Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Leanies.

Just wanted to check in quickly. I haven't had time to read all the posts in the last week. Things have quickly gone crazy in my life. I was laid off from my job last Thursday. It wasn't completely unexpected, but still came as a surprise. I was lucky enough to get a decent package so I can take a month or 2 off without having to worry about the money, but still the stress of having to go out and look for a job after 5 1/2 years has me stressing a bit. My former company paid for a job search training session which was incredibly helpful, but it was all day Mon and Tues in Boston which took me 2 hrs to get to with all the traffic. I finally feel like today is the first day I can just sit and think about what has just happened. I plan to go for a nice long run today since I haven't run a step in a week. After that I need to catch up on a lot of stuff I've let slide the past few days being so busy with the seminar. Then I'll be able to catch up with DIS. The first thing I thought was that I have to be sure not to use this as an excuse to eat because I'm stressed. I don't think I've been very good about sticking to that the past few days being so busy, but starting today...

Have a great day everyone. I'll be back here soon.
Cindy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Leanies!

Checking in before I get back to the grind, speaking of which...

Cindy -- Wow, I'm so sorry...I know you have a lot to process right now. There are good jobs out there, and I know you will find the perfect one. I hope you can enjoy taking a little time to focus on you, getting the kids situated in school, and generally just letting yourself go through the change so you can come out on the other side ready for the future!

Vicky -- I love the Wasa light & crisp crackers! Just 1 pt for 2 is hard to beat. I think it's so cool you are working on casting a movie! What an exciting life you lead! So, have you made some fabulous additions to your wardrobe yet? I know you will be stylin' at the WDW races!

Beth -- This is so obvious, but I just thought of a solution to my "just home from work" hunger this morning. I've been having a salad with dinner every night. I'm moving the salad up to when I get home -- I'll eat it and then I will have something in me before I tackle the home from work/dinner chores. I think this will really make a difference! Losing 7 lbs is amazing, you are, as always, my hero! You are making great progress on all the fronts in your goals for Richmond -- I predict a fantastic success! How is dh doing with the weight loss? It's good to make the commitment, it's harder when you see what you really have to do to make it happen...wishing him nothing but the best of luck

Tandy -- I think it is fabulous you are going to go Goofy! I hope you will be at the big DIS meet at Pop, I would love to meet you in person! I'm sure Debra will have some great tips for you on the vegetarianism front. I think I accidentally have days like that, but I'm not sure they really count since I always have a little milk in my tea. I'm not up on the criteria for vegetarian, vegan, etc. Congratulations on your weddng anniverary! We also celebrated 17 years in May, I guess 1993 was a very good year! How was your mini vacation in Colorado? I'll be honest, I wasn't that impressed with Denver itself -- I think the beauty of the state has to be out away from the City -- but it's clearly not between the City and the airport

I did an hour of office laps this morning. I also expect to walk to the subway this afternoon, so I should have 90 minutes under my belt for the day. I have a church meeting tonight, so it's going to be a challenge to get to bed early. I was so looking forward to my term on this committee ending so I could stop going to these meetings -- then Sunday the pastor asked me to chair the committee for the next 3 years. I don't want to say no since this is really an easy ask compared to other things she could request I do. It's generally meeting once every other month, unless we are doing employee reviews or we have to hire a new music minister (which seems to happen at least annually). I think I'm going to tell her I'll commit to a year at a time. If that doesn't work for her, then she can find someone else who is able to make a stronger commitment.

I need to stick to my eating plan for the day. I really think moving that salad will make a difference. I do fine during the day (mostly! as long as I stay out of the candy basket), it's pre-dinner that is my worst downfall.

I am so excited to be able to run tomorrow morning! I am really looking forward to it, even if I'm not sure how I'm going to pull myself out of bed that early. I will find a way, and if I don't I am determined to do it when I get home.

Let's Go Leanies!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies. I hope everyone is doing good.

Vicky: Okay, phew, I'm glad those are half times. For a second, I though maybe you were the fastest Canadian out there! I'm thinking a goal of under 5 hours works for me too, but it'll be really close. Of course, I keep saying this, but I'll see how I'm feeling later in the training. I worked out a calendar yesterday and feel a little more in control with the training.
Why would they not give you credit, that stinks! Keep up the fight!
Good job on your workout. I keep meaning to get to my workout room and do some work, but keep finding other things to do!

Beth: You are doing great. You sound so in control of everything. I'm going to try the cottage cheese idea too. I love cottage cheese, but just eat it plain, usually.

Cindy: I'm so sorry to hear about your job! Thank goodness you'll have a couple of paid months to look for something else. I think a long run is exactly what you need. Regroup, focus and relax. Then, you can plan for your future!

Maria: I haven't gone to Colorado yet. We leave Saturday morning. I agree that Denver is ugly. Actually, downtown is pretty cool, but the rest, yuck! I grew up in Crested Butte and Gunnison which are all the way in the mountains. It is beautiful there! We're going to Rocky Mtn. Ntl. Park as soon as I pick my mom up. That's the only way I go visit her. I am going vegetarian, not vegan. So, I get eggs and dairy. I did vegan for 5 years, and it was HARD!
Yes, I will be at the meet at Pop. Of course, I don't know anything about it, but I'll be there! I'm just now starting to do all the research. That may have solved my problem of where to stay. I decided to just go with a value this time, so why not Pop? I think it would be awesome to meet you and Vicky so I have faces to go with the names! I feel like I know you guys already.

AFM: Frank is almost on board. He told me last night that if we go, we aren't driving because that adds 4 days to our trip. So, he had me work out the price difference for flying. It's only $300 more. I'm thinking that when I get back from Colorado, he'll say yes!

Started training for a full yesterday. Did 6 miles and am doing 8 today. The plan I have made up incorporates back to back runs twice a week, which I think will be good for Goofy. We'll see how hard it gets later! I am SO intimidated by these training numbers. Those of you who have run fulls, how did you find this much time to run? I am going to be really struggling and I don't even have a paying job, just volunteering part time. You guys all have full time jobs and kids and lives, so how do you find 4 hours to run in a single day? I guess I'm just in freak out mode now.

Eating is great still. Although, I promised the boys tacos tonight. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to eat, since I don't want the meat, or pretty much any part of the tacos. I'm sure I'll work something out.

Well, I'm off to run those 8 miles. Have a great day ladies.
Tandy

 

[rubato]

Hi Ladies. I just needed to update my post from earlier.

I'M IN FOR GOOFY!!!!! He said yes!

I am so excited. I am going to get the resort ressies and airline ressies tomorrow, so I've at least got that locked in. Then, I'll worry about the race registrations when I get back from Colorado. Now, I just have to run, a lot!


My run today was awesome. My time is a little off, but when I was done with the 8, I felt like I could run forever. Of course, I wore new tennies and have a huge blister on the side of my foot. Why do I do this to myself? I may have to run barefoot for awhile.

That's all for now.
Tandy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday leanies!

Tandy - Yay! I'm glad you're in for Goofy! Not sure if that $25 GC code for the full will work for Goofy, but you should give it a try. Which resort are you and Frank thinking of? for your foot! Take care of that blister! How did you fare with taco night? I was going to suggest using beans or making fajita veggies in place of the meat but it's too late!

Maria - Did you make a decision on the church committee. In the past, I would have said that three years seems like a long time but these days, it seems like time is flying by! How was your run? No new additions to my wardrobe yet... I'm sort of holding out for a bit until I can go shopping in the US. Hey, we'll have to do another leanie mini-meet at WDW in January now that Tandy is in for Goofy!

Cindy - Sorry to hear about your job. I'm glad that you get to attend a job search session. That should definitely help! My new physio was telling me that he would go and volunteer at races as a way of networking and he was able to land a few interviews that way. But I definitely agree with the advice Maria gave you. How are you doing otherwise?

AFM - The eating has been so-so with my relatives around. It's fun to eat out but it's a killer and not easy to get well when everyone else is eating junk. Yesterday at work we had two restaurants come in and give presentations. At the end we got free lunch - fajitas, jambalaya, tortilla chips and smoked salmon sandwiches. Let's just say I was carb loading for Sunday

Tonight I'm going to go to the Scotiabank Marathon expo with Kim and her DH! I'll try to get pictures! I may have to get my knee taped up if there's a vendor there. Last night my PT was busy training another physio so he was running behind schedule. I asked if he could look at my knee at the end and he ended up showing me how I could do the treatment myself. I told him, now I can open my own clinic!

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[rubato]

Vicky: Have fun at the expo. I hope you can get some relief for that knee. Training for your first full is hard enough, but to do it injured just stinks! I never eat well when I have relatives over. There is not a single person in my family who knows what it means to eat truly healthy. Which might explain why most of them are obese. But, when they're in town, I enjoy it and then, go back to eating normal again. What does GC stand for, by the way? I'm really bad with these acronyms. I could certainly stand to get $25 off, or at least try! I ended up just eating leftovers from the night before. We had some brown rice, butternut squash and other veggies left over. The guys didn't even notice that I wasn't eating their tacos.

AFM: Eating is still going well. Tonight is going to be tough. My hubby got to request any food he wants for a special night, since my son and I will be gone for 5 days starting tomorrow. He asked for Philly Cheesesteaks! That will be hard to resist!

Running is good also. I was scheduled for 3 today and 10 tomorrow, but we're leaving for our road trip at 7 am. So, I ran the 3 at 6am and then, ran the 10 at noon. Had my first ever gel and it sat really well in my stomach, so I think I've found my racing fuel.

I'm off for Colorado tomorrow, so won't be back for awhile. I hope everyone is doing well, and hope to hear from some of you that are missing when I return.
Tandy

 

[Creativebeth]

Good early morning folks!

I have a busy morning, so thought I would post now. It's too early to get up, but get up I must!

Vicky: Great time on your 1/2! I hope your knee feels ok..... I am sorry I could do the waterfront 1/2 this year.....it's one of my favorites!

Maria: How is everything going? Have you kept to your menu planning?

Tandy: Woo Hoo on your plans for the Goofy! Now all you have to do is train!

Cindy: I am sorry to hear about the job situation....this economy is not good right now. Good luck on finding something else!

AFM: I hurt my back a week ago, and it's dragging me down. I carried a very heavy tent for someone last weekend at Alex's double header, and put the voodoo on my back. Funny thing is that the owner of said tent wouldn't carry it because it hurt her back before! Think I will ever learn?

I was running decently before that.....but only got 21 miles in last week, with some of them elliptical miles. The elliptical doesn't hurt my back as much.

Eating could've been better.....

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

I'm checking in here, without reading others' posts closely, just so I do post. The further I fall behind, the more pressure I put on myself. Man, why didn't you folks tell me I'm a Type A person!

Hugs to Cindy for the job situation. It's rough, really rough, even when it's expected.

Congrats to Vicky on your race. Stick to your guns on the casting. Really, it's the LEAST they can do. You know the value of your work.

Welcome back to a "normal" schedule for Maria – I'm glad you went running in Denver.

Tandy, I hope you have a great trip in Colorado and that everyone enjoys the trip. And wow, 17 years. That's a milestone!

Beth, I'm sorry to hear about your back. I empathize and know how it can affect everything.

I know I'm missing people. Sorry, sorry, sorry! I've been MIA in part because I took a temp job. Remember that I wanted to get a DSLR camera? Well, I got it, but took a temp job to pay for it. It was for a friendly acquaintance, and that's now another thing on my "not to do" list.

Anyway, I'm now a proud owner of a Nikon D3100, a sort of halfway step between a P&S and full DSLR camera. It'll allow me to learn as I go, and I still have manual control Yay!

Now for the boo. You know that secret number on the scale that you say you won't cross? That line in the sand? I jumped over it. Wow, it's been a bad year. None of my clothes fit comfortably, and that's quite a wake-up call.

Anyway, I'm headed out for Food & Wine this weekend, covering it, so no weight loss this week. But when I get back, it's back on the scale and the sugar-free saddle again. I'll be in touch over the time in WDW, as I'll be logging in at night, writing, uploading photos. And using my Lean Meaners to keep me honest.

Oh, and in the good news/bad news department. One of my freelance gigs (academic) is cutting back on writers, tightening their budget. Rather than pursue work with them in another division (outside my interest/specialty), I told them I'd be back in contact after the new year.

A self-imposed sabbatical, so to speak (with the help of some serendipity). It kind of worries me, but part of my probably has been too many pots boiling all at once. Hopefully, the focus on fewer things will mean I can concentrate on getting my whole life back in order, not just the professional one. Luckily, DOOD's promotion came with a raise, so that's not an issue. I can't imagine being in Cindy's position. Unlike her, I obviously eat and eat when I'm stressed.

Sorry it's all about me this time.

 

[Creativebeth]

Oh, stress eating.....I know it so well! Debra we would love to be here for you to support whatever you need. We have all been there (and still are there for some of us! ) and are understanding of your situation! I am glad to 'see' you back!

AFM: Well, today was the day I was getting a new tub (with spa jets and everything! ) but of course it can't go as planned! It is a project fraut with diaster (of course). I will not have a shower until the end of the week.....ugh. With 2 smelly boys, that will not work well..... I am still not sure what to do about that. I might be able to sneak them into my gym for a quick shower.....who knows! I hope I LOVE this tub, because it's costing me a fortune and is a big PIA!

I didn't run yesterday or today.....my back was so twingey, I didn't want to start it all back up again. I might attempt something later, but without a shower who knows!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Leanies!

Beth -- You are sure to love your new tub -- spa jets and everything! Your poor back, I hope it gets less twingey all the time.

Debra -- Have a fabulous time at Food & Wine! I know you will! Great to see you posting!

Tandy -- I'm sure you are enjoying your time away with ds and your mom, I hope it is just what you need! So glad you're in for Goofy, it's going to be a great time!

Vicky -- Oh yeah, we will definitely do another mini meet in January with Tandy (anyone else?)! I think being more involved in church will be good for me, maybe if I have less spare time I will eat less Tell us all about it -- how did everything go? Did you run with your knee taped?

Cindy -- Alway have another for you, how are you doing?

I'm going to do some cross posting since I seem to be behind and fighting a virus...

Sunday:

Today was my rest day, so no exercise. We went to church and it seems like I've volunteered to teach Sunday School for the 3rd Quarter (Feb. - Apr.). But this time, it's going to be a real challenge -- I have the Nursery! I actually am looking forward to it. The nursery kids are generally 18 months to 4 (most Mommies don't want to send them down before that point), so there can be a big range in what you can do for a lesson! I haven't been around little ones in quite awhile, so I think this will be fun. Once my dh realizes when you do nursery you miss the entire service, I'm sure I'll have a helper if I need one. My Pastor also asked me to chair a committee for the next 3 years, and I seem to have said yes to that as well. I told her let's take it one year at a time, but I can't imagine I won't do at least 2.

I had a big accident with what used to be a can of Pringles I told my dh he has to stop buying them. For some reason I can stop when I take out one of the 100 cal packs, but when faced with a whole can...then I finally watched the BL from Tuesday. This was really motivating for me. I've packed my healthy lunch and I'm ready for tomorrow, planning to get up and run 4M. By the way, I just found 2 new flavors of Vitatops (well, they're new in my store), Raisin Bran and Apple Crumb. I can't wait to try them! -- adding I tried the apple crumb and it is indeed yummy!

Tonight we're having a light version of chicken/ziti/broccoli, dh already made a Mexican rice side dish to have with seafood tomorrow night. It's a WW recipe, so I'm excited to try it.

Monday:

It was raining for me this morning, too, so I didn't get up early to run. I never wake up when it's raining, I guess my body is still on the clock where you slept in at the cave when it rained... I actually seem to have chills today and I don't feel great. I keep debating going home because I feel a little under the weather, but I really could just tough it out. I have to come in Tues. - Thurs., so it's either rest more today or don't do it until the weekend. I do plan to go to bed as soon as I get home, but that won't be until almost 6 unless I bug out early...

Today:

I ended up going home about 3 pm, rested, and still felt cruddy this morning. We're having a big all staff meeting today and they're feeding us. That probably does not bode well. My boss has to give a presentation, that's the reason I came in today. I definitely plan to stay home and rest tomorrow. I have a big meeting Thursday I can't miss, so tomorrow is my window to be sick

New Fall TV Roundup:

I watched the bleep Shatner Says show, and I was not impressed. When Nicole Sullivan and Will Arnett appeared I swear I thought it was like a SNL scene. That seemed to be their approach, and it wasn't working for me. So far my fave new show is Hawaii Hunkalooza, dh is extremely fond of Boardwalk Empire. I wanted to like Mike and Molly, but it needs some refinement. I liked Undercovers, but it's going to have a hard time finding an audience. I watched Sister Wives, and I'm befuddled. It's like watching a foreign culture and trying to put it in the filters that are normal for your life. It just doesn't fit. The first wife said she has jealousy, but she's trying to work on it because she doesn't want to feel that way. Umm, my first thought was that she should feel that way! I guess I'm a selfish person, no way would I share my husband! Anyway, I'm glad I watched it once, but not sure I'll continue. It's kind of like a Disney movie, basically everyone is so happy (at least for the first episode) -- I just wonder about that. Also, isn't bigamy illegal?

My thoughts on the new BL -- wow, those are some big people...I thought the new format at the beginning was kind of cruel, but that's just me.

I still need to post my short TR from this summer. I'm hoping to have time to do it early next week -- but whenever I get to it, I will at least keep up with the thread! I miss you guys!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Hello ladies. We are back! We had a great time while gone. I didn't run at all and am now 2 days behind on my training, but did hike quite a bit. I'll write more tomorrow when I have time.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Evening, Lean Lovely Ones!

Today I stayed home and slept most of the morning. I got up and took a shower after watching BL, and I feel so much better. Had this odd dream -- saw some relatives who have passed, got this strange premonition of moving to the West Coast (no timetable, could be our retirement move, if it ever even happens!), and woke up feeling like whatever had been making me so sick and tired had been resolved with my subconscious. I know that sounds odd, it's just how I seem to feel. I also feel ready to tackle and succeed in my weight loss, exercise and eating goals. Could be the medicine, though...

Back, Tandy!

Safe Travels to Debra!

to Beth, Cindy, Vicky -- and hey, where's Jackie? Manda?

Tomorrow I'll be up and out of the house at 6:45. This should give me plenty of time to do laps at work. I can't run since we have to leave so early, but I will be able to get some movement in! I also have a boatload of work waiting, but it can wait until the rest of the world show's up.

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Uh, Jackie is teetering near that line that Debra just crossed over. I hadn't been on the scale in a while, so I tiptoed over to it this morning, and whoa! I'm pretty sure the number that is that line in the sand is .2 pounds away. I think what happened when I stopped running when I got injured is I lost muscle, which is why I didn't gain weight. Now that I've started back again, I'm gaining the muscle back, and boy is the weight going up. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself!

Cindy - Sorry to hear about the job, but glad you at least got some sort of package so that you can take a little time. I'm not buying the experts saying the recession is over. I work in the building industry. It's not.

Tandy - My running buddy and I were just talking Tuesday night about the time required to train for fulls. I hate it. And we really only change the long run portion of it. I only did a couple of back to back runs last year; DH and I did a lot more walks with the dogs on Sundays following our Saturday runs!

Beth - Hope the tub is installed soon! How's your back feeling?

Debra - Hope you have a fabulous time at W&D. When you get back, we're going to take the bull by the horns and run back across that line in the sand. I have 4 weeks to get my weight where it's supposed to be so I don't have to carry all that extra stuff for 26.2 miles!

I have lost my mind. One of our Galloway members, who also happens to be a WISH member, sent a request this morning looking for someone to share a ride and room to WDW this weekend for Wine & Dine. Our Galloway team has 2 guaranteed entries into the race, and she's going to use one of them, and the other is up for grabs. (Do you see where I'm going with this?) DD broke up with her boyfriend last night and is miserable, so I'm toying with the idea of a VERY spontaneous, and very quick trip. I emailed her back and asked her what her travel plans are, and depending on how long she's staying, I may spring it on DD that we're going to Disney for the weekend. I know I shouldn't be racing while injured and trying to get ready for MCM, but if I take it easy... Maybe she won't answer me and I won't have to make the decision, but right now I'm going crazy trying to decide if I should do something this outrageous!

Jackie

 

[deekaypee]

Got in safely to ASMu last night, and am waiting for my camera battery to charge before headed to MK. Went for a quick run around the grounds today – and I thought it was unseasonably hot and humid in PA!

Jackie: Wow. That would be a story to tell, this spur-of-the-moment W & D trip. It'd be great to have the experience like that, I think, if you were careful and kept your eye on MCM. Regardless of what you and DD decide, hugs to her. It's tough, that first big break-up. (Isn't he her high school BF, the one where she is really close to the family, too?)

Maria: Strange dreams. That always happens to me when I eat strangely, just like a Dickens' character. Of course, I do that a lot. I hope you're feeling better. I haven't caught most of the news shows. As luck would have it, I have seen both epis of "Lone Star," which of course has been canceled – the first casualty. "Sister Wives"....I must see it, if for no other reason to compare it to "Big Love." Take my DH, please!

Beth: A new tub. Woo hoo! I hope you get it before you have to fumigate the house, though. Those back injuries can be a real delicate thing to balance with exercise, so I hope you take it easy. Especially given the bathing issue.

Tandy: Glad you're back. I think hiking is an excellent substitute for running for a couple of days!

Vicky: Stories with the half? And I'm up for a mini or maxi meet in January with Tandy, Maria, etc.

Okay, getting ready to head out the door now. I like to tour early, then come back after lunch for a nap, reading by the pool, then back to parks before coming home to a few hours of work. (Don't hate me. )

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies! I hope everyone is doing well.

Debra: Hate is too strong a word. Envy is more like it!
Glad to hear you're putting that new camera to use!
That line can be crossed both ways, so don't worry. You'll be seeing it again when you get back, and then, hopefully, no more!

Jackie: I'm sorry for your daughter. I know I would want to recover from a breakup at Disneyworld! I think you can fit that race in, as long as you are using it for a training run for the marathon.

Maria: It sounds like that rest and those dreams were exactly what you needed mentally. Good to be back on track, isn't it?
Thanks for reviewing all the new shows for me! That way, I don't have to watch the bad ones! I caught just a bit of the BL where they were on the steps and the little girl collapsed. I agree, very cruel. I did notice the people were huge, but I think that's the way the show is going. The bigger the numbers in weight loss, the more successful everyone looks. Of course you can lose 10 pounds a week when you're 250 lbs overweight!

Beth: for your back. for your new tub!!! I could not go without a shower for my DS for that long. His feet alone would do me in, and that's obviously not the dirtiest part of him!


AFM: Vacation was very nice. The cabin was beautiful and I've never been to Grand Lake, so the drive across Rocky Mtn Ntl Park was just gorgeous. Lots of changing aspen leaves and we saw one elk. I hurt myself. Of course! On our 5 acres, there was a fire pit area, which is part of why we rented the place. The owners had cut down 3 large trees across the trail to get to the fire, and my mom couldn't get through the woods. So, I decided to cut up the three tree trunks and various branches, so we could get by. I gashed my thigh pretty good, but it's already almost healed. I'll just have a lovely scar!

Eating was horrible, but I'm back on track today. I gained 5 lbs!!!!! Something about Smores!

Running will be back on track today. I'm 2 days behind, but if I can make up one day this week and one next week, I'll be good. Since I ended up running 13 miles last Friday, and not hurting at all on Saturday, I now know I can do Goofy.

I have officially entered both races and paid my fees! I'm so excited to be a part of marathon weekend. I hope it lives up to my expectations. DH is not worried at all about the meets and packet pickups and such. He is just going to leave me to my stuff and meet me after all these events. It's best so I don't have to worry if he and DS are having fun or not.

Have a wonderful day ladies!
Tandy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi lean ladies!

I've just been super busy lately and then I felt badly that I hadn't posted here this week and felt really bad So this is going to be a bit of a cut & paste fly-by post. Ok, seems like a few of us have gained a little bit of weight - myself included. Some well meaning vendor brought petit fours by yesterday and I ended up scarfing down several of them. So much for no sugar… and then I've been skipping my oatmeal in favour of bagels this week. My theory is that when the weather cools down we start eating more - spending more time inside, more energy needed to keep the body warm etc. But hey! Tomorrow is October so new month, new start for everyone!!

Tandy - Love S'mores! I don't even need a campfire to make them I'll make them in the microwave, on the BBQ … well you get the idea Ouch on your thigh! Did you need stitches or anything like that? I think there are creams and oils that you can get that minimize the visibility of scars. I think the trick is getting to them while the scar or stretch mark is still red.

Debra - We could never hate you! We're just green with envy! I like the cool weather for running but am thinking I could use a warm Florida breeze. I miss sitting in the park at lunch! Make sure you put that new camera of your's to good use and take lots of pictures - especially of all the Halloween decorations! Post a few if you can. Oh and I don't think I'm too far behind you - I think I can see that line of mine off in the distance.

Maria - That's an interesting dream… have you thought about moving to the west coast before? I wonder if it's a sign from your subconscious? Good luck with your office laps today! You know I totally forgot that BL was on Tuesday nights so I didn't set my DVR and I totally forgot about it until I read your post. I'll have to go onto the CBS site (or whatever) and watch it there. I have two taped episodes of Hawaii but haven't watched them yet.

Beth - My parents are getting all of the washrooms in the house redone in a few weeks. I don't know why because they were rennovated 5 years ago. Oh wait … I know why! My dad loves to get the lowest price possible and what he doesn't understand is that you can't do that for renovations. So I think I may be showering at my gym a couple of times too. Your new tub sounds heavenly - especially after a long run! I wish I could soak in a tub with massaging jets and such! How's your back?

Cindy - How are you doing? Any luck with the job search or seminars?

AFM - The eating has gone downhill this week. I have no excuse except sheer laziness - I've been eating bagels and take out for lunch. Nothing terribly crazy but definitely not good for weight loss. I'm taking this week off running to give everything a chance to heal and rest. My knee is doing okay after the race but it still a bit tender going up and down stairs. Sleeping on my left side or on my stomach isn't great for it either. Hopefully the week's rest will be good.

I did get my knee taped up at the expo. They had a vendor there called Spider Tech - it's like KT Tape but the strips are precut so they're easier to apply. I got my knee and ankle taped up. I have a picture on my FB and Jeff said I looked like a mummy They also gave me a RR running shirt and they actually had a small - yay! Unfortunately, the knee tape got really itchy Saturday night and I ended up taking it off. So I stuck with the patella brace which I barely noticed. I didn't get a chance to see Kim or her DH Mike before the start of the race which like she said was a first Anyway, here's my race report (I cut and pasted it from my team thread).

Well I ran in the Scotiabank half marathon yesterday morning and finished with another PB 2:08:52 which is about 3 minutes off my Disney in January and a 7 minute improvement from the Scotia half last year. Yesterday was the perfect morning to run - the sun was out but stayed low for most of the race, the temps were cool but not uncomfortable and there was very little wind coming off the lake.

The start of the race was crowded! Ok, well it was my fault for thinking I could show up 5 minutes before 7:30. I think I've just been use to doing smaller races this year and forgot that in bigger races I have to get into the corrals well before. I found the green corral which was the second last and it was bursting at the seams - literally! Runners were spilled out the exits because they didn't all fit into the corral. If I do Scotia next year, I'm just going to put a finishing time of 1:50 and start one corral head or just show up late and start one corral behind. Needless to say I never found the 2:00 pacer but did see a bunch go by before I could enter the corral.

I ended up behind the 2:15 pacer and had to do a lot of passing to get around them. The problem with the pace groups is that they're like a wall. Everyone is spread out and they're usually quite big. Come to think of it, the race felt a lot more crowded this year - usually there are breaks in the course where it's easier to move around but I felt like the roads were packed up to the 6K point without much room to pass.

My knee started acting up early on in the race (6K) so I figured I'd just go as hard as I could for as long as possible. I eventually caught up to the 4:15 marathon group and I passed them but I was still behind my 2:00 goal. I hit the 10K mat at 58 minutes and knew I couldn't make up the 3 minutes. The course turnaround is slightly uphill and I usually have a difficult time with it. I managed to stay ahead of the 4:15 group until 15K and then just joined them. My knee was really in pain by the time I reached the point in the course where the half and the marathon split apart. I was so glad to be running the half because I wouldn't have made the full.

I reached the bottom of Bay and Lakeshore Road (1K remaining?) at 2:00. I tried to run the rest of the course but just kept stopping because I felt like I couldn't go anymore. At the 400 meter mark, I got passed by some really (REALLY) old guy who was wogging along. Always seems to happen to me no matter what race I'm in Anyway, I decide I can't get passed or finish behind him so I start running and telling myself that 400m is just a lap around the track. So I finished in 2:08:52 which is a personal PB and a course PB too! I was a little disappointed at first but realized the time was only about 2 minutes off from the McMillan predicted time (from the 30K) so I figured it wasn't too bad. I'm just not looking forward to see the race pictures. I think there are a lot of me on course grimmacing and looking unhappy

Got a nasty calf cramp though as I was stepping up onto curb to enter exit the finish area. Never had that happen before so it had me a little worried. I went to the medic tent. My physio worked there last year and said they would give me a mini massage but no such luck I got the "It happens..." and they sent me on my way.

I have pictures of my medal and me but they're on a camera and not my iPhone so I haven't uploaded them yet.

Oh and speaking of older runners... there was a 79-year-old gentleman who ran the 1/2 that day. His name is Ed Whitlock. I believe he's holds the world's record for a half marathon in his age group. He finished in 1:34:27!! My friend at work was showing me his pictures on ASI - he really looks old but what a time!! I wish I could run that fast!

Have a great day ladies!

 

[rubato]

Vicky: Great job on the half! It's hard to be disappointed with a PR isn't it?

I'm sorry the knee was such a problem and glad you're taking the week off. One line out of your report got me to thinking. You and I are both doing our first fulls, right? When I did my half, I felt the same way as you did when the course split and the full marathoners still had so much more to go. That's going to be us! I hope I'm mentally prepared for that!

The gash didn't need stitches. And, I'm not worried about scarring. I always do, no matter what. I don't really care about them. They just add to my character!

And, please post pics when you can. I'm not on Facebook, if you can believe that.

 

[Creativebeth]

Oh, girls....what a week! I am not the renovations type! It's stressing me out. And, yes Debra, I have had to cut back on the workouts without a place to shower! I didn't work out yesterday or today. Today was full of alot of waiting on the workmen, and running to Home Depot for bathroom stuff. The tub will be nice, but currently with water but no electric for the jets. More stuff needed done to fit the tub in.....jet tubs are bigger than regular tubs (who knew?) so we had to take another wall out. That means that I will have to paint the bathroom, which wasn't in the plans.....along with extra contractors and an electrician......this is gonna cost me a fortune! For a 'simple' tub switch, this is taking alot more money and time than we expected.....and my dh has been gone all week.....

Work been crazy busy....poor dear Nancy is tearing her hair out. I don't think things will improve there for awhile either.....

Debra: I think we are all a little jealous...but still hoping that you have a good time! Don't worry, there is plenty of time for weight loss later!

Jackie: I hope that a quick trip to WDW works out for you! And best wishes for your DD.....breakups are always hard...

Maria: Weird dreams....but I like that it seems to have settled your mind. When our minds are at peace, life gets so much easier!

Tandy: Great that you are all signed up! Now, you can get in your groove for training!

For better or worse, I've only got 6 miles in this week (on the elliptical). My back seems better, but still twingey at times. When my tub is up and running, it will feel good! The tub is way deeper than the previous one, and I won't hate it every time I get in! ( the old one was a piece of crap)

I will run tomorrow one way or another.....I will get on my treadmill as the workmen are working....they are pretty good at fending for themselves. I did feed them cookies this morning, and the one remaining one got dinner tonight. The least I can do.

Beth

 

[MouseDogMom]

Vicky - Finally got a chance to read your race report. Awesome job! Sorry the knee gave you so much trouble, but you did a great job pushing through the pain and finishing with a PB. I have a hard time with the finish too. I'm working on that! I've cramped at the finish line once - had to just keep walking until it finally eased, but man, did it hurt.

Beth - I'm scared to tackle renovations for exactly those reasons. I know even the smallest project will turn into a whole house redo, and I'll end up homeless before it's over.

Debra - Yep, DD is such a part of the BF's family that this will be a major lifestyle change, if she can stick with it. She tried a breakup during the summer, and it lasted all of about 3 days since she was living with his grandmother for the summer. Her motivation behind this breakup is a little more solid, and she's busier now, so I'm hoping she can hold her ground.

I'm not going to WDW after all. It turns out that the request was supposed to go out in LAST week's newsletter, and our director didn't run it until this week. The other girl didn't feel like she could do the trip on such short notice, plus there were some other reasons for not making it happen. DH tried to talk me into taking DD anyway, but while I could ALMOST justify the expense if we were splitting it with someone else, I couldn't begin to finance it for just the two of us.

Did 4 miles last night (in the rain) with DH at the landfill park. I now have 30 days until MCM.

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lean Ones!

When I run tomorrow (ok, it's more of an "if") it will be the first time this week. I know I just need to move, but I also need for dh to finish some work in the basement before I spend any time there, so we will see if he does it tonight. He took advantage of my illness to start a project, and now he has to finish before I can get back to my TM...but I still have multiple places to shower, so I am feeling luckier than Beth!

Jackie -- I'm sorry you're not going to WDW, but I certainly understand why. I can't believe MCM seems to have just snuck up on us, I know you are going to have a good race. Probably not the race you originally thought when you signed up, but a good one, nevertheless!

Beth -- I am totally envious of your new tub! My tub is as old as the house, seriously my BIL who's a plumber says the tub is cast iron and about 100 years old. I would dearly love to get a new one, but getting it out would require losing at least one wall, and it's just never going to happen. I'm going for a spa tub in the retirement condo, I think that's my best hope. I am so sorry this is turning into a major production, I know you were hoping for a simple job, I hope it is over soon! And it is so good of you to feed the workmen! You are a good one!

Tandy -- That's two of us that aren't on FaceBook. I'm afraid that will probably change next year. We told ds if he has good grades this semester, we'll allow him to get on FaceBook. That means I'll have to get on, too, because I want to know what he's doing and saying. Glad to hear you didn't need stitches!

Vicky -- I highly recommend Hawaii 5-0, or "Hunkalooza" as I've affectionately nicknamed it. I was prepared to just enjoy the scenery, but the plots have actually been interesting and entertaining. When we decided to leave the Midwest we considered Boston and Seattle, and chose Boston. That was the last time I thought about the West Coast. I don't think that was the real important message of my dream, but I've sort of been avoiding thinking about it. One of the relatives who passed I saw in the dream was my Aunt Carolyn, who was always quite overweight and the rest of the family wasn't overly nice to her (she had other qualities that brought that out, but her being big didn't help). Anyway, I was getting a wakeup call that I have to get myself in order and quite postponing giving my best effort.

Debra -- We could never hate you! What a harsh word -- but I agree with everyone else, there is definite envy! I hope you are having a great time, getting all the research done you need, and meeting lots of WISHers! Oh my, "Sister Wives" -- still not sure what I think of it. I was not surprised to find they were being investigated for bigamy, I really didn't think that could be legal. Oh and a little secret -- I crossed that # too...I was able to get back from the brink, but I'm still a long way from my lowest weight back in June so still plenty of work to do...

I'd better try to produce something this morning. It's going to be one of those days. We have our family check-up with the dentist early this evening, so hopefully there won't be any unpleasant surprises.

Have a great weekend!
Maria