Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[deekaypee]

I'm still here, just bogged down in a bit of work. And the WISH teams (re)organization. I'm trying to step away, really!

Cindy: DOOD spoke very highly of you and your 1/2 performance, so I had no idea you were going out faster than you'd planned. Saturday was NOT the day to stay and cheer. (DOOD ended up forgetting where we'd parked the car and spend the entire time I was on the course looking for it--he wasn't happy at all by the time I saw him.) Congratulations on two great races!

By now, I hope the stomach has settled down? I know it's been lingeringa while and has really affected every part of your life.

Beth: You know that phrase, "break down muscle." It creeps me out. Just had to tell you. Glad the juice is working for you, as well as the journaling. I know it works, keep meaning to recommit to it, and am so proud of your willpower to do so! Having you looked at your journal, what do you think your dietitian might say? Any patterns that you've noticed?

Wait, wait, wait! You're getting up even earlier for more miles? And such a speedy 5 miles!

Vicky: Oh, I'd say the Kitchen sink should 4. At least it did. And after a full meal! (Oh, it's horrific to think about.) I think I'll try breaking down my reps, too. Thanks for the suggestion. I love that you're putting your race schedule together already, with consistent races. I'm still hoping to put mine together sooner this year. I guess it depends on how you feel, but I'd suggest following Beth's model, sort of, of being prepared not to PR every race but race strong if you feel it that day. Don't plan on PRs for the 30Ks, in other words, if you want to focus on your sub-2:00 1/2s, but don't be surprised if it happens!

WTG with your first post-half run! Sounds speedy to me. Especially with your Monday WO.

Maria: Congrats on your PR. I knew you could do it--even in those awful conditions! And, for the record, I had no doubts you would crawl out of bed. I totally understand the frustrations with WISH social time vs. family demands. And I think I'm feeling even more frustrated (in my case, petty) with your SILs shopping at the expo. I won't dwell because I'm working on being more positive, but....

Speaking of more positive, I love the energy in your post about this year's goals! You're doing the right things, and I'm right with you, sister! The % thing would work, too, for 5-pound increments. (I'm not good with numbers.) Haven't seen One Big Happy Family, but I AM looking forward to Caprica. Go figure. Now if my gym would only get the Syfy channel so I could do a late workout while enjoying a new show.

Connie, Connie, Connie.... You didn't fail. You started. You may not have finished, but you are the very spirit of WISH. I don't know if I would have had the strength you did given your health/circumstances. I'm so very proud of you, and admire you. (And your race partner, who is a gem!) You did absolutely the right thing by stopping at the med tent--and being honest.

I'm so sorry about your medical condition. It sounds absolutely terrifying. Which makes your accomplishment at Disney--2 inches!--all the more impressive. I just know you can succeed in this challenge because you are one of the strongest people I know (even though we've not met...yet!)

Sugar, flour, pasta, rice, potatoes.

Ouch. I know this, too, obviously not from your insider/insulin perspective. That's a hard thing to internalize, or they would be for me. Forget the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens--these are some of my favorite things. That's what I mean by being a strong person.

Jackie: Chunk #1. You saying I'm chunky? Glad to know we're partners again in a goal. (Just so you know, I'm also going to try and get faster just for you. ) I'm impressed that you first post-Goofy run was speedwork. Mine was shufflework. I read the article you linked to. I was struck by how much I still consume tons of liquid calories....food--er, drink--for thought.

Shan: Welcome, and congratulations for signing up for your first full! I'll be happy to cheer you and Vicky on! If you've been naughty, I've been evil! Glad to have more people here to support each other! So, I take it you're buying In Training gear? Do share!

Manda: Yay for progress on the TM and Wii. It's always such a relief to have our home workout equipment in order. (I assume you use Wii Fit?) And painting a bedroom is SUCH a chore--at least it's a little physical. Hopefullyy you're not clumsy like me and get more paint on you than the walls! Good job tracking the food. That's bound to help, even without the weigh in.

As for me: I'm proud of myself for making strides in consistency I've had a WO streak of 7 days, will be 8 today if I can just break away from the DIS. Seriously, I'll be headed out for run soon, in the sunshine. I've been weighing myself every day and it looks like I might post a loss. I've also done the body measurements; I have inches to go before I rest.

I still haven't decided a race schedule--okay, so I've looked at races--but there's the usual time conflicts to deal with. DOOD's brother has a daughter in March, two trips planned in April, a family reunion in the summer sometime, etc. Between the time and the $....I may have to do mostly local this year. But to be petty, most of the picturesque longer-distance race courses here are along routes I already run. And Pgh doesn't have a lot of race/crowd support. So I'd rather save the short, local race fee up for travel. At the same time, I do think the way to get better at racing (if not faster) is to, well, race more. Decisions, decisions.....

Okay, and while I'm brainstorming. Wouldn't it be cool to do a Leaner race/meet? Wendy posted a link about the Inaugural Flying Pirate Half Marathon on April 18....a time limit of 5 hours. Like I said, I've got two trips in April, and too little time to train seriously. But I could definitely make a 5 hour cut-off.

Anyway, maybe we could think about a Leaner race sometime, with enough lead time to plan it out. Especially because it looks like we'll never get to see Beth at Disney in January and I'm feeling a need to meet in person all you wonderful people! I promise to let you pursue your own PRs on the course!

 

[Creativebeth]

Debra: If there is a Leaner meet.....you will have to let me know! You know my race schedule is filling up! I am doing the National 1/2 marathon on March 20 (? I think) and Lehigh Valley 1/2 marathon on April 24th (that is a great one BTW.....used to be done by Runner's World, but now they just support it) in Allentown PA. Next up will be the full marathon in San Diego June 6th, followed by VA beach labor day.

I would be willing to add in another race if you come up with one......but couldn't do the Pirate 1/2 since I have one the next weekend.

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Once again I had this lovely, long glorious post, and it is gone like the wind...

Good Afternoon, Leanies!

I can't reconstruct it all, so I'll just focus on the part that had to deal with, well, me.

DH just informed me he is doing the WDW Full in 2011. This has me in a quandary. Do I try to walk the Full, or stick with the Half? He's running the Full, so I won't get anywhere near him. I'll be by myself either way, which I'm used to, anyway. If I train for the Full, can I also train for the DL Half? We may be able to swing my attendance this year...If I switch to walking from running, will I derail my weight loss? Can I even walk for that long? How do you know when you are ready for a Full? Is there a WISH group that always walks the Full I could join? I don't mean racewalks, I mean walks at a pace fast enough not to be swept I am eager for any and all input. My priority is losing weight this year, and I know Full training can make that difficult...

Maria

 

[lenshanem]

Maria, sign up for the full. I'm doing it for the first time, too.

Debra, Disney Store online just put up new In Training shirts today for the half, full and Goofy. They come in both women and men's styles! I ordered mine today, but DH passed. I guess he thought it might be embarrassing?

 

[Creativebeth]

Maria: I will give you what I think....take what you will from it!

I've only done one full marathon, and I don't have fond memories of it. Training was hap-hazard. I got the long run in a week, but wasn't running enough during the week. I wasn't in good running shape. I gained 25 pounds during said process. I did the Toronto marathon, way to heavy, not in the shape I needed to be.....I finished, but not in any stellar form. Hence the 'bad' feelings about it. I then gave up all ideas of another marathon....... really! I haven't thought about it again until the end of 2009......

At that point, I lost all the 25 pounds I had gained in 2007, was running decently, and had maintained 1/2 marathon shape all year with 3 PR's...... this is the best shape I have ever been in. So, the idea of a full started again..... this time I would be better prepared I think. I believe this is my 'window' of oppurtunity to get it done, with good memories instead of bad.

I think running for 5 years, learning how to train, and hopefully having lost the weight for good......I think I am ready. (I sure hope so!)

I wouldn't jump into the idea if I were you.......unless your only goal would be finishing...... I hated that I did one and it was so BAD! I never told anyone about it unless asked because I was not happy with how it all ended. I wouldn't want that for you. You have worked so hard with all you have done......I wouldn't want you to stress out about it and the training when your goals are different for this year......

Your husbands goals are great! But there is no reason that you can't maintain your own goals while supporting his.......

Weight loss is tough marathon training.....I don't care what anyone says.....I was starving!!!! And when I am hungry, I have no control over my eating. So, I gained a ton of weight......which took me 2 years to get off!

I don't want to be the 'downer' post.....but I really feel that your original plan was right on target for you! A full marathon (even Disney) will always be there.....A great goal! But, my advice would be to wait until your at a place that YOU feel ready for the challenge. You will know when that time comes......I wish I would have waited longer than I did!

I hope you take this the way I am intending......I am just trying to give you another side to think about......I wish I would have heard this before my own botched attempt!

What ever you decide, you will have my 100% support to get you there!!!!!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Before I do anything else Shannon! I keep meaning to say that...so glad you found us!

Beth -- I really appreciate the time and honesty of your post. You are correct, I am quite a bit away from the shape I seek, and doing it just because dh is (when I won't even see him), doesn't seem to make much sense. I kind of like the idea of a long-term plan -- making 2010 all about getting into the shape I want to be, training in 2011, and in 2012, tacking the Full. There's some symmetry there that I really like, for some reason even-numbered years are good to me (yes, I fully realize that is partially illogical). You were very kind in your post. I have a long way to go before I approach fit, heck, I need to lose 25 lbs to get to overweight!

I reserve the right to buy dh a "Mickey" mug in 2011 and drink from it... All part of my long-term training plan, right?!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Beth - Absolutely amazing speedwork!

Shan - Welcome! And congratulations on signing up for the full. You're gonna have an amazing year.

Vicky - My first run was similar. I felt like I was running the same pace I usually did at the track, but I kept looking at the Garmin and insisting it had to be wrong. The pace just wasn't there. Then I reminded myself that I ran 39.3 miles less than 2 weeks ago... maybe that had something to do with it?

Connie - Ugh! Like Debra, those 4 items qualify as "My Favorite Things." I might as well starve to death. Even though I know that my eating would be much healthier without them...

Manda - Glad the treadmill and the Wii are on the road to recovery.

Debra - Well, maybe not chunky... But we have chunks to lose. And we're tackling Chunk #1 together. Should we name it? A la Ben & Jerry? Something like Chunky Monkey? We could name each different chunk... Don't mind me. It's time for dinner and I'm hungry. Can you tell? And my speedwork session was much more shufflework than real speedwork, as I told Vicky. I told Bill I was sure the Garmin was malfunctioning, since I was exerting much more effort than it was registering. Today the gods are getting even with me for gloating about my warm weather run. While you're anticipating sunshine, it's cold and rainy here (not quite Disney Alaska, but truly gross nonetheless). Will either bag the run or have to hit the TM.

Maria - I'm not going to cast a vote either way, but will just say that I believe you are capable of finishing the full while walking it within the time limit, but may enjoy it more if you take this year to get in shape for it. Either way, we'll be here to support you and cheer you on!

As for a Leaner race, my schedule is going to be very full with WISH specific races. An Ohana race, a Leaner race, the Indy half (which I was conned into by the WISH team), where will it end? I'd actually looked at the Flying Pirate as an April race, since that's the only month I'm lacking between Jan and May! So if anyone else wants to... The Outer Banks will be beautiful then, and a 5 hour cutoff is a wonderful thing. I wish I could afford to go to San Diego in June.. What about the RnR Philly in September?

So I got on the scale yesterday morning, and weighed less than I have since I started keeping track in early December. Not by much, but it's a start. Now I have to continue the trend.

Jackie

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Leanies!

Maria: I am glad that you 'heard' me in my post. I am honest when it comes to stuff like that......you should hear me with women talking about having children! I am honest about that too! Love 'em, but boy they change EVERYTHING in your life (not always for the GOOD, lol).

I truely think your long term plans are spot on. These are lifetime changes, and they are not easy (though you have made them seem so!) You have done an amazing job, and I am positive that this year will be the BEST!

So, in my obsessed quest in running, I am reading the Complete Book of Running from Runner's World (I know how sad I am.....). There is a section about nutrition with some surprizing 'Super Foods for Runners'. I thought I would included some....

1. Baby lima beans. One cup of cooked baby limas - delicious in soups, stews, casseroles, and three bean salads - contains almost 8 gr of fiber (1/3 of your daily intake) about 30% of the daily value of iron, 15% for zinc, and about 25% of the RDA for magnesium. And that's not all. The same serving size also packs all of your daily requirement of folic acid, and important B vitamin that may prevent birth defects when consumed before and during pregnancy.

I will post more as I go along!

Beth

 

[mandac]

Debra: Sounds like you are doing good. I am hoping that by next week I will be able to report a streak of exercise days. You are an inspiration for me. I am starting to add more races to my plans. My sister is doing the Bear Lake half here in Utah in June. I think I may do the 10K, since it is at a higher elevation and I really don’t want to kill myself. Should be fun. That makes 3 races this year, compared to my none two years ago! I love it. I also love the idea of meeting. This group helps me so much! It would be fun to actually meet.

Maria: I agree with what others have said. Save doing a full until you really feel ready. I don’t see me ever doing on, but I have heard you need to really be ready or it is just a miserable experience. I don’t want to ruin racing for me, so I am sticking to halfs.

Jackie: congrats on the weight. It must be great to see that!

Beth: Thanks for the information from the book. Sounds like it probably has some really good info in it.

As for me: I am up 2 pounds this week, and I deserve it. I have been so bad to the point of not even caring. I have eaten candy and pizza, and more candy then chips and ice cream and cake. Yeah, it was a bad week. But that ended yesterday. I am back on track today and excited for the week to come. My DH fixed my TM yesterday! I was so excited. It is great to have a handy guy around. I was ready to write the poor machine off as dead, but we ordered a new drive belt, and 22 dollars later my treadmill is working better than it has for a while. Also good is that our Wii arrived back from Nintendo yesterday. I plugged in the new Wii fit for the first time. I was a little sad when my little person blew up like a balloon to show my weight, but I know that it is only going to get better from there, so no problem. I am excited to really make a change this time.

Even as I say that, I have to admit I didn’t get on the treadmill this morning. I had all the great intentions, but I have no idea where my running clothes are. All my clothes are in a giant pile in my living room waiting for the bedroom to be finished. So rather than rummage through the pile this morning I slept in. Oh well. The room should be finished soon, and things will get back to normal – or my new normal.

You all are wonderful. Thanks for the support and encouragement. Have a great weekend!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday Leanies!

Beth - Please don't post brussel sprouts. I picked up a copy of the Women's Running magazine yesterday but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I was also thinking about some of the things that you mentioned about doing your first marathon and decided to go and see a nutritionist so that I can make sure I'm eating properly while training. Not really sure how my body is going to react to higher distances and hunger but like you, I just tend to eat when I'm hungry.

Shan - I picked up one of those 'In Training' shirts when I was at the expo in January. Do you have a time you're aiming for or just finishing? I think I will be in the just finishing category myself so I'm not sure what to use for proof of time. I don't really want to get stuck at the back but don't want to get in anyone's way in the middle.

Maria - I don't have any advice about walking the full only becauase I've never walked a race before. I guess if I were to walk in a race, Disney would be the one to do it. I would definitely be lining up for all the character and taking photos and videos of the mile markers.

Debra - WTG on the 7 days of workouts! I made the mistake of telling my PT about burger and fries before the Kitchen Sink. The intensity of the workout went WAAAY up from there - one of those I said the quiet part loud and loud part quiet situations I guess. I'd be in for a Leanie run/event. I know it's waay out but maybe we could do something in 2011 since everyone seems to have their schedules planned out. Are we shooting for a 1/2 or a full race? For fulls, I'd love to try Big Sur or MCM. Halfs DL, San Diego or the NC half you linked to. The Nike Women's Marathon also sounds like fun but that's by lottery?

No plans to PR the 30K - that race has it's own Heartbreak Hill and has someone dressed as the Grim Reaper somewhere on the course. Yikes!

Manda - Hope you get the TM and Wii repaired soon. If you need some cardio exercises to do in the meantime, jumping jackings and mountain climbers are great! The food journaling sounds like something I'm going to have to get back into.

Connie - Those are all the foods that I have a problem with too. I think when you hear things from a doctor, it just makes it that much more "official".

AFM - I went to the gym yesterday and did a 1/2 hour workout. I find that more intense than the 1 hour workouts because there are less rest breaks. I also ran 2 miles on the TM afterward. I'm thinking about making an appointment with a nutritionist to talk about food and eating while training for a marathon. Beth's comments really got me thinking about it. Not much planned for this weekend other than a 10 miler. I heard the weather is suppose to warm up - unusual for January but since I'm running, I'm happy!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[lenshanem]

Hey Leaners! Hope everyone is excited for the weekend!

I shouldn't have gotten on the scale this morning. Not a pound lost this week. Very discouraging since this was my first week really keeping track of what I ate and writing it all down! But, I will not give up just yet!

Vicky, I'm not sure yet. I did put down my 10K PR. I really will be pleased to just finish the full, but I'm hoping for something around 5:30. DH will be running with me and told me the other day he was gonna try to get me around 5:00 and I had to laugh at him. He is totally insane. Really, really insane. My 10K time is for the 5:00 estimation. If I stay ahead of the sweepers I'll be happy.

 

[deekaypee]

Beth, Vicky, etc.: Yeah, I sort of guess an April event might be too quick. But I don't think it's too early to plan a 2011 event, at all. If it's 2011 I could probably go either way with a full or half if it were a bit later in 2011. (And MCM has a 10 miler, doesn't it, so that could be a flexible race.)

The hard part with me is that I often don't have a stable work schedule to plan in advance. Semester by semester piecework, then freelance. I guess that just means I need to maintain a good base all year round!

Anyway, if there's a good event anyone can think of, or one that several of us want to do, maybe we could make it a meet? I'll put my thinking hat on, too! Like Jackie suggested, I'm looking at RnR Philly in September, especially if I can't swing DLR. This might be my only chance to get a Coast to Coast medal with DLR, so I'd like to do it if I can work it out.

Maria: I know I responded to your post about the half/full on 'Ohana, but I was telling DOOD about it... Not because he needs to hear everything about your life, but because it's similar to the negotiations we're having in our household. I told him I wanted to drop back to halfs but expected he'd want to continue with fulls. He asked me, "Why don't you tell her what you told me?" (About myself.) So I will. Run your own race. Not your DH's. If that's a full, great. If it's a half, great. If it's running, walking, crawling. But the race, ideally, should be the goals you set, for yourself. Even if that means you and DH are in different events. (And if it's a half, he'll be there to cheer you on and vice versa!)

Like Beth, I love your long-term plan. (And even numbers work for me.) I tend to be one for immediate gratification, so I struggle to keep the transition to an ever healthier lifestyle off an unreasonable timetable. You--and others--really help me with that.

Jackie: Yes, we're (all) in this together! Let's name Chunk #1. Chunk Taylors? I'll continue to look at the Flying Pirate. I'm waiting to hear back on some of DOOD's scheduling--not for DOOD, per se, but there are trips during April that I might need to take with him. (Read: chaperoning college-students.) The Flying Pirate might be do-able, as it falls between them and it's generous time limit means this semester's hash of a training plan wouldn't kill me on the course. And I keep hearing good things about the Outer Banks. Not to mention the excellent company!

Okay, stop the scales right there! You need to celebrate.

So I got on the scale yesterday morning, and weighed less than I have since I started keeping track in early December. Not by much, but it's a start.

Wonderful news!

Beth: Ugh, not lima beans! Dang, and they're so good for you, too. Keep the food tips coming! (Ditto on the brussel sprouts.)

Manda: Wow, that's an impressive uptick in the amount of races you're doing! I'm hoping doing more races will keep me motivated, and I'll be curious to know how they work for you. I can't remember--are you doing the DLR half in September? I'd love to meet face-to-face!

As for your "being bad," ppfffftttt! Don't use such talk. You've had a little setback, but you've been so good. You've got your TM fixed (and for cheap!), which means you've been focusing on putting the support into place to succeed. You're getting your room back to normal, and working to overcome all those excuses we ALL find! And you did something that would have been VERY hard for me--getting on the Wii and having your avatar come up. I always feel like such things are mocking me and it can strangely depress me. Kudos for doing it. And for having the right mindset--excitement is a good thing!

Vicky: I can't believe you told your PT about the burgers! What happens in Disney should never be confessed to a PT. Ever. Unless it's a PR or PB. I think your plans to talk to a nutritionist for marathon training is spot on, especially with Beth's experience so far. And I can't seem to stop gaining weight when training for a marathon, so....

Shan: Don't be discouraged! Easier said than done, I know! Actually, with a year out to train, especially with someone to train with who'll act as your personal coach & drill sergeant, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get closer to the 5:00 than the 5:30. But if that's the goal, I definitely think you two should wear matching "In Training" shirts!

As for me: Well, for one, I'm out of energy for posting! So, just a couple of things.

I've reclaimed part of our bedroom/work space for a "get lean" motivational area. It's got my current stats, my goals, and the beginnings of a bunch of personal mantras that I have to look at every day. You know one of my favorites: "It's not the last donut you'll ever eat." Along with "Food is fuel." To which I've added "Run your own race" and "Skinny isn't in your vocabulary. Healthy and fit are." I'm looking for more. Suggestions?

Also, and I know this sounds strange, but I've made a commitment to work out in less clothing. Not obscenely less mind you, although that would be good for a laugh, but I'm the baggy clothes kind of person. Always have been, and not just for running and workouts. But I'm thinking I need to see the body at work--even if I don't like what I'm seeing--to stay motivated. If I want to transform my body into a stronger, leaner self, maybe I need to really see myself?

I'm starting with baby steps to get over the shock, wearing far fewer clothes at home. Then to the gym. I'll still be bundled up for outdoor running...for now. Anyway, I thought I'd give it try. Although don't ever plan on seeing me run in boy shorts. Not happening. That's a promise.

 

[Creativebeth]

Debra: Good for you! It's nice to have your own 'spot'. I have our fourth bedroom as my workout room. I do share it, but it's basically mine and I attempt to keep it clean on an ongoing basis so I 'like' to spend time there. It's the only place that is mine......

I would be up for a race 'meeting' next year! Where would we be looking? I might be adding on the Pilly 1/2 this year if I have the money....we could meet then!

I am a clothes minimalist at home. I get way to hot to wear much. I am usually wearing a sports bra and shorts. I really don't care what I am wearing here. The gym I usually just wear a tech tank after taking off the winter duds.

The one thing I have noticed lately after workouting out so much this last year, I don't question 'if' I will get a workout in everyday....it's 'when' that is usually the guestion. That is definitely a step up for this reformed couch potato!

Beth

 

[Steffwalks]

Hi Leanies!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and healthy weekend!

Everyone! I think a Leanie meet would be great. I think most of you are nearer the coast than I am. But I can always try!

Maria - Do what feels right for you!

Shan - The sweepers aren't nearly as ugly as I once feared. They give everyone as much of chance as they possibly can. You have nothing to fear! I

Manda - One of the most important lessons to be learned from a gain is: "what can I do differently next time". If you can work that out, you win!

Debra - fewer clothes! Yup, that's the way to go. You know, they have naked Tai Chi and yoga, right? Glad you are up and running again!

Vicky - If you can afford a nutritionist, that's great. You could always just get one of Nancy Clark's books and follow her guidelines for eating while training for a marathon. You can lose weight, but you shouldn't fixate on it. And count on less than a pound a week! You have to fund the training!

Jackie - Yes, yours and Debra's favorite things are also mine! dang it. -- Congrats on the weight loss! It's good thing. Little losses add up to BIG losses!

Beth - Did you know there is a National Lima Bean day? I love the LARGE limas made into a soup using carrots, celery, and ham!

AFM - Still doing well on the "diet". Sometimes, I have to strain my brain to come up with something to eat, but I am getting there. DOOC is only eating salads and fruit. He can't figure out why the weight keeps coming back! I think it's because he gets sick of it all and ends up pigging out, but I could be wrong!

I am counting an official three pound loss. For the last few days I have weighed at least three pounds less than when I went to WDW!! That makes it official!

I haven't been able to work out much, yet. I am still having some foot pain and of course, some back pain. I figure I have earned a bit of rest. But I will be doing those darn Pilates mat workouts again, real soon!

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Leanies! It's another Monday morning! The weather is really weird here....very warm, but VERY windy!

Okay, the second superfood for Runners:

"2. Beer: Be it nonalcoholic or the regular brew, beer is a great source of chromium, a mineral that plays a part in processing carbs for energy. Various studies suggest exercise may increase chromium losses in urine. And since it's not clear wheter chromium in supplement form can boost performance, runners need to look to their diets to supply 50 to 200 micrograms of natural chromium a day. A tall, cold one is a good place to start (and finish): One 12 oz beer provides about 60 micrograms of chromium."

****There Debra, is that a better one????******

And, by the way, I am not usually any kind of vegetable fan.....but I love brussel sprouts! I really don't know why, but I do!

Connie: WTG on the 3 pounds! These irksome pounds need to be taken to the curb! Keep up the good work.....and you are probably right about dh's issues.....pigging out is usually the result of depriving yourself real food!

AFM: I am down about 2 pounds. Which I am happy with. If this weight comes off slowly, all the better. This is real weight loss......eating normal foods and exercising. When I go all out and 'diet' the weight comes off, but it doesn't stay off. I want lasting weight loss....and while I am eating normally.

The dietician thinks I am pretty much on target. My carbs and protein intake is pretty much exactly on target.....she gave me a minimum calorie intake of 2000/daily to fuel my workouts. Seems really high, but it's about what I eat normally (according to my food diary). It seems if I eat less than that, I don't lose the weight.....I guess it's not enough calories.

So I am going with that. I will keep up the food journaling I think....just to keep an eye out on the calorie intake.

I started doing my Power 90 tapes again. I need more of a weight workout than I have been getting. I am pretty much just running right now, and it's not enough. I need to build some muscle! I have the old Power 90, but my friend Heidi is going to let me use her Power 90 X for the next couple of months since she is pregnant. I can't wait to try it!

Beth

 

[Steffwalks]

Good morning, Beth!

I was afraid that I had killed the thread!

Good job with the eating and journaling. Isn't it great to know that we are doing the right things when we ARE doing the right things. Two thousand calories is what a normally active woman needs to maintain her weight. So, if you want to drop, that's about right!

Good luck with the new program!

AFM - nothing new! Just reading and posting and housework!

 

[mandac]

Vicky: Warm weather sounds nice. It was snowing all last week, but that was good because it totally cleared up our air. We had really bad air quality for the past month here. Scary to run outside when the air is that bad. Great job with your workouts. Keep doing great! How was your 10 miler?

Shan: Isn’t that the saddest thing? To get on the scale and have it be the same when you were doing so good? Hopefully it is just slow to show up. Keep it up and the weight will change.

Debra: I am planning on the DL Half. It was my first race and I loved it! My Sis, Dad and DH will probably be running again this year too. Fun fun fun. Thanks for the advice. I am trying to stay excited. Now much real working out went on this weekend. But I was good with the food and the room is almost finished. Once I am sleeping in my own room again, things should calm down.

Beth: I love the idea of no thinking if but when. That is what I need to do. Not exercising should not be an option!

Connie: Congrats on the 3 pounds! That is great. Sorry about your foot and back.

AFM: Not much went on this weekend in the way of exercise, but the eating wasn't too bad. We put the molding and chair rail up in the bedroom. It just needs to be painted now and we will be almost done. I had book club at my house on Saturday. We did a brunch and had (mostly) good foods since most of us are still trying to be good for the new year. It was good fun. Add a movie on Saturday night and I had a busy but relaxing day. It is great to have a less stressful day every once in a while. I let the stress from work and home get the best of me!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lovely Lean Ones!

I had a pretty good weekend -- 6M on Saturday, incline walking yesterday, and another 4M this AM. I'd like to think I'm getting back into my groove. I'm also being very aware of my food intake. I know this is helping. I just need to start working on adding the weights -- it sounds easy, but I really have to make myself do it. I guess I'm going to have to make a rule that I have to do them if I want to watch tv. That should do it. \

I lost the vacation lb and one more, so I consider that a good week

Connie -- Nothing new with me, either -- just reading, posting, and oh yeah, that pesky job...I'm taking a DIS break so I can start writing more refreshed! Congrats on the weight loss, that is fabulous!

Beth -- I'm just going to skip the beer since I really don't like it. Debra can have mine! You are welcome to all my brussel sprouts. I just don't like 'em!

Debra -- I love your "Get Lean" motivational area! I think it really helps to write things down and see your goals on a regular basis. I'll be pasting mine on the cover of my notebook. Thank you for the sage advice. I do think I have to do my own thing. Dennis and I are at completely different places, and we shouldn't have the same goals.

Shannon -- I know how you feel. Even though I know better, I got on the scale this AM. I was not happy. I know that Mondays are always rough, and by Tuesday/Wednesday the weekend excess will have melted away. Sometimes it takes a few weeks for the body to "get" what you are doing and let go of the pounds. Give yourself some room to lose, and you will see great results!

Vicky -- a 10M this weekend! How did it go?

Manda -- Ok, now I'm really curious -- what is the color scheme in your bedroom? The chair rail sounds very traditional, I'm sure it is going to be a wonderful refuge for you when you are finished remodelling.

Jackie -- Congrats on the fabulous weight loss! That is a great accomplishment!

A bit of reconstruction from that last post I had -- If you want to come to Boston/New England for a Leaner Meet -- I can comfortably provide shelter for 4 or 5 (could actually do one couple and then more singles), I have futons in my basement and attic, so someone is going to be too hot or cold, depending on the season. Not quite as fun as a hotel, but the price is right! I live 5 minutes from the airport, and we generally pick up anyone who comes in...

Speaking of tv, anyone watching 24? I took last season off, but I'm glad to be back with Keifer. My other Monday night tapings include Castle and Ghost Whisperer. I didn't watch GW as it appeared new, so now I catch 4 episodes on SyFy. I didn't expect to like it, but now I'm hooked. I also really like Castle. How can you go wrong with Nathan Fillion?

I know, you guys are all at the gym when I'm being a couch potato -- I do tape everything and then go back to watch later, so I spread my laziness over the week.

I hope everyone is off to a fantastic start this week! I'm off to heat my Select Harvest Light soup and get my carrots and celery out of the fridge.

Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Monday Leanies!

Manda - Sounds like a nice and relaxing weekend! I'm glad you had healthy options at your book club. There are so many times I go to a friend's house and all they have are cookies, cakes, sugar pop etc. Which movie did you see? I haven't seen anything since Avatar...

Beth - Congrats on your 2 pound loss! I don't drink but maybe I'll mention the beer to DF. That might get him running or exercising Is Power 90 X the same as PX90? That's pretty hardcore stuff!

Connie - Congrats on your 3 pound loss!! Now who's going to need to be duct taped into their clothes When I started running a couple of years ago, I figured it would be cheaper than taking up golfing. No green fees, expensive clubs, money on gas driving to courses. Little did I know there would be race fees, plane tickets to Disney, new running shoes every few months, physio, massages ... The nutritionist would be partially covered under work insurance and they have a 2 for 1 session right now - one of the other reasons I was thinking about it. Umm... what's this about naked exercise classes

Maria - We must think alike - I'm having soup and celery/carrot sticks for lunch too! I remember Nathan Fillion when he was on One Life to Live and then more recently on Desperate Housewives. There's a show I haven't watched in ages ...

Debra - Yeah, I tell my PT everything... He doesn't really care that much - but I'd rather get that kick butt workout if I know I've been bad. One of the sayings my PT has is that "You can never outtrain your eating"... I'm still trying to prove him wrong But I definitely keep that one in mind when I've reached for the junk in the past (just not recently ) I'm trying to see if I can go to the DL Half. Hopefully there will be some airfare sales on the horizon. It's more than double to fly to LAX than it is to MCO.

Shan - I think it's great that you're DH is going to run with you. You'll have your own personal pacer! I'm going to look for the pace groups and start out in between the 4:30 and 5:00. Like you I just want to stay ahead of the sweepers! But I think you should be able to finish in 5:00 or under

AFM - The 10 miler was fantastic! I was so-so going out and felt bad when I messed up my Garmin. I had my run interval set on 15 minutes and forgotten to switch my walk interval to minutes as well so it was on 1 mile. I walked for about 2 minutes before I stopped and wondered why my watch wasn't working. I thought my pacing was great for a LR! From the article that Beth mentioned earlier, 10:40 m/m for an easy run puts me on track for a 2:00 half. Now I just have to maintain that go a little bit faster on the shorter runs.

And food wise - I'm done with the junk food, sugar and fried stuff. I picked out a few things I wanted to eat this weekend, ate it and am done with it until after the 30K at the end of March. So no white breads, pasta, rice, diet pop, fried foods ... I am allowing myself sugar on my LR day and in my bars I eat before my gym workouts. It's too hard to cut those ones out.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[deekaypee]

Oh, I could get work done--which I desperately need to do--or I could post to WISH. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

DLR and Philly RnR (September): I'm looking at Philly. A lot of depends on the DLR. Ideally, I'd like to be in shape to do both. If not, I'd still like to do one and scream team/meet people for the other. Philly's a close enough race for me to short list for a weekend trip, so that's a positive. I'll know more once DOOD gets this new contract of his signed--he's moving into a new position, but they're bad with the whole contract thing...

Beth: What a great moment, to have your workouts move into the "brushing one's teeth" arena of taking care of oneself. I have to admit, I still tend to hit those patches where I skip workouts when the job/life stress accumulates. I'm really trying not to have that happen. I'm so happy to read your progress!

And great job on the two pounds, and it coming off as the result of good eating and exercise (within your normal life activities). That's the strategy I'm gonna try and follow. You'll also have to let me know about the Power 90X tapes--lots of people tell me that it works wonders, but I've yet to hear anyone who stuck with it.) I know you have that kind of motivation, so if it works for you I'll take it as a solid recommendation. I believe I'd have to work up to it.

Beer. Sorry, I drink spirits because I'm, well, spirited in that non-cheerleader kind of way. Hah!

Connie: First up--WTG with the 3 pound lost. That's a keeper, that is! About races, yeah, you're on the "wrong" coast for a get-together. Do you do DLR? I'm really thinking this might be the only year I can get a Coast to Coast... Or the San Antonio RnR--Richard (tiberius) is really excited about that one.

I hear they have naked races too, but you won't see me joining any of those movements. Too free for me! I need to buy Nancy Clark's book--I keep checking it out the library, and am beginning to feel guilty about it.

Manda: Ah, yes, not being able to sleep in one's own room. That's just a recipe for making me cranky and throw my whole day off. A good, full night of restful sleep is the cornerstone of health. And add to that a stress-free (or less stressful) weekend....I'm so happy for you! I do think that puts you in a position, along with your good eating, for success this week! As I said above, I hope to do DLR and, if so, definitely want to meet up!

Maria: Excellent job with the weight loss this week! Sometimes I think the vacation weight is the most enjoyable stuff to lose, because it feels like a real accomplishment. You know, because you know you "earned" that weight gain through good meals and yet you don't regret it.

You and Dennis, me and DOOD. It's really hard to accept we're at different places, though, at least for me. This is something I want to share with DOOD and sometimes I feel I work 2x as hard to be 1/2 as fast, so I'm really working at this "run your own race" idea. I hope you understand.

You know, I've never been to Boston... ...

Vicky: I alternately love and hate your PT's "never outtrain your eating" motto. But I must adopt it--because I know it's true. And yes, I apparently try to disprove it...often.

Fantastic work with the LR. From what I recall about your pace, I think your 1/2 goal is entirely do-able. Especially since you're also working out hard with your PT and are eating clean(ish) again. WTG!

I know what you mean about the airfare to LAX...same situation here. But I'm hoping to spend that airline voucher I got from the flight I had cancelled over the holidays...maybe even spring for John Wayne airport in Orange County. A lot depends on family and business trips, unfortunately. I'm up for traveling solo but...

Hi to Jackie, Shan, Wendy, Cindy, Jeanne, Rubato, Julie, Shelly, Tracy, Corinna, and anyone I may have missed!

As for me: And my own clean(ish) eating and workouts. I have my first weigh-in since getting back, and I too lost two pounds. True, because of the weigh-in date vs. start day, it took more like 10 days than one week, but it's a loss. So, it's 2/5 pounds (the first chunk, Jackie!) or 40% of my first goal.

And as Beth noted, it came from regular habits not going crazy. My working out has been daily but not at the intensity or duration of pre-Goofy (even taper, which for me was one week). Which tells you just how crazy my eating has been.

Gee, go to a coffee shop every day and enjoy a double latte and a nosh.... But that's where I work mostly, between that and libraries and at home... So I need to get it under control. One of my small strategies that I'm working on is switching out the daily lattes for green tea--not a tea drinker, but it's good for you--and indulging in a latte once a week. I'm at a coffee shop right now, as a matter of fact, and let me tell you it's hard!

I'm also attempting to stay away from the sugar, except for that once a week thing. Nope, don't even have Vicky's LR thing going on right now to help offset it. But the sugar, oh, how she calls to me. The weekends are hard for me, since that's when I see a lot of movies & have DOOD time. Already failed this weekend--too many sweets. And I felt it today, with lowered energy levels.

So....any good suggestions on the sugar would be much appreciated! Connie, I think your insights might be especially helpful.