Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[deekaypee]

Chris: Ouch for sinus infections. I can't think of many other minor illnesses that make me as cranky as one of those. I hope you feel better soon--and in time for the next mixer.

Beth: to you for missing Nancy. I know how close you two are, and she's been on my mind a lot as well. Congrats on doing the Bender Ball routine and not just bagging your whole WO with DH gone and the kidlets around. (Mice will play and all...) And even bigger congrats for being so upbeat about adjusting your WO schedule with the full-time work.

In response to the men/women communication thing, sooo true. Usually DOOD keeps things so close to the vest that I don't even realize when he's upset. Then he'll apologize to me days later and I'll say, "Oh, you were upset about something?" It's the stoic Norwegian in him. Unlike me. We're good, had a little chat about things in a round-about way. But like Tracey suggested, I'm going to try and broker the incident (really, a non-incident) into a film-festival trip. Somewhere, sometime.

Tracey: I admire you so much for going back to SparkPeople so soon. Your 2 pounds is my 14. Yep, that's how much I gained. Ugly! Your mom's so funny--it's charming really. I love her concern for DS's possible disappointment with his time. I love that you share that running connection with him, btw. Have I told you that? And it's such good role modeling for the other DS.

Vic: Nascar over Oscar? Travesty. Not in THIS household! Cars are for driving to the movie theater.

Jeff: Have a great time at your Swamp Romp. I expect to see the dirty details captured in all their glory and posted here! I'm also mourning for you, really I am, about the local Ben and Jerry closing. A sad day indeed.

Vicky: Woo hoo on the pylometrics. The jumping up and down just made me want to say that. And to give you the banana. I like New Balance Shoes, because I like the wider toe box. My stability shoe is the 1223/1224. I'm still buying the 1223s because they're cheaper now and come in lime green. (I buy NB from Joe's, btw.)

Maria: Even with your explanation, I'm still thinking over being at Universal and not Disney. Is your SIL going to join you there? Oh, and congrats on taking that strong and comprehensive stance on Lent treats. I remember if I explicitly said, when I responded on 'Ohana's thread, that your decision is awesome (and strong-willed).

All other Lean Meaners: Have a great day!

As for me: I've had a good couple of days with training and eating this week. Apparently, Sparkpeople is reminding me of the need to watch my portions verrrrry carefully. I've also decided to give the Self (magazine) March challenge a try. I get the magazine for fun, although I find it puts too much emphasis on thin and not enough on strength and overall health. But I liked their structure of their get-fit challenge this year. So I'll see what happens.

I also read a couple of tips in the magazine that I thought I'd share.
1) Having chocolate cravings? Try walking for 15 minutes. Apparently chocolate cravings can indicate fatigue and a walk can increase energy levels. (Never knew that about chocolate cravings. I thought it was just my sweet tooth.)

2) The challenge recommends giving yourself daily "stars" (like on a child's report card) in five areas: Exercise, Nutrition (including water/drinking), Sleep, Stretching, and "Applauding your Efforts." The thought behind this is to recognize all the good things we do for ourselves, rather than focus on the bad, and to shoot for five-star days. This idea reminded me of Cindy's lists. And the idea of being positive about the good things I do for myself resonated with me.

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Meaners.....just sitting here waiting for word about Nancy's surgery. I am supposedly working, but it really isn't happening......stressed out to say the least. She is still in surgery from the word I get. I will update as I hear.

Debra: I am glad Sparkpeople seems to be helping you! I know that when I record what I eat, it's surprizing how fast those calories add up. I don't think I am eating alot, but lo and behold......I am! Don't worry about 14 pounds.....they don't have a chance when you are on your game!

Maria: Thanks for letting me know that you are up a 5:00! I will think about you! I didn't get up today, since I don't have a class tonight. I will probably jump on the cross trainer today!

As for me: Eating has been doing well, until the stress of today sidetracked me. I made cookies for Nancy's family and the nurses who will be taking care of her.......and I ate one.......just one, but that isn't good for my mental outlook today! The scale was up today too......can it be mental stress????? I did workout yesterday, and ate well....no real reason for the scale to be up. I didn't get alot of sleep last night.....worrying about Nancy's surgery, and my dh leaving for a business trip (Las Vegas, poor soul!). I guess I will get over the cookie later.....

Thanks for the shoulder to lean on Meaners!

Beth

 

[laughinplace199]

Hello Lean Meaners!

Vicky - How are you doing without the weigh-ins? I'm just the opposite of you, I avoid weigh-ins as much as possible, just in case it's bad news.

Debra - Hooray for the good days of training and eating! I find the chocolate cravings/walking info interesting. If I followed that advice, I'd be walking constantly. Hey, maybe that's not a bad idea. At least I'd work off some pounds walking 24/7.

Beth - I love the feeling of accomplishment from an early morning workout. I'm usually out the door at 5:00 on the days that I run. It's cold and dark, but it feels so good to have it done so early.

Tracey - I love your mom's comment.

Vic - Enjoy your 3 miles!

Jeff - The Swamp Romp sounds...interesting. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Maria - Thank goodness the ice is gone! Congrats on booking the Hard Rock Hotel. It sounds like you have a fun trip planned , even if it doesn't involve WDW.


I've had a cold this week and one kid home sick from school, so I haven't been running at all. The kiddos are all healthy now and I'm on the mend, so I'm hoping to get 3 miles in tomorrow morning.

Have a lean, mean week, everyone!

 

[getnthinr]

Again, life/work has kept me from the threads, but you guys always draw me back -- and time spent here is always worthwhile and nourishing. (And I need some encouraging!)

Beth -- I had to smile when I read your post about having a difficult dieting day, feeling you were hungry, but realizing you were bored. I made a classic mistake yesterday and came home and wolfed down about 8 taquitos. It was 2pm and I hadn't had lunch, so I was somewhat hungry, but I know what I was really doing was trying to distract myself from what had been a particularly difficult workday. You showed profound wisdom in recognizing what was going on -- and major congrats on the weight loss! (Hey, and don't sweat the cookie -- "medicinal purposes only" and all...)

Chris -- Congrats on your weight loss too! You're a good encourager and I found the story of your fitness journey very inspirational. (And you're a great team captain!)

Debra -- I'll offer my sympathy for your back issues although you're already on the mend. My first scary running injury was my back and I had no idea how virtually everything we do involves back muscles until I hurt mine. I love the 5-star idea! I've always preached the best "diets" I ever had were the ones that focused on what you DO, not what you DON'T!

Maria -- You remembered me!

Tracey -- Very cool about your speedy DS! Wow!

Julie -- So sorry the kids are sick. My DS brought home a virus from school and now my DH has it. I can relate!

Vicky -- My favorite stability shoe is the Saucony Grid Hurricane -- worn them for years. They are catagorized as "stability plus cushioning." I need a wide toe box though -- my daughters have narrow feet and hate my shoes, so "to each his own."

To Big Vic and tanned Jeff -- All my best -- You guys rock!

To everyone else -- A big "hi" and a big "thanks" for keeping this thread going.

And I've definitely got to mark my calendar for the next Ohana mixer -- what a creative group the Ohanas are!

Briefly, I'm still hobbling along -- trying to deal with my Achilles and now ITB. What's with all these tendon issues -- and how much longer will the pain last?!?!? I'm frustrated and a bit depressed that I can't see an end to it. (It WILL end at some point, won't it?) It makes it tough for me to post because I feel I never have anything good to say. But I love you guys!

 

[Creativebeth]

Wendy: Nice to see you! We miss you when you are not here! to you for the injuries. I know how discouraging it is, but remember, even with injuries, you are in better shape the 85% of the people around you. I think sometimes the bad has to come with the good to remind us how good it is when it's good! Work through the injuries smartly.....don't do too much until things work out!

I am feeling so much better today. I am still worried about Miss Nancy, but she is in good hands. The nurses are doing a great job (I already called them this morning at 6 AM! ) I ran 5 miles on my TM last night, and woke up early this morning to get another 3 in. It's what I needed!!! If only I would have done that instead of eating pizza last night for dinner.......live and learn! My 5 miles cured my anxiety much better than the pizza!

I am working 1/2 day today, since I had a hair appointment scheduled already! I'll see Nancy when I get to work.

Beth

 

[laxdef69]

Hi everyone...Mike slinking back in...I've been lurking and posting short stuff in a few threads, but between recovery from knee surgery, work, training (now at 10-15 hours a week) kids being sick and DW being sick...time's been limited.

If I miss you, its not personal...more than likely my phone rang, or there is a fresh pile of upchuck to be taken care of.

Debra: Sorry about your back. Thanks for hosting the mixer...there was another one yesterday hosted by another team that looked like a good one, and sorry I missed that one!

VicNascar > Oscars in our house too....good choice!

TraceyI'm jealous of your son's time!

Jeff Aloha and Ho omaika i on the swamp romp (certainly spelled wrong, but I REALLY miss the islands)

BethDon't sweat the cookie! In fact, this has stood me in pretty good stead. "Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things"

Everyone else Have a lean mean day!

 

[goofyinohio]

Good Morning Everyone!

Wendy - Good to "See" you again and thank you!

This thread ie all of you and the Buzzies keep me coming back.

So I finally feel better, still not 100%, but good enough. Got in 4 miles last night after taking my daughter to shoot basketball. I was aggravated at first with taking her, but then I realized that's why I started losing weight way back when to begin with. So I could spend time with them and be able to do things.

As for Biggest Loser if you haven't seen this weeks shows please don't read ahead...........
What were they thinking? I mean the dude loses big numbers each week. I know he is a threat in the end, but he also helps keep you around each week. UGH. I won't name the him just in case.

 

[Cindylou]

Hello Friends,

Chris: Glad you are feeling better. Good for you for realizing the reason you are getting healthy. I’m quite often guilty of the same thing. People keep reminding me that they’ll be grown up and out of my house in the blink of an eye, I really need to take that to heart. I thought of you during my marathon this weekend. At one point we turned a corner and there was the beach less than 30 yds away. I could see the waves pounding on the shore and smell the salty air, it was really invigorating. I really understand how you miss it so much. As for BL, they made a huge mistake. I predict that they will not win a single weigh-in for the rest of the season. It was just Bob’s former team members trying to stick together. Btw, did you see he completed a 3:53 marathon?!!

Mike: Hope the knee is coming along nicely. 10-15 hrs of training is great, especially with all the other stuff going on.

Beth: Important lesson about WO vs. pizza. I wish I would remember that as needed. Best WISHes for Nancy. I may have missed it, or maybe it’s not my business, but what type of surgery was Nancy having? I hope she recovers quickly both for her and for you. Good job on getting up early for the WOs. It’s not easy, but it gets easier if you keep doing it. (coming from someone who hit the snooze button 3 times this morning!!) And, 10 lbs for the year is more than 1 lb a week. That’s super!! Congratulations. At this rate by the 4th of July you can be rid of those extra 18 lbs you want gone. You can enjoy the summer as the new slimmer you.

Wendy: Good to see you. Sorry work and life are so crazy. I’m glad we can be here for you to check in. Lean Meaners really do ROCK. Good luck with all the injuries. It can really be frustrating, but a little patience now can save you a lot of frustration in the longterm. Good luck in figuring out what you need to do to get yourself better.

Julie: Hope the cold is better and you are able to get out and enjoy our very brief February thaw.

Debra: Good job on taking the Self challenge. I think I will sign up too, although it will probably be just one more thing I don’t keep up with. Do you get Shape magazine? I’m curious about whether I might like Self better. I should probably get one of each for a side by side comparison. Shape tends to have too many articles about make up and clothes which I don’t have much interest in. Did you do Pills and Pilates today? Hope the back continues to mend.

Maria: Good luck with your Lenten sacrifices. I thought a long time about what I would do. I usually give up sweets then once Easter gets here I go on a 2 week bender and consume more calories than I ever skipped during Lent. This year I decided to give up splurging. I will track my WW pts and try not to go over my daily pts. I plan to skip the 35 extra flex pts. I’m hoping this is a more reasonable approach for me. Good job with all your WO this week.

Jeff: Good luck with the Swamp Romp. Sorry about the Ben & Jerry’s.

Vicky: Good job with your continued WO with the PT. The Leaning Out comment is great. I always get on the scale 2 times a week unless I know it’s bad, then I skip it. Every 2 weeks probably is a really good idea to help avoid the emotional ups and downs tied to weight fluctuations.

Vic: Good job on getting your WO in.

Tracey: I’m glad DS wasn’t disappointed in his greater than 1 hour finish. What a great job he did. Good job for you getting both a run and a nap in.

I'll be back later with an update on me.

Have a great day.
Cindy

 

[JustSmile]

Hi all!
Jeff....Swamp Romp, I love to just say it, it sounds like FUN! Sorry about the Ben & Jerry's, it's very scary that all of these businesses are going out of business.
Vicky...with all the plyo's you should be bouncing across the finish line. My friend is a physical therapist and she's swears by them! I love my Asics 2130's and 1130's...I just switch back and forth.
Maria...OMGoodness you gave up alot for Lent. If anyone can do it, you can! I'm so envious that you're going to Aquatica...please take LOTS of pics. And for the Hard Rock...plus the trail that runs along the waterway is awesome to run/walk on.
Deb....I seriously need to grow up because this

And to give you the banana.

just made me . I think the crazy teenage hormones in this house are rubbing off on me! Good luck on the Self challenge, I figure that I always need any extra motivation that I can get. I'm with Julie and I'd be walking all the time to avoid thinking of chocolate.
Beth...I believe that you showed considerable control in only eating one cookie. How's Nancy? I can relate to your comment about running being just what you needed. When people ask why I'm running, I tell them that it's good for my head. And I mean it!
Julie....glad to hear you're on the mend.
Wendy...yea! you're here we love you and we'll give you all the support you need. Those pesky injuries will feel better, it just takes time.
Mike....

or there is a fresh pile of upchuck to be taken care of.

Yuck!, but I've been there recently and you have my sympathy. Thank goodness I bought a steam cleaner 6 months ago.
Chris...glad you're feeling better. It's easy to feel frustrated when our kiddos have so many activities, but you're right, we want to be healthy to spend more time with them. And yep, I saw the BL and thought, "What are they thinking?" I'm with Cindy and predicting that they won't win any more weigh-ins and they'll be picked off one by one. I also saw that he ran the marathon in 3:53! That's really fast!

I've been loving the Jillian Michaels DVD. Since it's only 20 minutes, you can squeeze it in and feel like you've gotten a good workout, plus I'm seeing definition in my shoulders. I'm working on getting DH to walk 3-4x a week, wish me luck. He really needs the stress relief. I'm busy making lots of treats today. A dear friend of mine lost her cousin this week. He was only 24 and decided not to go back to the car for his helmet when he was snowboarding. It's so sad, but reminds me to keep being diligent about my own kiddos wearing helmets when they ride bikes, skate board, roller blade, etc. So, I'll be busy making a platter of treats for the family. I always feel so helpless, but people always need food. I have 6 miles planned for today, too. It's gonna be busy . Take care and stay strong.

 

[goofyinohio]

http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/02/the-biggest-los.html

I don't know how true this is, but I've heard a ton of rumors about this and started searching the net. Like I said I thought it said almost 6 hours when I saw it and then they put under 4. This is sad.....

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all of the shoe suggestions! I've written them all down and I'm going to take them with me when I go shoe shopping. I'm off tonight for another 1/2 hour training session! Yay!

Chris - Glad to hear you're feeling better! I've gotten some really bad sinus infections before so I know what that's like. I'm always impressed with my friends who are parents and are always on the go taking their kids from one activity to the other. I don't know if I'd have the energy to keep up.

Debra - Great tips! It's really easy to focus on the negative so I especially like the report card idea. It might be good for making sure I get more sleep each night. I'm slowing moving from 6 hours to 7 hours a night. Remember to do your pills and pilates today!

Wendy - Have you tried using The Stick or a foam roller for your ITB?

Beth - I agree with you that exercise helps to clear your mind.

Jeff - The Swamp Romp looks similar to something I saw on on TV show with personal trainers on Bravo. Except it was in Camp Pendelton in California. Good luck and take lots of muddy pictures!

Maria - Good for you for cutting out all of that stuff for Lent. I'll bet you won't even miss that stuff once you're done. How come DH doesn't want to go to WDW?

Julie - I find if I don't weigh myself at least once a week, I'll eat more than I should. I think my reasoning is that if I don't see (the numbers), then I'm still doing okay But this time I'm forcing myself to be good because I don't want to step on that scale next week and get a big surprise!

Tracey - Which Jillian Michaels DVD do you have? Sorry to hear about your friend's cousin, 24 is really too young.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi everyone!

Wendy - I hope that your DS & DH are better soon, and that your Achilles and ITB issues are resolved soon. I had some ITB issues this past fall, but I was able to recover quickly after a few visits to a physical therapist.

Beth - 5 miles last night and another 3 this morning? Wow!

Mike - I hope everyone in your house is healthy soon.

Cindy - I got out for 3 miles this morning. It's so nice to have clear sidewalks once again. I like your idea of giving up spluring for Lent.

Tracey - Sounds like you have a busy day. So sorry to hear about your friend's cousin.

Vicky - I totally understand your reasoning with the weigh-ins. Good luck with your next one - I know you'll do great!

Chris - I totally agree with you. I can't believe how they voted on BL last night. Don't they realize that they're still competing as a team and they need to win the weigh-ins? Thanks for the link about the marathon. That was very interesting. DH and I definitely saw it last night when their time was just under 6 hrs and then it was under 4 hrs at the end. I didn't believe the under 4 hr time anyway, but now there's so much more to not believe. Very disappointing.

As for me, I am finally over my cold and managed to get out for 3 miles this morning. It felt good to be able to run again.

 

[Creativebeth]

I am a fan of the Biggest Loser, but not anymore. Will they tell any lie for ratings? And, Dane should have stood up to the pressure and told the truth. I finished my marathon in 6hours and 20 mins, but I ran every step of the way on my own. I am appalled that the BL thought that it didn't matter that he didn't run the thing......just say that he did! I may be slow, but I have integrity and wouldn't have excepted a medal I didn't earn. He should not have said he did it, and shouldn't be wearing that medal around his neck. It cheapens all those souls who actually ran and finished it.

Can you tell I am a little upset??????

Nancy is doing well, by the way. She was sitting out of bed a long time today, and just trying to work through some nausea. She sends her best to all those thinking about her!

Beth

 

[mkymsehi]

Hey team.

I went to Kailua to pick up our race packets and shirts. Cool design.

In and out of the running store in less than 2 minutes. Now that's how all race packet pickups should be!

Then went for a 8 1/4 mile run, 1:11:36. Flying with my training partner!

Happy Aloha Friday everyone. Pau hana

This is what a mongoose looks like.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! It's pretty quiet today Walked over to the running store today. I settled on the NB 1223. I tried Brooks and Saucony but their heels weren't as snug as I'm use to. Unfortunately, on the way back I happened to pass by the MAC (cosmetics, one of my male coworkers thought I was talking about the Apple store) store and they have a new Hello Kitty line. I really didn't need to see that - everything was so cute! So there goes my February no-buy. I guess at least it's calorie free!

Chris/Beth - These guys were picked up by a van?! Well, if that's all it takes... I could run a marathon in under 4 hours too! I can see how that spin on it was a nice "inspirational" touch but aren't a lot of people going to get confused about how much effort it really takes for a marathon?

Jeff - I use to have a stuffed toy mongoose.... I just thought it was cool! The pictures don't download at work

Julie - Glad to hear you're feeling better!!

Debra - Did you do your pills and pilates today

Have a great day everyone!

 

[deekaypee]

Beth Thank you SO much for being such a good friend to 'Ohana and keeping us up-to-date with Nancy's progress. (She's so strong!) You've got a lot on your plate, and mind, with everything, and we really appreciate it. I have the same reaction to stress as you do, and can understand the cookie-reaching/pizza-grabbing chain of setbacks. So I'm especially proud of you for analyzing what happened, why, and then moving on literally and figuratively. That's so self-reflective of you.

Julie: Yay for getting out there and doing your 3 miles. I bet it felt even better since you'd been out with a cold. Oh, add me to the list of people who would be always walking to avoid the chocolate craving. I've actually been trying it. The problem is that if I walk 15 minutes in 3/4 directions, I'm headed straight for bakeries, ice-cream stores, Starbuck's, etc. The 4th direction is Schenley Park, with lots of hills. Geez, choices, choices, choices.

Wendy: I'm so sorry to hear about your continued ITB/Achilles pain. I knew you'd been struggling with the latter but didn't know about the former. I know how you feel about posting when you're in pain and frustrated and find it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It does help to share, at least for me, and hope it helps you, too. But for the record, I must disabuse of you of the notion you have nothing good to say. Even when you're frustrated (understandably) with your situation, you're always supportive of everyone and give good advice. We need you!

Mike: No slinking--strut in proudly. You know we love having you here! I'm with Cindy, you're already up to 10-15 hours a week. That's fabulous! I hope your kids are feeling much better or, at the least, there's nothing to clean up.

Chris: Loved your posts about working out & getting healthy to spend time with your kids, then having to remind yourself of those priorities. I don't have kids, but I remember the decision to start running was partially grounded in a desire to spend more time with DOOD. (Or at least understand where he was coming from--there are some dark stories about our relationship vis-a-vis his running in there that I won't bore you with.) Very thoughtful of you.

And thanks for the skinny on the Biggest Loser. I hadn't been watching this season for a couple of reasons. Now I'm glad. Beth and Vicky said it all much better than I could, but I had an immediate negative reaction. I know reality TV isn't reality, but I think it does a great disservice to all he did accomplish by misrepresenting his accomplishments on the course. Not to mention how it misrepresents marathoning and marathoners.

Cindy: I don't know that Shape and Self are that considerably different. Self has articles about make-up and clothing, as well, plus the usual "mind/body" articles, profiles, etc. I received Self as a gift subscription from my parents, and so I've stuck with it. I like the pull-out exercises they provide monthly, and this year's challenge seems particularly do-able for me. I enjoy RW much more, and I'd like to find a woman's fitness magazine geared to my interest in general fitness but that doesn't try to pass itself as a fashion magazine. You know, one that's going to review workout clothes instead of spring trends (which you'll find in Self.)

Tracey: Just for that, I'm giving you the banana. Again. I've bumped up Jillian Michaels' Shred DVD on my Netflix queue. Te problem with my queue is that it's so long. I add fitness DVDs, but I bump them for movies and forget I've put WO DVDs on my list. You're good at inspiring people, so I know your efforts to get DH walking will work. And it does do wonders with stress relief (jury's still out on the chocolate cravings).

And to you, your DF, and DF's family for the loss of her cousin. That's so tough to deal with. You're very thoughtful to make the family food and I'm sure it's much appreciated.

Vicky: I have a confession to make. I was going to skip Pilates today until I read your post from yesterday and today. It made me feel so guilty...that I did it. Thank you! There's no escaping my Lean Meaners for accountability, even when I can't make it here every day! Yeah on getting the NB 1223. Did you get it in lime green or blue? I just checked out the Hello Kitty Collection--that packaging is sweet! Very playful. I can see why you're attracted to it. And if you're going to splurge on a little something-something, no calorie is the way to go.

Aloha Jeff: Very cool design and an even cooler packet pickup. Stomp that romp tomorrow! I didn't realize they had mongooses/mongeese? in Hawaii. Huh.

All other Lean Meaners: Looking forward to the stories about stairs, Lenten willpower, no beer, training and tapers, the Princess, Nascar, and assorted fun!

As for me: The Self Challenge has been challenging so far. It won't let me avoid those exercises that I'll avoid if given a choice. (Read: upper body workouts.) That's good, but I ended up taking a nap last night. That's right, a nap before going to bed. Not one of Vicky's friends 3 hour naps, but a long one. It's good to jar me out of my complacency. Now we'll see what the scale says next Monday. I've got to get through the weekend first, which will be a challenge.

 

[goofyinohio]

http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/02/biggest-loser-p.html

Here is Dane's apology from the article above.

Update 6:18 pm: This from Dane Patterson. He actually did finish the race, in a manner:

"I always intended to run the full marathon. At the 17th mile, I knew I would not make it in time to cross the finish line before it closed at 6 hours, so I then received a ride from the field producer, who wanted to show me crossing the finish line. He drove me for three miles, and then I ran the rest of the way. After all the filming was done I went back and finished the last 3 miles later that day with my wife and cousin Blaine. I apologize for stating that I ran the entire marathon before I actually ran the whole 26 miles. I am proud of the feat of just running 26 miles in one day."

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Meaners! Glad to see everyone who has stopped by!

I don't think I updated the Meaners on Nancy's progress.....she is the STRONGEST person I know, and she has been a very good patient. She doesn't like to be 'down' for long, but she has been patient with herself and is healing smartly. She won't be going home till at least tomorrow, but that is good. She will want to do to much when she gets home.

I just finished a meal for her son at home and Norm her husband. Trying to keep the healthy theme, but made them some comfort food. Barbaque beef and broccoli mac and cheese. Did use skim milk and low fat cheese for the mac and cheese, but boy it smells good!

Debra: I am glad I was able to keep everybody updated. I have to say that Nancy is handling this so much better than I am. I was freaked out most of the week, no sleep from worry, and the only parent for the kids since dh is in Las Vegas! It was a big week, and by last night, I fell asleep before the kids did. They actually put themselves to bed since I was passed out with the TV and lights on! It will only get better from here. I will have to go into work tomorrow to catch up on some patients for at least a couple hours.

Chris: I did express my outrage with the BL fiasco, but I really don't feel better that he went back to finish it. Anybody could do that......after rested I could put in a few extra miles too......doesn't mean he could have run the whole thing at once. It's still wrong in my book, and if I were him, I would get rid of that medal since he didn't earn it.

I hope my liberal eating is at an end. Yesterday, I was invited to have some birthday cake. I said no thank you, but after a few hours of contimplation....went back for a small piece. It was not a spur of the moment endulgence, but a thought out decision. So, I am ok with it. I felt like I needed something sweet, and the cake filled that need right then. I did get to the gym to work the cake off with 60 min on the cross trainer for 6.5 miles. I am ok with it.

I might not be down in weight this week, but I certainly feel lighter with Nancy on the mend!

Beth

 

[laxdef69]

I just signed up for a mini duathlon...2 mile run, 11 mile bike, 2 mile run.

I also just realized, that in order to maintain the Ironman training, that I need to bike from my house to the duathlon...25 miles there..2 mile run, 11 mile bike 2 mile run...then 25 miles home.



i agree that the BL thing was wrong...but it doesn't take away from what he's accomplished...he lost 130 lbs, and went and ran 20 or so miles...still a good day in my book.

Likely he was pressured by the producers to do it; and I suspect that none of us would be at our strongest after running that kind of distances...

 

[mkymsehi]

The Swamp Romp was an absolute BLAST!!! 5.5 miles of mud, puddles, mud, obstacles, mud, ocean, mud, sand, mud, stream, mud, hills, mud. Oh, did I mention the mud?

Although the check-in/drop off waiver/pick up timing chip, was poorly organized, it was way worth the effort. Lots of characters in costume.

The wanted teams to start off in sequence, but when the gun went off, at least 1/3 the field was still waiting in line for their chip.

They started three teams together, in 30 second intervals. We were team #8 & #69. By the time I got my group to the start, they were already in the 30's. No biggie, since the time goes by mat, and not gun time.

Out the chute, and headed down a dirt path. First giant puddle, I was stomping and splashing everyone withing 20 feet of me. They were yelling "hey, stop that." My reply was, "you're going to be way dirtier than this when it's over." I just laughed and kept on running.

First obstacle had a line backed up. Reason, you climbed up a 7 foot ladder, in which you slid down the back to the first mud pit. Automatically you were stuck in the mud. People were trying to walk out, but you were stuck up to your knees. I opted to lie face first, and crawled Army man style out of the mess. I did have to push a few by their butts, to get them out of my way.

These pictures doesn't show how thick the mud was. My wife got there after I had already gone through. The water you see was not there when I went through. These people standing, means it was way easier to get out than when I went through.

From there we ran through more puddles, and had to climb over at least 5 log obstacles ranging from 3 to 6 feet high.

Down the road, we had to run through a thick clay area of a estuary. Some people opted to swim through it. From there down a path, and eventually up a short hill. Down another path from there to the first water stop.

From there we went along a roadway, and went through a bushy area. We emerged and went though several deep puddles. There was even a puddle where you had to crawl through a 2 1/2 foot tunnel.

Further up the path, we rounded a corner, and had a beach to run down. It was about 1/2 mile down, where you had to go into the Pacific Ocean, to round a marker that was about 20-25 feet off shore. It was about waist high in the water. Now back down the beach from the way you came, so you go to see everyone behind you. This is where I spotted the second team I put together, and had started behind us.

Just before the end of the beach, there were two separate wood crate tunnels, that you had to crawl through in the sand. When you exited, there was a crate about 4 feet tall, and 6 feet wide that you had to climb over. Fortunately there was the second water stop.

The next puddle required you to get down on your stomach, and go under a cargo net. No room under there, so basically I was swimming with my eyes closed.

From there back on the trail, and a tire obstacle course. Back through more puddles, and then back to a road for a short distance. We turned a corner around a fence, and entered a stream. It was deep, and unstable because you were walking through grass that the people ahead of you had trampled down.

Up a hill, around another fence line and we arrived back to the staging area and near the finish line. But, we couldn't finish just yet. We stood there for about 25-30 minutes for the rest of my team to catch up. Teams were passing us to the finish, but we had no choice, we had to wait.

Finally the others got there, and we finished arm in arm. I have no idea what our time was, as there was no clock at the finish line. I'll have to find out later.

We took a fun finisher's photo at the end, all sitting in a puddle. I can't wait to see that.

There were two fire trucks at the finish, which gave a great shower with a 3 inch hose. Talk about water pressure! I wore a pair of bathing suit shorts under my pants, so that I could strip down and get all the funk off of me. Well, needless to say, it took three shampoos, and scrubbing with some strong body wash to get the funky smell off of me.

All in all, I had a great time, and can't wait to sign up again. Only thing is I need to find better teammates who can run together, and not whine about their boots, the blisters, and the mud. A few of those who came out today, will not be on my call list next year. Too many headaches before the race ever started.

What was really the best part, mud spa for $22, and it included the tshirt! Some of you pay over $100 for a spa treatment. I saved big bucks today!