Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[Creativebeth]

Thanks Debra and Cindy for the kudos! I am really over the top happy with the outcome of the Philly race. It has really made me think that anything is possible. I didn't think I would ever finish a race that 'fast' (I know it isn't really FAST, but for me it is!). Maybe I can keep working at it, and PR again sometime! Anything is possible!!

I do think that it is mostly mental. I had a hip injury/dislocation when I was 12. It all started with running! (gym class, 6th grade) So, in the later part of races (after 10 miles), when things start to hurt, my first though is always "I had better slow down, I might hurt myself". When the leg pain began (mile 10) Heidi really motivated me to keep going. So, I played a little mental game with myself......."I can go another mile, before I slow down." My pace only slowed 8 seconds in the last 3 miles of the race!!!! That is way better than ever before.

My legs were used to running tired.....those double runs proved it to me. So I kept the pace the best I could for the entire 13.1 miles! I have to say I am pretty proud of that! I told my kids that that race was 100% mental fortitude!

Debra: I can't say diet Coke loves me either. I should stop......I think it aggravates my headaches. But, then again, I get headaches without it! So, I am going to stick to one a day 5 days a week, and diet coke free 2 days of the week. We'll see if that helps! And a big congrats to DOOD and the Ultra!!! That course sounded impossible! So, he gets extra points for holding out and finishing!!!

Cindy: Clean eating 80% of the time is what I aim for.......the other 20% is a crap shoot. Don't worry about the eating over the weekend.....you are doing the best thing just getting back to it.

AFM: (((((as if this wasn't all about me already!!!! lol))))))) I am only 1 pound up from the end of the spa challenge. I find that remarkable! I am going to work on that pound this week, and then try to tackle the 5 more to goal weight. I am happy with things right now, so if it doesn't happen, I am all OK!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi Lean Meaners!

Beth - Congratulations on your PR! And you did while you had a cold! WTG!!

Cindy - Hope your cold is better today!

Debra - First off, congrats to DOOD on his ultra! That sounds like one gruelling race - an award for the most injured! Yikes! I guess if I ever wanted to win an award in a race, that would be the one How come there are no cheap shoes in Canada? WTG - what a score!!

AFM - I went to the gym last night and did more of a upper body/arms workout. We went a lot lighter on the weights but because it's a change from my regular routine, my arms and chest are sore today. I saw another trainer demonstrating the Spiderman crawl to his client and I saw her laughing but I don't think she actually did them.

I skipped my 4 miler this morning. I must have slept in a strange position last night and my left knee was pretty sore. I think at this point rest and stretching are more important anyway.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Interesting article about running twice a day from Runner's World. Thought I would share.

Training Tips
DOUBLE DUTY
Run twice a day to get stronger and faster—sooner.
By Ed Eyestone
Image by Timothy Tadder


From the July 2009 issue of Runner's World


From the time I was in high school, and throughout the 14 years I spent running professionally, running twice a day was a staple of my training regimen. Five days a week, I'd do an easy six miles or so in the morning and follow it with a hard workout in the afternoon. Doubling up allowed me to run long on Saturday, take Sunday off, and still get the same 90 to 120 miles my competitors were racking up.

By running more often, you reap the same fitness benefits you get when you boost the duration and intensity of any one run: reduced body fat, increased VO2 max, and improved muscle tone. You just get those benefits sooner.

I definitely felt the advantages of running twice a day. My morning run was easy enough that I wasn't exhausted in the afternoon. But I wasn't fresh either, so it got me used to training through fatigue. I always rehydrated, rested, and refueled before the afternoon run, so I had a much better chance of hitting a quality pace than if I'd tried to grind out those same miles on the end of one long run. Here's how to make doubles work for you.

Build Slowly Start by doing two-a-days twice a week. Initially, the extra workout can be 20 minutes. When you first add it on, drop the length of your main workout by 10 to 15 minutes. As you get more comfortable, bring the main workout back to its original level and extend the first run to 40 minutes. You can double up on as many days as you want. Just spend at least two weeks at each stage before adding more miles.

Recover Right Allow at least four hours between your workouts so you can recover fully. After the first run, be sure to rehydrate, and consume at least 500 calories within 30 minutes of finishing to help speed recovery.

Mix and Match Stay alert for aches and pains, and fiddle with the formula until you find what works best for you. Many of my runners prefer to add a run in the morning when they know they have a hard workout in the afternoon. The easy run gets them loosened up for the hard work later. Others prefer to add extra workouts on their easy days because they're not as fresh after the morning run. Try some of the combinations below.


Two Timing

Each of these paired workouts has its own unique benefits.

A.M.: 3 to 4 at easy aerobic base pace
P.M.: Interval workout (e.g., 6 x 800)
PAYOFF: Provides extra aerobic work without fatigue, gets blood flowing through muscles

A.M.: 4 to 5 miles at easy aerobic base pace
P.M.:4 to 8 miles at a conversational pace
PAYOFF: Improves running economy, boosts weekly mileage, and provides a good fitness base

A.M.: Long run; or 5-K or 10-K race
P.M.: 2 to 3 miles at a conversational pace
PAYOFF: Increases blood flow to muscles, flushes waste from muscles, and speeds recovery


Thanks to Runner's World! This is sort of what I was doing without a real plan!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aw crud! I had this great long post with replies for everybody, and it's just gone

Let me recap:

So very proud of Beth!

Hope Vicky's knee feels better, a blow pop is a hard candy lollipop with a bubblegum center.

Congrats to Cindy on the weight loss, not so much for me -- I believe they call it a "gain"...

A ginormous WELCOME! to Manda

I feel Debra's pain, having pretty much adiosed diet soda.

Cross-Post
Another maddening weekend -- we went to visit the SIL I'm not so fond of in Maine, and I was reminded of why that is the case. She wiped the bottoms of our shoes before we could enter her home. We offered to take them off, but for some reason that was not sufficient. She also would not allow us to wipe them ourselves Her dogs seem to go in and out without that special treatment...On the bright side, she basically sent us on our way after lunch and we went to L.L. Bean. Winter coats for the fellas and a much-needed new comforter for our bed came home with us, so not a horrible trip all in all.

Anyway, not my best eating day. Sunday was some better, but no movement -- and my beloved Patriots (who I barely recognize with all the new faces) lost. I'm back to working out and have a schedule to get all my planned workouts in for the week.

The SIL I like is coming to stay tonight and Friday night (she's in New England for business), so I'm looking forward to that. She lives in FL so we don't get to see her and her family very often. She and her dh are doing the Half for the first time with us, so I'm excited to hear how her training is coming. She does not run or walk, but she's in good shape -- or at least a size 8. I'm not sure about her stamina since she doesn't exercise.

Where are our Lean Meanies on sabbatical? Jeanne, Wendy, Julie, Jackie -- we're missing you!

Maria

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I found my long post --

Hi Guys!

Sorry I've been MIA --I promise to do a long post tomorrow. Let me just say that visiting family can be perilous, particularly if it is not your family of origin...we have other family arriving today for one night, leaving, then coming back for Friday night. Thank goodness it's the SIL I like...

Back on track with my workouts --ran this AM, yoga was cancelled at work so "Boo!", and I'll be doing weights tomorrow.

So very, very proud of Beth! You rocked it out!

Vicky -- Hope your knee is feeling better! A blow pop is a lollipop hard candy shell with gum inside.

Debra -- We will only "hate" DOOD if he doesn't get on up and on the 'Net with your regular posting! Maybe now his Ultra is over he can focus on what's really important Dennis wants no part of D23. He can barely stomach DTD

Cindy -- Congrats on the weight loss! I've already blown my imperfect record with a gain for the first week. I had TOM, but I could have lost if I had ate less

Manda -- A huge to you! Yep, I tend to gain for races, too. I'm hoping to break that cycle this year. It doesn't help that the only Half I do is the WDW after Christmas. Way to many goodies coming my way! Tell us a little about yourself! I think I saw your on a team -- you can just cross post your introduction there to save typing -- I'm a big fan of that!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Maria: I am glad you posted yesterday! I've missed you....you are my early morning buddy!

The whole SIL thing cracks me up. She has some issues, doesn't she? What does your dh think? I don't think I could keep a straight face with her cleaning my shoes.....I would have laughed right at her. Don't waste alot of energy worrying about someone like that.....she is just a joy kill. WTH? What possibly could be on your shoes that isn't on her dogs paws? I would chalk her up crazy and move on. I know all about in-law issues, but I really have done a great job putting them out of my mind! They too are joy kills! You in such a positive place right now, don't let the crazies get you down!

You are doing a fantastic job getting faster and going longer! Just remember, slow and steady increases are much better for you!

So, I don't think I ever told you what a die-hard Red Sox fan my son Adam is.....are you Red Sox Nation? He wears Red Sox attire EVERY day of the week (including Sunday!). The boys went with dh to a Fenway game 1 time, but it's so hard to get tickets (as you probably know). We did go up last year for the Futures At Fenway games......we had a blast. Adam's dream is to get Green Monster seats sometime! Bless his heart......he is currently reading Dustin Pedrora's book right now. Every is Red Sox for him.

AFM: I did get 4.5 miles in yesterday on the TM with some general leg discomfort/tiredness. I was back up over 5 miles today for 60 minutes. I'll tell ya, it's been hard getting up to get the miles in......I am run down. The cold has gotten some better, but it has left me with a cough. Annoying cough too; kept me up last night.

Eating is going well. I made a quick Pad-Thai last night.....recipe from Runner's World. It was really good, and i have the left overs for lunch! Weight is the same as yesterday. All good in my world!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Everyone,

Maria: Sorry for the SIL horror story. I laughed out loud when I pictured her wiping the bottoms of your shoes off. That's a lady with some issues. Yea for LL Bean. Sorry for the weight gain this week. Keep at it and you'll see results. Luckily I was busy with a cubscout meeting on Sunday and didn't have to witness the Patriots' game. Enjoy your visit with your nice SIL.

Beth: I love that there's a bit of proof that all your double sessions are good for you. I still can't even imagine running 2 days in a row let alone 2 times in one day. I am tempted to give it a try some day, but I'll have to wait until all the marathons on my schedule have passed. That could be January or April depending on how I do at my race next month. Yum Pad Thai!! I wish you'd give yourself a little time to recover from your cold.

Vicky: I hope the arms and chest are feeling better. It's good to mix up the routine sometime. Hope the knee is feeling better. So you hurt yourself sleeping? Sounds funny. To answer your question about R/W, I run every step. I have a mental thing about walking being cheating it goes back to HS x-country when if the coach found you walking you were in deep trouble. I also worry that I'll have a hard time starting to run again if I stop to walk.

Debra: Yes, Food Matters is by Mark Bittman. I am liking the book. I haven't gotten to the recipe section yet. I probably should have just skipped ahead to that. I'm finding that every food book I read just adds to my stress at the grocery store. I already worry about buying organic vs. non-organic, expensive vs. on-sale, healthy vs. junk food that tastes good and my kids will eat (my daughter really wants Chicken Nuggets for lunch EVERY day.) now I'm worried that I'm eating too much meat while before I was worried I wasn't getting enough protein (I know there are other non-meat forms of protein). It's really very overwhelming. I'm glad you were able to get your b2b's in this weeknd. I'm sure you deserved the eating and drinking to celebrate DOODs Ultra. Course support is a critical part of the race.

I have to get back to work now. Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Morning Lean Meaners! It was insanely humid this morning. I wanted to get in a 30 minute tempo run but just couldn't get myself going. I decided to cut the run short at 2 miles and try again tomorrow.

Maria - Your SIL wanted to clean your shoes? Wow ... At least you have clean shoes now And you gotta love those relatives who are just eat and go! We have a couple of those in our family and I normally love when people hang around and chat but I'm glad when these guys just go

Beth - I love Pad Thai! I'll have to go and see if that recipe is posted on the Runner's World site. Sounds like your cold doesn't want to let go. Make sure you're giving yourself enough rest

Cindy - I had a feeling you ran the entire distance I have a hard time starting to run after walking too. Does this mean you take gels while running? I tried a gel for the first time a couple of weeks ago and made a terrible mess - this was while walking and standing still.

AFM - Not much of import to report... I tried to order a birthday cake for our dinner at V&A. The person I talked to at the restaurant really wasn't keen on the idea. She kept telling me it was a lot of food (yeah I already know that)... but what's a birthday without cake! Party poopers Anyway, I called up private dining at CR and they're going to do a birthday cake. I expect to have lots of leftovers but I figure if I'm in Disney, I'm allowed to eat cake for breakfast

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Guys!

I am almost too excited to post! The bane of my existence -- the co-irker who drives me insane -- just announced he's leaving! I have "Ding Dong, the witch is dead, the wicked witch is dead!" running through my head!

It was all I could do to say "Congratulations and Best of Luck", I really just wanted to break into song!

I'll try to post more coherently later. Right now I just want to revel in the happy thoughts and endorphins!

Maria

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone, I have a busy day at work today so I had to quickly post my previoius post before I was finished.

Maria: Yahoo!! I'm very glad for you, I just hope your co-irker isn't headed my way.

Vicky: Yes I do eat gels on the run. I've had to practice it. I usually use Accel-gels because they contain protein which I've heard can help during a run and with recovery. My last long run I didn't have any of those so I just went with a few others I had lying around. The consistency of the others was much thicker so I had a really hard time getting them down. With the Accel I usually just quickly down the whole packet like taking medicine then follow it up with water which I always carry with me on LRs and in races. I can fold up the packet and stick it in the nylon holder of my hand-held water bottle. The trick is being able to carry enough of them for my races. I usually stash 1 in my water bottle pouch, one in my shorts key pocket, 2 in my spi-belt. My DH has to find me by the 1/2 way mark to switch out spi-belts so I can have 2 or 3 more gels (and pretzels and sports beans which I also eat.) OK, probably more than you wanted to know. Yum, cake for breakfast. I'm surprised they gave you a hard time about spending more money.

My cough is still lingering. I wouldn't say I'm sick, I just have this annoying wheezing in my chest. I really hope it clears soon. I am on the race committee for a 5K fund raiser that is in my town this Sunday. I'm in charge of the volunteers. I cannot believe how much stress it is causing me. I'm trying to coordinate jobs that allow the volunteers to watch the kids race or this one has to leave early and that one has to come late on top of all I'm trying to make sure the important jobs are filled by people that really aren't clueless, but since I don't know all of the volunteers it's hard to access. I'll be very glad when it's over. I think it will be fun, but it's just stressful too. I've already lost too much sleep over it.

In the BL Challenge I made it into the top 10 for weight loss percentage this week. I cannot even tell you how much that motivated me to try to make the top 10 again this week. It will be tough since I'm sure a lot of last week's weight was water weight, but I'm going to try to work hard the next 2 days.

OK, I think I can get out for my run now. Work is having a pizza party to celebrate a big milestone, I don't want to be around for it. I'll have my bean soup when I return.

Have a great day.
Cindy

 

[mandac]

Hi Again!

I am so in awe of the people in this group. I can't wait to get to know you better! I love the stories and the inspiration.

So - for me - I am 29 and live in Utah. I used to be in pretty good shape, though I never really ran. I got married 2 years ago and BAM! I gained 50 pounds (no really, 50 pounds!). They just keep adding on. Part of the problem was that I wasn't taking time for myself to go out and exercise, and part was that we thought we needed to have meals together, so even if we were not hungry, we were eating dinner.

I was talked into signing up for the DL half by my sister, who ran it the year before. I figured I could do it, since the 16min pace was within my easy walking speed. So I trained for that, but not very consistently, and not too well. My knees still give me a ton of trouble, so I decided I would just walk the DL half. I didn't want to hurt myself. So I did - and I finished in 3 hours walking!

However, I gained 10 pounds and I have to cringe when I see the pictures that were taken of me during the race. UGH!

So now I am newly determined to get in shape. I don't have a race to train for right now, we will see how that goes. I will do the DL half again next year, but the rest of my vacation days are being used up for a trip to the Caymans in April. So I guess my real determination is trying to fit in a swim suit by then.

I have done well - Since the DL half I have lost 8 pounds! I hope to keep it up.

Sorry for the novel! Hope to get to know you all better.

 

[Creativebeth]

So, my cold is turning around and becoming bronchitis. My chest hurts, I have a fever, and I feel like crap! Ugh..... I guess I'll be making a doctors appointment for Friday! Great..... it's been a long time since I was sick! And, I don't want to be sick now either! (((((Listen to the whine there!)))))

Vicky: The Pad Thai recipe is on the Runners World site. I had it for lunch and it was good! Really easy to make too!

I am glad I ran this morning, since I don't think it would get done later! I think it's early to bed tonight!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Lean Meaners!

Well, as you can tell from my previous post, I am having an awesome day! His last day is Oct. 8th. I wish him all the luck in the world, just somewhere else! He's going to be based in Jamaica Plain, so you are safe, Cindy!

Beth -- This really does seem unfair. I'm glad you are going to get the medicine you need! I'm not going to lecture a nurse on health care, I'm sure you know exactly what to do to recover. Wow! You certainly do have a Red Sox fan! I'm more of a fair weather fan for them. I love my Pats and Celts no matter how they are doing. There are so many baseball games, I kind of just follow the playoffs. And I grew up a Cardinals fan, so I guess I have divided loyalties.

Manda -- You are off to a great start, and having done a Half I'm sure you are inspired to look fantastic for your vacation! Congratulations on your weight loss to date, you are doing many things right to have that number so quickly!

Cindy -- I am so proud of you for cracking the top 10! It is especially hard at the beginning when there are so many participants, and so many people with a ton to lose who haven't done anything ever, so they drop weight in big chunks! You go, Girl! How awesome you are volunteering and coordinating for the 5K! You are going to be so pleased when everything turns out awesome.

Vicky -- You're right, it was great that we were able to escape and it wasn't even our idea! I'll go shopping at the Outlets anytime, much more fun than listening to her drone on about, well, anything.

Debra -- Is it terrible that my co-worker and I are already planning a lunch to celebrate the co-irker leaving? She has her eyes on this dessert from Maggiano's Little Italy -- Chocolate Zuccotto Cake
Chocolate cake layered with Sambucca chocolate mousse; iced with chocolate frosting and dusted with cocoa powder. Resistance is futile!

On that note, back to my paperwork -- hey, another one of my proposals came through -- $200,000 for some needed repairs at one of our houses -- this time outside of Boston in a tree-lined suburb. I also get to manage the project to completion, so I get to take lovely train rides to a quaint neighborhood and work with very nice people in the birthplace of those famous Kennedys. Yep, Cindy, -- I'm going to be spending a ton of time in Brookline! J. P. Licks (yummy ice cream!) here I come! (in moderation, I promise!)

I just noticed this post is kind of food-heavy. I'm catching up on my workouts. I'll do weights tonight, and run tomorrow AM. I'm looking forward to a loss this week!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! Well, the week is closing to an end already! Hard to believe how fast summer left us, and fall is already here. My mom used to say that time went really fast when you were old......guess I am old! Time is flying right by me!

Maria: I hear the 'fair weather fan' thing. My youngest is a fair weather Philly fan! He loves them when they win!

Good job on the second proposal! You do great work for so many people, we are very proud of you! And, yeah, you get to follow-through on the project (((even if you have to sacrifice with the ice cream consumption! )) Nice to be able to follow the whole process!

You are doing such a good job with your workouts too! I am sure you will see a loss this week! Slow and steady wins the race!

Manda: Glad you could join us. We all have gained weight with marathon training! I gained 25 pounds with mine in 2007, and just took that off this year (again). For that reason, I am sticking to 1/2 marathons for now. Maybe when my kids are older, I will think again about a full......but for now it's so much easier to stay in 1/2 marathon shape year round.

Good luck getting the bathing suit body! Nice to have a vacation to look forward to. All my 'vacations' ((((if you can call them that)))) involve running 13.1 miles!

Debra: Tell DOOD to get on the internet problem. I am getting testy here. You can't come 'visit' with no internet. I know you are doing the best thing waiting him out, but we miss you!!!! Come visit soon!

How's it going without diet Coke. Do ya miss it? (((((as I am sitting here with my daily alottment!)))) I always miss it when I quit!

Cindy: Good for you hitting the top ten in the BL challenge! Not an easy task when you only have a few pounds to lose! Keep up the good work!

AFM: I am really trying hard to branch out my eating. I am trying new recipes with more whole grains.....I am trying hard to stay away from processed white stuff, but still need to get some good carbs my way. It has really fueled my mileage, but I have to be careful with it. Any carb intake leads me astray! Last night I made a brown rice with ground turkey casserole (((which turned out really good)))) but, one plate lead to me to more.....the rice, ya know? I have to really be careful with my portions.

My weight is holding steady.....good and bad. I wanted to get this extra pound off, but it doesn't seem to be budging! I then want to work on the 5 more.....to try for the goal weight that is alluding me. If not, it will be my lesson in being happy with what I have ((((or what I don't have....the 80 extra pounds of a few years ago!!!))))).

Hang in there Meaners.....it's almost Friday!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Everyone:

Maria: Again congratulations on your co-irker news. I'm sure that dessert would be well worth the 10 miles you'll need to put in to burn all those calories. I was very surprised to have made the top 10, but I had been eating a lot of junk before the first weigh-in. I'm pretty sure I'll have a loss again this week, but not likely to be so big. Congrats on your proposal. It's so funny that when I was reading about you taking the train to the tree-lined suburbs, I was thinking Needham or someplace like that, Brookline to me is still Boston, I don't even think of it as a suburb. Such a different perspective. (Not sure Needham actually has a need for subsidized housing.)I've never tried JP Licks, I think the only place I've been to in Brookline is the Village Smokehouse. That was always delicious.

Beth: I hope you got to bed early last night and slept in a little this morning. I think extra sleep is what you need to get rid of that cold. Hope you are feeling better.

Manda: Congrats on doing the DL Half. That's a major accomplishment. Great job on losing 8 lbs in the last 3 weeks. Hope your knees improve. With a little extra training and more weight loss that might help. I know for me the most important thing I can do is to keep a food diary. As long as I'm writing things down and counting WW pts, I can lose weight. That's not always easy to do for some reason. Good luck to you.

I'm still coughing a bit, but I'm not letting that get in the way of my scheduled workouts. I don't feel like I'm sick, I just have a congested chest.

I have now tracked my pts for 3 days in a row. If I can do it today I can break my recent record. I'm really excited to do the Weigh In tomorrow because I think I will have a loss. It's been a while since I've had back to back weeks with a loss. I don't want to say I'm in a groove, because I feel like it's very tenuous. If I could make it through a weekend without insane eating I would be more comfortable. No big parties planned this weekend, so maybe...

I have my 20 mile LR scheduled for Monday, so I'm really going to try to concentrate on high quality fuel this weekend.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Cindylou]

Beth: Looks like we were posting at the same time. I'm sure you're frustrated about that 1 lb, but it's great that you are maintaining this weight you are at. Your body might just have to get used to it for a while. I need to start branching out too with food choices. It's hard with the kids, because they always complain about new foods. Have you tried bulgar? I was surprised how much I liked it. It cooks up quickly, then I added some cooked ground beef and a can of diced tomatoes. It was delicious. I've also done this with lentils.

I don't remember, do you do weight training? That might be a way to rev the metabolism a little. And if you already do some, then you might pick up the intensity for a while. Your body might just need a change for a while.

Cindy

 

[Creativebeth]

Yeah, Cindy, we were posting at the same time again! I do try to get the weight training in....did pump class twice a week for a long time, but with the kids schedules I had to curtail my gym time. I got Jillians workout book and was doing that, but I backed off around VA beach since I was trying to PR. Her workouts were making me REALLY sore. Now that Philly is over, I will get back to it. Probably will try picking in up over the weekend when my leg soreness improves. I am sure that will help the situation!

I have never tried bulgar ((((and what is it?)))) I have made lentil soup (which was really good and easy). Last nights brown rice was the first rice I have had in a long time. My kids actually loved it too! I have to make everything kid friendly (mine are picky) but they do love rice (usually yellow rice, but they didn't even know that the rice last night was brown after baking). The youngest is usually the one to be more willing to try new things (the older one would rather throw myself into the path of a moving train then eat something with veggies!).

I have done low carb for so long.....it's really hard for me to find the right balance. I am trying though (and bringing the family for the same ride!). Now if my dh could stop the fast food habit (like the rest of the family) maybe we would all be in better shape!

I made a soup with Great Northern beans and navy beans that was also very good. I know beans are great fiber and good carbs.....it's the mental thing for me now. I don't want to gain weight with the carbs, but really striving for a healthy all-around diet for fueling. It's all in the experimental stages right now!

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Just a quick fly-by right now, with more to come tonight (I'll hit the coffee shop off hours, just to catch up).

They're filming scenes for Love and Other Drugs (starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway) in my neighborhood for the next couple of days, so I'm making this a quick lunch and changing my work plans so I can see what I can so! I'm not sure if I'll be able to catch anything, but I can't resist the opportunity.

Oh, and seriously, when I say this is in my neighborhood, I mean two blocks from where I live. I run on the street where they're filming!

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Everyone.

I weighed in this morning for the BL challenge and lost 1.2 lbs. I should be very excited, but it sort of gave me the feeling that, man - this is going to take forever. But I know slow and steady wins the race. I have to be sure to continue tracking pts this weekend. I did it for 4 days in a row this week!!! My longest streak ever is 21 days, so that's my goal for now.

I've done something to my back and it's killing me. I tried calling the chiropractor today, but they must be closed because they're not answering the phone. I even drove by, but the lights were out even though the sign said they had office hrs today. I'm sure it will right itself in a few days, but I don't want to wait that long.

The weather forecast for the Road Race I'm helping with is for rain. That's such a disappointment. It's going to be hard, I'm really worried that a lot of my volunteers will back out. I don't have very many to begin with so I can't lose any to the weather. I think for many of the racers this will be their first ever 5K. It's too bad that it might not be a fabulous experience for them.

Beth: Bulgur is a grain used in Middle Eastern food. I bought it at Trader Joe's. For a 1/4 c there is 150 cal, 0.5 g fat, 34g carb, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein. Pretty calorie dense, but a good source of whole grain. Actually I just compared it to brown rice and the calories are similar, but there is more fiber and protein. I love bean soups, but am the only one in the family who likes them. I should have figured that you were doing weights. Hope your leg soreness has improved.

Debra: Hope you got an up close look at the filming.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Cindy

 

[getnthinr]

So, it's my typical once every 2-3 months post...

My mom's been in the hospital (again) for the last 2 weeks. She's in rehab now and should be back home in a week. I'm her only daughter and one of the "local" relatives so it's been occupying my mind and time -- what with visits, paperwork, errands, etc.

I'm still going to my Galloway group (which is also Jackie's Galloway group -- but she's in a much faster pace group ) -- tomorrow is another 10 miler. It's going ok. My progress would be better if I could settle back into the routine I'd established before Mom's hospital stay -- but it's all going to work itself out soon.

Next month I have a race every weekend for the next 4 weekends, so I won't be with the Galloway group but I'll be getting miles in -- in fact, next week's race is a trail marathon, though I'm doing it at a nice-and-easy training pace.

I'm also doing the BL8 contest this time -- I've always wanted to try it, but never semed to be around from the start. A funny story: One of my newly thin coworkers brought in several pairs of her plus size jeans and offered them to me. I was very grateful -- She has great taste! She said, "I hope you don't get much use out of these -- I know you can lose weight again if you set your mind to it. I have faith in you!" It made me feel good -- Oftentimes lately I've made halfhearted attempts at starting to eat better again, but I really have no faith in myself. Somehow her saying that made me feel stronger.

About bulgar -- I love bulgar! -- I found this page describing it (by a grain mill):
About Bulgar Wheat -- What is it? Most folks have had it in tabouli salad (if they like middle eastern dishes like hummus, etc.) I love it in soups or just prepared and eaten like rice -- but then I also like cracked wheat and wheat berries and brown rice and barley... most anything that's starchy and rice-like.

So, I'm still alive -- even though I've been absent from the boards and facebook. Hope to be around more as soon as things normalize with Mom.