WISH Away the Pounds -- Fantastic February Challenge -- Everyone Welcome!

[The Mystery Machine]

No, my back is just a weak core/back combined with a tendency to roll my hips forward all the time. So then when I did core exercises, I always eventually ended up hurting my back. The theory is that the weak core/back muscles are causing my piriformis to have to overwork which is leading to the spasms and chronic back issues. This is happening both when I run and do other strength workouts. I have learned a bunch in physical therapy. It is still not perfect, but it is improving and I am slowly increasing my miles and learning more strength exercises. The best part, she is making sure I have good form, and we don't move on until I have it down. I ran 3 miles yesterday and 4 today, so far so good.

It really will get better, but for my foot it took about 10 weeks until I was back to my old activities, and even then I was still icing for months afterwards. Just be patient and trust the process. Some of the stuff they have you do might not make sense, but it really is a process. Also ask lots of questions if you don't understand what they are asking.

Thanks for the info and happy to hear you are doing better!!!! Pain stinks!

 

[araes2102]

Ok....dinner is mostly digested, Advil is working its way through my system, so I'm gonna pull on my exercise clothes and suck it up! Not even sure yet what I will do....TM, bike, elliptical, walking track? But I'm gonna at least move for 30 minutes! Headache will hopefully diminish as I move.........P

Good job

Evening all! Spent the day in Boston at the aquarium with DD. I told each kid I would give them a day with me during vacation, so this was DD's day. And tomorrow was supposed to be DS's day, but the weather doesn't sound promising (more snow on the way). I tried to rent a Redbox movie so we would have a back-up plan, but there was NOTHING worth $1 ! And Thursday starts 3 days of robotics competition, so my vacation week is full!

Aww, so sweet, you inspire me to have spend some quality time with my kiddos too

Over 40 role model

Well, to be honest I don't know their ages but my 2 role models are DIS'ers.

One is our very own Pjlla. She is awesome, and a great mom who still finds time to take care of herself. Even when her DH had a terrible accident she didn't turn to food to comfort herself, she really was a rock for him.

The other is Dr.Girlfriend, her real name escapes me at the moment (maybe Stephanie?). Her weight loss transformation is truly amazing. Another great mom who took time for herself to get fit and healthy.
I have her before, during and after pics hanging on my fridge.

Good answer! I totally agree about Pamela... wish I knew Dr.Girlfriend and could be inspired by her success!

I am a huge fan of the towel stretch. I think it is one of the best leg stretches for tight calves, achilles and feet.

And if you ever decide to run then we will talk about how you absolutely, positively should not heel strike from the very beginning. Might as well start off the 'right' way. (This does not apply to walking.)

What is the towl stretch? Can I google it? I have had issues with PF in the past and hope to avoid it in the future but my legs do get tight at times... And I would be very interested in hearing about not heel striking too, I hope to start running later this year

Now, trying to avoid the Girl Scout cookies that I bought. They have come in and my sons are not eating them fast enough. They keep calling my name. I have already eaten 6 samoas ... not good. Just made myself some herbal tea to drink instead.

And on a funny note, I have homework tonight. Given to me by one of my students who is 6! She loves the movie Hotel Transylvania and keeps telling me all about it. I told her I haven't seen it. Well today she marches in my room first thing in the morning and gives me the DVD and tells me I have to watch it tonight. Well I know it just came out and asked her if her mom knows she brought the DVD to school and she said ... oh, yes she knows. (I keep wondering what she told her mother ... something like "My teacher asked if she could watch the movie ...." ) Anyway, off to do my homework!

This made me sounds JUST like my 6 yr old! Her teacher and and after school care provider each have stories about her almost everyday! Her teacher said she was going to start keeping a journal of all the things she says and does!

And good luck avoiding the call of the samoas... my FAV!

**********************

Had a pretty good day We had awesome weather and got in 3 workouts! 45 mins on the crosstrainer this am, another 25 mins of strength while my son did his GTS class at the Y this afternoon, and then another 35 mins strength while watching my DVR'd Biggest Loser this evening! Felt great! Did good with my eating too so I am double happy Now here's to a great day tomorrow too (though I doubt I will have time to get to the Y...)

 

[lisah0711]

Minichallenge for the rest of February: Write down 100 things you could do besides eating.

This was inspired by our QOTD and another discussion I have been having about eating when you are hungry. One of my friends challenged us to write down 100 things you can do besides eating. Write your list and share some of your ideas. Then whip that list out next time you are tempted to eat "just because."

How is everyone doing on the minichallenge lists? It takes awhile to come up with a 100 things. Don't make it more complicated than it has to be, the idea is to think of something that might help you avoid eating when perhaps you are eating for a reason besides hunger or at least pause before you eat something that you shouldn't.

1. Figure out the points of what you are thinking about eating.
2. Read a magazine.
3. Look at Pinterest for a new recipe.
4. Load/unload the dishwasher.
5. Take a walk around the block.

I dunno what was up with my scale yesterday, but I don't think it is possibly that I dropped nearly 5 pounds overnight... I don't know what to believe.

It is sticks around today, maybe you had a whoosh! Good luck!

just saying I'm still here!!

Just been a busy few weeks with winter break and back to back to back dentist appts, etc.

BTW, can someone please send a memo to Old Man Winter that he can go on vacation now?!?!?

Shoo, Old Man Winter! Shoo! Shoo!

Anyway quotd 2/26 Tuesday:

Who is your over 40 role model?

My over 40 role model is a real WISHer, too, Wendy. Her user name is on the Disboards escapes me now. I met her for the first time at the TinkerBell in 2012. She had done 30 half marathons in 30 states in 301 days and the TinkerBell Half was her last race of that series. Wendy has a great attitude, too, she is always having the time of her life, dresses up for all the races and even when she is having a bad run she is enjoying herself.

After growing up in CA I'm not fond of la-la land and the whole Hollywood scene -- that is not reality IMHO. Although I do think Jane Fonda looks great for a 75 year old broad.

Hi Wishers, I am back from the podiatrist. I did like the place and the philosophy they have, was made for me. (Let's hope!)

Diagnosis, my tendons are tight as heck. (DUH, knew that already.)

His approach for my treatment is....

1) Wearing "Minimalist Shoes" when I do wear shoes and going barefoot when I can. Makes sense that is for sure. You can google minimalist shoes to see what that is all about. Basically, wearing a minimalist shoe will put my foot into a "passive stretch" which will help cure my issue. Wearing a pair right now. They are Merrell's and were 100 bucks.

2) I am going for some physical therapy on my feet starting tomorrow.

3) Foot massage. He has a guy from Thailand who does foot massage for 60 bucks an hour.

So I am excited to get started on this journey so I can get my life back!!!

So glad that you have someone to help you with that nasty PF now!

Sorry for being so absent! Trying to catch up at work is very tiring.

But great success: I restarted the 30 Day Shred today and survived the exercise. So I am officially healthy again. I restarted with level 1 - will do this for another 2 days and then try my best at level 2 again. I lost exactly 7 days of training, but since I am going back 4 days, this will turn into a "41 day shred and flu"...

QOTD: I love the question, but fail to come up with an answer. I agree that Selma Hayek looks great - and I love it that she does not just look thin. However, she is just such a different type from me that I can't identify with her. I think I draw my role models more from everyday life and often watch other women who are slightly older than me to figure out in which direction I want to move (or not!).

Congratulations on starting the Shred again! And that you can catch up on work quickly.

Well I didn't get to do my workout last night, DF started coming down with my sickness so I had to take over helping DS finish his science project and then take care of poor old sick DF! But I got up and went to the Y today... did 45 minutes on the cross trainer! But then my chest hurt after Well, hopefully I can condition myself back in shape I really felt great after completing a workout... I missed it, and I never thought those words would come out of my mouth Hope everyone is doing well, especially with that winter weather hitting you east coasters! We have nice 65degree weather out here... supposed to be in the 80s by the weekend!

Enjoy that nice weather!

QOTD: This one is easy but no one any of you will know. My yoga instructor just turned 50 and if you met her, you'd swear she's not a day over 35. Small frame, nothing but muscle, strong as an ox, and could easily be mistaken for Elastigirl! She has two kids (17 and 20), and has the personality of an . When you need someone with that positive, upbeat attitude around you, she's it! I am SO lucky to have found her classes and could kick myself for having waited so long!

I'm sure you found her at just the right time of your life.

NSV. Intentionally turning down the Easter candy aisle at the grocery store and then quickly backing out!!

Woo hoo!

Oops! Time to go to the gym. Be back later with the rest of the replies!

 

[PlutoBaby]

Just reading about everybody's ailments is making me start to feel sore too! I haven't had the PF, piriformis, back issues, but believe me, my knees always have me worried. I always believe in finishing strong, but at the end of last year's Wine and Dine, my knee felt so unstable, I thought if I sprinted, I would fall on my face . So I just slowed down and made it across, and that's all that mattered. You get that race bling either way! One tip I have been taking advantage of after the last few longer runs, is a bath as cold as I can stand right after . I know many of you are living in frozen tundras right now, and sitting in cold water isn't high on the list of priorities, but the lack of pain and soreness the next day has been priceless! I don't know if it will help any of you, but you might want to give it a shot.

 

[Rose&Mike]

****UPDATE****
I am scheduled to host WATP in April, and I am going to step down at this time while there is plenty of time to find a replacement. Just wanted to throw it out there early. Thank you so much to everyone who hosts the monthly threads.

 

[araes2102]

****UPDATE****
I am scheduled to host WATP in April, and I am going to step down at this time while there is plenty of time to find a replacement. Just wanted to throw it out there early. Thank you so much to everyone who hosts the monthly threads.

what exactly is required of the host? I might be able to do it...

 

[50sjayne]

what exactly is required of the host? I might be able to do it...

It's mostly just reading the boards and keeping up with responses. You can do quotd's, and it's kind of a good thing to do as it keeps you on track too.

quotd 2/27--Wed.

Was watching Dr. Oz last night and found out you didn't need to stretch before exercise. I had read some research on this but didn't really trust it until Jillian told me so lol. It actually affects your strength. So that will actually save me some time lol.

Getting back:

Name one diet related thing you have found out to not be true.

 

[princessbride6205]

I have returned from the couch!
I was not as successful as I had hoped in exercising and good eating choices in the weeks following my knee surgery. But now it's time to get back on the proverbial horse (or recumbent bike, as it were)! I've been to a few yoga classes and one elliptical workout in the last week or so.

The other big stress has been switching my daughter's school. I was really torn about leaving her school, but she was miserable and I was done with the behavior problems of the other students. We tried an urban school for its diversity and unique program (foreign language), but it just wasn't the right fit for DD. Imagine having your day be in a foreign language, and yet you are still bored from lack of challenge. After much doubt, disappointment, and research, we decided to switch. In MN, we can do "open enrollment" into other public school districts that have room. I can't believe our luck with this one! I almost cried when I got the notification that there was a spot. A lot of pixie dust! The school is stellar both on paper and in the classroom, plus it's only 15 minutes max from our house. Today was her first day!

 

[araes2102]

I have returned from the couch!
I was not as successful as I had hoped in exercising and good eating choices in the weeks following my knee surgery. But now it's time to get back on the proverbial horse (or recumbent bike, as it were)! I've been to a few yoga classes and one elliptical workout in the last week or so.

The other big stress has been switching my daughter's school. I was really torn about leaving her school, but she was miserable and I was done with the behavior problems of the other students. We tried an urban school for its diversity and unique program (foreign language), but it just wasn't the right fit for DD. Imagine having your day be in a foreign language, and yet you are still bored from lack of challenge. After much doubt, disappointment, and research, we decided to switch. In MN, we can do "open enrollment" into other public school districts that have room. I can't believe our luck with this one! I almost cried when I got the notification that there was a spot. A lot of pixie dust! The school is stellar both on paper and in the classroom, plus it's only 15 minutes max from our house. Today was her first day!

Glad you are doing better after surgery! Good to be up moving huh?

I open enrolled my kids in another school rather than our "home school" too. Our home schools were ok, but this one is much better! And it is a k-8 school so they can attend the same school, much easier for us Plus the attendance boundary is literally across the street from our house so not even a long commute. Happy you got into the school you wanted

 

[Rose&Mike]

what exactly is required of the host? I might be able to do it...

The person who hosts for the month is responsible for collecting and updating weights and basically maintaining the thread. The weights are tracked in excel. They can also recruit coaches for each week who are then responsible for the qotd. Basically the host for the month makes sure everything is running smoothly, answers questions, and deals with the book keeping. They post the thread for the month they are hosting and update percentage lost each week.

 

[araes2102]

Oops double post, see below

 

[araes2102]

The person who hosts for the month is responsible for collecting and updating weights and basically maintaining the thread. The weights are tracked in excel. They can also recruit coaches for each week who are then responsible for the qotd. Basically the host for the month makes sure everything is running smoothly, answers questions, and deals with the book keeping. They post the thread for the month they are hosting and update percentage lost each week.

I could do this... Coaching would be difficult because work does not always let me keep up with daily posting but I can track weights and update weekly

******************
My Bodymedia Link armband came today! I am super stoked to start using it! Charging as we speak (um type?) Yay for me!

 

[NightAngelX]

Hi all! Just wanted to pop in to share the strawberries I bought the other day. Aren't they awesome???

Very DIS WISH AND healthy!!

Everyone enjoy a strawberry!!!

 

[50sjayne]

Hi all! Just wanted to pop in to share the strawberries I bought the other day. Aren't they awesome???

Very DIS WISH AND healthy!!

Everyone enjoy a strawberry!!!

Ooh--I'd want to track down one of those boxes.

So weigh in is tomorrow right?

I spent a 1/2 hour in the sauna today hoping to get rid of period bloat but it's never worked before...lol.

 

[lisah0711]

Welcome to the exciting last day of the Fantastic February WATP Challenge!

Congratulations you all made it through the whole challenge!

Please PM your final weigh in number to me today. I will be updating the colors tomorrow morning and after that Pamela will be hosting the March challenge. We have to have a final cutoff to ensure a smooth transition. If you are going to use your final February number as your first weigh in number simply include Pamela in the PM. As always those dates and numbers in the subject line help me -- i.e. "Weigh in 2/28 150"

It's been a pleasure being your hostess this month. Thank you to all of our coaches this month!

 

[Flossbolna]

Good Morning everyone! I hope you all had a great last day of the month weigh in. I did not. I only lost 2.5 pounds over the course of the month. Not happy, but I guess I have to live with it. And at least I am lighter than at the start of the month. I can also really feel it with my clothes that fit much better than they did two months ago. I just hoped to be able to have faster progress.

Had a great workout with my DVD yesterday. Felt so great that I decided to restart level 2 today already as I think I did not lose nearly as much strength as I thought I would. So I need something more challenging. And level 2 is quite challenging!

Looking forward to the new month and a new beginning tomorrow!!

 

[lisah0711]

Just reading about everybody's ailments is making me start to feel sore too! I haven't had the PF, piriformis, back issues, but believe me, my knees always have me worried. I always believe in finishing strong, but at the end of last year's Wine and Dine, my knee felt so unstable, I thought if I sprinted, I would fall on my face . So I just slowed down and made it across, and that's all that mattered. You get that race bling either way! One tip I have been taking advantage of after the last few longer runs, is a bath as cold as I can stand right after . I know many of you are living in frozen tundras right now, and sitting in cold water isn't high on the list of priorities, but the lack of pain and soreness the next day has been priceless! I don't know if it will help any of you, but you might want to give it a shot.

That is a good reminder about the cool water after running, Kim. Jeff Galloway says it doesn't really have to be that cold -- just about 10 degrees lower than your body temperature. Still right now that doesn't sound too good.

It's mostly just reading the boards and keeping up with responses. You can do quotd's, and it's kind of a good thing to do as it keeps you on track too.

This is a good description of what the weekly coaches do. I'm sure Pamela will be looking for coaching volunteers for March.

quotd 2/27--Wed.

Was watching Dr. Oz last night and found out you didn't need to stretch before exercise. I had read some research on this but didn't really trust it until Jillian told me so lol. It actually affects your strength. So that will actually save me some time lol.

Getting back:

Name one diet related thing you have found out to not be true.

Muscle does not weigh more than fat! A pound of muscle and a pound of fat each weigh a pound. Fat has more volume than muscle, as illustrated by this picture that makes us all go "ewwww!"

I have returned from the couch!
I was not as successful as I had hoped in exercising and good eating choices in the weeks following my knee surgery. But now it's time to get back on the proverbial horse (or recumbent bike, as it were)! I've been to a few yoga classes and one elliptical workout in the last week or so.

The other big stress has been switching my daughter's school. I was really torn about leaving her school, but she was miserable and I was done with the behavior problems of the other students. We tried an urban school for its diversity and unique program (foreign language), but it just wasn't the right fit for DD. Imagine having your day be in a foreign language, and yet you are still bored from lack of challenge. After much doubt, disappointment, and research, we decided to switch. In MN, we can do "open enrollment" into other public school districts that have room. I can't believe our luck with this one! I almost cried when I got the notification that there was a spot. A lot of pixie dust! The school is stellar both on paper and in the classroom, plus it's only 15 minutes max from our house. Today was her first day!

Glad that your surgery went well! And hope that your DD loves her new school.

The person who hosts for the month is responsible for collecting and updating weights and basically maintaining the thread. The weights are tracked in excel. They can also recruit coaches for each week who are then responsible for the qotd. Basically the host for the month makes sure everything is running smoothly, answers questions, and deals with the book keeping. They post the thread for the month they are hosting and update percentage lost each week.

I could do this... Coaching would be difficult because work does not always let me keep up with daily posting but I can track weights and update weekly

******************
My Bodymedia Link armband came today! I am super stoked to start using it! Charging as we speak (um type?) Yay for me!

Thanks for volunteering to hostess April! How exciting you get to use your Bodymedia Link today! I'm coming to like my ActiveLink but we sometimes have a stormy relationship.

Hi all! Just wanted to pop in to share the strawberries I bought the other day. Aren't they awesome???

Yum!

Ooh--I'd want to track down one of those boxes.

So weigh in is tomorrow right?

I spent a 1/2 hour in the sauna today hoping to get rid of period bloat but it's never worked before...lol.

Hope it worked!

Good Morning everyone! I hope you all had a great last day of the month weigh in. I did not. I only lost 2.5 pounds over the course of the month. Not happy, but I guess I have to live with it. And at least I am lighter than at the start of the month. I can also really feel it with my clothes that fit much better than they did two months ago. I just hoped to be able to have faster progress.

Had a great workout with my DVD yesterday. Felt so great that I decided to restart level 2 today already as I think I did not lose nearly as much strength as I thought I would. So I need something more challenging. And level 2 is quite challenging!

Looking forward to the new month and a new beginning tomorrow!!

Glad that you are feeling better!

This leaving to go to the gym at 4:30 a.m. is a little tough but it is so, so nice when I hit my activity goal by noon.

Have a great day all!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Good Morning Wishers!!!

Well, last day of the month. I want to extend many thanks to all of you for your stories, help, and encouragement. A special thanks to lisah0711 for hosting this month!!!!!!!!

I made my goal weight. Now can I do it next month? That has me scared because I have not been below this weight in 5 yrs.

I am going to go for it though. However not sure if I should strive for a pound a week?

Hmmmm...what to do. Have to think on it.
________

For those interested in my foot saga, I will recount the details of my physical therapy yesterday.

I got there and then they put my feet in a whirlpool tub, which was heaven. After that he did "cold laser" on my left foot arch with PF. He then did my toes mainly focusing under the ball of my big toe on the right foot. He explained the cold laser REPAIRS damaged tissue. (How I have no idea, must look that up.)

Then he did some "ultrasound thing" on my feet.

He was not sure about the PF diagnosis on the right foot. He thinks it could be something else.

Next week, I am going to get reflexology on my feet first and then PT right after. He is a reflexologist and assures me that he can loosen my tendons with his techniques. He explained that he does the calves + feet. Basically does below the knee.

So that is it so far. So far things feel the same. Oh and bad news is NO exercising that causes me pain in the foot or puts stress on the feet. I am going to have to find some exercises that do that. Swimming, cycling, etc. However I do not belong to a gym so that is a little difficult.

Maybe Pilates?

 

[PlutoBaby]

Good morning everyone! I had login issues with the DIS yesterday so I don't know if the March thread has been started yet. Anyone know? Thanks!

 

[pjlla]

Good morning all! The March challenge is up and ready for us to begin! I'm going to go clean out my PM box (yet another chore for today ) and be ready for the messages to start rolling in!

Off to read and reply!.............P