bit surprised after all the eating last weekend, but it's probably because of all the stomach issues I've had this week. Still not feeling up to snuff, so very little fiber, fruits or veggies this week. As a result just 24 pts for the week. Oh well, I'll take the weight loss!! Hope everyone else has done well. I'll be back later. I'm off to bike and run.

Cindy

 

[getnthinr]

Maria, big hugs to you. I know exactly what you mean about feeling you can never get back. One of my friends at work, in an attempt to be supportive, said, "But you were below 200 pounds last September! What happened to you?!?!?" I know what happened -- I got hurt, I had to quit exercising, I had a stressful job situation and I ate like a fiend. Sure, they are all excuses -- but beating myself up about it isn't going to help. As my husband says, "You were on your way to Disney World and you got off at the wrong exit in Savannah -- Now are you going to drive all the way back home before you turn around again?" Heck no! I'm turning around TODAY. I know how much fun feeling better about myself can be -- so, OK, I went through a less-than-optimal spell. That's the past and I can't do anything about it. I've got to focus on starting from where I am RIGHT NOW. It's the same thing I have to do with my pace (another source of frustration for me right now -- LAST YEAR, I could have walked a 13:30 mile pretty much any day I wanted to -- now I'm struggling to average 15-minute miles over my short walks -- arrrrrrrrgh!). Hang in there!

OK, got to log in to work, so I'll have to catch up with everyone else later.

Weight: 228. Lost 7 pounds last week; gained one this week. No worries -- I feel lighter. Actually got into some size 18W capris, so I am redistributing somewhat, anyway.

Didn't track my points and I don't want to guess. (Wouldn't be fair and might not be accurate.)

 

[deekaypee]

Sorry I've been MIA since DOOD came back. I can't entirely blame him--although I might try. It's been a series of small things--too much library/archival work to do, new internet carrier issues (Comcast was charging us way too much), general training malaise, some personal issues I don't want to get into, and then I've been sick since Sunday. I've missed working out for three days in a row! It settled into my lungs, so I haven't been a happy camper at all. And today was the next in my series of CT scans. I say they either find something or quit making me schedule appointments.

Okay, enough whining. I'm working on working back into a schedule. Today's a fresh slate, right? (Normally I con myself into waiting until Monday as a new start, but that's self-defeating.) Reading about your successes is bound to rub off on me.

Welcome Ben Peterman! Thanks for posting some very wise advice!

Beth: Thank you, thank you, thank you for holding all of this together. I promise to be better and contribute more. Your working on while traveling is such an inspiration to me. It seems that these days any excuse I find not to get a WO in is a good excuse. And even more motivating is 73 pounds down total, and 30 since January. Plus new numbers. Wowsa, wowsa, wowsa.

Amy: Feeling super confident in a two piece. Does it get any better than that? And that up a pound is a temporary thing, and very impressive given your SIL's visit.

Wendy: I'm so glad the Galloway group turned out well and you're sticking with them. Fabulous job with your weight loss, new size, and your bike riding. Like you, I have a perfectly good bike but want the lighter hybrid. And although I'm not nearly as adult about such things----DOOD is, and I have to wait. In the meantime, I'm trying to become a more active biker to justify the eventual added expense. I need to invest in a decent pair of bike shorts first, though. Any recommendations? (And woo hoo with the presentation!)

Love your Disney World/exit metaphor. Love it!

Jeanne: I hope your internet is up regularly now. Your NYC training is progressing nicely and I'm impressed with how quickly you've progressed to running 1.5 miles at a time.

Sarah: You've been posting some really nice losses! I'm so impressed that your Diet Coke detox went so smoothly. Yay for minimal headaches. Thanks for the recommendation on the Sansone DVD.

Vicky: WTG with your loss, too! I need to start training for Baltimore, myself, although I'm having trouble getting into the groove for it. Psst, did see Julia & Julie on preview last night (the Nora Ephron movie on Julia Child (Meryl Streep) & her groupie (Amy Adams)). Much funnier and better than I expected. I know you're busy, busy busy with your production schedule and hope you're loving that. And that it's not taking too much time from your training schedule. Or is that vice versa?

Cindy: Another great challenge week(s) for you! You're really racking up the points/losses, so I hope you keep that in mind as you back away slowly from that ledge. (I'm teetering there myself, so I'll just follow behind you.) Your practice tri transitions sounds like a lot of fun and a confidence builder.

Julie: Great to see you here. Okay, this isn't really funny, but it did make me laugh. Because I know this exact feeling.

As I'm sitting here typing, I swear I can feel the weight packing itself on.

Come, join our BL challenge: it'll help with the marathon training and misery loves company. I can't believe you're going to let the kids have cake for breakfast. Best. Mom. Ever.

Maria: When does the TM repair person come? That would upset me a lot, to have to wait for the part & then schedule things. Are you still doing yoga at work? I can understand your frustration with the vacation wait--and DOOD is like Jeanne's DH and yours. (I think I hate them. ) Oh, and I just read your response to Jeanne. You know you can do this. You racked up the losses before vacation, so it's just a matter of getting your schedule straight and head in the right place. (Easier said than done, I know. This week is an example of how I can't do it.) But we can help each other.

As for me: Okay, like I said, a combination of mental, personal, and health issues derailed me. No need to talk about them--I don't do self-reflective well. But I did track for both weeks:

Last week: 37 points, -1 pound.
This week 30 points + .5 pounds (hey, I didn't work out for three days)

I'm going to restart the pushup challenge & sit up/crunch challenge on my own, but starting Sunday. And I do own a jump rope. It's dusty and probably needs a good workout. I know I do.

 

[Creativebeth]

Yeah, we found Debra! We were looking everywhere!! I am glad you are back, and am sorry that LTO. We all know how that works! I am glad you have the DOOD back too. I do enjoy the breaks when Greg travels, but I always miss him when he is gone! This time I was cooking like there is no tomorrow! ((((I do this to occupy my time.)))))

Okay, the run down for Week 3 so far:

Wendy: weight 228 (1 pound gain) (Total weight loss 6.0)
points - not posted

Cindy: weight 137 (1.0 pound loss) (Total weight loss 2.4)
points - 24

Debra: weight 133 (.5 pound gain) (Total weight loss 2.0)
points - 30

Sarah: no weight loss (total weight loss 6.0)
no points

Jeanne: weight 211 (2.0 pound loss) (Total weight loss 7.0)
41 points

Vicky: weight up 0.2 (total weight loss ?)
no points

Amy: weight 180 (1.5 pound loss)
no points

Kim:

Points for Week 4:

1) 25 gm fiber a day
2) 64 oz water daily
3) multi vit daily
4) no eating 2 hours before bed
5) 30 min of exercise (for 2 points)

Exercise challenge: You may earn an extra point daily for 10 min of jump rope daily!!! Maybe some of you can borrow a jump rope, or I know the Dollar Stores around here have some. A great calorie burner, and great cardio all wrap up in a kids toy!!! Get out there and jump!

I know how difficult it is to monitor your points during the week. So, to encourage you to do this I will add 5 points to your total and the end of the week if you can do it every day!

So you can earn 7 points a day, for a total of 49. If you track every day and get the bonus 5 points, it would be a total of 54! So, even if you don't follow some points, you can still make it up with the bonus!

AFM: Today was a busy day with lots of errands. I am tired, and I didn't even run yet! I actually ended up taking a nap (by accident!) for an hour. I am also going to run a race tomorrow morning, and my motivation to run today it sort of gone.

The stray pound I gained yesterday seems to have left......not in time for the spa weight loss thing (which I had to pay a dollar!) My eating today wasn't good (sort of on purpose) because I stopped a got myself a Tag a long blizzard at Dairy Queen. That one has called my name for a week, and I couldn't not get one. It was good, and I am glad I got it out of my system. Now, I will focus on the weigh in for next week.

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi Lean Meaners! Just a quick drive by for me today. Well, I'm up 0.2 lbs. I think it's because we had a BBQ on Thursday and I had too much steak. Or so I'd like to think I'm thinking all the steak hasn't digested yet. Oh well, time to start the new week, work hard and get myself into the 30s!

Beth - Can we take a break in between jumping rope or does it have to be 10 minutes continuous?

Debra - Great to see you back! Yes, we're very busy with the production. Did our first day at the airport yesterday but I haven't seen any footage. Today is a prep day

Julie - Wish my mom let me have cake for breakfast I use to just sneak it anyway!

Jeanne - I'm starting to realize that I'm going to have to get some of my weekday running done in the morning. So I may just have to force myself to become a morning person

Okay, have a great day everyone!!

 

[jeanneg]

Beth, Beth, I love you dearly, but I am NOT jumping rump. Taking into consideration the "girls" and the fact that I have birthed 4 babies, I anticipate problems at both ends! I will gladly forego the points or do my sit-ups as a substitute.

This was a pretty good week for me inspite of falling off the wagon over the holiday weekend. I lost 2 more pounds (211 now) and managed to get in 41 of the 49 points. (I missed the water, the fiber and my sit-ups at various times during the week.)

I did a very easy 8-mile walk this morning with a 14:34 overall pace. Two weeks ago I just barely managed to get in a very ugly 6 miles at a 16:00 pace. What's the difference? Today I started out slow and built up to a nice quick pace AND I brought along sports beans and consumed several every 2 miles. I think I'm finally starting to train a little smarter as I get older. For me, going all-out fast from the get-go will result in an overall poor performance. I think I heard this somewhere before but I am so gosh-darn stubborn I don't often listen!

Have a great weekend everyone......make healthy choices!

 

[DuffGT06]

Post deleted.

 

[Creativebeth]

Vicky: Yes, you don't have to do a continuous 10 minutes. You can break it up any way you want!

Jeanne: I totally understand.....I do not like jumping jacks for the same reasons. For some reason, jumping rope doesn't bother me as much. You (or anyone else) can substitute any of the other challenges we have done so far to earn your extra points. No problem for me!

AFM: My race was really good today. Really nice day, and I took 5 minutes off my time from last year. I was pretty close to doing 59 minutes for 5 miles a year ago. Today I ran it in 53:17. I am pretty happy with that. I think it could have been a little better, but I am always nervous pushing it too much, to early. It was a very doable pace for me, I was comfortable most of the race, with controlled breathing. Nothing wrong with that!

Beth

 

[laughinplace199]

Hello Lean Meaners,

Beth - Congrats on your race and for beating last year's time by 5 min. That's terrific! Thanks also for the minestrone soup recipe. It sounds delicious and also easy enough for me to make (I am so not a cook ).

Maria - Please don't be too hard on yourself. Vacations are bound to cause setbacks, but you know you are strong and you'll get back on track. You were on such a roll before your trip, I am sure you'll find your motivation and you'll get back there. By the way, when you find your motivation, could you please see if mine is around someplace? I seem to have misplaced it for quite some time now.

Sarah - Thanks for mentioning that Leslie Sansone DVD. I have the Walking Away the Pounds one, so maybe I'll get Four Fast Miles too.

Cindy - How are you feeling? I hope your stomach is back to normal. Congrats on the 1 lb weight loss!

Jeanne - It sounds like your training is going very well with your easy 8 miles at a great pace. Congrats on the 2 lbs lost as well!

Vicky - So, you might have to turn into a morning runner? I actually love running in the morning. I feel like it gives me more energy throughout the day and I love the feeling of having my run over and done with before my day really starts. Now if I could just get off my butt and start running again...

Debra - I am sorry to hear that life has taken over and that you have been sick. But I must say that I am impressed that, even when you're sick, you can write your long, detailed posts - making sure to speak to each person individually. Oh, and thanks for this...

Julie: Great to see you here. Okay, this isn't really funny, but it did make me laugh. Because I know this exact feeling. Come, join our BL challenge: it'll help with the marathon training and misery loves company. I can't believe you're going to let the kids have cake for breakfast. Best. Mom. Ever.

So, the cake is gone and there are no more family birthdays for a while. I have decided that I must start weighing myself regularly (something I never do) because I think I need to see that # to give me the kick in the pants I need to really get going. I even bought a dry erase board with a calendar on it so I can write down my weight each day or week. I haven't decided how often I should weigh myself. Any suggestions?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Meaners!

I am feeling the motivation start to grow, I woke up today and I want to move, so I'm going to take care of a few household things. I'm hoping the TM repairperson comes earlier rather than later tomorrow, but even if he comes very late I will at least go for a walk on the TM. I'm starting to really look forward to it! The window is 8-5, so it really could be anytime.

Julie -- I have a suggestion for you I'm implementing. I'm weighing daily, but I only write down the weights that are lower. I've never tried this before, but I read it in The Anderson Method, a book recommended by Mel from Team Ohana. I like this idea, because I think I will see a real progression, rather than daily fluctuations up and down, which can be discouraging. This weather has been enough to zap anyone's motivation. It has to get better! As you see more sunshine, you will feel like getting out in it!

Beth -- Fantastic race news! That is real progress. I am so proud of you! Those are all good habits that I flirt with, I'm going to make a better effort to actually make them happen, not to mention actually count my WW pts

Sarah -- I hope the vet appt. went well. Cleaning is a good workout. You do burn a ton of calories. Yesterday I was weeding our front and rear retaining walls (we live on the backside of a hill), and I can definitely feel it in my hamstrings. Because we had so much rain, I had weeds that had turned into plants with lives of their own.

Jeanne -- Ok, you are motivating me. I'm coming with you below 200, 'cause I can't take the shame . I'm going to shoot for under 205 by Friday, which really isn't that great of a loss, but writing it down is good. We are going to look nice and lean in January -- especially after you kick it at the NYC marathon!

Vicky -- It feels so good to have your workout done before your day even starts. Try it, I think you'll like it!

Debra -- I think that says it all. We you, and we'll count all those pushups and situps!

Wendy -- You are definitely getting lighter. And you are like the energizer bunny, you just keep going and going, and going...and you are going below 200! We're going to keep at it until we get there. I admit I've been eating junk this weekend. I'm going to turn that around and get ready for a good eating week.

Cindy -- What a great training schedule. The endorphins must fly at your house! I hope your tummy is better

Ok, I'm off to get the started. DH worked yesterday, so I'm not sure what we're doing. The Tall Ships are in Boston, and DH was at the Charlestown Navy Yard directing tourists. It was actually well-organized and boring for him, but he did spend 6 hrs in the sun and it wore him out. I doubt he'll be up early enough for church, and I'm not about to wake him.

Everyone have an awesome, Lean Mean Day!

Maria