Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[Cindylou]

Welcome NCRunner. How frustrating for you to be gaining weight. I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it regardless. If I had to guess I would say you are eating too much or too little. Are you counting calories and making sure you are getting enough to support your activity? I follow Weight Watchers so it makes it easy for adding in extra food when you are working out a lot. Hopefully if you persisit your body will realize you are serious about this and give up the weight. Good luck and stick with it. Your overall health will increase with the running even if you don't lose any weight.

Cindy

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Ladies!

I did review the previous posts (quickly) so excuse me if I miss something!

Cindy: Yes.....my eating has been cleaned up for the month of August. It's been a struggle for the last 2 months! I am coming to grips with the hunger factor right now. I need to stop eating every 20 minutes!!! My cold lasted forever....and still have a little cough. I am happy for your 2 pounds though! Great job!

Maria: You are back at it I see! Great job! I am right there with you, now I still have to build up the miles like you have been maintaining!

Jackie: How goes it? Things any better?

AFM: I took a week off of running. I have to say that each day that went by, got easier and easier NOT running! I felt I needed it though. I was just totally beat up. Between the marathon training (which I will NEVER do again!) and then being sick for a month, put a crimp into the exercise desire. So, I sucked it up and didn't run for a week.

Started back up on Monday, with alot of walking for breathing purposes. I still have congestion and a cough, so I am making myself ok with the fact I need to walk some. I am not pushing it this week. I need to build myself up again, and I am doing it slowly. I have a 1/2 on Labor day weekend, but I don't care. If I have to walk it, so be it. I need to be smart here. It's not worth the getting sick again. I really think that is why I got the cold.....I never recovered from the bronchitis, and kept pushing myself to get something done. I don't want another cold on top of everything!

Eating has cleaned up alot! I feel better about that! Now I have to lose the weight (again!). But, I am at the same mentality with that. Slowly is the plan.

Hope everyone else is having a great August!!!!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi leanies!

Beth - Sorry to hear about your stubborn cold! Mine is slowly going away but not as quickly as I would like. I talked to a couple of friends who had colds this summer and they said they had theirs for about 2.5-3 weeks. We can't be sick for that long - we're in training!! Good idea for walking. I think maybe I'll get out and walk at the very least since I haven't been running at all. WTG on the cleaning eating too!

Cindy - Thanks for the recipe and the "Go away"! I'll give it a try this weekend. Seems like it will make a nice quantity for weekday lunches!

Rhonda - It could be the portion sizes you're eating or even the times of day that you're eating as well. I've read not to eat a few hours before you go to bed. Are you getting enough protein and fibre in your diet? Those help to keep you full... Make sure you're drinking enough water as that helps with the process as well. I would also recommend keeping a food journal for a while. Write down the foods you're eating as well as the quantities and times of day. This will give you a better idea of where you are coming from. Finally, if you're losing inches and your clothes are loosening, you could just be gaining muscle.

AFM - I'm going to take it easy this week. No running and lots of rest to make sure I get rid of this cold once and for all! I'll miss out on the running group tonight but I found out that the store will be hosting a marathon clinic for Disney bound January runners so I'm really excited about that. It costs $70 but I figure since I'm going solo it will be a good way to meet some other people there. The clinic starts in September and is on Tuesday nights so I'll probably have to rearrange some of my other appointments to make it fit but I'm looking forward to it!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[deekaypee]

Well, I apparently decided to take all of the summer off any social time whatsoever. Too much traveling, too much work. And though I should be catching up on work and my next big project – anyone have any blog design skills they want to contract out? – I'm deciding to play hooky.

Beth and Vicky: Sorry to hear about your summer cold, too. They're the worst, especially when you can't tell if you're sweating because you have a fever or sweating because it's hot & sticky.

Vicky: That marathon clinic sounds like $ well invested, both for motivation and the social scene. The solo things sounds delightful for marathon weekend, insomuch that there's no guilt for the event being all about you! And there are plenty of social opportunities I mean to take advantage of this time round. Oh, I'm sorry to hear you lost your trainer. That bites, but you really didn't do badly with the pity party. Maybe you could treat yourself to the Princess in his honor, for helping you so much?

Beth: You sound like you really got hit hard with everything and are slowly recovering. Yay for the clean eating – I'm trying to make my way back there. This last trip killed me. It was at a B&B, for DOOD's work, but also involved a family trip with the ILs. 'Nuff said.

I'm sorry to hear you're saying never again with the marathon. Right now, though, I totally get it. It's so easy just to put 3 in and be done that I'm struggling to get back where I was. If I know you, though, the itch for some distances will quickly come back.

Rhonda: Welcome! I've been MIA here recently – LTO/WTO – but I count these WISHers as friends and lifelines. Now if I would just get a chance to appear on Millionaire... I know what you mean about running and gaining weight. It's a real balancing act. Cindy's a wise woman in her words.

Cindy: First, great recipe, easily adaptable. I love lentils. And I really admire you for doing all the weighing and measuring and counting. I find it incredibly difficult for some reason. Kudos to you! Especially as you're making plans to keep up on things with vacation, an incredibly difficult thing to do IMO. Can you believe I'd never heard of Herbalife? So I can't say anything about that, but drinking lots of lots of water seems to be a good idea.

Maria: Have a great trip to Universal Studios! I can't wait to hear all the details, not just about the attractions but about the good choices you'll make each and every day. You're on top of everything! Your August sounds absolutely spectacular, and you're right – the word is restraint. And commitment. And strength. You've got them all, as your numbers attest!

Jackie: I'm sorry to hear you've got to get a MRI. On the up side, you should get some answers and then be able to move forward. And you're another person who's off to a roaring start with August. Woo hoo!
I do hope you hire someone soon, someone with a steep learning curve so your workload lightens considerably.

Tandy: I think you've been doing an excellent job getting all those miles in (and calories expended), especially as you try to squeeze in the last days of summer holiday. I do think your school starts way too soon, but it will be easier to keep to healthier eating habits after the 13th. (Or the Monday afterwards.)

AFM: We went to Stratford to see some Shakespeare plays for an article DOOD is writing. Then ILs came along to make it a work vacation plus mini family reunion. Talk about your oblication. As usual, in such situations, I also take notes, do research, etc., with DOOD's projects. 15 single-spaced pages – on top of my own shoddily done work. I gotta quit doing that.

And the B&B really was a no-go for no sugar. Though I avoided what I could stress and sugar are good bedmates for me. And I guess I was feeling stressed, what with the work, travel, and ILs. So I'm at ground zero. Heaven help me.

But things should settle down now, at least for a while. It's my last trip for almost two months. Which means I can post here and get back on track with running (haven't run more than 3 miles in weeks) and eating (haven't lost a pound). Not to mention life in general.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Cindy - Good luck tracking everything while on vacation. That's always a tough one! The lentil soup sounds wonderful. Will definitely file that one away. No one in the family cares much for soups, but I love to make them and eat them for lunch at work.

Maria - It's amazing how much easier it is for DD to get into our pockets, now that there are modern conveniences like online banking. About once a month I get a text that says "Can you transfer...?" I wish I'd never gotten a joint account with her so I didn't have access to hers!

Vicky - I totally agree with you about Whole Foods. They have so many good, really bad foods! DH loves their cookies, and I have to stay away from the dessert case in general. Your new running group sounds fabulous. I think it will be well worth rearranging your schedule to make it work.

Rhonda - I had the same idea as Vicky, that you may just be gaining muscle. That seems to come first, then the weight loss begins a little later on. But be sure to hang around. We have a great time here!

Beth - Take it easy! I think you have just the right strategy in mind. No need to push yourself too hard right now. You've had great half marathons already this year, so if you walk this one and enjoy it, hooray! Healthy is much more important.

Debra - Hope you can hang around! We missed you. Work has really been crazy this summer, especially since you thought it was going to be quiet... I'm a big fan of the 3 mile strategy, especially right now!

5 days till the MRI, and hopefully some answers. On the even more positive front, I went to the track last night with DH and my running buddy and walked 3 miles. And felt GREAT this morning. I was almost able to forget that I was even injured today at work, and that's the first time I've been able to say that since this all began. So maybe, just maybe, we're headed in the right direction even before I know what's wrong.

I'm trying to stick to Beth's 5 Healthy Habits, without stressing too much about getting them exactly. So far I'm doing pretty well this week.

Jackie

 

[jeanneg]

Oh man, what a bummer. I just spent nearly an hour typing a super long post and it vanished into cyberspace! I am whipped. In a nutshell, I am fine, but busy. Wedding #2 is this weekend. I am off to the airport in a few minutes to pick-up the first arrivals....no time to retype everything. I love you all and will report back next week....promise!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Leanies!

Way too hot and humid to run this am (at least for me!), but I did get in an hour in office laps, so that has to count for something

Before I get to replies, I'm going to post the question I have on the WISH Board -- maybe some of you have experience?

I am contemplating doing both the WDW Half and Princess, which then had me contemplating an AP. While I don't typically spend that many days in the Parks, if there are room rate discounts, it could be worth it (i.e. I could justify it to dh).

But I understand there are blackout dates for the AP discounts? So, I'm wondering if last year the marathon weekend dates were blacked out for AP discounts, and as a bonus, how about the end of President's Week and the next few days, where they have now placed the Princess?

I asked on the Resorts Board, but didn't get anyone with firsthand experience. I figured the WISHers would know!

My dates for 2011 are Jan. 6-11, and Feb. 25th - Mar. 1st. There are probably other factors I'm not considering, so feel free to educate me. My dh (who refuses to enter the Parks) will be with me for marathon weekend, so a package is not a good deal for us. I would be solo for Princess.

Ok, Vicky just answered me, but I'll keep it in for other experiences!

Jeanne -- I can't believe it's already time for the next wedding! Good thing these won't become annual events, you would be exhausted! I'm sorry we lost your post, but so glad you checked in! Here's hoping the wedding is flawless, and everyone has the time of their lives! I think you are definitely going to be the Leanie with the most MIL experience!

Jackie -- So glad you felt GREAT today! It's about time! And yes, it is so much easier to get funds than it used to be -- I guess that's good? I was 3.5 hours away at college, and didn't get to come home very often other than for breaks. But that was back in the Stone Age...

Debra -- We've missed you, again... Welcome Back! It's a good time to get going (in my case figuratively and literally!), so we are all in "move it" mode! I know it has been a very busy summer, but I also suspect it's been good for you and DOOD to have some time together to reconnect (definitely minus the ILs). I wouldn't say I'm turning into a vegetarian, but I am definitely shunning the red meat. I only eat meat once a day max, and half the time it's salmon or other seafood -- I guess I'm slowly moving your way! I do have entire meatless days now, so I'm getting healthier in my eating all the time! You will have to give us a great review of the All-Stars. If I do Princess, I'm going to have to pick one to stay at, probably. I just realized that the Disney transportation is only offered from specific hotels, and POP isn't a choice. I promised dh this would be a budget trip if I go, so...

Vicky -- I hope you are feeling better, you should definitely rest up! The clinic sounds fabulous, now you have to share all the great tips you get with us! If I had to smell cinnabons every day I think it would be torture!

Beth -- I really think you have the right attitude. Rest and really get well this time. Feel good, and it will be so much easier to do what you want to do

Cindy -- The lentils recipe sounds yummy, and I hope you have a fabulous time at the beach! It's certainly warm enough

Rhonda -- Let me add another I know it is frustrating when you are working so hard and seeing the results you want. It really is a balancing act to find out what works for you with amounts of food and exercise to lose...and sometimes you find it and lose 10 lbs, and then you have to find a new ratio. Hang in there, and keep experimenting!

When I was getting ready this morning, so tired but going to work anyway, and just feeling like I could not need a break more, I started thinking about how pleasant it would be to have a solo trip, and how much I want to do the Princess -- and since dh can't seem to make up his mind about Feb., I may make it up for him! Is anyone else besides Vicky and Rhonda planning to be there? I keep thinking if I do get an AP, it will be easier justifying more trips...especially if I'm getting more room discounts!

Anyway, I'd better get back to that pesky work -- everyone have an awesome day!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Good afternoon wonderful ladies!

I have been MIA due to the canoe trip. I am so tired and in so much pain. The float was supposed to be 3&1/2 hours and took us 7! I also borrowed my son's kayak for part of it and really got a workout. My shoulders hurt for 3 days straight. Plus, I pulled a chest muscle. I was having trouble taking a deep breath until today! But, I'm back and feeling like I may have the energy to run tomorrow. Carsten leaves tomorrow and hubby and I will go out to eat one last time. Then, it's all healthy from here on out! I truly cannot wait! I type this after returning from mexican where I downed a jumbo margarita and had a burrito! Oh well.

I am going to do my best to get to everyone, but if I miss you or one of your earlier posts, I'm sooo sorry!

Maria: It sounds like you are still doing great! I hate it when I have planned to work out and am ready to go and something stupid happens like forgetting my clothes! At least you made the best of it and did something. I have no answers for the AP. Wish I could help. Did you get your son's shoes?

Jeanne: So good to hear from you. Can't wait to hear how the 2nd wedding turns out!

Jackie: I'm so glad to hear you were able to walk! I can't wait to hear your MRI results! I hope there is a definitive answer and plan to heal! Sorry to hear it'll be awhile with the double work load. Total bummer!

Debra: Welcome back!!! So glad to hear you've been traveling, but sorry to hear you're dealing with inlaws. I think it's funny that you're working on DOODs projects too! You are a workhorse! I'm sure it'll feel good to get back to healthy living!

Vicky: Feeling any better? This is another long lasting cold. Between you and Beth, it seems like it's been hanging on for all of July! Thanks again for the belt. I don't care if I have your old bottles! I'm sure they're clean! I avoid whole foods for that very reason. I can junk food myself up pretty good in that place! I'm sorry to hear about your trainer, but glad to hear about your running group! That will be a great way to meet people since you're running solo.

Beth: It sounds like you are being very smart about your health. Nothing is worth making yourself feel worse. Not even a half! Take it easy and some day, when you are healthy, you'll kick butt on your time. For now, you need to take it easy!

Cindy: Thanks for the recipe and have a fantastic vacation! You are amazing for trying to track points while on vaca! Even when I was on WW, I would switch over to calories while away. And, that was even hard.

Ronda: Welcome! So glad to have you join us! There is a lot to what everyone else is saying. Try to keep total track of your caloric intake. Every meal, bite and drink. Then, figure out how much you need to live. I try to subtract about 20% when dieting, but that's not always easy.

AFM: I have not run since Sunday morning. I am so sad about this! But, Carsten leaves tomorrow, and, as soon as we drop him off at the airport, I'm going for a run, followed by a bike ride, followed by something! I have not eaten well yet. I will start on Saturday. I got on the scale this morning and have gained 2 lbs in this 3 week period, which is actually quite amazing! I have no energy at all right now due to a poor diet and exercise program. I can actually feel it. I don't know how people live this way. My husband is still excited about his dieting, quitting smoking plan, so I guess he'll start on Saturday also. I had better get strong quick, because he's going to be tough!

I hope I got caught up on you all. Have a wonderful day.
Tandy

 

[mandac]

Hi!
I have missed you all so much. I know I haven't posted in over a month, but I hope to find time to catch up on what is going on in everyone's lives.

My summer has been awful. I did a race back in June, and shortly after that I came down with a migraine. That isn't too odd for me, but it didn't go away. I had 3 straight weeks of migrain when I finally decided it was time to call the doctor and see what was going on (no-I don't know why I waited so long - other than I hate going to the doctors). They didn't feel too stressed about it, and I didn't get an appointment for another week. so a month after the start of my migraine I made it into the doctor. He looked around and decided that I had a sinus infection that was triggering my migraine. So I took some antibiotics and a week and a half later I finally felt better. That sad thing is that the almost 6 weeks I had the headache totally ate up my entire summer! I couldn't go running, I couldn't do anything (except eat - as the scale happily shows).

I finally was able to get back out and I realized just how bad of shape I am in. I went out on Monday and Wednesday to try and at least move! I did OK, but I am scared about the Disneyland Half, that is in less than a month. I may be taking a ride on the sweeper bus with only 1 month of training.

So - Sorry I have been gone so long, but hopefully I am back for a while!

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies.

It's official. The german is gone! Sad for us, but it's nice to have the house to ourselves again. We almost got to keep him. We were so busy discussing politics (and drinking beer) at the airport lounge, that they had to call his name over the intercom. He ran onboard, and they locked the door behind him.

Manda: What a horrible way to spend your summer! I'm so sorry! I'm just happy to hear that you're feeling better now. We all have to start from scratch every once in awhile. Don't worry. You'll be back in no time!

AFM: On the exercise front, I walked yesterday for the first time in a week. I got 5.5 miles in and it felt great. So, today I got up the nerve to run. I did 4 miles very slow and am happy with that. I also lifted weights, which is huge considering how bad my shoulder still hurts from the canoe trip. I'm going to start icing right away!

My new eating starts today and it couldn't come at a better time. My stomach hurts sooo bad from all the cruddy food I've been eating. Hubby and I discussed it this morning, and we're going to try to eat as close to a clean diet as we can. I can't give up my sugar free flavored creamer, and he can't give up the occasional bag of Baked Lays. Other than that, we'll be eating fresh, whole foods. I am actually pretty happy with my weight right now, even though I did gain those 2 pounds while Carsten was here. What I'm not happy about is the layer of fat I have over my muscles. My upper body is great, but my lower is still a bit jiggly. So, I think the clean eating will help with that.

Hope everyone's having a wonderful weekend!
Tandy

 

[rubato]

Good morning again ladies. I just figured I'd post right away and then, get out there and sweat. It's going to be 99 with a heat index of 114 today. My husband went back to work today after 3 weeks off and is not looking forward to working in this heat. But, he was VERY committed to the new eating plan and had a nice talk with our son this morning. They both got on the scale and got scared. So, I'm off to run with my son and then, he's going to lift weights while I run some more. We're all trying to be productive.

I hope everyone has an amazing day!
Tandy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Good morning leanies! Hope everyone is doing well! I can't believe it's the 2nd week of August already!

Tandy - Is your son looking forward to the start of school this Friday? Your cleaning eating plan sounds like just the thing that will help get rid of those two pounds and put you back on track Glad to hear that DH is on board as well. Lucky for Carsten that he made the flight! It sounds like he got on the plane just in the nick of time!

Manda - I'm glad the doctors figured out it was a sinus infection. Sorry to hear it took them so long to do it though My experience with doctors has been that if you don't make a big enough of a fuss, they just push you to the side and treatments and diagnosis always take longer. Kind of sad. Keep training and you'll do fine in DL. I've done races where I've been recovering from an injury and had minimal time to train. You may not be able to finish in a specific time, but you'll finish

Maria - The marathon clinic starts up on September 7th so I'll definitely share whatever tips and tricks I pick up with everyone! I haven't posted on the Princess thread yet but I'm waiting until a bit later to register. I found those Vitamuffin tops you're always mentioning. The double chocolate ones looked so good but they were $7/box!

Jeanne - How was the wedding? I try to do my posts on Outlook or Word that way it autosaves what I'm writing every few minutes.

Jackie - How did the MRI go? Were they able to find anything? Are you still out and walking your miles?

Beth - How are you feeling these days? My cold is slowly going away. I just get an occasional dry cough. Hope you're up and about

Debra - Glad to see you back! Sorry to hear about the ILs tagging along to Stratford. See I wish I could be more like that and just crash events So now that you're back home - how's the eating and running going? I love my M&Ms - what can I say A friend of mine was telling me about Coconut M&Ms... these are probably just US exclusive item. Have you seen them?

AFM - Met with my new physio last Thursday and he did an assessment. He said there was a bone structure or muscle group that had been very "walked on" on my left foot. He said that was causing the muscles around my ankle to work harder. So he gave me a couple strengthening exercises and a couple of stretches. We did a quick workout after that and it was pretty light. So I figured maybe he wasn't aware that I liked a higher intensity workout so I emailed and asked for something tougher. Well, I went in yesterday and we did a whole bunch of core exercises I'd never done before - like a pushup where you push up and then bring your left hand to your right knee around your core section while balancing on your right hand and left foot. The other one that was tough was a balance ball exercise where I was balanced on the ball, lying on my back with my feet on the wall. You had to slowly lift one foot off the wall, bring it back to the wall and then do the same with the other foot. Anyway, he's pretty nice and kind of cute too

I'm going out again with my running store group tomorrow evening and will probably register for the marathon clinic then. Seems like all these Disney related purchases happen all at once. I haven't decided whether I'm going to keep running with the guy at work. We had a lunch last week and it kind of weired me out. It felt like there were too many questions when really it should have been just a casual Friday lunch.

Anyway, have a great day everyone!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good afternoon, Lovely Leanies!

Vicky -- Oh my goodness! The vitamuffin tops are $3.99 here! I don't think I'd pay $7 -- well, I might if it would keep me from eating bags of candy bars The "pretty nice and kind of cute" physio sounds like a great way to keep you coming back! I'm gald he adjusted your workout to make it more challenging for you. I hope the lunch run guy isn't going all creepy -- if you get a bad vibe, you know what to do!

Tandy -- I know it was fun, but I can tell you are also a bit relieved Carsten is gone. It's nice to have your home for just your family, and especially to get back to eating the way you want to! It sounds like dh and ds are ready to embrace some healthy eating, I hope you have some fantastic recipes that they will really enjoy! DS now has not only shoes, but school supplies. This weekend we're buying a few outfits, so he can start school. Speaking of starting school -- is Harrison excited or resigned? Are you ready for him to go back? I can't believe he starts in just a few days!

Manda -- I am really sorry your summer is going this way -- but you still have a month, and you can do a lot in a month! I think you probably won't PR, but you will still finish and be proud you did. Whatever the outcome, we will all be proud of you, and here for you I am so happy to see you posting! I was really afraid we'd lost you for awhile -- really glad you're back!

Jeanne -- Have you recovered from the wedding yet? I'd still be sleeping if I were you...I hope it was amazing, and I'm sure it was! How does it feel to have a DIL?

Today I did almost an hour of office laps, and an hour of yoga. We hadn't had class in a month, so it was good to get things started stretching out again. I didn't realize how totally tight I was. Hopefully that will translate into a great night's sleep and a run tomorrow.

I have an appt. after work with an opthamologist. Hopefully I'll be able to get new contacts that will let my eyes breathe. And even better, it sounds like I might be able to use our insurance for a year's supply...but not counting those chickens, yet.

I watched the first 4 episodes of "Glee" last night. I think I'm the only one who hadn't seen it yet -- and I love it! I already sent back the Netflix and ordered the next 4 episodes! I hope I can be mostly caught up before it comes back, but if not I'll just jump into the new season!

Sending Happy Hellos to Debra, Beth, Rhonda, Jackie, and the Cindy!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Good evening ladies!

Maria: You are back and going strong girl! Great job! I am glad to hear you're getting your new contacts now. I'm sure you don't want to go through that mess again! I haven't seen Glee yet either, so you weren't alone. I never see anything, though. Yes, Harrison is excited. We go tomorrow night to find out which teacher he got and drop off the school supplies. That just makes it so real. I'm allowing him to buy lunch his first day, even though I cringe when I think about how bad it is for him (without my guidance, he won't put a veggie on the tray).

Vicky: Ooh, cute new guy! I haven't tried either of those exercises yet, but they sound awesome. My walking friend, who is very competitive, decided that we should have a plank holding contest. Of course, I won! But, then, she moved it to a hover contest. She can hold those forever! Scary!
I agree with Maria. I hope the running guy isn't getting creepy!

AFM: Day 2 of eating clean. I almost broke today, but, thank goodness, there is no junk food in my house. I stared at my cupboard for a full 10 minutes, but, unless I bake, I'm stuck! Very smart of me, huh? My son lost 2.5 pounds in 1 day, so he's feeling motivated. Of course, I warned him that it's probably just temporary, and he should be thrilled to make that weight in a week.

I went to zumba last night after 3 weeks off. My instructor created a new arm routine just for me. It kicked my butt (well, actually my shoulders), but was fantastic. When she told everyone that, I got lots of glares! I can't help it that I like a challenge more than the rest of them! Harrison and I walked today and I still haven't gotten my run in. I think I'm waiting for it to cool down. Official temp of 101 with index of 115! I'm trying to stay outside as much as I can for my runs, but I'm losing interest.

I hope everyone is doing great.
Tandy

 

[deekaypee]

Hello, Leanies! I didn't mean to be away so long this time around. This weekend (Friday, officially) was DOOD & my anniversary. The secret wedding one, not our relationship one. 3 years. Wow. Didn't think we'd make it.

So we extended it out over the weekend, not doing a lot of big things but little ones. I can highly recommend The Girl Who Played With Fire (movie, sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) if you like the book. And Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum, although you need to travel here to see it.

Jackie: You rock for continuing to put time on your feet, even not knowing what's going on with that rocking body of yours. I bow to your strength. I do hope the MRI points you in the way of a permanent solution.

Jeanne: Just imagine how relaxing your life is going to look now that Wedding #2 is done with. Details, details! And pictures, too.

Maria: I'm late to your AP questions, but the races generally fall at great times for discounts. For the Wine & Dine, for instance, I'm getting a $55/night at the AS. That's really low, but I've generally gotten good prices with an AP in Jan. and March.

And going veggie...slow and slippery slope! Welcome to the club. We're very elite you know.

I can hear how happy you are with getting back to yoga. You've really missed it, haven't you (body and soul)! And hopefully your appointment with the opthamalogist went swimmingly, and your eyes are refreshingly cool with all that breathing. Yes, that only makes sense in my mind.

Tandy: Yeah, working on DOOD's projects. I'm so happy about that. I feel like the loving partner for a 19th literary genius, all the grunt work and none of the credit. But that's the gig, and DOOD will return the favor for me in Oct. I'm making him take notes on Magical Express when he comes down to WDW for part of my work weekend. Me? I'm renting a car.

Isn't it amazing how NOT working just wears a person right out? (Ditto to what Maria said about Carsten.) If you'd said this to me, oh, ten years ago I would have laughed. I miss it when I can't squeeze complete workouts in. And the tummy aches, too. I've had that happen a couple of times the longer I eat healthily. For a long, long time I trained my body to ignore bad food. And now it reminds me that I should listen to it. Your posts are terrific reminders what we should do and why! Clean diets here we come!

Oh, and big congratulations for running outside in that heat index. Impressive. My body tells me no (or at least that's what I tell myself.) And for setting the example for the Zumba class. I'd hate you too.

Manda: Three straight weeks of a migraine? I can't even begin to imagine it. I'm glad you got it figured out, but can only imagine how stressed you continue to be. If it helps, imagine this: The first part of the DL course goes through the parks. You'll have a great time. And everything on top of that is gravy. You'll meet WISHers, who embrace the DNF, etc. motto, and they'll have your back. Tons of spectators. And, of course, you'll be in Disney!

Vicky: Wow, your physio sounds like he knows what he's doing. And if I know you, you love a new exercise or two to keep you busy. After all, you asked for more intensity...And there's nothing wrong with Disney-related purchases, at all. At least not to my mind...

So, more about this lunch/run guy. Initial conversations can be weird so it might not be anything. Or it might be something. Just let US decide. Oh, and creepy makes for good stories.

You know, I think they might still make coconut M&Ms. I had them once and thought they were strange. If I can find them, I'm shipping you a pack or two.

Hi to Beth, Rhonda, Cindy, etc.!

AFM: Running. I still haven't been doing much. Did it in Stratford, of course, as a coping strategy if for no other reasons. Geez, it was hot even there.

Vicky raised the point, so.... At Stratford, the ILs were, well, the ILs. My FIL dominated the Bed & Breakast conversation every morning by talking about this book he was reading. Which no one else had read. Or as I like to say, "When ________ reads a book, we all do. Whether we want to or not." My MIL got drunk on wine, and began to grill me on my new job(s). I'd pretend she cared, but her real questions had to do with how much money I made or whether I was still a drain on her son's bank accounts. Plus, she immediately moved into how DOOD was doing professionally, and started asking me details. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but it's a bit tiresome to live with a man who walks on water in the eyes of his mother.

But away from Stratford and the drama, things are getting back to normal. I've been getting clean-er (ish?) every day, and weaning myself away from the fat. I'd had some ankle problems when I got back – not sure why – so got my first run in yesterday in almost a week. My mileage is frighteningly low right now, and I'm feeling strange. I think my internal Disney race calender is kicking in. Training should start soon, right?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi leanies! Wednesday so we're half way to the weekend!

Debra - Happy anniversary to you and DOOD! Wow! That's an awesome rate for the W&D weekend and sadly no I won't be going It would have worked out nicely since it's around my birthday but if I'm going in January and to the Princess 1/2 - I won't be able to afford all the airfare. I'm liking the new physio so far. I hope he keeps the deadlifting in my group of exercises but that's up to him. Use some sports tape on your ankle when you run - I use a single piece that goes from the inside of my ankle, across the bottom of my foot and up to the outside of the ankle. And MIL ... How did you make it through the weekend in one piece?

Tandy - Glad to hear that you made it through your run and you're feeling better now. I've been out at noon a couple of times in the blazing hot sun and it's not pretty. Congrats to DS on his loss and to you for having a junk free house! You can't eat what's not there and I hear you on the baking because when you want the sugar, you want it immediately, not waiting for something to bake in the oven.

Maria - How did the appointment with the opthamologist go? Were you fitted with new contacts? Were they able to give you any new suggestions? And nope - I've never seen an episode of Glee either. I keep meaning to so maybe I'll grab the DVDs when they come out and watch 'em once it starts getting cold out.

AFM - I had to head out to the east end of the city yesterday after work. I decided to grab a taxi cab since it was hot and humid and the streetcars in Toronto are notoriously slow and hot (no a/c). The driver had to detour around a street that was closed for construction and the one that he ended up on was packed with cars. So he turned onto a residential street to avoid the traffic but was pulled over for an illegal left. It seems he missed the sign where it said no lefts 4-7PM. I think the cops had set up camp there because there were about 5 other drivers pulled over for the same thing. The driver was lucky though, the cop gave him an $18.75 ticket with no points instead of the $110 ticket with 2 points. I made it to my appointment just in time but I seem to have no luck with commuting in the city

So since Debra asked about the running guy ... We went out for lunch on Friday and I'm thinking it was a simple friendly Friday lunch. I swear it was like the Spanish inquisition. As we were walking to the restaurant, he decides to debate me on what a costume designer is and according to his definition, I don't qualify because I didn't handmake or sew the clothes for my movie Strike one.

Then he decides to repeatedly ask me for my age even though I told him I wouldn't give it to him. He's already Googled some of the races I was in so he's got the range but he insisted on knowing whether I was at the high end or the low end. I told him that I wasn't comfortable giving my age since I didn't feel I had accomplished what I feel I should have at this point in my life. Call me old fashioned, but there are just some things a guy (or girl for that matter) shouldn't be asking. He says since I didn't give him an answer, I must be at the higher end. Strike two.

Then we were talking about my physio leaving after lunch and he asks me what kind of injuries I have - so tell him the usual - knees, back, ITB, hips and ankles. So I forgot that I was talking to a guy and said the worst part was that I sometimes have trouble walking down stairs or in heels. His response was "Where do you need to wear heels? Are you picking up guys in the club?" WHAT?! I replied that I just wear them to dinner, on the weekend - you know to look good. So he says "So you're picking up guys?" I think at this point we're on strike six but who's counting.... I just finished off the conversation by saying "Actually, I'm not even looking." And then there were the comments about my black nail polish being "weird" and my liking Starbucks not even in relation to another brand of coffee being better but McDonald's giving free refills. Ugh! I work on a floor with executives and really can't be seen carrying an empty McDonald's coffee cup back down in the afternoon for refills.

I also think he was a little PO'ed that I didn't call him on the weekend (he gave me his number, I didn't ask) or accept his FB friend request. I just didn't feel like sharing WISH or some of the other stuff with him.

Somebody else suggested there was a generation gap, I think he's about 10 years older. Or maybe he's been off the dating scene for too long... But I'm more inclined to think a lack of people skills. I can tell you that I certainly wouldn't be that pushy with someone else going out for a casual lunch. Maybe he thought it was something more - if so, no one discussed it with me So tell me if I'm being too sensitive... And I'm being totally honest when I say, I just wanted someone to run with.

Hope that gave someone a good laugh! Welcome to my crazy 2010 I've got my running group tonight and then training tomorrow. Have a great day ladies!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hola Leanistas!

Vicky -- I do indeed have new contacts! I'm wearing acuvue oasis now, and I can already feel the difference. My eyes just don't feel sore or tired. The opthamologist suggested I wash my eyelids twice a week with baby shampoo to keep the bacteria down. That seems like a pretty easy answer to me! I haven't dated in almost 2 decades, but that would have creeped me out, too...Enjoy your running group tonight!

Debra -- Congratulations on the secret anniversary! I love that...I wonder how MIL would feel if she knew you were her son's closest living relative? Bwhaha! I'm sorry the ILs were their usual selves. Why do they have to come with the dhs?! I really think mine was left on their doorstop because they really can't share the same gene pool! Actually in my case, dh was raised by my awesome MIL, it's the FIL I don't get. Honestly, I'm not sure what she saw in him...but in the end I'm glad she saw it!

Tandy -- I'm glad ds is off to such a stellar start, that should motivate him to keep going. I think it's especially hard for kids, every time they turn on the tv there is junk to tempt them. I am psyched you have your own Zumba arm routine, that is amazing!

I got in 85 minutes of office laps today, probably a new record The TM repair guy is coming tomorrow -- it's leaking something? So hopefully after work I will convince myself to do a few miles to celebrate the repaired status.

I'll be in extra early again tomorrow (dh is staying home for the TM repairperson, so he's bringing me early), so hopefully I'll set a new record for office laps!

Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Vicky: THANKS for the suggestion about the tape. I'm gonna give it a shot. We have plenty of it from various goody bags. I definitely want to nip this in the bud.

Okay, creepy guy is really creepy. I blame reality TV.

Apparently he thinks you're auditioning for the role of GF, and he's got plenty of issues about not being your type. So...of course, he puts you on the defensive in hopes of destroying her self-esteem & then becoming more desirable to her. What's it called? A neg, that's it. So, he pretends interest in your work as a costume designer, then undercuts it. He thinks you're attractive enough to go clubbing and picks up guys, but there's an undercurrent of judgment. Yada yada.

And it's hilarious because not only weren't you "that into him," you weren't into him at all.

Onto better things. How's the new physio & the routines? Still a happy match? I'm *really* interested in hearing how your running group is going. I think I might envy you on that.

Maria: Washing your eyes with baby shampoo? I never would have thought of that and wonder if they'll feel silky smooth after you do! I'm so glad your eyes feel better.

85 laps. Whew. That tuckers me out. How do you keep from going stir crazy. Scratch that. How do you keep track of all the laps? I'm crossing my fingers that your TM repair is easy and inexpensive.

Hello to Jeanne! Wedding stories, please!

Hello to Beth, Jackie, Manda, Tandy, Cindy, etc! See, I *am* back!

AFM: Ugh, it's hot out here. We're humid, too. I've been going to the gym, even to run what little I've been running because of it. It's not the heat, per se, but the heaviness in the air makes it hard for me to breath.

But that's not the story I want to tell. Here's the story. Today, in all my wisdom, I decided to get out of our apt. to work. I got caught in a brief but substantial downpour. In a white t-shirt. And the sad thing was that rather than go back home, I decided I'd rather stay, shivering, at my coffee shop than face the muggy air in my apt. (We only have window units.) Yeah, I'm a class act.

Oh, in a health-related front, but not related to eating – that's a bit of a train wreck – I've very happy that I've been able to get a consistent night's sleep these days. No erratic scheduling. I can't tell you how much erratic hours and lack of sleep affects my energy level and nibbles. I just wish I wasn't a 9-hour a night kind of gal.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Evening, Lean Ones!

I've actually been pretty on track today -- my eating was good, and I got in just over 2 hours of office laps! Actually, Debra, that how I keep track, I count minutes of brisk walking rather than laps. We have a small office, and I would go crazy trying to count them. I can usually do 3-4 laps per minute, so that would be way too much work! I was feeling good about this weekend's weigh in, and then TOM arrived...so I guess we'll see. I'm feeling pretty good, so hopefully it won't be too big a gain.

DH stayed home this am for the TM repair person, and my baby is now ready to go! It's actually a bit cooler today, so hopefully tomorrow morning I will be able to get up and do something. I agreed to leave work later than usual tomorrow, so an afternoon workout isn't possible. And, dh just found out there's a reunion of sorts of his buddies tomorrow night, so ds and I will be on our own. Which is fine, we have Warehouse 13 and Eureka to watch. I'm so glad I've grown a little sci fi fan!

Ok, anyone else see the new cover of TV Guide with the Hawaii 5-O cast and go "Squeee!" I totally did, I will admit it. I could not love Alex O'Loughlin more , and put him with Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park -- if this doesn't hit it will be criminal.

Debra -- Consistent sleep makes an enormous impact in almost every area of our lives! Of course you are doing better with it, and I am so happy you are getting it! If all is going well, I'll get 7 hours during the week. I'm happier with 8, but it's the only way I can make the early am workouts happen. I do understand just wanting to get out of your house for awhile. The work you are doing is not giving you "people seeing" opportunities, and we all need that. I don't mean just the interaction -- but actually being able to watch other humans does do something for us. Man is a social animal, and you need to be able to watch him in social settings!

It's time for the Maya Underground on History International. This is my "fall asleep" show, so I don't want to be late!

Everyone have a great night!

Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hello leanies!

Maria - WTG on the office laps! I did a few of those today - a couple of laps around the entire floor. So the baby shampoo means you'll have beautiful lashes! Where does the bacteria come from? Or are you more sensitive to bacteria because of your contacts? I didn't know about Hawaii 5-0 but checked out the cover and it looks cool! I'll probably end up recording it though because 10PM is late (never thought I'd say that). I can't remember where I saw it but I read that Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emmerson were looking on a project to work on together! I totally think they should do a take off show from Lost where they were both teachers! Ooooh or Josh Holloway and Ken Leung as cop buddies!

Debra - I like your reality TV show take on the whole thing! You made me laugh! The running group is going well - I got there late yesterday so I ended up being adopted by the 5K (goal) group. They were going out for a 4K run which was fine with me. They were too cute for words - they were all so proud they had made it up to 7/1 run/walk intervals and wanted to know if I could keep up I think they took me being "new" to being new to running. I didn't have the heart to tell them I was training for a 30K. But I went out with them anyway and ended up doubling back for them a couple of times. I helped to pace some of their "faster" runners and got some speedy comments at the end I'll probably end up going out with them again next week because I'm in taper mode for the 30K (which I seem to have just realized is next week )

And WTG on getting more and consistent sleep. That is something I was never able to do. I'm just not a 9-5 person

Maria/Debra - Thanks for confirming what I was thinking! I'm always willing to accept when I'm wrong so I wasn't necessarily looking for anyone to agree with me but it's nice to know that I wasn't being overly paranoid or anything like that. I think I'm going to get a dog after all of this...

AFM - The eating has been going poorly. TOM has arrived and I have been eating everything under the sun and then some. Yesterday I had a craving for something salty and the store in our office building was out of pretzels so I bought Doritos. They were good ... but so bad. I got home today and found my mom had bought 2 loaves of raisin bread and I had to avoid those - did you know one slice is 130 cal! I love raisin bread toast with lots of butter. For dessert this evening, I had eight organic strawberries and some Greek yogurt. It was sweet and loaded with protein and kept me full so I didn't feel like eating anything else.

Well, at least I got some training in today. I did a 1/2 hour with a new trainer. Well she's not new but I had never worked out with her before. Her name is Katie - she was the trainer who did a fitness competition earlier this year. It was fun to work out with a female trainer. She did most of the same exercises as my PT plus a couple new ones. She was also really good at watching my form and making sure I did the exercises correctly. She was telling me that she really missed my PT too and she couldn't believe that he was gone as well. On Monday, I think I'm back to working out with Tyler.

Have a great night everyone