Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[Cindylou]

Beth: I love it, reading weight loss books as a hobby. If you were to look at my bedside table you'd think I had that same hobby. Just to name a few: Jillian Michael's Making the Cut, Nancy Clark's Nutrition for Runners, Body Clutter by Marla Cilley, People Are Idiot's and I can Prove it by Larry Winget (which might not seem like a diet book, but it's about setting your goals then attaining them). There are many others in my closet, but these I have been looking at lately. I think it's a good place to start for motivation. I think one a days are a good idea leading up to your race. I think your high weekly mileage will more than make up for the shorter distances of your runs. Let's hope.

Maria: I'll have to check how far I made it in Beck, but I don't think it was as high as day 20. Good luck with your yummy lunch today. You are being very responsible by skipping snacks to compensate. I hope you are rewarded.

Tracey: Hang in there. Realizing that this is just one of life's vallies is so important. You'll get through it and be rewarded with a major peak. Great job maintaining your weight.

Cindy

 

[Creativebeth]

We need a book swap with the Lean Meaners! The only one I have from Cindy's list is Nancy Clarks! I know what you mean.......my bedroom looks like a used bookstore!

Beth

 

[amykab]

Beth: What 1/2 are you running? Good Luck! I agree with Cindy, your higher mileage will compensate for lack of longer runs.

Cindy: I am job searching some. Unfortunately, it is not going too well yet. Even hospitals around here seem to be cutting back on hiring. DH is looking too, as his department in the county will be facing cuts in the fall. Luckily, I have until the end of year before I need to absolutely do something part time.

Maria: I PF changs! Enjoy.

Tracey: Up until this month, I had been maintaining for awhile, which is of course annoying, but I also tried to think of it as a positive thing, in that once I hit my goal weight, I already know how I will be able to maintain pretty easily!

We are going to WDW on Saturday for the day for my birthday! I must take advantage of their free birthday gift card thing. We already have passes, so I don't need the admission. We'll do epcot at night and another park TBD in the morning.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi Lean Meaners! Boy it's been a busy week - I'm looking forward to the weekend! At least the office will be quiet tomorrow as my group will be working off site... except me

Beth - Glad to hear Nancy's back! I also agree with Cindy and think you'll be ok since you've done your short runs. Good luck with your 1/2! I can't wait to hear about it!

Amy - I'll have to check out the pic of your medal when I get home. It seems to be blocked here Yay for birthdays at WDW! Have you already decided how to spend your birthday gift card? And congrats on the weight loss

Cindy - Arghh! Your pictures are blocked too Maybe someone is trying to tell me something... Congrats on your 10K! Out of curiosity, what is your strategy for running downhill? I always think I'm going to trip and land on my face.

Jeff - That looks like a fun game! I'll have to see if I can rent it the next time I'm at Blockbuster.

Tracey - I was surprised to that Ryan Hall doesn't have an official webpage or anything like that. Have you tried Googling his coach? Maybe you can send a message to him via the coach.

Maria - I managed to average 9:55 m/m for the race but didn't come in under an hour. Next time Good luck on your weigh in tomorrow!

AFM - Busy! Busy! Busy! At work and at home! The 10K last weekend went well. I think we had the perfect race temperature but I did hear a lot of grumbling from the walkers. I didn't finish in under an hour but I did run 9:55 m/m which is a definitely improvement. I think my Garmin was acting up because it kept showing 8 m/m and I know I'm not that fast (yet ) The finish line was a little chaotic - they were just bringing in the port-a-potties so I was dodging those along with kids and other people walking along. Crazy!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[mkymsehi]

Happy Aloha Friday to all my WISH family out there!

Keep up the workouts, you can do it!

As for me...I ran 8 1/4 miles, followed by 800 yards of swimming in the ocean. On the return leg, I did some elementary backstroke so I could watch the beautiful sunset dip below the Waianae mountains. What a view it was tonight!

The clinic has a run/picnic on Sunday. I'll post some pictures.

 

[mkymsehi]

Saturday...

Following the morning triathlon that Princess #1 did, I went out for a 1,000 meter swim, 14 mile bike ride, and 1 mile run.

Trying to learn how to run with jello legs.

10 to 12 miles in the morning with the marathon clinic. Picnic to follow.

Here are pictures of the kid's triathlon and milk carton races.

Middle & High Schools compete in milk carton boat races.

 

[deekaypee]

Sorry I've been MIA, folks. My computer is acting up and accessing all sites is a problem. But especially the DIS, which loads pages really slowly and makes posting nigh on impossible. Anyway, I'm ponying up for tomorrow's mixer, but thought I'd try and squeeze in a post here, too. If you're on FB, I can access that site easier (although it's crashing on me regularly). I'm getting it taken care of, but it's been a real pain in the....

Jeff: Can you believe I missed Baskin-Robbins 31-cent night? I love that your DDs have healthy activities even with their screen time. Did Princess #1 enjoy this year's tri? (I'll try to load the pictures later.) And I'm looking forward to hearing clinic stories.

Tracey: Again, my condolences to you and your neighbor's family on the death. It must have been really traumatic for all of you. I know you've been a big support to them in their time of need. And hugs to you for discovering your heart murmur. My father has one, and I hope yours is like his--nothing serious. Oh, and Allyson (Mom of CJ) watched the Boston marathon--you're on her team, right? I think being able to maintain a weight can be just as difficult as losing, particularly during stressful times.

Beth: Congratulations on winning at AC! That just make the trip doubly fun. And I bow to your ability to keep to a WO schedule no matter what plans are thrown your way. I'm so happy to hear Nancy is back to work, for both of you. It makes your lives so much better and I'm happy that you two have found such a great working/personal relationship.

I hope your 1/2 went well. I missed telling you good luck. So I'll just say congratulations!

Vicky: Flaxseed tastes a little nutty. You can barely notice it if you throw it into your oatmeal (at least if you're like me and add a little brown sugar to it). And it's good with yogurt. Grind it up right before you use it for most efficacy. Vic takes flaxseed oil, btw. Oh, and add me to the list of people who find the less healthy options at Whole Foods. Indian food on the hot food bar! Yum! I'm so very happy your 10K went well and for doing sub 10 mm! Plus, dodging porta-potties. Didn't know you were doing an obstacle course, huh?

Cindy: Great picture of you and DDs. I just loved the fact that Amy and Erin crossed the finish line together AND that you are teaching them the joy the experience rather than in winning, winning, winning. (Although Erin might have a different perspective on all of this... ) Congratulations to YOU for beating your previous time by 5 minutes, for weighing less, for eating healthily, and for taking on the new challenge of a tri. You've got a lot of good things happening, and you deserve each and every one of them. P.S. I'm still on the Self Challenge and doing the same thing with the weights (5/8) that you are. Funny, huh?

Amy: It's great to hear that you're ON with the weight-loss and physical activity. You've been working really hard at balancing things, and I know the running mojo will follow with your short-term goal in place. (And with more bling coming--love the medal.) I'm envious of all the variety in your activity, too. Happy Belated Birthday by the way. I know you enjoyed your time in Epcot on Saturday!

Maria: Shaking up the routine sounds like a great way to continue to progress! And being properly rested it good, so very good. I love this line: "losing weight is more important to me than momentary gratification" regardless of where it comes from. I wish I'd read it before this weekend. I know exactly what you mean by the carb-loading of pizza feeding a stomach monster. (It's not me, it's that tapeworm that lives in my tummy.)

And to Maria, Beth, and Cindy: Yes, weight loss, nutrition, fitness books as hobbies. Me too, me too!

As for me: Not much. I lost a pound--yay--but had a sort of spotty WO week. I have yet another doctor's appointment tomorrow, then off until July. The big news is DOOD ran the Pgh marathon relay with his co-workers. He did the second leg through to the finish, just because. Light rain throughout. And the infamous Pgh hills. Not sure of their finish time--he'll look it up later. No PR for him, wasn't going for one. And it was a bit frustrating for him because he lost a team member the day before and got another substitute. More details to follow soon, I hope. I will say I wasn't impressed with the parts of the race organization I say, excluding the well-designed (and small) expo at which I volunteered.

 

[deekaypee]

'Ohana Monday Mixer

Responses to this week's prompt can be posted on the 'Ohana team thread, and starts here.

Free advice, it's worth what you paid for it. Then again, sometimes the best things in life are free. You decide in this week's mixer prompt.

Share with us some memorable advice you've received.

Your advice can be related to training or races. It can focus on healthy habits or be "life" advice. It can be the best advice you've ever received, the worst, or the most profound. It can be helpful tips that helped you as a WISHer and athlete. Or it can be simply the funniest, most useless, or totally inappropriate for a situation. Just so long as it's memorable.

And just like M & Ms, don't feel restricted to just one piece....

 

[mkymsehi]

Made it out for 8 miles in the heat. Following that was the Honolulu Marathon Clinic's picnic. Good food, especially after a run.

 

[mkymsehi]

I almost forgot. My wife met President Obama's sister, Maya Sorento-Ng on Sunday at the children's theater production of "Goodnight Moon." Her and her daughter were in attendance.

I previously mentioned my wife's co-worker is Maya's best friend from college.

So, needless to say, my wife and younger daughter were quite excited from their brush with celebrity. I shook my head and asked, "Where's the picture?"

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! Another rainy Monday on tap for today.

So, I did my 1/2 marathon in Lehigh Valley yesterday. The day started out overcast and cool, but still able to wear shorts! About 2 miles into the race, the rain started and continued the rest of the race. It wasn't to bad, and with my hat it was ok. I had the most consistent race I have ever had. I was on perfect 11:00 min pace exactly for about 7 miles, with making up the time for walking through the water stops to stay on pace. After 7 miles, I wasn't able to make up the extra time. At 10 miles my hip started acting up because of the rain. I was dragging my right leg a little and ended up dragging my foot through a big water puddle, soaking my foot with 2 miles to go. My pace fell off, and I finished the race with a respectable 2:28:38 time. It's about a 11:09 pace for the race, and I will take it! I was really happy that I ran the whole thing (except water stations) even up the hills, and didn't need to walk at all. It was harder to keep running at the end, but I was able to mentally hang it there better than ever before.

I think my training plan with the extra miles each week helped, and I took off about 5 minutes from my last 1/2 marathon in March. I felt much stronger and mentally "in the game" for the entire race. I am happy with the outcome, but without a PR! But, I would take this race over last year's Lehigh Valley (which was faster by 3 minutes, but such a struggle). I am aiming my sights on the Philly Distance Run in September for my PR this year!!!!

Sorry I haven't caught up with everyone, but it looks like a busy day at work!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning Lean Mean Brigade!

It was a good weekend for me. I stuck to my eating and exercise plan, and the scale didn't do it's usual climb so I'm pleased.

Beth -- It sounds like all those extra miles paid off big time! Even without the PR it sounds like you had a great pace. It's a shame that pesky work keeps cutting into our DIS time!

Jeff -- I don't think it's exactly in the spirit to post food photos on the Lean Mean thread But you're forgiven because it looks like a great time was had by all!

Debra -- I have a health and wellness section by my bed. The Biggest Loser, The Beck Diet Solution, You on a Diet, Body Clutter, South Beach Diet -- the list goes on and on...I even have Dr. Phil's book somewhere on a shelf. Eagerly awaiting DOOD's race report (ok, your report, but you know what I mean! ).

Vicky -- I am so pleased to say I was down 3.4 lbs! I know that won't happen every week, but it certainly validated my new approach.

AmyK -- My PF Chang's solution was to get a lunch bowl, which comes with soup (hot & sour, but I just skim the broth); I got shrimp with lobster sauce, and then ate all the shrimp and not much of the sauce on brown rice -- I left plenty of the rice in the bowl. I had a teeny tiny lemon cheesecake dessert. I was completely full and left the fortune cookie. It seemed to work well, so I won't be shy about doing it again! Oh, and most importantly if a bit late --

Cindy -- I'm up to making a card about it not being fair that I can't eat whatever I want like other people in the Beck plan. You're supposed to say, "Oh, well", and let it go. Good advice, I think.

For those of you doing WW, imagine my surprise and slight dismay to find that this loss put me in a lower points category. I don't know whether to go or It is great I'm making progress, but eating less is always hard for me mentally, and I only had a week to get used to the eating less I was doing before cutting it some more I seem to be dealing with it ok so far.

Happy Monday!
Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hey Lean Meaners! Happy Monday

Beth - WTG on the pace for your 1/2! That must have been tough in the rain and with your hip pain. I think it's awesome you were able to run the entire race. That is one of my eventual goals.

Debra - If it's just nutty tasting, I'll pick up some flaxseed the next time I'm at the grocery. I just like to make sure I'll be able to eat - did I ever tell you I was tricked into drinking wheat grass juice. Yuck! Oh, I (DF) made the ratatouille this weekend. For some reason I thought it would look like the ratatouille that Remy (from Ratatouille) made. To which DF replied "Didn't you read the recipe?" Just the ingredients and calories... It was yummy regardless!!

Cindy - Your little girls are too cute! I love the picture with them holding hands ... and even more your story about why they are holding hands

Maria - WTG on the weight loss!! It's a good reminder for me to get back to my cleanish eating. And when I did WW years ago, I felt the same way you did about moving into a different points category. I think I exercised to get a couple points back so that I could squeeze in something sweet after dinner

AFM - I did my 10 mile LR on Sunday. It went slooow and definitely not the best LR but I'm glad I got my miles in. Got home and tried to make my after run protein shake and the blender was broken. The seal doesn't keep the liquid in anymore ... I didn't realize this until I had dumped in all the ingredients which then leaked out all over the counter. It's kind of funny today not so much yesterday

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! How is everyone?

Debra: You were missed! Sorry to hear about the computer issues.....been there! How was DOOD's race on Sunday? I was thinking about the two of you! The weather didn't cooperate for any of us, but we got it done anyway!

Maria: I love the whole 'library' idea of fitness/diet books. I have the YOU! series by Dr. Oz, except the last one. I also have South Beach, and Atkins (though I never followed that one, b/c the carbs were too restrictive). It always helps the incentive to get the weight off!

Cindy: Loved the pictures......so CUTE!

Vicky: Sorry to hear about the blender.....what a bummer. I usally use my food processor, and it too is broken on the rim......stuff is always coming out of the side of it. You should have seen the mess when I had to grind up Oreo cookies for ds! Yuck!

Jeanne: Hope you are healing from the chaffing incident.....I know that pain, and it's not good!

AFM: Well, I took the day off (sort of) yesterday with only doing Pilates for an hour. Today, I am back at it! Got up early and got 3 miles in already, and hopefully will get pump in tonight (if the rain cancels baseball). Let's hope that it is cancelled, because I missed pump class both times last week due to baseball!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Hello Everyone,

Beth: Great job on your race. I think a good fought/smart race is more rewarding than a fast race most days. Great job on running the entire time. How do you like the YOU books? I've been intrigued, but haven't read one yet. I'm hoping baseball gets cancelled tonight too, I don't mind the rain so much, but only 50 degrees is too cold to be sitting outside.

Vicky: At least you got 10 miles in, even if they weren't great. Bad news about the blender. My down hill running strategy is to lean forward a bit, imagining that gravity is pulling me down the hill and to lengthen my stride by an inch or so. It helps to stretch my hamstrings a bit which then helps on the flat stretches. I really passed a lot of people going down hill this way.

Maria: Great job on the 3.4 lb loss. That's terrific. I know how you feel about losing a WW pt. I guess it's better to be losing a point for going down a decade in weight than up a decade in age. That's one of my big complaints that it's not fair that I have to watch what I eat. "Oh well" doesn't really work for me.

Jeff: Nice work with your tri training. I noticed on the Triathlon thread that your race is about the same time as mine (Jul 20th). I haven't begun swim training yet, so I'm a little behind, but I'm still trying to find a place to swim. The water around here is still WAY too cold for me to go in.
Congrats to your daughter on her race.

Debra: Sorry for the computer problems. Congrats on the 1 lb loss. You seem to be consistently losing, so you must be doing something right. Sorry to hear that Pgh marathon was so disorganized. Hope the Dr. appt went well yesterday. Hoping that you are able to get all your workouts in.

Eating seemed to be going very well for me last week, then the weekend hit and it was non-stop yummy eating. I'm really getting frustrated with myself. I went back to WW yesterday and told the woman just to put my weight in my booklet, and not even tell me about it. Going to the meetings helps so much and I start the week off with such enthusiasm. I need to get to a second meeting over the weekend I think to try to maintain the momentum.

I'm starting to put together a training plan that meshes my marathon training for my October marathon with training for the triathlon I'm doing in July. It's going to be a challenge to fit everything in with my busy schedule. We'll see how it goes.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning LMs.

OK, I'll do back to back posts so Beth doesn't think she's the only one who does. Eating went well yesteray. Yay! 1 1/2 days so far. I'm hoping to get outside at lunch for a run. I got up early this morning to do Jillian's DVD. My kids were playing with my weights over the weekend and now I can't find one of the 5 lb weights. I have had to use the 8 lb ones. My form isn't the best, but it keeps me from switching down to the lower weights.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Creativebeth]

Cindy:How did you know I was here lurking!!! I always feel stupid posting back to back, so thanks for doing it for me!!!! Yeah, I know about the weight thing. I need to get to and stick to some heavier weights, but I can't seem to do that consistently. Last night at Pump, I was using lighter weights, since I missed both classes last week and didn't want to kill myself. I was also still sore from my race on Sunday (and felt it the whole hour). But, I always have an excuse!

Maria: I bought the new Jillian Michaels book "Master your Metabolism" last night (I thought of you!). Supposedly, she will help me get my hormones in balance with diet so I can start losing the weight easier and able to eat more! Don't we all wish this to be true!!!!!! I'll let you know......

So, I am back to my twice a day workouts! I took Monday "off" with only doing Pilates for an hour. Yesterday and today I got up to get my 3 miles in before work. Today almost didn't happen, since cleaning off my dresser in my bedroom seemed more important! (what's with that? I guess I was avoiding my TM!) I have to say though, the TM was too bad the last couple days. My legs seemed to hurt less running, than laying in bed! I think I have up and went crazy, but my legs were pretty sore before getting out of bed, but my run on the TM was pretty comfortable! Who knows why???

Eating has been good, I lost the extra couple of pounds I gained last weekend. I am looking for another pound this week (wouldn't that be nice?)

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Good morning everyone!!

I'm going to post now before I get too busy. Today is my last day at work for the next 11 days so I'm sure I'll have plenty to get done before I go. I'm taking a week of staycation to get some things done around my house.

I had a nice run at lunchtime yesterday. I was supposed to do fartlek, so my game was to run 1/2 mile in 4 min followed by a 1/2 mi in 5 min. My Garmin was set to beep at 1/2 intervals. I wasn't allowed to check my watch during each 1/2 mile. I was surprised how close I came to the correct pace each time, I'm usually not good at judging how fast I'm going. It made the run fun which is very important.

I got up early again this morning for some Jillian. I think that makes 6 out of 7 days in May thus far. I've decided I'm going to shoot for at least 25 times this month. We'll see.

Eating has been good for 2 1/2 days now.

Beth: I think you deserved to go to the lighter weights this week. It's better than hurting yourself. Let me know how you like the new JM book. I'm on the wait list at the library for that one. I've read mixed reviews about it. I'm all for organic eating, I just can't always justify spending so much extra money. Good job on losing the weight you gained last weekend.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hola Lean Mean Brigade!

Ok, Cinco de Mayo has passed, but who doesn't want to keep the margarita spirit flowing?!

Today is a rest day, which is good since I could barely get out of bed before 7, let alone before 5

I decided to flip my workouts a little so Sunday doesn't end up a total bust. The odds of me getting up, running 4 miles, and then going back to bed for the festivities (I mean Mother's Day, Jeanne, get your mind out of that gutter!), are very slim. Much more likely I'm going to sleep in and then enjoy my breakfast. So, I'm running tomorrow and Saturday, and walking Sunday. Walking I can do anytime, if I don't run when I get up, it's never a pretty workout

I'm doing a pretty good job sticking to my food plan, so I'm hoping for a good loss tomorrow. I actually think I look a little smaller, but I know how I like to fool myself

Cindy -- Enjoy your staycation! We did that last summer, and we really got alot done. I missed going somewhere, but it also felt good to finally take care of projects that you just never get to.

Beth -- Wow! You already took off the weight that reappeared -- you are my hero That is so hard to do quickly, you are so dedicated!

Vicky -- WW works great if you actually do it. I have been less than stellar in the past on following through, but for some reason everything seems to be clicking so far this time. I think it was trying on clothes a few Saturdays ago and realizing how truly bad things have gotten. Plus, I really want to hit a milestone before my birthday in June, so it's clearly now or never time

Howdy to all the Lean Meaners! It sure would be great to have people briefly check-in. I'm missin' my buddies!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! So, this week's flying by! Wow, can't believe that it's already Thursday! Just one more day till the weekend!

The week has been a bust for the weather though. Wow, am I sick of rain! Wish the weather would be nice for the weekend, but I hear that the rain is back for Saturday at least. The scheduled baseball games will probably be cancelled again! That isn't the bad part, the bad part is that they are all to be rescheduled! Next week I already have SIX games scheduled! With them all being 2 1/2 hours long.......that's alot of baseball watching! My excericse schedule will be hindered big time!

Maria: I think I would take the breakfast in bed! How many times does that actually happen! Take advantage of it while you can!

Cindy: I am with you about Organics. I would love to switch to them, but they are probably twice as much in price! I can't do that with a clear conscious. That's alot of money. I do try to get to the local farmer's markets for produce, and they aren't all organic but very fresh and usually pretty cheap! Jillian (**my personal trainer!**) has some good points in the book, but right now I am having a real HARD time thinking about giving up my Splenda and diet Coke. They are my hurdles right now. Today my morning diet Coke was downsized (about 1/2 my normal consumption), but thinking about giving it up completely has me wrealing! Just don't think I can do it. I did bypass my Splenda habit for ice tea today.......we'll have to wait and see. I also did eat a banana today before running the TM.....Jillian (don't you love the name dropping!) says that you should always eat something before a AM workout. I never eat anything before a short run like that, but thought I would give it a try. I didn't get sick, so maybe it is ok!

I concur with Maria and would like to see some of the Lean Meaners drop in to say 'hi' today!

Beth