Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[Creativebeth]

Cindy: Sorry to hear that your stomach is bad again.....When will they figure out what is causing the problem. It really doesn't sound like allergies.....but who knows? I hope they figure it out soon!

Hey to the rest of the Lean Ladies!!!

Beth

 

[MouseDogMom]

Cindy - Sorry the improvement hasn't lasted. I was hoping maybe you'd figured it out. Good luck at the next doctor's visit - I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can figure this out, SOON!

In general, I'm just frustrated. I can plan my meals, pack my breakfast and lunch, and something always happens to derail my plans. The biggest problem is that I have no will power, so if the chocolate muffin arrives, or the milkshake, I HAVE to eat it. As long as it's not around, I'm fine. Everyone in my office is trying to lose weight, but we keep sabotaging ourselves. My boss brought in 2 bags of bagels yesterday, DH brought muffins today, someone bought shakes on Friday. The scale keeps wavering between 139 and 142, but absolutely will not drop below 138. And I read an article a couple of days ago that said once you approach menopause , you may have to cut your calorie intake 200-400/day AND exercise more just to maintain. It shouldn't be this hard! I can't even get through the first 5lb chunk, let alone the next two. UGH!

I did, however, do core work the past two days. That's a first, after over a year of ignoring those workouts. I'm not doing much, but it's a start. Sienna, my dog, tried to help me with pushups last night. Not easy to do with a dog's face in yours! I've been reading old RW issues at work and tearing out all the core exercises so I'll have some new ideas.

Jackie

 

[Creativebeth]

Jackie: I am in the same stupid situation.....I pack breakfast and lunch, plan dinner, pack appropriate snacks.....but if other food show up, I am all in! I have no willpower to say 'no' to the snacks! I wish I could get back to it.....and resist the treats. If you find the secret, pass it on to me!

I am currently staying off the scale....I am afraid to see the numbers go up with the strength training! I don't know if it's a good plan or not...but that is what the plan is now.

Today's treat was bbq chips! Ugh....but it was a small bag at least!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning All,

Jackie & Beth: You both know you can resist treats. You've done it plenty of times in the past. You just need something to click and it will, if you keep trying. Debra has a saying about it not being the last donut she'll ever see, or something like that. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you can have the muffin or chips some other day, you are just choosing right now not to. Keep working towards your goal and you'll get there.

Beth: It's not a bad strategy to keep away from the scale right now. Maybe you can use the tape measure or how how your pants fit to be sure you are staying on track.

Jackie: I also need to start some core workouts. It's a great idea to look back at RW. I have to justify my saving every one of them I ever got. Of course I might be able to find some of that online too. [I just checked online. Find your Feb 2009 for an article called Fast Abs.]

AFM: Still being consistent with my runs. Still keeping away from sweets. Still having stomach problems. I am hopeful that my trip to the doctor today gives me a mental boost because I am feeling pretty sorry for myself right now.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lean Ladies!

I have been swamped at work, so I haven't had time to post during the day -- but I have been keeping up with my workouts and eating only my points! I am really hoping that the end of the week will yield a good loss for me. Actually, any loss is a good loss!

Cindy -- I really hope you will be able to get a good diagnosis soon. I know it's hard to be in limbo and in pain I'm proud of you for keeping your runs up! Hmmm. My dh is doing the Run to Remember Half in May, so I don't think he'd be interested in another one so quickly. I'm still trying to get used to local 5Ks this year. Once I do, I may try more than one Half a year...

Beth -- Some days and weeks are just harder than others. I think we will all do much better next week, as we adjust to more daylight. I have a hard time with the transition, but I do find I have more energy and want to eat less. It's like my own personal unofficial start to Spring!

Jackie -- That core work is going to pay off -- it may not be immediate, but that will definitely help with your weight loss goals. That's what I'm telling myself this week -- I have to face the fact that it's not going to happen quickly, and just focus on doing what I need to do more than the number on the scale. That doesn't mean I'm not anxious for it -- I'm just trying to be more patient.

to Manda, Rubato, Vicky and the other Lean Ones who need to check in!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Good afternoon everyone!

Maria-Great job keeping the exercise and diet in check! I wish I could do both, but apparently, I must eat to run. And eat, and eat , and eat!!!

Cindy-I'm so sorry you are still in pain! I know how miserable it can be. I hope you get an answer today. Doctors are so good about testing and ruling things out, but when you need an immediate answer, it can seem to take forever. I am proud of you for continuing to run through all this. I know that there are times I have let my stomach problems take over and don't want to even get out of bed.

Beth-Are you still doing the P90X? I'm still too chicken to do it. I know that once I start, I'm going to have to stick to it, so I haven't got any interest right now. Maybe someday!

Jackie-I, like everyone else, am right there with you on the food. I keep track of all my calories, eat perfectly, but, if anyone brings anything near me, I'm on it! If we go out, I pick the worst things possible. If there is a dessert within 100 yards, I can smell it! My dog likes to help me exercise too. If I'm holding a plank, he crawls under me and licks my face until I can't stand it anymore. He's usually on my chest or right next to me when I'm doing situps. It's funny, but makes it awfully tough to accomplish anything!


Well, my hamstring is better now. It still hurts, but not like it did. I pulled it doing a limbo contest! But, out of about 25 women, I came in 3rd. And, I was wearing 4 inch heels! Not bad. I won't be doing it again though. There's nothing to make you feel old like pulling a muscle playing a game! It did give me the motivation to schedule that massage. I go Monday with hubby for a couples deep tissue. I hope it helps.

Running's been good. I do my first ever 10 miler tomorrow. I'm nervous, but am sure I'll get through it. I have my sports beans now, so that'll help. I haven't been keeping up with my lifting, so I need to get back on that. My diet stinks, but I don't seem to care right now. I even stopped weighing myself like Beth. I just don't want to know. It doesn't matter, because I'm strong and healthy!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[deekaypee]

A double posting from 'Ohana....sorry.

Sorry to pop in and have this post be all about me. It's been a busy and rough time here. I've only run once in two weeks, and have been a general slug. Fallen off the WO wagon big time, and am stressed about life in general. Too much to go into, except suffice it to say the fact that work is keeping me busy is the least of my problems.

Anyway, DOOD and I are going to be at the Princess weekend -- and at WDW for our spring break. We're hoping to step away from work and reassess some personal, quality of life things. And have fun of course. I'm planning on being online some, and will try to touch base with those cousins not in Orlando this week. I miss you more than you know!

And too many posts to read up on, but just three things:
1) Richard.... for the anniversary, although it's odd to use such a term. I hope your family and friends continue to have happy memories that outweigh the pain.

2) Allie....I keep meaning to touch base with you and see how you're doing with everything that's been going on in your community.

3) Mel...congrats on the new job. You rock, and they're lucky to have you.

Please, please forgive me folks for being MIA. I'm trying to come back to a more balanced work & play mix, but I tend to be a bit OCD when I have multiple work projects going on. And when I set aside a personal project (say, exercise), I set it waaaaaayyyyy aside. I'll try to get over the embarrassment and slink in here regularly.

Additional info for my leanies....I have managed to continue to lose a minimal amount of weight, even though I've not been exercising.. 1.5 pounds/30% of my second 5 pounds. That's because I haven't been eating much at all. I suspect that part of my problem might be undiagnosed SAD; I barely remember days like this when we lived in Fargo. I'll be glad to get some sun (we had 3 sunny days in Feb.) and see what it does for my mood.

I'm also looking forward to catching up on everyone's posts and lives!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Debra - We miss you too! It's just not the same around here (or 'Ohana) without your posts. Hope life settles down soon and you can find your way back to us.

Rubato - Great job on the limbo contest. Even with the injury, it's great that you're flexible enough to do that well! Good luck on the 10 miler today. I really like that distance. Make sure you eat something along the way. I totally agree with you about ignoring the scale because you're strong and healthy.

Cindy - Anxiously awaiting your update from the appointment yesterday. Hoping it was good news, or just news of any kind.

I did get on the scale this morning, and it told me what I thought it would. Then I decided to adopt Rubato's philosophy. I'm doing the miles, eating relatively well (sabotage efforts aside), and adding in the core workouts. It will just have to happen when it happens.

On the really good news side, one of my goals for this year was to run a 5K without walk breaks. Last night during my 6 mile run (which in itself was a midweek first!), I ran for 3.5 miles without stopping. And I felt strong enough to have continued, but I was approaching the parking lot and wanted some cooldown time. I even did a few strides for increased speed before I stopped, AFTER running the 3.5. The first 2 miles were run/walk, and my shins were killing me - again - but once again, by the end of 2, I felt good enough to start running. I've got to get this under control soon! But I'm really, really happy with the run last night, both the total distance and the nonstop run, so to heck with the scale!

Jackie

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update on my visit to the GI yesterday. I still adore this doctor, she is really good. After telling how I've given up all the most likely allergens and am still having problems she doesn't think it's an allergy. Yea! I can go back to eating bread again!!! She is sending me for 2 tests thinking it might be something outside of my stomach that is making it feel like stomach pain. So I go next Friday for a look at my upper GI tract, and the following week for a CT scan of my abdomen. In the meantime she's given me a Rx for a medicine that is a mix of Maalox and Lidocane which should numb my stomach. Hopefully that will help with the symptoms until I can get the tests done.

Debra: Have a great time in WDW. Hope things improve for you soon.

Jackie: Great job on running 3.5 miles at once. Hope you get the shin thing worked out. Have you tried tapping your toes before you start to run? That has helped me before for a similar thing. I think it gets the blood flowing to your legs before you start(?).

Rubato: Glad the hamstring is feeling better. Yeah Limbo!! Enjoy your massage.

Maria: Great job keeping up with the pts and workouts even when you are busy. You shall be rewarded!!

Beth: Hope all is well. Are your boys going to be able to start baseball on time this year with all the snow?

I have to go pack now. I am going away for a Scrapbooking weekend. I am very excited for that. Going to try super hard to stay away from the sweets. There are always so many there. I can do this.

Have a great weekend.
Cindy

 

[rubato]

Hi Ladies.

Cindy- I'm glad you are getting the scrip for numbing. Maybe that'll at least get you through until you get the other tests. I had never considered something outside the stomach! Hmmm. Interesting! Have fun on your weekend. I tried scrapbooking a few weekends ago and it is not my thing. I was intimidated by the other women's work. They all had such great ideas and I just stared at my page for 2 hours! Oh well, I can't be good at EVERYTHING, can I?

Jackie-Congrats on your run. That's a wonderful accomplishment. I remember the first time I ran over a 5k in a daily run. I thought, wow, I'm a real runner now. I do a 5k everyday! Of course, I've had many setbacks since then and have had to start over many times. I finally realized that I'm a "real" runner no matter how far I run!

Debra-Glad to see you back. I hope you thoroughly enjoy that Florida sun. There is no better place to run. And, no need to be embarrassed. We all get off track in our exercise. I do it all the time! Working back up to it adds that extra little challenge that we secretly like! At least, that's my opinion!

AFM-I DID IT!!!!! I ran 10 miles. Without stopping! I've never done it so it's a HUGE accomplishment for me. I had almost psyched myself out of doing it too. But, my wonderful, non-exercising husband told me to get over myself, and I could do it in my sleep! Well, it was hard. I didn't realize how emotional long runs are. It's all a mental game. The sports beans helped. I stretched a pack out over the whole 2nd half of the run. But, at least now I know I can do the half. Everyone kept telling me that if I could run 10 miles, I could run a half. I've got 11 and then 12 coming up in the next 2 weeks, and then I get to taper. I was really hoping this would give me the motivation to do a full in a year or two, but I just don't know if I've got it in me. At least, not this full by my house. They don't allow walkers. I'd really love to do the Goofy, since I could run the half and, then, walk the full. I just don't know.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Lean Ladies.

What a day! I had 8 loads of laundry and 15 miles to run. UGH.

I got the laundry done by 11:00, and all the errands I needed to do. Got to the Rail Trail for 15 miles and found the trail under ankle deep snow and a fallen tree by the 1 miles mark. I was going to continue, but I was slipping so bad I was really afraid of twisting an ankle. I have a 1/2 marathon in 2 weeks and cannot afford an injury. So, I had to turn back. I got 2.5 miles in outside, to face the rest on the TM. It got done, but I don't want to do again too soon!

Cindy: I hope the medicine helps your pain until they could figure out what the problem is. This kind of medical issue can be so frustrating.....you know something is wrong, but it takes the doctors from "House" to figure it out! It's ridiculous! I hope you have a nice scrapbooking weekend! I used to be a Creative Memories consultant! Scrapping used to be the only hobby I had! I loved it. I don't have the time any more and I miss it! The boys are 'involved' in baseball all year round anymore. They have spent the winter months having lessons at a local baseball academy. They did have local tryouts recently and both made the travel team.....it will be a LONG baseball spring! Their practices will probably start when we see a little drying happening!

Rubato: Good job on the 10 miler! That is certainly a milestone!

Maria:You are doing such a good job tracking your points! And continuing your workouts! I am proud of you.

AFM: I have to say, I am changing the way I treat myself. I am not losing weight, but my body had certainly been able to handle my running and the P90X without breaking down, without injury......and I am grateful. I am loving this imperfect body more than I ever have before. I still look at the bad parts, but when I see my reflection when I am out....I am taking the time to appreciate being fit and having a body that is getting stronger.
I am happy with myself, even if I haven't dropped any weight. There is something to be said for basic fitness, even if we are not 'thin'. Let's all change our attitude, shall we?????? We deserve it!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Leanies!

I'm coming off a great weekend, with a first for me! I weighed less on Sunday than Saturday, and less on Monday than Friday...I have never managed that before! I planned every meal, and had my big indulgence on Saturday night --shrimp fajitas, a glass of white sangria, and a decadent dessert - chocolate covered strawberries with vanilla ice cream drizzled with strawberry sauce. It was easy to get back on track Sunday morning, so that's my new strategy. When I indulge on Friday nights, I have a hard time getting back on track.

So, I'm finally posting a decent loss of 1.6 for the first time in 3 weeks, and I feel good! I feel lighter, I feel strong, I'm happy! I've been hitting all my scheduled workouts and sticking to my WW points. There's nothing like a little success to really motivate and encourage you!

Beth -- You have an awesome attitude, and you are a phenomenal athlete! I am so proud of you! You have stuck with this, and you are constantly finding new ways to challenge yourself. You truly are Inspired to Stay Healthy, and you inspire me every day!

Rubato -- Congratulations on the 10M! That is fantastic! That Half is in the bag, and you are going to enjoy every mile!

Cindy -- How was the scrapbooking weekend? It sounds like a great opportunity to relax and unwind. I hope the medicine is helping, and your tests will come quickly.

Jackie -- Great job with the non-stop run! I hope you are looking forward to a sunny week with light breezes, perfect for your runs!

Debra -- I hope your Spring Break at WDW is going well -- we do miss you, you know! Now we will have more sun, so hopefully we will all feel more like getting up, moving, and enjoying what we can do!

Manda -- How's that streak going? I'm up to 10 days, and going strong!

Vicky -- What have they done to our Sayid?! Wow! That was quite an episode. I think this week's is about Ben Linus, and I can't wait!

to all the other Lean Folk!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Hi Ladies.

Maria-Yeah, a loss!!!! Woo Hoo!!! It sounds like you're getting it all figured out. Eating good, working out 10 days in a row. Congratulations. I like the Saturday indulgence idea. Just one meal off track instead of the whole weekend. Of course, I write this having just finished an italian sausage sandwich and an ice cream cone. Oh well.

Beth-I admire your attitude. I'm leaning that way myself for the first time in my life. I am still 8 pounds over what I thought was my ideal weight, but my body doesn't want to go there. But, I'm pretty fit, very healthy, and can't really complain about being a size 8 instead of a 6. And, my hubby thinks I look FINE!
I'm impressed with your persistence on the 15 miler. I probably would have just quit. I don't know how you run 15 on the TM though. My 10 was so boring.

AFM-I ran a 4 miler today and worked on speed. It was fun, but I don't think I ever want to run that fast again! I actually pushed the 9mph button on the TM for a little while. I want to push the 10 just once for about 10 seconds, just to say I did!

After my run, hubby and I went for our massages. It was a little bit of a letdown, because I had a hard time relaxing. I've got so many little aches and pains that every couple of minutes, she reached the next "bad" spot. I'm hurting now, but knew I would be. I'm going to try to lift again tomorrow if I can motivate myself. I also get to start painting all the baseboards and trim in my house, so I could look at that as a workout, I guess, and just skip the weights!

 

[jeanneg]

Hello mean-leaners,

Just popping in to say hello and let you know that I will be MIA more often than not for the next several months. My daughter's wedding is less than 3 months away and my son's is 2 months after that. I am totally swamped with organizing the festivities. Since my daughter is out-of-town alot of the scut work needs to be done by me. We are still taking things nice and easy, but it IS a big wedding and that involves alot of planning. Please forgive me if I don't get over here very often to check in. I realize that before the summer is half-way over, this will all be behind me.

Just a shout out to a few individuals.....

Cindy: sorry that you continue to be plagued with stomach issues. I hope you get some answers and relief soon.

Rubato: WTG on the 10-mile run! My longest ever run is 2 miles and I have done 4 full marathons, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about concerning the half. You are going to ace it, my dear!

Beth: thanks for keeping this thread up and running! And 8 loads of laundry before 11a.m.?..........wow, you ARE talented!

Hugs to everyone else!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Just when I get one thing under control... ran Saturday without the pain from the shin splints, thanks to Cindy! I didn't think DH saw what I was doing in the car on the way to our run, but when I mentioned it later he said that he just wasn't going to ask. I tapped my toes on the floorboard all the way to the park, and when we started, there was almost no pain at all. Unfortunately, there is now a LOT of pain in the bone. I'm terribly afraid I've worked myself into a stress fracture, but I'm terrified to go to the doctor and have him confirm it. But simply walking around the office hurts - a lot. I've decided not to run at all this week, and then see how it feels by Saturday before I decide what to do for my LR. At that point I'll make a decision about Tobacco Road. If I have to give in and call the doc then, I will, just so I can get it better in time for Indy in May.

All that being said, I haven't been very good about the other workouts either since Saturday. I should be able to do weights and some of the core stuff, at least things that don't put any pressure on the leg. Gonna make weight loss even trickier than it's been, though. And oh my gosh, our choir had a pot luck dinner last night, and the director's husband baked a cheesecake that was absolutely to die for. I justified it by arguing that it was dairy, and had a killer pineapple topping, so that was fruit, right?

Jeanne - Hang in there. Good luck over the next few months. We miss you!

Cindy - Many, many thanks for the toe tapping suggestion. How's the new medicine working?

Maria - Congratulations on the weekend weight loss!

Jackie

 

[Creativebeth]

Good afternoon Lean ladies! Sorry.....I guess I didn't post yesterday. My schedule is all messed up. I work the end of the week this week, and trying to get everything done today!

I had done 15 miles on Friday (mostly on the TM) and took Saturday off. When I ran outside on Sunday with my sister, I was really tanking. I had no speed, and I couldn't keep a pace to save my life. I cut my sister loose at 6 miles (she needed 12 miles) and finished the 8 miles really slow. I felt really defeated. I was much faster my last 1/2 marathon, with less effort. I have spent the last several months following a training plan to the letter, and now I feel real slow. I know it's probably since I ran long on Friday, but still felt bad.

I ran 5 miles last evening, and felt some better. It was a little faster, but still putting in alot of effort. I don't know if it's b/c I am used to treadmill running and still getting used to going outside again. Hopefully things will turn around.

I had a massage today, which was really good. The massage therapist is not afraid to rub hard! I need it.....I had so many knots to work out. I was going to take off today, and not run, but the weather is beautiful and I will have to go out for a few miles and enjoy it.

Jackie: I am sorry to hear about your shins.....you are smart to take off the week and give yourself a rest. Hopefully, the time off will get you back on track.

Jeanne: You must be going crazy! You are doing must of this wedding yourself, aren't you. You are the only one there to do it! I hope it all comes together smoothly.....it's a lot of responsibility. It will be beautiful, I am sure. Nancy sure is looking forward to it! We will miss you, but we understand! Come by when you can to visit!

AFM: I will probably hold off doing the P90X for a couple of weeks. With my next 1/2 marathon around the corner, I think I will tone things down some. I am feeling tired, and beat up. I will taper some miles down, and hold off with the strength training. I would like to attempt a PR at National, and need to be fresher than I have been!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hello Lean Ones!

I didn't manage to get up this morning, but I did go to yoga at lunch. I'm planning to do 3M when I get home tonight. It will still be daylight when I get home, and for some reason that really helps me.

I had a little eating meltdown yesterday afternoon. I was hungry and thought about eating a Kashi bar around 4, and then decided to be stoic and hang on until dinner at 7. It didn't happen -- I ended up eating popcorn and 3 chocolate chip cookies I know if I had just eaten that Kashi bar, I would have been fine. Lesson learned -- don't let myself get to hungry, 'cause it's not pretty!

Beth -- I'm sorry you had the "slow down" experience -- I have that every time I head outside after being in all the time. I think changing your plan so you are focused on running again is a great idea. It's good to keep switching up your emphasis and activities! This will keep you from getting bored, and allow you to try a great range of things.

Jackie -- I really hope you don't have a stress fracture! I think resting sounds like a great idea. The body repairs itself when we have rest days. That could be just what you need!

Jeanne -- So awesome to hear from you! I can't even imagine how busy you are right now -- two weddings is unbelievable! Hang in there, and have fun -- this is such a great time for your family, just enjoy it all you can!

rubato -- Painting is definitely a workout -- all that stretching and bending, not to mention the repetitive arm motions -- it counts!

Sending to Manda, Vicky, Corinna, Debra, Wendy!

And a shout out to Cindy -- I hope you are enjoying that bread!

Maria

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just checking in... I got up and did my incline walking this morning, and ate within my points yesterday. But I didn't manage the 3M -- I did go to bed at 9:15, so I felt nicely refreshed today and just really better in general. Sleep is amazing stuff! I'm on track so far...I have to go out to a meeting soon, so I saved some of my lunch to be a post-meeting treat. I really don't like going to this location, so now I have a treat and a DIS podcast when I get back as a little reward...I am such a goof!

Eek! Now I'm guilty of the back to back posts! Save me from a triple, somebody!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

I hate the doubled-back posts too Maria, so there ya go!

I will be back later to update!
Beth

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Ladies! I didn't get a chance to come back yesterday....but now I am posting back to back Maria!

Maria: Did you buy any new clothes yet? It really does motivate you when you wear clothes that actually fit! It is slimming just to have clothes fit right, instead of too big and floppy! You deserve a few nice things, even though you want to lose more. When you dress in new things, it makes you feel pretty!

AFM: ((((since NO one posted recently except my friend Maria!))))) I took a rest day yesterday. I don't do that easily.....but it needed to be done. EVERYTHING is sore right now......over-use I guess. Just seem to happen out of the blue though. I know I need rest days.....but I feel guilty taking them. I didn't run this morning either. This is the longest I have gone without some kind of exercise in a LONG time! I do plan to run tonight (outside if it isn't raining) but I am not pushing it. I do not have high hopes for this next 1/2 marathon, but I am consoling myself b/c I PR'ed the last 3 races I have done. They all can't be PR's, right? Seems like a waste to have done all that training....but it got me through the winter!

I am not obsessing about my weight right now either. It gets to be such a burden to bear......I am feeling alot better about myself, letting the weight issue go...... I am coming to the conclusion that the number on the scale isn't telling the whole story. I want to be fit, run the rest of my life, and wear my clothes comfortably. That is my goal right now. The number on the scale isn't a good indicator of my fitness. That is my story, and I am sticking to it!

Beth