Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[corinnak]

Beth - Canceled due to SNOW, what else? Myrtle Beach only had 3.5 inches, but the city wasn't taking any chances.

Bad news - DH just called with some not-at-all-good news, so I now have to reconsider my race calendar for the rest of the year. Must go work on that now...

Jackie

Jackie - What a bummer, but yeah, that highway part sounds darned scary in treacherous conditions. Better safe than sorry. Great news on the scale! There is nothing wrong with slow as long as you're going the right direction! I hope that you can make your race calendar work out to your satisfaction, but I don't like the sound of this bad news.

Good morning Lean Ones! Another Monday morning.....with a forcast of SNOW today. Ugh......I don't think I can take any more. My kids have not been to school for a week! ((((they need to go to school, for my sake!)))))

Yikes! That is a LOT of snow days. Here's hoping they are back tomorrow.

Anyway, I did an hour of brisk walking this AM -- laps around my office. I was the only one here, so I figured why not? I still have plenty of time to get done what I needed to, and without any distractions, so I decided to go for it.

Corinna -- How's the rib? I can't think of plain baked potatoes as a bad choice. Not something I'd have every day, but way better than fried or sauced!

Maria - way to make that workout work for YOU! My rib is fine now, thank you! I can't believe you hadn't been to Harvard Square! We used to love to go there when I lived out that way! Glad you had a good time!

Corrina- I hope your race went well. Did you freeze? I love pilates and have always wanted to try a reformer. Lucky you! How did it compare to just floor pilates?
And, thanks for the encouragement! I think I'm getting over my funk!

AFM-I ran my slowest run in years, and I'm actually excited about it! Why? Because it was a wind chill of 5 and it was on ice with a dusting of snow. I was just impressed that I got out there! I'm still doing my 10 week training program (which I got off of marathonrookie, for whoever it was that asked), and want to make sure to stay on track, pun intended! The weather is obviously not going to get any better, so I need to adjust. If I have to run slower in order to not crash and burn, oh well. I get the added benefit of a core workout trying to keep my balance.

Those sound like challenging conditions you were running in! Way to go - be safe, though. It is so easy to get injured when it is slick out, even if you are being careful.

The race was good, but cold. The pilates machine was pretty cool. It's pretty different feeling from mat pilates, though some of the arm exercises, I think you could also do with resistance cords if you had a bench to lie on.

AFM, I have to stop beating myself up over weight variations on my Wii. Since my bathroom scale is about 40 years old (hence, nondigital) I have been using my daily fit test as an accurate scale. Sometimes I'm down, sometimes I'm up, but overall it hasn't changed much at all. Well today I took my weight and it was down a little so I was happy. I started my fitness test and the phone rang so I had to get off. Not more than 2 minutes later I got back on and it took my weight again. It was 1.9 lbs higher! That makes no sense whatsoever. Now I don't know what to believe!

I would call that WiiFit board a Liar Liar Pants-on-Fire! I think it's good for a lot of things, but I wouldn't trust it on the daily weigh-ins at all either, especially after this last shenanigan!


AFM- I had a good 5K race this weekend. It was a chilly 10º when I left the house. It may have been as high as 12 or 15 by the time we got going. I've posted the pictures a couple of places, so my apologies to those who may be tired of seeing them:

The Start:

The Finish:

That is a massive PR for me - about two minutes faster than my previous best- too bad there was no official timing!

On Saturday, we went out for Brunch. I got an omelette at the omelette bar and I believe even the trainer in Fit Club would have been proud when I got an omlette with egg beaters and lots of vegetables. She might not have approved of the bit of cheese. Nor the sticky-bun bites I had later. But they are my favorite and I counted everything up, too. No baked potatoes, though!

I ran my virtual 10K on the TM last night. It was OK, but never as fast on the TM as in an actual race.

Then this morning, I went to Bodypump and learned that my favorite instructor is no longer teaching at this location. A real shame, if you ask me. They canceled her Turbo Kick class and it wasn't worth it for her to come to this location for just the one class, so she's going to another Y. Bummer.

And when I came home, I knew I'd be facing the snow on the driveway, but more importantly, the snow bump and the huge pile from the plow. It's not right to complain when so many have so much more snow - this was 2 inches, but I end up shoveling all the street snow over the big pile at the bottom of the driveway and then shoveling it again off the back of that pile because if I don't, I'm afraid at some point this winter, we simply won't be able to get out of our driveway or have anywhere to put the next round of snow. Here are my kids on "the pile" before we moved the snow from the front pile to the back pile:

So that's what I've got so far this week! Hope everyone is feeling lean out there!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Rubato - Fabulous job getting out there and running. That's COLD!

Maria - Your Saturday sounds wonderful. Harvard was on my list of "want to see" when we were in Boston a few years ago, but DH's uncle, who was leading the tour, calmly explained to me that we were nowhere near and it would not happen. So it's still on my list. And when your DS gets desperate, DH lived in Savannah, Atlanta, and Brunswick GA, so he can get all the first-hand research he wants!

Jeanne - I was catching up on the weekend's paper and skimming the Arts section. I almost never read the wedding/engagement announcements, but a particularly long name caught my eye. Then I screamed "It's the Greek!" I saw the announcement! As for Myrtle Beach, we got a really good rate on an oceanfront room through NC Roadrunners, so the most expensive part of the weekend was boarding the dogs. Overall, it was a really enjoyable weekend, and Bill and I discussed how much more we felt we got for what we spent compared to Disney. I will definitely go back for this one! And I broke down earlier this year and finally bought a new scale. I'd been using one I'd had since college, and decided I was ready to join the digital world. It seems to be more motivating.

DH's boss has evaluated finances and instituted a very large salary cut across the board. My company did a 6% cut last year, but that was nothing compared to what his boss hit him with today. He's obviously going to be keeping his eyes open for other opportunities, but we all know that's not anything to bank on right now. So... there will be no more traveling races this year that aren't already on the books, it seems. We'll figure it out somehow!

Jackie

 

[jeanneg]

Jackie: ha, ha ...it IS a long name! BTW, if you haven't already put your paper in the recyclables, I'd love your copy of the announcement. There are so many out-of-town relatives and we are trying to save a copy for all those that have requested one. (I can PM you my snail-mail address.)

Corinna: You are my heroine for sure! Getting a PR in those extreme conditions is truly commendable. No wonder you fared so well at our frigid water stop. I would have taken one look at the snow and rolled back under the covers! Good job on the healthy breakfast also! Love the photo of your kids on the snow mound.

 

[deekaypee]

Hey Leanies! I'm up and on here early, just to make sure I post today! Things still aren't back to "normal" here, whatever that may be, and I'm still spending a couple of hours each day shoveling out (new) parking spaces for us. It seems that, on our block at least, people don't respect the Pittsburgh Parking Chair. I myself was unsure how I felt about the chair--seeing as how on-street parking spots aren't "owned"--until I lost a spot I'd spent hours cleaning out for the 3rd time. Now I'm a believer.

Manda: Oooh, I'm afraid I missed wishing you luck on your half marathon! How did it go? I hope you weren't too sore from the drive and that the stretching helped. As a side note, I would never want to be on What Not to Wear. Forget the free wardrobe, I'm not giving up my sci-fi t-shirts!

Vicky: I'm so proud of you getting back to your October weight. I'm almost there, as I packed on major pounds during marathon training. I don't see how you run in the snow as much as you do--let alone LR with hills. Crazy, crazy woman. (Much to be admired, though!) Have you been sucked in with the hypnotic spell of the Olympics? Here in Pgh, we're following the hockey and our beloved Crosby, of course.

Beth: It sounds like you accomplished a lot during your snow-in, what with the boys' room, etc. That's so impressive that you can prioritize like that. And shoveling + big mileage. Especially on a TM. Like you, I'm not safe/secure enough to be outside--many residences in my neighborhood haven't shoveled their walks & side streets are still 1-1 1/2 lanes. (And they're dumping excess snow in the parks.)

It's good to hear you're keeping up, within reason given your illness, extra snow shoveling, etc., PX90. It's the upper body thing that really interests me in the program, esp. as I've (re)discovered how weak mine is.

Beth & Rubato: I'm with you with my Snow Days Diet, though. Lots and lots of comfort food that, while it tastes so good, means I *have* to shovel snow just to break even. Evil, that.

Rubato: WTG with getting out there in such cold, cold conditions. I was just going to write that slow runs on roads like that are good for the core--so it was funny to see you'd already thought of that! You've been doing an excellent job with your running and XT--and that's sure to pay off with the pesky few pounds you have left.

Maria: You're doing so well with your streaking! (You know the kind I mean!)Back on (office) track without a real detour, if you ask me! I was thinking about your working out --and about your restrained Valentine's Day meal (no dessert on a day made for chocolate?)-- and a sore stomach from working out is so much more satisfying than one from eating out, don't you think?

How was Lightning Thief? I didn't make it to the movies this weekend or last, and am hurting!

Vicky & Maria: Lost ain't answering any questions. Nope, don't think so. Just doing what it's done every season--giving us MORE mythology. And I'm a little tired of characters wasting time telling other character that they can't give them any information and speaking obliquely.

Corinna: Your YMCA fitness instructor's idea of "bad meals" is a little scary. I suppose she would say one can have a little ice cream, too...one spoonful. How did you get a rib "out of joint"? It sounds painful, btw. It's so very cool how you've dedicated yourself to a bunch of XT, which I think will help you not only with your Princess 1/2, but keeping you motivated during maintenance! I'm still trying to find my happy weight, the one I can stay at without avoiding the baked potato (with sour cream).

Congrats on your 5K and PR! Most excellent! You earned the sticky buns. (Although I, for one, don't think they need to be earned. Just enjoyed.) How are you enjoying Bodypump? Btw, your snow pile looks a lot like what I've dumped on the "lawn" (hill, really) of our apt. building.

Jackie: You went out on the course for a race that was canceled? You (and your friends and all the others) rock, just plain rock. And you know you need to forgive yourself for fueling (with protein) and relaxing (with beer) before a race. Obviously your scale recognizes the good stuff you're doing! Oh, ugh, ugh, HUGS for new about DH's salary cut! It's been a rough couple of years for your household in that way, and I hope things change for the better--soon!

Jeanne: I thinking being mother of the bride (and groom) is adding one or more full-time jobs onto your already packed schedule! You're an energetic woman, you are! Yay for the wedding announcement! Your Wii is just playing with you (about your weight)--after all, it's for entertainment, right?

As for me: Last week was pretty much a bust for me in terms of most things social. The snow shoveling, DOOD being off work all week and underfoot, trying to squeeze in my workouts, and just the plain oppressiveness of the weather. I've found out who my "good" neighbors are, as well as those who don't respect the "code." I've been trying to keep up with my freelance work--hard to do when the schedule is shifted.

I know I posted this on FB, but those who aren't on....I picked up a gig as the Pittsburgh Disney Travel Examiner (thanks to Mel, who suggested I apply). I'm trying to balance out my academic writing gigs, where I don't get to quite choose what assignments I take, with other stuff that's, well, more fun to write.

We canceled our Valentine's Day plans because, you guessed it, snow. Instead, we shoveled. Although I did have half a Green & Black chocolate bar DOOD bought me as a last-minute substitute for my gift. (Which is stuck at the university, if it got through the mail. University was closed all last week.) I didn't even bother to order his, so.... We'll try a re-do of Valentine's Day this weekend. Or wait until spring break. Whatever. (True romantic here.)

On the fitness/weight-loss front.... I've shoved for 2-3 hours a day here for the past 9 days. Yep, that's right. And I'll be at it again today, with anoter 4 inches expected. Winter's tuckering me right out. I don't think I'll be running today, but will try to squeeze in a walk & pilates. Maybe a little yoga for relaxation. I'm going a bit stir crazy, as you can tell.

The good news is, because of all the shoveling, that this week I'm now embarking on 5 lb. chunk #2. I need to name this chunk something....Hmmmm....

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Ladies. So, already Tuesday! And, lo and behold, my kids are at school! Yippee! I am glad that there wasn't enough snow yesterday to hold back returning to school!

Debra: Nice to 'see' you so early this morning! I am glad that you are back here, but for the amount of snow shoveling you have had to do! That doesn't sound like fun at all.....not everyday like that! And Boo to people who 'steal' parking places......that is hateful! You spend all that time shoveling the space out, it should then be yours to use! I guess the law doesn't see it my way though! I hope you don't have any more shoveling to do today! You won't need the P90X by the end of winter....you are building your upper body with each shovel-ful of snow!

Jeanne: This will be one busy year for you.....2 weddings! I am glad things are progressing nicely with all the plans. Don't worry about your Wii weigh in....does the same thing for me. My digital scale isn't much better! I am of the thought to avoid both right now! I am trying to get out of winter as soon as possible! The snow eating mentality is killing me!

Maria: Great with the 'new' streak! It does help you get your work outs in doesn't it?

Manda: How did your race go?

Rubato: I am impressed with the outside running! I can't seem to manage to get off my TM.......will be difficult for me to race 'outside' in March!

Cindy: How goes it with the new meds? I hope your stomach issues are better.

Vicky: Are you watching much of the Olympics? Congrats on the Canadian gold medal the other day!

Jackie: Sorry to hear about your dh's cut in pay......that hits hard right now. I hope things improve, and maybe he will find a new job! It's hard to find local races that are interesting!

AFM: I did get two workouts in yesterday! I ran 5 in the morning, and then did my P90X (arms and shoulders) in the evening. I am sore today!
I got 6 miles in today, with 4 miles tempo run. Just trying to abuse myself today, I guess!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Morning Lean Ladies!

Jackie - So sorry to hear that the race was cancelled. My dad use to make winter trips to Myrtle Beach all the time and I never would have thought that it would snow there. Of course, after it snowed in Florida - who knows. I'm glad to hear that you lost over the weekend and there's nothing wrong with free beer! Has there been any talk of partial refunds of race fees or free registration for next year's event? for DH's salary cut - I hope things get better this year.

Beth - Glad to hear your kids are back at school! I guess they got a bit of an early spring break. Yes, I've been watching the Olympics! A little bit of speed skating, the pairs figure skating (man are those skaters flexible!!) and mogul skiing. I actually don't know much about skiing so it was just dumb luck that I happened to be watching when Canada won! WTG with the workouts!

Rubato - Glad to hear that you're getting your TM repaired! I'm not a fan of the TM but if I didn't have access to one, I know I'd be missing workouts.

Maria - Our office is part of an underground path system that connects a lot of the office buildings in the downtown financial core. I usually walk a lot of it during lunch. If we didn't have it, I'd never get in any exercise in the winter months. Good for you for skipping dessert! I wish I had your will power And I think the gold medal is awesome! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for many more!

Corinna - Congrats on your fantastic 5K time! Was your race on snow covered trails? And that is huge dumping of snow you have on your driveway!! Any of your neighbours have a snow blower?

Jeannie - My Wii Fit did that once to me as well! I couldn't figure it out. I even weighed myself a third time just to make sure but it still said I was up. The next day though - I was back down again so I would just ignore it.

Debra - I don't watch hockey normally but I probably will for the Olympics! I think that's going to be huge event! I hadn't heard of the Pittsburgh Parking Chair before. I live in the suburbs where everyone has driveways and garages but I see how that's gotta be annoying. I think you need a dummy to sit in the chair sort of like a scarecrow Congrats on your new writing gig! Does that mean you'll be able to give us bits and pieces of top secret happenings at the Disney parks? Do you get access to all the nifty media events?

AFM - I had a sugar filled weekend! So eating wise, I think it was pretty much a write off! DF made me a Valentine's Day cake. I posted pics on FB - it was a pretty pink colour and it had cream cheese icing and edible fondant. Yummy! I was impressed that he made the cake from scratch along with the fondant. I would have just gone to the bakery :roftl: On Sunday, he made macadamia nut pancakes along with the pineapple sauce and butter. It was Kona Cafe day Kona coffee is so much better than regular coffee but I said we need a better grinder - we have a $20 grinder from WM which ground part of the coffee into a very powder, left some beans intact and others were done at about the correct coarseness (we were using a French press). I also got a new exercise jacket as a gift which I'm saving as my after workout jacket. The sales girl reminded me it was made of wicking material so I could run in it but ... I think it's too cute for that (I'll just run in my grubby tights and race tshirts).

Exercise wise - been keeping up with going to the gym and doing weights and core exercises. I ran 15 miles on Saturday and 6.2 on Sunday. The 15 is a milestone for me - it's the farthest I've ever run! But it was a sloooow run - the extra 2 miles took me 30 minutes on top of the 13 mile time from two weeks ago. I ended up with a really sore and tender ankle afterward. I did the virtual Valentine's Day race anyway and it seemed to hold up but it's now got a kind of funny bone tickle to it. Probably not a good thing so I'm going light on the running this week. I'll give 5K a try tomorrow morning and see how that goes. I've got another 13 miles this weekend and I'm going to give that hilly route another try - as long as there isn't too much snow or anything like that.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[rubato]

Vicky-Congratulations on your longest run ever! Woo Hoo! That's always a big deal. I don't think I'll ever reach 15. My longest is 9 and will be a half marathon in April. Good job with all the exercise you've been doing. I hope the ankle holds up. I think you are allowed a "sugar weekend" when you're exercising that hard and it was, after all, Valentines day!

Beth-You impress me so much with your work ethic. I am trying to get back into the swing of things and it's nice to read how hard you work out all the time! Congrats on having a day with no kids! We had parent/teacher conferences, so my son was out from Wednesday until today and, thank goodness he's back in school. I love having him around, but no one can drive you crazy like a 10 year old (of course, I say that having never had a child older than 10!)

Debra-Your Valentines Day sounds a lot like mine. We don't really celebrate, so it's not a big deal. Man, the shoveling is crazy! I bet your obliques are amazing now! At least, when I shovel a lot, that's where I feel it. We haven't had anywhere near that much snow. I've only had to shovel about 5 days total. We have a snowblower and I tried that last time. I actually missed my shoveling workout and decided I won't use the snowblower again. I'm just a glutton for punishment!

Jeanne-I know how time consuming wedding planning can be, but how fun! A May wedding will be lovely, I'm sure. Is it going to be a big wedding?
Oh, and don't pay attention to the Wii #. If you're doing the right things, just go by that. It's obviously not very reliable if you can have that big a swing in 2 minutes! As long as you're having fun on it, that's all that matters!

Jackie-I'm sorry to hear about your husbands salary cut! That stinks! But, at least you had a good time on your trip!

Corinna-Great job on the race. That's crazy to be racing in those temps. And, to get a PR at that! Wow. I love the snow pics. We were in that same boat not too long ago. I was out shoveling the drive, again, and I had nowhere left to put the snow. I couldn't lift it any higher and I wasn't going to be able to see over it to back out of the driveway. We're now down to just a 1/2 inch or so on the ground.

Maria-Glad to hear you are already on your new streak after only 1 day off the old! It's inspiring! Your dinner in Cambridge sounds wonderful! I'm hungry just reading about it! That's one of the places on my list to see. I can't get there for a few years, but someday!

AFM-Today is my "day off" from running. I'm taking my neglected dog for a 4 or 5 mile walk instead. I hope I don't freeze! My eating should be getting better now. I had some dental work done and am wearing a temporary crown until next Monday. I've had it on for a week now. My teeth are so sensitive underneath this thing that I can't chew on that side at all. Well, after a week of chewing on one side, my lovely friend TMJ has reared it's ugly head. I am in so much pain that I will be living off of oatmeal and yogurt for the next week. But, I'm a pro at this. I've had 3 TMJ surgeries and have had 6 month spans of not chewing for each of those. No biggie!

 

[Creativebeth]

Just giving us a bump up on the threads!

AFM: I got a 6 mile tempo run in yesterday, but that was it. I got taken out for my birthday (by my dh!) for dinner, so I didn't have to cook! (always appreciated!) I kept it decent.....had a diet entree at a chinese food place that was excellent! I am still wondering how it could have been less than 400 calories......but it was alot......and now I have lunch too!


Check in today Lean Ladies!

Beth

 

[mandac]

Hi All! I am back from Sunny Palm Springs (it was 82 on Sunday - CRAZY). I officially completed my 2nd half marathon. I cut 15 minutes off of my first, and finished in 2:45. I still walked most of the race. My plan had been to walk 3/4 of a mile and run 1/4. I figured that would give me just enough of a boost to make sure I beat my time from the last half, when I only walked. I did awesome for the first 5 or 6 miles, then I was dragging. It was over 70 degrees by then (I am used to 40 for a high, so it was HOT!) and the sun was up (race didn't start until 7am). So I was dead. I stopped running and just tried to make it to the finish. I swear the entire last half of the race was up hill! I got to mile 9 and my DH had put up some cute signs to keep me going (the only ones on the entire course!) That made me smile. I knew I had to finish, but I was honestly worried that I wouldn't make it. But I rounded the last corner and ran in the last .25miles or so of the race. And I beat my original time by 15 minutes! I was excited (but dead).

The race wasn't as well put together as the Disneyland Race. I missed a lot of that organization. They did have traffic stopped for me, but I got to the finish and all they had was water and old cut up apples! Lucky for me my DH had some Valentine's roses and an orange for me. Then we limped to the car and he stopped at the gas station to get me a drink. what a good guy.

I was super stiff after the drive home on Monday (10 1/2 hours). And I was sad to come back to the cold. But I had a good time.

 

[Cindylou]

Good morning everyone. A quick hello for now. I need to get caught up reading everyone's posts then I'll be back with another post of my own. Hope everyone is doing well.

Cindy

 

[lenshanem]

Hey Leaners! So sorry I haven't been on, I just can't seem to keep up!
But, I'm still here and still chubby.
I lost two pounds thanks to an AWFUL experience with some food poisoning, but I quickly put those pounds back on during our couple snow days eating smores and drinking hot chocolate with the kids.
So my laziness is about to end soon. I've got a base program I'm gonna do before the full marathon training begins. I think I have like a week left of being a slug. Hope you all have a nice weekend. The sun is out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning lean ladies! How's it going? It's Friday! Yippee!

Shannon: Nice to see you here. I hope this go better for you!

Where are the rest of you ladies? Maria, how's the streak?

AFM: Ok, my birthday is over.....time to start eating better? Last nights dinner wasn't it....pizza! WTH? I need to start working on the eating thing.....

I actually ran 14 miles on the Treadmill yesterday.....ever run 14 miles on the TM? If you haven't.....don't. Wow. It's a long time on the belt......Geez.....you would think it would be the same as outside? No. It is not. I was lucky though....have the Big Bang Theory on DVD, which is hilirious! Laughing out loud funny!

Today is full of errands, laundry, and cleaning the house.....fun all around.

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Leanies!

Apologizing in advance, my week of coaching on the BL thread starts this morning, so I'll be spending extra time there, which means less for my Leanies

I'm on day 5 of my streak. I haven't decided what I'm going to do, as today is normally my rest day. I think there may be some BL yoga in my future, that sounds really good...I did 5M on the TM yesterday, and other than that I've been incline walking and doing weights.

This year for Lent I am sticking to my ww points and actually doing my scheduled exercise. It's worked out great for the past 2 days.

Beth Super-belated, but I think you should continue celebrating as long as you want -- but you may wish to limit the food festivities, as it sounds like you and the pizza were way too happy to see each other 14M on the TM! Wow! My longest is 10, and that's with the benefit of Clif blocks to keep my energy up. You go, Girl!

Shannon -- The snow days, ah, if only we had gotten the ones we were promised. I would have taken some of your snow, ds and dh were both disappointed our supposed blizzard just passed us by

Cindy -- How is vacation week treating you? Yesterday dh took ds and some other boys snow tubing. We get our reward tonight -- another family is hosting a sleepover!

Manda -- Congratulations on your Half! Sometimes the conditions just don't allow us to do what we plan. Persevering and finishing anyway (if we medically can), teaches us more than just following our race plan, at least I think so.

Rubato -- Do you have your permanent crown yet? How is your mouth feeling?

Vicky -- I think I'm comin' to your house! DH can cook anything, but he just doesn't bake. I would be ecstatic to get a cake!

Jackie -- I am so sorry about the salary cut. DH took a 6% cut last year, which I've basically been trying to ignore I haven't had a raise in 3 years, and there will be layoffs in June at DH's agency, so we are crossing our fingers. I can't imagine if ds was in college...Here's hoping good things will shortly come your way.

Jeanne -- Are the wedding plans all swimming through your head? Do you dream of veils and invitations?

Debra -- I took ds to see The Lightning Thief Wednesday. About what you'd expect, but I'm not complaining because you know I have that mom crush on Kevin McKidd. Pierce Brosnan just looks dirty...and not in a good way

Corinna -- Did you get all that snow shoveled yet? I hope you don't get anymore, I don't know where you could put it!

Connie -- How are you doing with eliminating the sugar? I know you are on a valiant quest!

This is turning into a pretty good vacation week for ds since we didn't go anywhere for a trip. He's been to the movies, snow tubing, sleepover, and tomorrow we're taking him to the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science, and then he has church youth group (which he loves!) tomorrow night.

It's been a really weird week with me only in the office two days. I have a breakfast forum about affordable housing this morning, so I need to wrap up here and get ready. The keynote speaker is Barney Frank, which is always interesting.

Everyone have an awesome weekend!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Beth - 10 miles is the most I've done on the TM. 14 is super trooper status! I think the lack of change in scenery may have something to do with it not being the same as outdoors... there's only so much the TV can do to distract you from the fact that nothing changes! Another belated happy birthday. What is it about pizza that is so impossible to resist? On Wednesday, I ate a really healthy, low-calorie lunch, but it left me hungry the rest of the day. So DH and I went to our favorite pizza joint that night and scarfed down an entire large pizza without slowing down.

Maria - My intention for Lent is to give up the bread at mealtimes. Or more specifically, the really good bread that Macaroni Grill serves. I'm going to try to stay away from the milkshakes at my favorite place, but that was last year's sacrifice. (I almost made it - the last Friday before Easter something bad happened - don't even remember what - and I consoled myself with a shake. Oops!) Bread is my weakness, so this should be a good exercise in eliminating some of it from my diet.

Shan - Welcome back! Isn't the sun wonderful? If the snow would stay away, we'd all be doing better with our weight.

Manda - Great job on your half! 15 minutes is a huge improvement, especially in warm weather. I may complain about the crazy conditions I've had to run in this winter, but it's great for time. And if you're not used to heat, it's much worse, so I think you are to be commended for hanging in there and still being able to run at the end.

Vicky - The race committee is still deciding. They want to do something, but they've already acknowledged that most of the money is spent up front, and they also have a commitment to the charities they support for a per person donation. If they gave us any discount on next year I'd be thrilled, but I'm not expecting anything. One of the other local race promoters has 2 half marathons in the area this month, and he's offered a $15 discount if any MB runners want to do his races. Very clever move on his part!

I admire all of you who are doing yoga, pilates, weights, and other non-running workouts. I just can't seem to get started. I feel really good about where I am running-wise, but that's all I'm doing. And I'm really bummed about how much I have to run to get the weight to come off. Gone are the days when an easy 3 mile run a couple of times a week would do the job.

But, DH and I ran 5 last night. Did a R3/W1 warmup mile, then ran non-stop for the 2nd mile. He kept running, but I was having really severe pain in the Achilles area, so I went back to R/W for the 3rd mile, then joined him in running non-stop for the 4th mile. Back to R/W for the 5th to cool down. The good news is that my lungs felt completely capable of running the entire 3 mile segment if only my legs had cooperated. It seems to be a warmup issue - I think we go out too fast even on the R/W, since this has happened several times recently. Once I reach the 3rd mile, I'm ready to go, and go, and go. (So to run a 5K non-stop, I'll need to run a 5K beforehand? )

Jackie

 

[rubato]

Good morning everyone!

Jackie-I hope your achilles is okay. That area always scares me when it starts hurting. I had an injury to my inner ankle a few years ago that kept me from running for 6 very long months. I know what you mean about the 3 mile warmup. Every single time I run, it takes me 3 miles to start feeling good and in control. Before that, I struggle. That's fine except when I'm only running 3 or 4 miles that day! I hope you are able to stick to your no bread/milkshakes during lent. I'm giving up overeating and dessert (what was I thinking?). My son has a list of 7 things, one of which is no candy. On Wednesday, he was already struggling! But, he will get through it!

Maria-Good job staying with the streak. Yoga sounds like a good "day off" workout. I'm lifting today for the first time in forever. I've been sticking with Zumba and running, plus the daily morning walk with my dog and friends(I don't have any friends who run, so this is how we get together). But, I feel like I'm losing a little upper body muscle mass. I do not have my permanent crown yet. I get it on Monday. I've worked pretty hard at eating softer foods, and, am feeling a little better. My jaw has been a lifetime problem, and it's not something that's going to change, so I've just gotten used to it.

Beth-14 on the TM sounds great to me right now (since mine won't be fixed until Tuesday). Happy belated Bday! I have a love/hate relationship with pizza as well. Pepperoni, pineapple, jalapenos!!!!

Shan-I'm sorry you had food poisoning, but at least you lost 2 pounds! (Just trying to be supportive here!)
I took a few weeks off before I started my half training. I felt pretty energized when I started. It seemed to help.

Manda-Welcome back and congratulations on the 1/2 time. Wow! 15 minutes is great! It sounds like you've got a good hubby there. Mine wouldn't even think to make me signs for encouragement. He is at least coming to my first race though, so I should be grateful he got the day off for me!


AFM: I've been feeling great! I did all my runs in super fast times this week. My long run is tomorrow, and I'll slow down for that one. I ran 3 miles yesterday is 24 minutes 20 seconds. I didn't even think I could run that fast! If I could lose this 10 pounds, I could be even faster! I'm lifting today and then doing the ridiculously hard zumba class tomorrow. I tried it for the first time last Saturday, and WOW! My friend and I are the only people over 25 and I'm turning 40 and she's 42. That's a big jump in old! But, we didn't quit and it was a lot of fun. I was completely soaked in sweat when we were done, so that's a bonus, right? I can't decide if it would be better to do my long run before or after this class.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, productive weekend!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday lean ladies! I can't believe that another month is almost done! I for one am looking forward to spring and the warmer weather. It will be nice going out for runs without having to wear mitts, hats and jackets and worrying about whether the sidewalks and roads will be slippery.

Shan - I'm glad to hear you're okay after the food posioning. I know a few of my friends who had really bad cases and couldn't even get out of bed for a couple of days! Glad you lost 2 pounds When are you starting your marathon training? Do you have any races planned between now and next January?

Beth - Happy belated birthday!! 14 miles on the TM? That's awesome! I have a hard time with 4 Pizza is one of those comfort foods for me - also one of those foods I turn to when there's no time to make dinner. I think you'll be okay since you did the 14 miles.

Maria - Loved the cake! And you're welcome to come over anytime! DF makes a fantastic cheesecake too! If only he could find a way to cut the calories but he's tried lower fat and sugar free options and they don't taste the same. So we just try and save them for special occasions.

Jackie - Yeah, the race fees is a tricky thing. I was just thinking that they would have spent most of the money up front. Do you have plans to give MB a try next year? Good for you for giving up the bread for Lent! I routinely send back the bread basket as soon as the server brings it to the table. I'm not very popular with my friends anymore but they understand.

rubato - Count me in as another 3 mile warm up person. I always feel like I have a bit of a groove/flow going after 3 but starting out I always feel a little more out of breath and have to push harder. WTG on that speedy 3 miler!! I want whatever it is you're eating/drink so I can be as speedy!

Manda - Congrats on your half! Your DH sounds like a real sweetheart! I love that he made signs for you and brought you roses at the end! Hope you're all stretched out after that 10+ hour drive. That's a long time to be in the car after a race!

Cindy - How's your stomach doing? Your appointment with the specialist is coming up soon?

Connie/Debra - We miss you gals! Hope things are well with you both

AFM - I'm slowly weaning myself off the snacks and sugar/sugar-free stuff. I did have a skinny latte today at Starbucks but I just didn't feel like a green tea. Got a nice compliment from one of our vendors this morning. I hadn't seen her for about 3-4 months and she said I was looking "lean and mean". I almost laughed because I thought of our group and wondered if she had been lurking here Still it was a really nice compliment!

Went to the gym last night and got a few extra minutes of training in since I was early. My PT skipped the dead lifts in favour of metabolic exercises - so lots of lunges, presses, burpees, Spiderman crawls etc. I did 2 miles on the TM afterward but mixed in a few walking breaks because I felt like I was almost out of energy.

This weekend I have a 13 miler and a 5 miler. I'm kind of wanting to give the hilly 13 mile route another chance. If I do, I'll definitely make sure I have enough to eat this time!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Rubato - I think the Achilles pain is nothing more than a problem with going out too fast. I did 12 miles on Saturday with no trace of pain. This has been a recurring theme on our midweek non-track run, so you'd think I'd have learned by now! Your 3 mile run was fabulous! I don't think I'll ever come even close to that time.

Vicky - I absolutely will do Myrtle Beach next year (injury and weather permitting!). I thought it was a terrific course (even though we didn't do the boring highway part), and the entire city seemed to support it. We got a list of about 20-30 restaurants/stores that were offering a discount just for showing your bib. And who can resist running in sight of the ocean for 5 miles? Did you do the hills this weekend?

I had a fabulous LR on Saturday. There were probably 10 of us when we started, but we quickly split into two groups. There were 7 of us together until about mile 7, when DH and 4 others went off the front and got about a half mile ahead of my friend and me. Then she decided she needed to slow down, and I had no interest in her pace, so she dropped back to the other group and I had to sprint to catch the lead group. I actually saw a pace of 8:55 on my Garmin at one point, but mostly I was doing a 9:00-9:30 pace. Like Rubato, I didn't think I could run that fast! At the end of the 10 mile route, 3 of us decided to walk a lap around the lake for an additional 2 miles, so I actually got a full 12 miles in for the morning. By mid-afternoon, I was feeling the effort I'd expended, but it was a really good workout. (I know you're not exactly supposed to do speedwork on your LR, but it should definitely help me see that 2:30 half one day!)

Jackie

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi leanies! Just a quick post for me tonight... I did my 13 miler on Saturday and it wasn't too bad. I did the hilly route again and modified the end slightly. I thought it would be a little easier but I ended up with about the same time as two weeks ago. Go figure... I did change my intervals from 15/1 to 10/1 and wasn't too concerned about extending a few of my walking breaks. Maybe that was it. Glad I got it done though Will hit the gym tomorrow night and then hopefully run on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Jackie - Fantastic pace!! You're speedier than you thought! I love that you were able to get in an extra 2 miles at the end I think I need to start looking for a group to run with. Some of these LR are really starting to feel long! Ha!

Have a great night everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Another Monday morning.....time is sure going fast!

How are the Lean Ladies? I hope everyone had a good weekend!

Vicky: Glad to hear the 13 miler wasn't to bad! I think we are crazy getting our LR and Hill workout in at the same time!

Jackie: Great holy smokes! You are one speedy girl! It's hard for me to go 'there' sometimes......speed hurts! It's great to see those times on the Garmin, though, isn't it?

Rubato: You're one speedy girl too! Good job!

AFM: I had a great workout weekend.....eating not so good, but I got my workouts in! Yesterday's P90X was chest and back (which is the hardest one for me) and then I had to do intervels on the TM.....ugh.....I was beat after those workouts!

Eating hopefully in check today!

Beth

 

[rubato]

Good morning everbody! Hope you are all staying on track!

Beth: Good job on the P90X. I just started lifting again and, boy, it kicks my butt! I agree that chest and back are the worst.

Vicky: Good for you on the 13 miler. That is my ultimate goal, so I am truly impressed. I am amazed that you ladies do these seriously long runs and do hills also! Wow. And, as far as my times go, I do have one serious advantage. I've got super long legs. It helps a lot. But, I think the main thing for me is that I am now a runner, not a jogger. Just changing that definition in my head gave me the freedom to go for speeds I thought were unattainable.

Jackie: I love the sprint in the long run! Funny! I am a little jealous. It must be nice to have such a large group to run with. And, I would give anything to get my husband into running, but it will NEVER happen. It's a fight to get him to go for a neighborhood walk with me. In fact, I know no one that runs. All my friends and family think I'm insane.

AFM: I've had a couple of really good days. I got a 5 miler in on Saturday (I'm still early in my training program for my half). I was a little bit slower, but still fast enough to get the 1:50 half that I'm hoping for. I then went to Zumba. It kicked my booty like it did the week before. But, in a good way. My only problem was, after zumba, I got a super large coffee to take to my son's basketball game. We were standing around before the game, and I almost passed out. I got really hot and dizzy. Obviously, coffee wasn't the way to go after a longish run and an hour of intense cardio. Whoops. I ended up doing nothing on Sunday. This morning I did my short run on ice again. I kind of enjoyed it this time. Got a new PR. 24 minutes flat for 3 miles! I think it was the fear of cracking my head open! Tomorrow is lifting and the treadmill repairman!!!!!!