WISH Away The Pounds - Awesome August Challenge - Everyone Welcome

[BernardandMissBianca]

Gonna go workout. I'll be back!

 

[Lindaland]

2 things I have pinned
You can use the flat marbles from the floral department at Walmart or Michael's and 2 vases.

Here you can pay yourself a dollar for every workout. When you get to $100, spurge on something fun.

Great ideas!! I love the idea of paying myself to workout. Its a goal you can visualize everyday!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Whew, that was hard!!!
My brain was on overdrive for exercise and I couldn't decide what to do.

I started out with 1/1 intervals at 4.38 mph pace for 15 minutes and that wasn't working, although I did run for 3 minutes at a 5.3, which is a PR for me.
Then I decided that was a little to much for me so I switched over to C25K week 1/day 2 but that lasted only 10 minutes .62 miles.
I finally settled in at 30 second intervals at 6.2/3 I got 2.3 miles in 32:03. Second mile was a PR at 13:01.

I know I have time til the Princess but I feel like I can't get out of that 13-14:30 minute mile pace. My ultimate goal is 10 m/m. Is that unrealistic???

 

[Rose&Mike]

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

 

[Rose&Mike]

Whew, that was hard!!!
My brain was on overdrive for exercise and I couldn't decide what to do.

I started out with 1/1 intervals at 4.38 mph pace for 15 minutes and that wasn't working, although I did run for 3 minutes at a 5.3, which is a PR for me.
Then I decided that was a little to much for me so I switched over to C25K week 1/day 2 but that lasted only 10 minutes .62 miles.
I finally settled in at 30 second intervals at 6.2/3 I got 2.3 miles in 32:03. Second mile was a PR at 13:01.

I know I have time til the Princess but I feel like I can't get out of that 13-14:30 minute mile pace. My ultimate goal is 10 m/m. Is that unrealistic???

Hi Buffy!
I think a goal of running 10 m/m is not unreasonable, BUT maybe not for the Princess this spring. Speed too soon causes injuries. And they are unfun injuries. Are you following a plan? Have you looked at Galloway's magic mile? (I think that's what it's called.) It would help you target a goal and maybe help you figure out what speed to aim for. Remember, your goal is to be adding on miles. And I could be totally wrong. You could be one fast mama by February. But I want you to be one healthy uninjured mama. Do some research, and you might get a better idea of what is reasonable. I have yet to hit 10 m/m for a half marathon--I got close in 2011, but missed it by ~2 min and haven't been able to get close since then. I have hit it for shorter races, but the half still eludes me.

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

I was thinking about this when I was walking this morning.

I have really been struggling with consistency. And routine. I am letting life (drama) get in the way.

The quote around our house lately--one minute at a time. Sometimes you just have to take it one minute at a time.

So, looking at things that way, in theory willpower should be taken out of the equation. If I try to look at things minute by minute, and keep working on my health, my exercise, and my zen approach to life then the drama should be kept at bay, I should be able to avoid bad choices, and I can stick with my exercise. I am not looking at it as a 60 min workout, but enjoying it minute by minute. I am not jumping up at night for ice cream but giving myself time to be thoughtful about it. And sometimes I still decide to make the choice to not eat as well as I should.

I am trying really hard to not look at it as me against the world--where the strength of superman is required to be successful. Instead I am trying to live each minute, not get overwhelmed with all the looming changes, and try to make good choices.



****
The realtor sign went in our yard today. I cried. But I am excited.
Hope everyone is having a great Friday!

 

[MomofIndigo]

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

I think it is a matter of willpower and perserverance. I can eat healthy. I do for the most part.

What gets me is exercise. I have no desire to sweat, breath heavy, or have my body sore the next day. I dont care how many people will tell me "It is a good pain though" Pain is pain. It is a huge chore for me to say "OK today I am going to workout so I can barely walk tomorrow."

Another example for me is during my "girl time/monthly time" I crave all things grease. For a week, it takes the strength of Hercules not to give in.

 

[tanyabanana]

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

This is a good question. When I hear 'willpower' i hear 'no willpower', which makes it a negative thing for me. I think the changes I have to make everyday are choices that are based on habit. I buy the same groceries and make the same meals over and over. I need to be mindful of healthier options and what I put in my body. I need to be mindful of taking care of me. For me, having a healthier lifestyle is a matter of putting more thought into my choices and then hopefully those choices will become habit.

 

[jillbur]

Hola friends and happy August to you! No, I did not fall off a cliff....just still super busy, even "post party"!

The party was wonderful and delightful and the weather was superb and the house and yard (minus my bedroom and bathroom ) looked terrific.

Last week of swim season just wrapping up.... Granite State Championships is this weekend and then we are officially done (although she will still be swimming some to stay in shape for college)! I can hardly believe it.

I'm in for August, but won't be around as much to chat...next week we pack for vacation and start packing DD for college...then we are away for a week, then 6 days home before we take DD to college! Then school starts up for DS and I got back to work as a sub and possibly increase my hours with WW. where did the summer go??


Hope you all have been well. Errand to run now, so I'll BBL. TTYL.............P

Glad to hear the party was a huge success! Yes...it's August and summer is slowly getting away from us. Have a great trip

So, this brings me to QOTD......What is the worst time of year for you to stick with your weight loss/fitness committment?? (Vacations to Disney don't count...we all know how hard they are!!)

Think that's everyone in now

I have two times. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I just want to eat big family meals and Christmas cookies. Then in June, I have a hard time adjusting to being off of work & off a schedule. I tend to wake up later and then my meals are all later. Plus, summer=ice cream. Yikes! It's the one good thing about my work schedule is that I have to eat at certain times

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

I was thinking about this when I was walking this morning.

I have really been struggling with consistency. And routine. I am letting life (drama) get in the way.

The quote around our house lately--one minute at a time. Sometimes you just have to take it one minute at a time.

So, looking at things that way, in theory willpower should be taken out of the equation. If I try to look at things minute by minute, and keep working on my health, my exercise, and my zen approach to life then the drama should be kept at bay, I should be able to avoid bad choices, and I can stick with my exercise. I am not looking at it as a 60 min workout, but enjoying it minute by minute. I am not jumping up at night for ice cream but giving myself time to be thoughtful about it. And sometimes I still decide to make the choice to not eat as well as I should.

I am trying really hard to not look at it as me against the world--where the strength of superman is required to be successful. Instead I am trying to live each minute, not get overwhelmed with all the looming changes, and try to make good choices.



****
The realtor sign went in our yard today. I cried. But I am excited.
Hope everyone is having a great Friday!

For me, it does have to do with willpower and better decision making. I can make good decision about food, but sometimes I just cave in and really do not have any idea why.

Good luck with the house. I hope it sells quick for you so you can get your move on

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Losers

I have had a good eating day today which is good considering I broke down on an Oreo milkshake from BK last night. Oops...moving on. I haven't worked out yet today. I think I'll do a dvd here in a bit. Tomorrow is an 8 mile walk in the morning.

Our town is having a big event tomorrow called Waterfire. There was one in Providence, RI not too long ago. At night, they light braziers on the river through our downtown. Tomorrow is the 1st of three and the theme is Art Beat. So there will be different kinds of drumming groups, bands, artists, performers, and food vendors. It looks like a lot of fun and can't wait to go. The group holding it is trying to revitalize our downtown area which went through a rough time when the steel mills closed. It's also a great family friendly event that is completely free (other than purchasing things). I'll let you all know how it goes. If you want to see the website, search for Waterfire Sharon, PA.

I am going to go finish cleaning up from dinner and put a load of clothes away. Then I better work out or I may start making up excuses! Have a great night!

Jill

 

[pat fan]

Just checking in! Made it through the day (so far) within my calories for the second day in a row...woo-hoo!!!

Didn't get to work-out, life conspired against me. I could do it now I know, but I'm tired. Tomorrow it is! I plan on getting stuff to make the work-out tip jar that someone else showed. I think that's a GREAT idea!

See you all tomorrow!

 

[Eliza32]

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?



I know all about willpower........the difference between wanting something sooo much you'll do practically anything to get it, and really not being bothered (at least, that's what it means to me!!)

I decided I am not going to be fat and fifity because it finally hit me that my life is probably half over, so I want to make sure I'm in the best position to enjoy every minute that's left. Therefore I have the 'willpower' to do it. Doesn't mean I won't fall off the wagon occasionally, but I will definitely get there!!! Life only get's in the way if you let it...it's all about choices.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Great replies on the QOTD. I definitely think there is no right or wrong answer, more an individual thing. Helen made a good point that can never be brought up enough--it is ok to fall off the wagon occasionally. As long as you get back on.

Jill--the event your town is having sounds like lots of fun! I hope you have good weather and a great time.

Momofindigo--I get what you are saying on the exercise. I used to be really good at being a couch potato. And I can't say I really enjoy being sore--mostly because I am terrified it is an injury precursor. Having said that, I am a certified workout junky now. The sweatier the better. Did this happen over night? Nope. But exercise keeps me grounded and sane. My husband thinks the running really helped me to figure out I have a gluten problem sooner rather than later. I feel strong and when I am sad or stressed I can remind myself of all that I have accomplished. It is definitely a process, and not even for everyone. I think the key is finding something to do that you enjoy. When I lost the bulk of my weight in 2010 I had a practice of planning out my workouts for the week, and then if it was planned I HAD to start it no matter what. After 5 minutes if I was just miserable I could quit. Ninety nine percent of the time once I was going I was good. And so proud of myself at the end. There are people who lose weight without working out. I just think (especially at my age) that exercise makes it a little easier.


***
I ran 7 miles this morning and then walked another mile and a half of so.

Then someone wanted to see our house on short notice, so we walked around the neighborhood for a bit--I think 25 more minutes. I have to check runkeeper. Hopefully all this walking will offset some of the stress eating.

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

 

[Lindaland]

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

This is a tough one, I think you have to have the willpower to stick with the choices you make to be healthier. Willpower can be something little like passing by the bakery section in the grocery store and not giving into temptation or something major like pushing yourself to workout daily. Its all connected to choices. Sometimes you can choose to have a little treat which doesn't involve a lack of willpower but a conscious choice to treat yourself. Sometimes we all need a little treat and sometimes that involves chocolate!! But fitting it into your calorie goal for the day and still managing to do your workout takes willpower! I feel its all connected in the big picture.

 

[SettinSail]

2 things I have pinned
You can use the flat marbles from the floral department at Walmart or Michael's and 2 vases.

Here you can pay yourself a dollar for every workout. When you get to $100, spurge on something fun.

Love both of those! I was at the dollar store today and forgot to look for marbles!!

Ugh, it is so hot here again and regained my two mystery pounds. A bit frustrated, but I can feel how my body is storing the water... Did walk into town after work for a light frappuccino at Starbucks (was within my points) which gave me some light exercise (about 30 minutes additional walking) and let me enjoy the air conditioning at Starbucks!

Hi, I have been hearing about the heat in Germany this Summer! I went back to Stuttgart the last 2 weeks of May and it rained EVERY day except 2 days!!
One sunny day I was in Portofino and the other was in Freiburg.

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

Boy do I struggle with this. I usually think of it more in terms of discipline and habits. I am so disciplined and habitual in most areas of my life but not when it comes to diet and exercise. I am trying to start with baby steps and work my way up. For instance, I always want to snack after work. I want to break the habit so I am starting with setting a timer for 30 mins and no eating is allowed. I will gradually lengthen the time until I can manage one small snack until dinner time.

We did a lot of shopping today, tax free weekend here. Rose, good luck with your showings!!

 

[Flossbolna]

How about a QOTD? I am in an introspective mood, so watch out!

QOTD
What is your feelings on willpower? I have seen so many people over the years that I have been doing this quit because they didn't have "willpower" or they just plain thought it was too hard. Their schedule got in the way, their kids were busy, things were crazy at work, etc.

Do you think sticking with a healthy lifestyle is a matter or willpower (perseverance) or something else?

Interesting question. I think willpower is one factor that helps a lot to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But I also think that different people have different degrees of willpower and discipline. There are just different personalities. I can be extremely focussed when there is a certain project that I need/want to do. But then I can also be pretty lazy. I don't think that only people who have a lot of willpower can lead a healthy lifestyle. I think it is up to every individual to find a strategy that works for oneself - according to one's personality. For some it might take longer to develop this strategy and it is a longer struggle. But in the end I think everyone can lead a healthy life. Giving up in between is just human - and it does not mean that one cannot restart any time. The more often I have fallen off the bandwagon, the easier it has become to get back on. And not because of any increase in willpower, but because I have learned from previous mistakes and am getting better at this.

A thing I would compare it with is brushing your teeth. As a kid I was not good at doing this regularly, I just forgot, was too lazy, even lied to my parents about that I had done it. Now as an adult it just comes natural, I don't think about it. Of course the gain of eating something sweet or fat might appear bigger than from not brushing your teeth. But in the end I think the key to a healthy lifestyle lies in the word lifestyle. The more I work on myself, the easier it gets.

----

I am doing good so far with eating this week (my WW week starts on Fridays) and I was OP every single day. I figured out that when I feel so hungry on the hot days I really am just thirsty. I thought I drank enough, but after drinking 4 litres both Friday and Saturday I realise that my 2.5 litres were not enough in the heat. The drinking also helped with my mystery pounds it seems!! So I am all motivated to make August a perfect month!

 

[Flossbolna]

Replying to Rose's QOTD made me think that I would like to ask one as well, so here is my

Question of the Day:

Since we have so many new (or returning) participants I thought it would be nice to read some introductions from people. So please tell us something about you and what your goals are for this month.

Hi! I am Magdalene. I am from Germany and have been taking part in these WISH Away the Pounds threads since the beginning of the year. I am not good at losing weight quickly, but I can see a positive result from January to now (a little over 13 pounds). The best part is that I am finally back in what is considered a healthy BMI range.

I have two big goals for this month: The first obviously is weight loss. I have set a crazy goal of losing 4.6 pounds. The reason for that strange number is that this will take my weight below the next 10kg step. Which is a huge deal for me as it has been a long time since I last saw a 6 as the first digit of my weight in kilograms.

The second goal is to get back into a running routine. I am signed up for a 10k on October 3rd and I need to train for that. The last month was so hot that I did not get out for running a lot, so this month has to be better. I am a rather slow runner and am hoping to increase my speed. I ran the same 10k two years ago and hope to be able to get a better time this year!

 

[SettinSail]

Hi, my name is Shawn, I am married with a 16 year old son. In 2010 I started my weight loss journey to lose 50 lbs before I turned 50 in 2011. I didn't quite reach my goal but I did lose 32 lbs in about 18 months, in large part due to the support of my WISH friends. Since Dec 2011, I started gaining until I have now gained all the weight back So frustrating! I have a wedding to attend Sept 14th so I have a goal to lose 10 lbs this month. Very ambitious but I am ready for a kickstart!

 

[Lindaland]

Replying to Rose's QOTD made me think that I would like to ask one as well, so here is my

Question of the Day:

Since we have so many new (or returning) participants I thought it would be nice to read some introductions from people. So please tell us something about you and what your goals are for this month.

Hello there, my name is Linda (obviously) and I am single parent of an adult child who is now 22!! So I feel like now its my time to focus just on me! I am returning to the WISH family after a few months off. I started out great earlier this year with fantastic hopes and dreams of success. Then life and emotions got in the way. My weight loss stalled but at least did not go backwards! I had great success with weight loss a few years ago (100lbs!), however it was a very unhealthy way of doing so. It came to an end and then the weight returned, all but 20 lbs over the last 5 years. My life has gone through some big changes over the last 2 years and I am trying to loose the weight in a far more healthy way.

My goal for this month is 8 lbs! However my next Disney trip is only 3 months away and I would love to loos close to 25lbs by then. I have started tracking my food & exercise on MFP with mixed emotions. I still get very anxious with tracking, however it does seem to help so I am making a commitment to do it before my trip!

==================

I have been doing great with my diet & found some old DVD's that I used to love and used quite a bit back in the day. I have been using them and find they are still great for me!! We'll see how it works this month with achieving my goal. Another issue I am dealing with now is menopause!! It is driving me nuts!! My cycle is ridiculous as are my emotions, and for someone who falls into the trap of emotional eating, its causing all sorts of problems with keeping on track. I am hoping that with more consistent exercise and renewed focus on my diet, I will even out with the mood swings! Any advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated!!

Now its off to workout for the day before I head to work for the night! Hope everyone has a great day today!

 

[tanyabanana]

My name is Tanya, 42 with 3 kids: 21,19, and 17. I live in Colorado and have my entire life. I've been starting to lose weight and am down 24 pounds from my highest. I would love to lose about 50 more by Sept. 2014 as I am hoping to book a Disney Cruise to Alaska. Yea! We're also hoping to go to WDW next Feb
I am using Fitness Pal, which I really like . My user name there is Taro1971 if anyone wants to friend me please do! Ive learned that many days I was not eating enough. When I eat close to my calorie allotment for the day I lose!
I recently started hiking, which is hard for me, but I'm enjoying getting stronger every day. I'm also doing free weights at home and walking on a treadmill. I'm signing up for a 5K in December, my goal is to get under 45 minutes and not be injured. Last 5k took me almost 70 minutes and it was painful.

 

[JennStars9]

Hi! My name is Jennifer. I am 37 and I have two kids. For years, I have complained about my weight and blamed the weight gain on my pregnancies. Well, it occurs to me that my children are 7 and 4. They can't be my excuse anymore. My husband and I started on our weight loss journey in February. We are using My Fitness Pal and tracking calories. I have recently started trying to incorporate exercise into my regular routine. I have lost 30 pound since we started and I'd like to lose at least 60 more. I am very glad that I found some WISH friends to help keep me on track and inspire me.