Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[Creativebeth]

Hey guys! How's it going?

Maria: Enjoy NYC! Is it a work trip? I have been loving the Weight
Watchers. The new plan seems 'gentle' and easy to follow. I am trying to stay away from alot of simple sugars and carbs. I have been using the low carb wrap (it's only 2 points) for sandwiches and cheese melts! I made a chicken orzo soup today (only 1 point for 1 cup) Its onion, carrots, celery sauted, chicken broth on simmer 15 min.....added more chicken broth, one chicken breast cut up, and 1/4 cup uncooked orzo (1/2 what the recipe called for....it is 5 points) and parsley. Simmer for 30 minutes. My kids loved it (that is a miracle) and we ate it for lunch today. You could even skip the chicken if you wanted....it was good, filling, and not alot of points! (the recipe called for butter, but I just used cooking spray instead)

Debra: I think 2010 was the year for gaining weight! UGH.....but I am feeling much better getting off the first 8 pounds. My next weigh in is tomorrow, but I am not expecting much since last week was so good! I am still in the 100 day challenge.....and I have to say I feel physically so much better! I don't know about everyone else, but I was so stiff and sore every morning when I wasn't running much.....you would think it would be the opposite, but I felt almost physically sick! Glad to be back!

Vicky: I hope the boyfriend thing works out for you. I know how much work a relationship is......not the easiest thing to keep working at. Just be open and honest with him....it's all you can do!

AFM: I have run 3miles to 5 miles every day during the 100 challenge.. and feel alot better Eating is going well, but am finding myself hungry this week. I am eating my points, but I am not eating the points earned by the exercise. I will have to see if I want to eat some extra points on days I run more....we'll see!

Beth

 

[rubato]

Good afternoon ladies. I am sitting here watching another 6 to 8 inches of snow fall and seriously concerned I will never get to run outside again!

Beth: I did WW the same way, never using my exercise points. At a certain point though, I had to give in. I was just too darned hungry. The running seems to be going well. Keep it up!

Vicky: I have that problem with my shirts all the time! I use a lot of safety pins to stop 'the Great American Gap'. At least, that's what my family always called it, since we're all a little top heavy. There's nothing wrong with a cute guy knowing you can eat. He may even find that attractive! Sorry about the ankle. Stay off of it, and get better.

Maria: It's not my bday until April, I just know what I want already! I'm so glad you have an official time. Have fun in NY!

Debra: Don't worry. I know that Frank and Harrison were being quiet, but they are used to a strange sense of humor (if you get to know Frank, you'll find out). He keeps everyone on their toes around here. I've tried to get him to do some open mic nights, but he chickens out every time!
Oh, I love ice walks. There's nothing like a cardio workout that incorporates your whole core to keep you from falling on your butt! If you add a small terrier pulling with all his force on the leash, now that's a workout!

AFM: I got another run in today. 4 miles and no pain in the ankle. I have had to run on the TM, which stinks, but I just don't want to risk getting hurt right now. I'm still sick. I'm so tired of this. I feel like I've gotten rid of about 100 pounds of snot and there's no end in sight. When I run, my lungs burn really bad. I would say that I should lay off for awhile, but this has been going on now for almost 2 weeks. Zumba has been cancelled due to the blizzard (yes, in KC, 6 to 8 inches is a blizzard), so I guess I'll get a workout tonight shoveling the driveway and sidewalk. We're going sledding if there's no school tomorrow, so that'll be fun exercise.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi ladies! I can't believe I still have this stupid cough that's lingering. I've gotten rid of the sore throat but the non-stop coughing keeps me up at night I have no doubts it's keeping up my family as well. I talked to another Goofy runner and he said he caught the same cough and he still has it too! I can't believe how unbelievably stubborn it is. Disney needs to start selling Mickey Mouse themed cough syrup!

Tandy - Yeah, funny thing about that is that he asked me to go out to brunch! I told him I'd go once I get rid of this stupid cough. And I love your name for it 'The Great American Divide'. Unfortunately I don't have the big chest excuse! It's just post Disney trip weight gain! Btw, I loved Harrison's hair - wish I had the big curls (and red). So was it a snow day today? Did you go sledding?

Beth - Great job on the 100 day challenge! I started but it's since fallen by the wayside. I could definitely stand to learn from your example I'm stealing your chicken soup recipe! It sounds yummy and pretty easy to make! Thanks for your kind thoughts! Whether it works out or not with him, I think I'm just ready for a new start in 2011. I definitely don't want a repeat of 2010 - it was way too mopey and depressing.

Maria - How's the Big Apple? Hope you're having a productive trip!

AFM - I realized that I don't have any supportive winter shoes, other than sneakers. I have a lot of different boots - 3 are Uggs which have no support and the other 3 have no heels. Arghh! I don't feel like spending money on buying new boots. So I just took the pair with the shortest heel and am wearing it with an ankle brace.

I'm such a dunce that I forgot to post the link for my PT's scrawny to brawny competition. If you could vote for him that would be awesome! It's a big prize so I'd love to see him win. He's #9. You have to register for the forums in order to vote. Here's the link:

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/s2b-winners-2010

Not much going on here. I'm going for a quick training session tonight and then have some work to finish at home.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Hello Lean Ladies......it's Friday!!! I am working today, since the boys had THREE days off for MLK day. I only worked Monday and Friday this week.

WW weigh in was yesterday......and I lost 2 pounds!! That made an even 10 pounds for 2 weeks. I am totally happy with that. Now I think the hard work is here. Feeling a little hungrier (cause I am not eating the excerise points yet), but still doing great!

I wish I could catch myself slipping before hitting bottom.....but I did keep 1/2 the weight off from the original weight......If I keep cutting it in half, I will catch myself at 20 pounds instead of 40!

I am liking the new program......free fruit is awesome! I always feel like I have something to eat, so I don't get too hungry!

Hope everyone has a good weekend! It will be cold here, that's for sure!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi Leanies!

I'm Baaack!

Beth -- Wow, 8 lbs in one week is amazing! I'm hoping for one or two this week, as usual you totally rock! 10 in two weeks is stellar! The chicken orzo soup sounds really yummy. I agree about WW so far -- I haven't felt deprived yet because I can go grab a piece of fruit whenever I'm hungry. Much better than reaching for chips -- I'm weaning myself off of those, it's my last 100 cal pack, and I'm doing that more for portion control. What do we have to do to lure you to Princess ? Am I the only one who hasn't met you in person?

Vicky -- Hope you're feeling better! Dennis says he's finished with Disney races, but I might be able to lure him back if I had a big carrot, like a really cheap room and a special medal. I do think it's likely Boston will be his last Full, I don't think he really enjoys the amount of training he thinks he needs to do.

Tandy -- I know what you mean about the snow. DS did not have school again today from our morning dumping. Dennis is out right now shovelling and snowblowing it away. I'm kind of glad I'm a TM kind of girl, because otherwise I would be miserable right now. I hope your ankle is still feeling ok.

Debra -- Did you get all that pesky work done yet. Those of us not on Facebook could use a check-in. I know, I know, I'm working on getting it...I'm thinking maybe in March

It was a good trip, even if my train was an hour late both ways...I shopped in the Disney store and M&M World, walked by Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. My hotel room had a view of the sign for Radio City Music Hall. This was definitely a business trip, a training for some new funding the VA has available. It's going to be really competitive, but I think if I can get my co-workers to work hard on their pieces, it might be a good fit.

I tried to be careful with my food. I brought my lunch on the train on the way down, and I had Subway for dinner and lunch, with an orange and a Kind bar for breakfast. I had snacks on the train on the way home (trail mix, popchips and another Kind bar), and a WW deli ziti and sauce for dinner when I got home.

Today I got up and ran 10M, which was much needed. I probably pushed a little harder than I should have, but it feels good now. I've been religiously following my points today. I had an orange and deep chocolate vitamuffin for breakfast; a turkey sandwich on Arnold sandwich thin with 100 cal Pringles and grapes for lunch; a snack of fig newtons, 2 fresh dates and apples; and I'm having WW deli vegetable lasagna and a Skinny Cow ice cream cone for dinner. That leaves me with points for a bedtime snack, not sure what that will be yet. My second WW weigh in is Monday, so I have every incentive to hold it together this weekend. I'd love to show a loss after my first week!

I've been summoned to feed my tween. I can only say that for another week, then I'm going to have a teenager

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Don't really have anything to report, but 1) we were in serious danger of falling off the first page, and 2) I'm horribly bored at work, so I figured I'd come up with something!

Maria - You enter the world of teen-dom just as I bid it goodbye. We had a relatively easy time of it, minus a few major dramatic moments. I wish you lots of luck!

Beth - The cold is getting to be ridiculous. I live in NC because we have MILD winters. Hear that, Mother Nature? MILD. As in 60 degree days in January. I told my running partner on Saturday that if I were going to be injured, I've picked a really good year to do it. I missed most of the hottest summer on record, and I'm missing a really, really cold winter. I met her for breakfast after her run on Saturday, and it was almost too cold to leave the house just for breakfast, and she and DH had just finished 10 miles!

Vicky - I came home from Goofy last year with a horrible cough too. We had planned to spend all day Monday in the parks - it was to be our one and only entire park day, and we ended up going back to the hotel after lunch because I was coughing so hard I couldn't enjoy anything. I took a really long nap and was able to do a little that night, but missed over half the day. We left on Tuesday, and I was sick for days when I got home. I like the idea of Mickey-themed cough syrup.

Tandy - 6-8 inches is a blizzard for us too. We've already had one this year and barely missed a second one. They're calling for an inch of rain tonight, followed by "flurries" or a "wintry mix." Enough already.

Debra - Have only watched NCIS once or twice. I'm almost ready to forgive my PT, especially since last night he told me we'd do a reevaluation tomorrow night because he doesn't think I need to continue coming at the same frequency. I'm not in any pain (other than what he causes) and I'm showing remarkable improvement. I almost asked if that meant he thought I could run, but decided not to push my luck yet...

I have however, walked a whole 1/4 mile - TWICE - on the underwater treadmill. Don't ask me how it works - I don't understand - but it's in the pool. It's really cool. The first night he set the speed at 0.8. I glared. And glared. Told him I was walking backwards. I did .15 mile in 10 minutes. And pouted for an entire day. The next day I had a different PT, and she set the speed at 1.5. Funny - she said my form looked better at a higher speed. Duh. I'm a runner, not a turtle. At the end of 10 minutes, I was at .24 mile, and I begged her to PLEASE let me get to .25, so she turned it back on for the extra few seconds. So last night I had Jason (my regular PT) again, and he didn't even attempt to stop it until we'd reached .25. He's apparently trainable after all. (For the record, it takes about 10:30 to walk .25 mile at a speed of 1.5) I won't be beating the sweepers any time soon, but I'm moving forward. And he's working my muscles, so I feel human again. I'll take the small victories where I can get them!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Ladies!

Jackie -- I think it sounds like your recovery is coming along nicely. And I second the "at work" comment -- I have plenty to do, I just don't want to do it

This was the first weekend in the longest time that my scale was lower on Monday than Friday, so I'm considering it a victory!

I have my first weigh in at WW tonight, hoping for a loss! I meant for Monday to be my normal night, but dh had a clinic for the Boston Marathon last night, so guess who stayed home with the tween Not that I minded, I am so proud of him for being able to run a marathon!

Is it wrong that I'm thinking way too much about my afternoon snack already? I have grapes and a light babybel. The problem is once I eat it, I didn't bring any more fruit or veggies...and I think I'm getting a little nervous and wanting to abate it with food. But, I also really want a loss tonight, so I'm going to have to remember hunger is a feeling, not an emergency. I can have all the fruit and veggies I want after dinner if I'm still hungry

Anyway, I'd better get back to work. I ran 3M Sunday, 4M yesterday and did yoga today. I'm on track with both food and exercise this week, so I just have to keep swimming

Oh! And in the most potentially exciting news, we may be able to adopt 2 kittens soon. We spoke with the Feline Manager (yes, that is her job title) at a local shelter, and they will have 2 this Saturday, 2 more next Saturday, and 6 in about 2 months. We're not sure who may already be on the list ahead of us. We may be getting them very quickly, or going on a wait list.

I had to explain to ds that you didn't bring the kittens home right after they are born. He thought they were like human babies, and we'd just pick them up the day after they were born and then take them right to the vet to be neutered. It was so cute when I explained that not only do they stay with their mother for awhile, we have to make an appointment for surgery for them. Anyway, wish us luck

I hope everyone is feeling as healthy as possible and having less snow than we are We may get another Nor'easter tomorrow night into Thursday

Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Hello, Leanies!

Yes, it was a long, technologically-impaired work week. In addition to the regular stuff, and some of DOOD's manuscripts with end-of-the-month deadlines, I'm doing some blogging for some "friends" who use WordPress. I don't know WordPress. WordPress is not my friend. That's why I'm here now.

Vicky: My FIL is doing much better. It's hard to say how much he's backslid into his old ways, but I don't think a 5K is in the cards. Maybe if I can convince him he can walk it. I know he'd have no interest in being anywhere close to 16mm. We ended up bagging Sanaa; just too much going on.

So...it sounds like you'll do the right thing and put off the Princess so you can heal completely and do other races. Hard decision, but smart! Good news on getting back to the clean-ish/er eating. I'm working on that. I do have to say, though, that I snickered at the gaping shirt & bagel anecdote. It sounds so much like me, except I'd have something in my teeth.

Did you have your date with bagel guy yet? Just leave "The Great [American/Canadian] Divide.

Wow, your PT was pretty buff to begin with!

Maria: Well, it sounds as if NYC was a rewarding trip AND you keep your focus on what you need to do to not let travel disrupt things. I admire that willpower! I can just see you whipping your colleagues into shape for the funding.

I visited the Disney Store in NYC on our Dec. weekend. What did you think? I think the pics are still on my camera....

How do you feel about having a teenager? I KNOW how you feel about two kittens, which makes me say "aww!" I think I've told you we adopted two feral kittens from the same litter. It was hard, but they're now two of the most spoiled cats in the world.

Beth: 10 pounds is such a huge jumpstart to feeling better and keeping focused! And yes, you kept a LOT of weight off; it's hard to remember that. I know EXACTLY how you feel about being stiff and sore if you don't exercise. Very strange, but then I wonder how people of my parents' generation did it. (Mine don't exercise.) Woo hoo on the 100 days challenge - I'm in it with you!)

Tandy: You can take my ice walks! Or falls in my case. I'm glad Harrison and Frank weren't put off then. I tend to go into "on" mode, which is slightly more annoying than my usual annoying self.

So, how are you feeling? Not still sick I hope. It didn't sound as if you were sick enough to stay away from active fun. I love sledding, and I'm sure you and Harrison had a blast! (6-8 inches is usually a lot here, too, as we're in that belt where it snows then rains.)

Jackie: Is it weird that I find your PT stories fascinating? I mean, I don't want you to have to be stuck doing the exercises if you're ready to move on, as that would be frustrating and not very helpful. But wow, it's really interesting stuff. And it's good that they're the ones being cautious and you're the one pushing. A good balance, I think, for strong recovery.

AFM: Okay, lots of things. First, I lost 3 pounds last week and am weighing in on Fridays. I'm going for slow and steady, with no pressure on myself to cut out bunches of thing. I'll be happy to lose 20-25 pounds total over the course of a year. That should be very do-able.

Still doing the 100 days challenge. Ran 8 miles this weekend on the TM. Not an ice run/walk/shuffle/stumble fan.

DOOD & I sat down to plan our 2011 travel for the year - maybe a first for us. Lots of trips planned, including ones to WDW and DLR. The bad news is, that means no month-long trip to WDW for me in 2011. DOOD was a little upset when I told him I hadn't envisioned him coming with me, at least not for the entire time. But he wants to, and that complicates everything. Not the least of which is cat care.

Anyway, so the month-long trip is off the table this year. But that's okay. I'll be at WDW for the 40th anniversary and DLR for D23 Expo. We're also headed to Seattle (first time) and Stratford. And family trips. And races.

As for races, we discussed it as training for stuff is such a crunch. His job is no longer stable hour-wise. More on that later. But he's in for Goofy 2012, so that means I'm in for Goofy 2012. What's good for the gander...

And we'll try to work something out for either the Philly Half or the Hershey Half in the fall, among possible others. Right now, he can run a half without training, and I'm going to keep my LRs at a 6-8-10 rotation while I focus on weight loss. Then, if a local half comes up we can jump in if the schedule permits.

Wow, this has been a book. I need to do some X-posting over at 'Ohana!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone!

Debra - WTG on the 8 miles on the TM! You rock! Your travel schedule looks pretty full! Is DOOD traveling to DC this summer? Any room for a Toronto trip? And great news on Goofy! Was 2010 your first Goofy? I'm waiting until I have a couple more marathons under my belt before making an attempt. And I'm also waiting until the next time a special medal is released. I think your weight loss plan for the year is totally doable! Is your goal date the end of the year or before that? We're going for brunch this weekend...

Jackie - Thanks for the bump! It's not that I don't like posting on the leanies thread but I'm team captain and I feel obligated to post on the Hakuna Matada thread a little more. The underwater TM sounds way cool! Kind of like when you read about elite athletes rehabing… do you have to wear a belt of some kind to weigh you down so you can walk? And I'm still looking into MCM - I have a friend who lives in Dupont Circle so I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of getting to the start in Arlington and then back after the race. I've heard that the subway can be a nightmare but I'd imagine the same thing happens with the surface routes?

Maria - Sounds like a great trip and that's awesome that you're watching what you eat while you're away. A lot of time I tend to let the food get out of hand so I admire your willpower! I think every five year anniversary there's a special medal. I am glad that I got to do the full this year because I really like the design! Maybe you can convince Dennis to do a Toronto race When is DS's birthday? Any plans for a big party?

Beth - WTG on the 10 lbs! I'm not doing WW right now, but I have to say that I like the idea of fruit being "free". Too bad it's not free in the supermarket. I tried to get some raspberries the other day but decided not to after seeing the price $6.99?! Yikes!

Tandy - How's the cold/cough? Hope you're feeling better? Did you get around to having your pinkie checked out by your doctor? The running is going well?

AFM - Did you know that tomorrow is national Chocolate Cake Day? Yeah, it's totally made up, probably by a chocolate consortium or some bakeries trying to push more cakes out the door. But I've never been one to turn down a chocolate cake. I've decided to make my own which I'm not sure was a great idea since I had to stock up on a bunch of missing ingredients. I'll let you know how it turns out! And then I'm back to clean eating … after the cake … and brunch

I happened to have the misfortune chatting with the running jerk in Starbucks. He asked me about the full and then asked me about Garmins. He was complaining that they were expensive. I'm thinking they were on sale for $130, how much cheaper are they going to get? At this point, I'm tired of listening to him so I say "What do you need a Garmin for anyway? All you run are 5Ks? Can't keep track of that distance?" And that's the only time you hear me berrate someone for *only* running a 5K. I don't know if I mentioned it before but last summer when I was trying to run with him, he "joked" that I ran about as fast as his four-year-old daughter. Oh and the barrista happened to ring my tea and his coffee in together and since I wasn't paying attention, I hand over my SB card. I didn't notice until I get my receipt but naturally he doesn't say a word. So said "Hey! Are you going to pay for your coffee?" (Like why am I buying YOU a coffee?) Not. Too. Classy.

Running-wise I'm still not cleared to run So I'm really envious of everyone out there getting in their 8 or 10 milers (and yes even a 5K). I figure next week, I'll head to the gym and hop on the spin bike or walk on the TM. The sidewalks here are still too slushy for walking.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - on the weight being down on Monday! I ventured onto the scale this morning - for the first time since Thanksgiving, I think. Now I at least know what has to be done. And it's really, really, ugly. Actually not as bad as it could be, but still really, really, ugly! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you're not way down on the "feline waiting list." I'm generally not a cat person, but I've discovered that there is a cat (actually two, but I've only met one) who lives in the parking lot at the building where I have PT. I asked about it (who turned out to be a her) Monday night. It seems that before the building was built, there was a barn with many cats. Most were adopted when the land was cleared, but a couple were too feral to find homes for, and these are what were left. The therapists built a house outside with blankets, and they feed them every day! The one who's befriended me is absolutely gorgeous, and I look for her every day that I go. She walked me in on Monday night!

Debra - I actually have mixed feelings about being cut loose from PT. I'm having a lot of fun going, and the therapists are hilarious. But it does seem a little wasteful to spend the money if I'm not actually benefiting, especially if I could do more at home. I'm going to propose my own plan tonight, including alternating evenings on the exercise bike and the TM at home. Gotta get some cardio and burn some calories. The scale needs to move in a different direction.

Vicky - From what I've heard, taking the Metro TO the race is a breeze. At that hour, the only people on the train are the racers, and they actually closed a couple of stops so that no one else could get on except for people going to the race start. And there were shuttles from a couple of locations; that's how we got there. Felt just like Disney! Afterward, however, was a different story. We waited 1 1/2 hours for the shuttle, and the line for the Metro was pretty much the same to leave the race area. We're looking at hotels in the area of the finish line this year, just to avoid that nightmare. The other option we considered last year was to take a cab back to our hotel, but by the time we decided we were that desperate we couldn't find one.

Did my arm workout last night. Then I told myself this morning that surely some of the weight on the scale was the new muscle I'm gaining in my arms. It made me feel better, anyway!

I have to improve my eating habits. After getting so much better last summer, I was talking with my coworker this morning and realized that I truly don't remember the last vegetable I saw. Or fruit. This is not a good sign. I need help!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Lovely Leanies!

Jackie -- What a wonderful story about the cats, it is so great that people are caring for the ones who just couldn't transition to living with humans! And I'm glad you have a new kitty friend! I used to call them demons from you know where, but then our two grabbed my heart. I'm definitely ready to be a kitten mommy again Not to push WW, but it is really helping me (ok, it's only been a week, but...) and forcing me to focus on eating fruit and vegetables. Right now we have fresh pineapple, Mineola oranges, grapes, apples, bananas, dates, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, and salad ingredients all ready to eat. I like to put some pineapple in the bottom of a bowl, then peel an orange and put the slices on top of it. It's my version of fruit salad

Vicky -- Toronto is definitely not out of the question. We have those passports DS's birthday is Saturday. He thinks he's fated to get kittens, I hope he's right because I don't want to have a disappointed new teen. I have a feeling that's not a pretty picture He does understand we have no control over where we are on the list, but still, he's a kid and he's going to be sad if he doesn't go home with kittens in tow. No big party this year. He's having a sleepover the night before, and Dennis is taking the boys to a surprise event. You won't believe what I'm going to do while they're gone I'm going to finally watch "Eclipse" I know, these movies are not aimed at me -- but I did enjoy the 4 books. The movies make me laugh in places, but there's nothing wrong with that.

Debra -- I found the new, interactive Disney store to be an improvement over the old design. I saw some kids playing with the mirrors and making cars, and they seemed to feel the magic. I couldn't resist a t-shirt with NYC and Mickey on it. I did not realize your kitties came from a feral litter! Wow, that sounds really challenging. You are a kitty momma with extra lovin's, clearly! Ready or not, my teenager is here! Seriously, I wouldn't want him to be any other age, and I'm glad he's growing up. I just wish I could still figure out if his homework is right. Your travel plans sound spectacular -- what a great year you have just waiting to unfold! We're pretty murky other than we'll do a few days in NYC this summer. I'd love to talk Dennis into a cruise, too, but then I have to give up my secret wish of Wine & Dine, so I don't know if I even want to start that conversation. So tough deciding what to persuade him we have to do ...NYC was a no-brainer, it's all ds can talk about.

Okay now for the big news...drumroll....I lose 6.6 lbs in my first week on WW! I am ecstatic, and determined to continue. I haven't been hungry (other than yesterday when I didn't bring enough fruit and veggies to work ), and I've been doing my normal workouts. At last night's meeting they kept talking about increasing your activity level. I sort of feel like I run 24 miles a week so that's good, but I have noticed myself actually occasionally lifting the free weights I have scattered around the house this week. I think I'm becoming more mindful and doing just a little more.

I ran 3M this morning. I *think* I'm going to have a snow day tomorrow, and if I do I'll run 10. If not, I'll do my usual 3 and 10 on Friday. I'm really happy with doing it on Fridays (even if that means I start at 5:00 am), rather than Saturday. I relax more on the weekend, and I really look forward to a day that I can sleep in or eat breakfast in bed if I want to. I'm getting up early Friday anyway, I might as well make it a little earlier and then be done...

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - I laughed when you said you were going to watch "Eclipse." I FINALLY started the books last week. Addicted doesn't even begin to describe me for the past few days. Obsessed may be more appropriate. Finished Twilight, went back to the library and checked out New Moon and Eclipse at the same time, and just requested Breaking Dawn so it will be ready by the time I finish. Checked Netflix to see if "Twilight" was available for instant viewing, but alas... although DD keeps telling me she was really disappointed in the movies.

Met with the PT tonight. We agreed that we'll go to 2 sessions each week for the next couple of weeks, one pool and one gym. I'm going to start riding the bike at home, keeping it nice and easy, concentrating on building endurance. He put me on the regular TM, and I learned quickly that I'm not as ready as I thought. 10 minutes at a boring speed of 1.4, and I was actually breathing hard. Guess he showed me.

Jackie

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hello lean ladies! One more day until Friday ...

Jackie - You can throw me in the same boat. I'm okay with eating the fruits and veggies but can't seem to shake the sweets. Like I went to Starbucks this morning and the barrista offered me an oat fudge bar. So how could I refuse You know, I figure I'm just going to give myself until February to slowly wean myself off the sweet stuff and then I'm going cold turkey.

I threw out the idea of MCM to a coworker this morning. She says that she has access to a house in DC, I forget the name of the area but it's in walking distance to Georgetown. She says she might be interested if she can finish her half this May in under 2:00. I priced out both Honolulu and DC and even if I could pitch a tent in Jeff's backyard and get a break on the registration (did you know international is $195!! Disney's a steal), I just can't justify it Plus, I might enjoy Hawaii when I can explore own my own without a race. Btw, do you know how quickly MCM sells out?

Oh and my chiro has suggested I hop on a bike as well to get in some cardio. She showed me how to use the spin bike so I'll head over on Saturday. And don't worry, you'll get your running endurance back when you're ready. I remember taking a month off from running back in 2009 and how hard it was to run 3 miles at first. It will come back. Or so I'm hoping as well

Maria - WTG on the 6.6 lb loss! That's awesome! I read an article a little while ago that there are a lot of little things we can do to keep moving during the day so if you're incorporating things here and there, I have no doubt they're making a difference! I've never watched 'Eclipse' or anything from the 'Twilight' series. And not to worry about enjoying something that's not "meant" for you I love Pixar cartoons and I'd say I'm at least a good 30 years too old for them. And do let me know if you come up to Toronto, we'll get Kim and DH to come out for a meet! Oh and did you get a snow day? I heard NYC got one... I'm jealous that we have no snow days here.

AFM - I think it's a sign ... I made a chocolate cake last night from scratch. But I couldn't get it out of the bundt pan. It was stuck even though it was a non-stick pan AND I buttered and floured it I cooled the pan according to the instructions and it wouldn't come out. I even went as far as sticking the pan outside for 15 minutes and it still wouldn't come out. It was about 11PM at this point, and I just shook the pan and half of it popped out the bottom It was disappointing because it was a rosette pan so I didn't get to see the design. My cake looks like a giant O... ugh!

I have a bit of a perfectionist streak so now I'm determined to make another cake and have it come out properly of the pan. But the chocolate cake was from scratch (ie. too much work) so maybe I'll try with a boxed mix. Any tips from the bakers in the group on using a bundt pan. According to the recipe, it should have just come out after cooling for 10 minutes.

And aside from the chocolate cake, my eating is 50/50 ... I'm eating well during meals and during the day but the sugar has snuck back into my snacks and evening desserts. I'm planning to get rid of that next month. But feel free to give me a little butt kick if you want

Have a great day!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Vicky - Last year MCM sold out in less than a week. Registration is opening earlier this year, so I don't know if they're expecting it to go quicker or not. We registered the first day, just to be sure. I have a dentist appt that morning, so I'm planning on not going to work until it's all finalized! The 10K doesn't open till a couple of months later, but I'll probably register for the marathon and then drop back once that opportunity becomes available, just in case. After last night, I'm seriously questioning the sanity of thinking I can do 26.2 before the end of the year! And I can't help with the cake pan - the few times I've used one, I've been lucky. I do usually take a knife and wiggle it around before I shake the pan. Don't know if that helps or not...

I woke up this morning with sore shins. Sad, after 10 minutes of walking. Lets me know just how far I have to go. I think I'm going to sneak in a little TM walking without telling the PT along with the bike minutes, just to remind the legs. I still have to worry about the PF, though - I need it to continue healing as well.

Jackie

 

[rubato]

Hello ladies. I'm gone for a few days and everyone is posting up a storm!

Sounds like everyone is starting to get a handle on things. Good to hear. I'm going to need all the support I can get.

Jackie: I have yet to give in to the Twilight craze. I get hooked easily, so I'm just avoiding it. I did finish my first Maeve Binchy book and loved it, although the ending stunk! But, the rest was great.
I'm glad you are moving along in your recovery, but please take it a little easy. Overdoing it could set you back. But, I completely sympathize with the need to get moving on. I hope the bike will be good for cardio without hurting you.

Vicky: Any news from bagel boy? Sorry the cake didn't work out. I'm not sure why it didn't. You took all the steps required.
I think you should go for MCM. Especially if you might have a place to stay.
Sorry you had to see running jerk again, but it sounds like you put him in his place! Don't worry, he deserved it.

Maria: Happy Birthday to your son! How are you going to handle a 13 year old? Yikes!!!!! I hope you get the kitties. I'm not a cat person, but a few have a special place in my heart, and everyone loves kittens. I say I'm not a cat person, but I have the most cat-like dog breed possible. Every description of a Welsh Terrier says they are cat like, and he is.
Congratulations on your weight loss! 6.6 pounds is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Debra: Congrats on the 3 pounds. Great job!
Boy, you are getting organized this year, aren't you? And, once again, I'm jealous of all your trips and races. It must be so nice to travel that much. I get one good vacation each year plus the obligatory family visits. Frank seems to think vacations are a waste of money. I always knew something was wrong with him.

AFM: I haven't posted, because I didn't have any good news. After I got home from Disney with 5 extra pounds, I proceeded to gain 5 more! I was shocked when I got on the scale 2 days ago. But, I got back on track yesterday and already lost 2.5 pounds, so just 7.5 more to go to get to where I was 3 weeks ago. I'm so mad at myself, because I had worked so hard right before the trip, and I just threw it all away. I am eating like I'm 3 people. I ate really well yesterday, but we'll see how long I can keep it up.

Running has been almost non existent. I don't want to run on the TM, because it's just so boring to me, unless there's a really good show on TV. I can't run outside, because there's just too much ice and snow. So, I've been walking a few times and I managed zumba last night. I feel so blah. I met up with my favorite walking buddy today, and she didn't even want to walk. So, we went to lunch instead and pigged out on burgers, fries and Cokes. I really hope to get out of my funk soon.

 

[Creativebeth]

Hello Ladies!

How's it going?

Maria: Congrats on the 6.6 pounds!!! I am so happy for you! I, too, am liking the new program. It's nice that fruits are free!! I tend not to eat them usually...not wanting to 'waste' the points. My favorite right now is the cup of grapefruit you can get in the produce section. Already to eat! I just got a case of them yesterday at the BJs!

Tandy: Get up into the wagon...we are having a party!

Vicky: I am not sure what happened to your cake. Sounds like it should have worked......I do remember my mom used to 'cool' her cake upside down on a coke bottle......I don't use bundt pans (because I don't have one!) I made my mom's chocolate cake recipe for dh's birthday a couple of weeks ago....it was pretty popular around here!

Jackie: I hope things continue to get better for you....go slow, get stronger!

AFM: I weighed in today......I usually weigh on Thursday, but yesterday was another snow day! I lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 11.4 for 3 weeks. Not bad at all! It was a struggle since I was home alot this week. I was sick the beginning of the week with ds#1, and then a couple of snow days, and now ds#2 is sick today!!!! It's been a long week.....with a little extra eating! I am glad I was still down.

Tomorrow is a birthday party at Marggiano's ..... how is that going to work? Not well I think....to much food, that keeps coming! I will do my best.....

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

This will probably be a quickie post, as I'm just waiting for DOOD to get back before we go to the gym. Our schedule is all messed up today.

Vicky: Running jerk needs to buy your teas, for making you listen/put up with his issues. Not a communicator. Especially since you can't run right now. Are you enjoying spinning?

The cost of races, especially to the destinations I want to go, is an issue. Like you, I'd love to visit Jeff - er, do Honolulu - but I only have so much disposable income. And since I also have a lot of Disney & family plans...which is why Disney races win. (Goofy 2008 was my first.) Sign up for MCM! It sounds as if the stars are aligning.

Lots of stuff. Chocolate cake, mmmm. Not eating any right now, but mmmm. Bundt cakes with lots of design/corners are difficult to bake evenly, and have lots of surface area, and thus the sticking. I use lots of butter, putting it on with a pastry brush, then flour. Or sometimes cooking spray if I'm really worried about even coverage. I'd also let it sit on a wire rack for 30 minutes or so. After 10 minutes, loosen the sides of the pan with a spatula. All this doesn't always guarantee a perfect bundt, but it helps.

I'm hoping for a side trip to Toronto to dovetail with Stratford. We have to see if his university will pay for Stratford this year before we finalize the trip. And yes, DOOD is going to D.C. but only for a week-10 days. He's between major projects.

Jackie: Eat your veggies! And your fruits - they're free, apparently! (Anyone here remember "Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit," from the Kitchen Kabaret show in Epcot?) You do have a good reason for your numbers of the scale - your body is rebelling against the forced inactivity!

Your description of MCM jives with my memory of it (I spectated for DOOD, as I wasn't running then). Can you switch your registration to the 10 easily?

FWIW, I think your time on the TM was quite impressive. You're still in the early days of recovery.

Maria: First off, 6.6 pounds is fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! I'll be you are just more active all around - with the running and the weights and just being more active in your work/personal life. Moving faster, taking more stairs, etc. Very mindful indeed! I LIKE your plan for LRs on Friday. My LRs are on Sunday, which fits DOOD's schedule. It's supposed to keep me mindful through the weekend...but I think I'm running his schedule and not mine, if that makes sense.

Um, nothing to say about "Eclipse" and books - except I think they're more aimed at you than you account for. There's a huge adult audience for them.And I whipped right through "The Hunger Games" trilogy, so I'm all for reading YA lit at any age.

Updates on the cats and the b-day boy?

Tandy: Boy, oh boy, do I sympathize with you! I've been there on the scale, wondering how that extra 5 pounds came on. Probably will be there again. It's a struggle back. But...you're down 2.5 pounds and eating well day by day! I don't think it's easy during the winter because of the blahs. Here, it's nice enough temperature wise to be tempted, but the roads aren't good. And that make the TM less appealing. The funk is normal, is what I'm saying, and I'm sending you good thoughts to you so you get your running groove back! (It might be a bit of post-marathon depression, too.)

One of the first things I needed to learn/adapt to when I met DOOD was lots of traveling. His family's got the bug. That, and work travel, and research, etc. It certainly looks like a lot of fun when I look at it - but most of it's work: Seattle, Stratford, Disney, all work. And if we do the Hershey Half, which is what we're planning, I'll probably see if I can make a Disney connection there, too. Still, I do admit that I know think Frank is an alien. How can he not like vacations?

Beth: Most excellent news. Now that's the kind of downward spiral we like to hear about! Especially given the weather/cooped up indoors, illness in the household, and well, winter! I know you'll do your best at the b-day party!

AFM: Down one pound this week. Hoped for more, will live with what I got. Working out has been somewhat light this week, as my workout schedule has been affected by DOOD's erratic school schedule. (Weather related cancellations, etc.) That's why we're off to work out on a Friday night. Gee, I remember when those used to mean happy hours and date nights...

In fact, he just walked in the door, so I'll cut this short. Let's just say that eating-wise I've not been eating wise. Lots of snacks, even if most of them are healthy for me. I seem to be hungry all the time. I think I need to drink more water!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Tandy - I really like most of Maeve Binchy's books, but there have been a couple that left me wondering why I bothered. As for getting hooked easily, I finished Twilight on the 19th, and I'm almost at the end of Breaking Dawn (the last book.) 4 books in less than 2 weeks, and I read New Moon in one day. And I'm already depressed that I'm at the end... Now my daughter and I are arguing - apparently we don't see eye to eye on which "team" is better.

Debra - DD and I had a discussion yesterday about why the Twilight saga isn't for YA audiences, beginning with the fact that Meyer had no idea who she was writing for when she began. And yes, MCM offers an option to either defer to the next year or drop back to the 10K. I don't think you get any money back, so you pay a large amount for a 10K, but I don't mind doing that in this scenario. If a large group is going to to MCM this year, I'd rather be there and run the "lesser" race than defer and run solo!

I'm posting this morning to report that I'm eating yogurt, Kashi, and BLACKBERRIES for breakfast. I have grapes for snack, then leftover mashed potatoes, broccoli, and an apple for lunch. (Kind of a weird combination, I know, but the mp and broccoli were Sat night's dinner - we ate all the steak - and the apple was on the counter, so I threw it in!) I also bought blueberries to alternate for breakfast. Lots of fruit!

After the shocker on the scale, I felt better when I remembered that TOM was arriving. Then I got on the scale 2 days later and was up another 2 pounds. THEN I realized I'm only 8 pounds lighter than I was when I gave birth 20 years ago. That's when I went to the grocery store and bought the fruit! Haven't had any chocolate since. Have also done 2 sessions on the bike - one for 30 minutes, one for 35. Increased the speed with the 35 minute session, although I'm not going to tell the PT that! I actually broke a sweat for the majority of the time. I'm going to the track tonight while DH and RB (running buddy) do their speedwork, so I might just cheat a little and walk on the track. I'm doing my best to participate in Binghham's 100 Day Challenge - I just missed the first 3 weeks or so!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hello Lovely Lean Ones!

Jackie -- I am not with the majority, if I had to pick I'd go Team Jacob. I enjoyed "Eclipse", but I do agree the books are better than the movies. There is one more book, novella, really. It's "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner". She's one of the newborns made to attack the Cullens. It's a quick read, but gives you a different perspective. Doesn't exactly match the movie, though... Fruit is good food -- I am glad you are incorporating more, I think you will like how you feel

Debra -- Sadly, we are still catless, and likely to stay that way until those mama cats become in the family way...They didn't have any available when we went, and when dh filled out the pre-adoption form, he indicated that we had declawed our kitties, and would do the same with these. We had no idea this is considered torture, but now we do. They all but threw us out, even though we said if it was an issue we would not declaw them. We honestly never gave it any thought. It was pretty truamatic for ds -- not exactly "Happy Birthday"..They told us they didn't believe us, and I think that's that. We'll need to find another shelter with kittens, which may be awhile. To cheer up ds, we went to Petco and bought kitty supplies, so we are all ready when some appear. It was pretty disconcerting to basically be compared to Joseph Mengala, and told we are an unfit home. We gave a 17 yr old cat an IV every day for the last 8 months of his life, not to mention his kidney stone operation when he was 10 -- I really thought it was evident we are a good home, but apparently not good enough for this shelter. Can you tell I'm still distraught? I know I need to let it go and move on, I just never expected anyone to think I was unfit to own a cat.

On the bright side, ds and his buddies had a fabulous time at their surprise -- we took them to Blue Man Group, and they all loved it. I'm glad he had the sleepover the night before, and I watched a movie with him after, so it wasn't a totally sad day...

Good job being down one pound! Honestly, it's what I'm hoping for today. Now you have SyFy -- what do you think of their version of Being Human? Have you seen the BBC America version?

Beth -- Grapefruit! I had forgotten I like it. Now I have another fruit to add to the rotation! How was the birthday party? Maggianos is a big land mine, I can't imagine getting out of there safely All this snow is just revolting. Now we're supposed to have another 6-10 tomorrow/Wed., and I am done. DH is going to take off if there's another snow day. It is his turn, and I have something I cannot get out of. I usually like to take them, but I can't this week.

Tandy -- I'm sorry about the gain, I feel your pain. I got on my home scale today and I'm .2 higher than I was January 1st. I actually consider that a victory, since I gained about 7 lbs then lost them again (I have a different eating plan for this trip, since the one last time didn't turn out exactly like I wanted... ). I am committed to sticking with it with WW, even if I don't see big losses. What I was doing before clearly wasn't working, so I need to do something new. This weather is killing us -- it's really hard to get motivated when all you see is ice and snow I know that Spring is just around the corner, and you are really going to enjoy getting outside for some runs!

Vicky -- Good luck with the chocolate cake! I hope the next one turns out just as you want. I don't have any advice, I also don't own a Bundt pan. I do have a lovely jello mold, but that is a different story.... All this talk of MCM! You guys are hard core! I think it's fabulous I'm starting to think about my next Disney race after Princess -- thinking I might find a way to do Wine and Dine. It just sounds like fun, but then I was thinking I might not like running an entire race in the dark

AFM: After skipping my run yesterday, I got up and did 4M this morning. So glad I did, and I admit knowing I'm weighing in tonight helped with the motivation I did get up and do 3M Saturday before the cat debacle, and I'm trying to add a little more speed into the shorter runs. I may not be faster at Princess, but I should definitely feel good about my finish (if I'm not too distracted by all the sparkly costumes!)

I brought my normal food today, so hopefully I won't get too hungry before I go to the meeting. It will be interesting. I think I have a loss, but not a big one. TOM showed up, and since I can literally see the bloat, I will definitely consider any loss a good one. I'd like to make my goal 10 lbs in 3 weeks, but I think I have to see how tonight goes first. That would really be amazing for me, and a great start!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - DD is staunchly Team Jacob. I, unfortunately, went with the tide, and am in love with Edward. DD says we may not be able to share the same home anymore. (Fine by me - she has a job now. I'll be more than happy to surrender that expense!) I'm sorry to hear about the kitties. Some shelters/adoption agencies really seem to be too "particular" for their own good. With all the animals that need homes, you'd think that they'd be thrilled that there were people willing, but they seem much more concerned about their rules and regulations. DH had to lie when he adopted Apawlo - they wouldn't adopt a dog to a home that already had a dog, and we already had Sienna at the time.

Jackie