Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[jeanneg]

Sorry Meanies, I am NOT that big of a loser! My weight was 197.1 on Friday 4/23, so I only lost 1.5 pounds last week. (I'll take it, I'll take it!)

Well, I FINALLY got to read the previous 8-9 pages of posts that I've missed..... I can't believe how much is going on with everyone. I apologize for being so wrapped up in my little microcosm, but it is kinda overwhelming right now. I am happy to report that the knee is geting better. I actually did the 2.27 loop around my neighborhood last night at a moderate pace (15-16 minute miles) and didn't feel too much discomfort. So much for my secret training plans.....I'm gonna have to shelve those for the time being. Someone asked how it happened..... Nothing very dramatic, but I was just going down the stairs when I felt something pop. Next thing I know I can't put any weight on my leg at all. If this had not happened before I would have gone straight to the orthopedist, but I had a similiar experience about 6 years ago. After a whole battery of tests, they decided it just needed to heal on its own. So this time I decided to wait it out. I had a hard time maneuvering around the NYC subway system this past weekend with my little baby steps, but I noticed today I was able to go down steps normally as long as I has had a railing to support me. So it's all good.....I just don't want to blow it out again.
My visit to NY was very nice. I got to spend some quality time with my kids, which is always great. I know it was supposed to be a bachelorette party, but it was really just a nice get-together before the wedding. Sorry, but I have no adventures to report....which you know is highly unusual for me!

Jackie: Congrats on running the whole 5K and getting yet another PR! I'm so glad Bill got the job!!!!! Have a great time at Indy this weekend. You guys HAVE been busy lately!! I told you empty-nesting was going to be fun.

Cindy: WTG on the Boston Marathon!!!!! You totally rock, girl!

Vicky: Kudos for you for getting into your original prom dress. I am SOOOOO jealous! (Shoot, I can't even get into my original wedding ring!) Sorry you are having relationship issues.......and yes, it is completely fine to vent here.

Beth: that's ALOT of training! I usually only do one 20-miler before a marathon because mentally that's all I can handle. If I knew I had to do two of them, I would have never completed a marathon.

Tandy: what's done is done so don't dwell on all the unhealthy things you can't undo. Everyday is a new beginning and a new opportunity to start fresh. We're here to support you in any way we can.

Maria: Boy, you just keep getting it from all angles....no water, no A/C, allergies, in-law visits........YOWSA! And still you managed to be a winner on the DIS BL!

Kim: congrats on the weight loss!

Manda: WTG on the neighbor's noticing how fit you are!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Ladies! It's Thursday already! The weeks are just flying by me!

Jeanne: I am sorry to have messed up your weight loss. I try to keep track, but obviously something got messed up! The wedding is just around the corner.....are you ready? I am glad you had a nice time in NYC....sometimes it's nice to have the low key thing going on. Life gets too busy as it is....quiet time is my favorite!

Maria: How's it going sweety? I know things were getting you down....is it any better? I have been diligient in getting up in the morning, which is the only way I can get my miles in anymore. Baseball is definitely in full swing!

Debra: I am glad that DOOD finished his leg of the marathon okay.....and it never matters if you have done marathons before....it's still an awesome undertaking, as DOOD can atest to. This time, I am really trying to 'respect the distance' and get my miles in. It's been hard. Basically running 50 miles a week in 'secret'! Not really secret, but doing them in the morning and when the kids are in school, no one remembers that I am training. I get NO breaks when I am really tired!

Jackie: Have an awesome time this weekend!!!! Are you weighing in today? Good luck if you are!

AFM: I am really glad not to be gaining weight with training, but am pretty frustrated that I am losing nothing running 50 freaking miles a week! WTH? I guess I just need to plug along.....and avoid that Jumbo box of Lucky Charms taunting me from the kitchen....again, why do I buy them? There really is no other answer than I LOVE them!

Today is filled with doctor's appointment, laundry, and the grocery store.....I really am going to try to get outside today for a run outside! I only run outside once a week anymore, since I train on the TM at freaking 5AM! I need some miles outside too. I don't know if that will really happen or not....if not it will be a late run on the TM again!

I am attempting 16 miles tomorrow on the trail. And than a second attempt at 20 miles next week. We shall see!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Good morning ladies! I have this funny twitch in my right eye for the last week. I don't think anyone can really see it but it sure is annoying. So for the article, I was reading up on the health benefits of chocolate - but I thought that maybe I should post that one because I don't want to tempt anyone into eating lots of chocolate. So I looked up some the benefits of weight lifting for women. Lifting helps to:

- restore and increase bone density
- improves your balance
- increases your metabolism
- provides a good foundation for preventing injuries

And the obvious ones of reducing body fat, overall body toning and building confidence!

I found a neat article on Oprah's site that explains a lot about weight lifting for women. It goes over how many reps and sets you should do, how long should a lifting workout last, building muscle etc.

http://www.oprah.com/health/Adam-Campbell-Answers-Your-Weight-Lifting-Questions

Beth - That's a really busy day you have! Good luck with the 16 mile trail run tomorrow! I hope you get lots of sunshine and nice weather. I forget, do you cross train? I remember you said the PX90 was on hold until after the marathon. One thing I've read before is that your body adapts and becomes really efficient once you develop an exercise routine - so it tends to burn fewer calories while doing the same exercises.

Jeanne - Glad you had a fun weekend in NYC. Sometimes the relaxing get togethers are more fun than the party weekends. Glad to hear your knee is starting to get better!

Jackie - Good luck this weekend at Indy!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lean Lovely Ones!

Vicky -- Great article. I'm convinced! Now I just need to make myself pick up some weights

Beth -- You are indeed a running machine -- and you are bringing it home to me that I need to lose what I want and need to before I start Marathon training. I'm getting back on that horse this week, by hook or by crook. Still haven't exactly made it yet. TOM is quite prominent for me this week, and that seems to make me need more sleep and have less energy. Honestly, at this point I'm looking at a fresh start Saturday, and planning for 8M to kick things off with a bang!

Jeanne -- So glad you had a great time in NY, even if you were a bit gimpy. I'm hoping everything heals and settles itself out so you can dance the night away at the first wedding reception!

I have a meeting out of the office this afternoon, which I'm looking forward to. Once I'm done I can take the subway home and then I'm going for a walk on my TM. I have to look at it that way. I can't have pressure to run, or I won't do it. I also need to stop trying to go farther and faster every time, because that's how I wind up like this -- I psych myself out and do nothing. You would think I would learn, but I just don't seem to. I've been flirting with a few songs at 5.7, and it was just too fast for me, and I stopped running. I'm going for a walk today, and I'm going to deliberately slow down for my run Saturday. I don't mean drastically, but 5.7 is impossible and 5.4 feels good, so I think it makes more sense to feel good and do it, and then to try, get frustrated, and do nothing for a week like I've just done.

Ok, back to the grindstone...

Maria

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies. I just realized that I never posted yesterday. Whoops!

Jackie: Good luck this weekend. I hope you have a great time!

Maria: Your head seems to be in exactly the right place to get back on track. You need to run at a speed that you feel comfortable at. Everytime I pick up my speed, I get this lesson drilled in. I always try to go up by 1/2 mile per hour increments, which is ridiculous for me. How did the calories go yesterday? Did you increase them, and, if so, did you have a little more energy?
LOVED the Yoda play on words!!!!

Vicky: I'm so glad that your talk with your friend was helpful to you. I just hope he figures things out soon! How did the hover go? Did you figure it out?
Thanks for the info on weight lifting. I wish more women did it. Just for the fight against osteoporosis alone! There is a definate misconception that lifting will just make you have big, huge muscles and look like a man. I have lots of muscle mass, but it's all in proportion and looks very feminine. Although, my shoulders are getting a little scary!

Beth: I really hope you get that outside run in today. I am having a hard time going back to the treadmill after being forced to run outside all winter due to TM breaking. It's so easy and convenient though.
At least your weight isn't going up, right? I gained weight training for my half. I was just hungry ALL THE TIME! I think that as long as you are healthy, and you obviously are, the weight should just take a backseat. I know, because of this challenge, that you're eating the right things along with the Lucky Charms (I'm a Cocoa Pebbles girl myself)!

Jeanne: So, is the wedding this coming weekend? I'm glad you had fun in NYC. I truly love it there. I'm also glad to hear that the knee is getting better.

Debra: I'm sorry that the race experience kind of stunk! I'm glad none of you were negatively effected by the bomb scare. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm doing much better now!

AFM: I'm feeling much better after my rough weekend. I've actually managed to lose weight. Let's hope it stays for my "official" weigh in tomorrow!

Eating has been completely on track, except for a diet soda I had yesterday. It was free, so I took it. My stomach immediately started cramping up after I finished it. I was shocked. But, hubby pointed something out that I hadn't though of. When I was drinking 6 diet sodas a day, my stomach hurt all the time. 24 hours a day! So, guess what? I feel so good now that I gave it up, that I noticed it immediately. That's a very positive thing I got out of yesterdays pain.

Exercise has been really good as well. I walked this morning and am supposed to do a short run and go to zumba. The class is 1.5 miles from my house, so I'm thinking about running to and from the class. Since I'll be dancing around in between, I think it'll be fine to break it up like that. I love not having to drive, if I can help it.

I've been reading the book "Once a Runner" and am starting to really enjoy it. It has, however, made me realize that there are all different levels of runners. I thought that once I crossed over from walker to jogger and then, jogger to runner, that I was done. Now, there is another level entirely. I won't ever reach it, but it is fascinating.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Tandy

 

[Creativebeth]

Biggest Loser Challenge Week 4:

Jeanne: Down 2.5 pounds!!!! 41 points!

Jackie: slight gain with no reported points

Debra: Down 0.5 pounds with 41 points

Cindy: Slight gain with 24 points

Maria: 192.3 with 32 points

Kim: Hasn't reported in 2 weeks

Tandy: Down 1.5 pounds with 41 points

Vicky: Down 0.9 pounds with 38 points

Beth: Up a pound with 45 points

Points For Week 5:

1. Same healthy habits points.

2. Exercise Challenge: This week we'll be doing bicep curls ladies! I want some weights involved, so if you have hand weights use them. If you don't have hand weights, you may use any household product in place of them....cans of soup, jars of peanut butter, etc..... I want twenty bicep curls both sides!!!!
You may earn an extra exercise points daily by completing your squats along with your bicep curls!!! You than are ingaging upper and lower body workout at the same time!!!!

3. One extra point for the week by posting how the Biggest Loser Challenge has helped you since we started, with your healthy lifestyle and/or weight loss.

I can't believe how fast this challeng is going!!!!

Beth

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies.

142.5 today which is down 1.5 from last Friday.
I managed 41 points.


I can already answer this week's question.
This challenge made me realize how good I can feel eating right. It also helped me learn how to eat balanced and taught me all about natural fiber! Plus, I just love this group. Everyone seems very positive, very exercise oriented, and very motivated, but also real.

Have a great day ladies!
Tandy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday ladies! I can't believe how quickly the weekend has arrived again and that we're starting week 5 today.

Beth - Will have to give your bonus question some thought. How did your run go today? I love doing squats with weights so that's what I'll be doing this week.

Tandy - Congrats on your 1.5 lb loss! I agree with you on the shoulders, mine have leaned out and you can see more definition. I haven't tried the hover yet but will this weekend. I'm glad to hear that you're eating has been on track and it sounds like from your upset stomach that your body is getting use to clean eating.

Maria - I'm the same way when I'm training for a race sometimes. The more I think about a LR, the more I procrastinate thinking about how long it's going to take me.

AFM - Not too sure if I'm going to lose this week - I ate steak last night. I forgot that I planned the weigh-in was today so I guess we'll just have to see. It was a small amount 3.5-4oz but I know that meat tends to take a long time to digest. Went to the salad place for lunch again and got a giant salad with lots of fresh toppings - an egg, chickpeas, red & green peppers, olives, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, portabello mushrooms and smoked turkey so I'd get some protein.

Had my training session last night and we did some lunges with a medicine ball for a warm up and then focused on deadlifting. My regular sets are now done with 140 lbs and 3 reps (6-8x). After we finished that, my PT had me try my previous PB weight of 145 lbs and then he bumped the weight up to 150 lbs and I got that off the ground!! So I've got a new PB of 150! Yay!!

More short runs planned this weekend and will take my mom, dad and sister out on Mother's day for dinner.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[jeanneg]

Just a super quick post to give you my results......

Weight: 193.1 (yes, that IS a drop of 2.5 pounds. That means that Beth wasn't inaccurate last week, she was merely clairvoyant!)

Points: 36 (not too good, but it was very hard to stick to the program in NYC.......mea culpa!)

That's it for now......another busy weekend! The wedding is just a little more than 3 weeks away.....
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS!

 

[deekaypee]

Popping in quick to get my numbers in, with chat tomorrow. End of semester social obligations, including retirement parties and food. (My presence is requested but not required, except in DOOD's mind.)

Weight lost: .5 pounds (which means I did gain weight last week)
Points: 41

Good news: I am dropping body fat %, even if the weight isn't dropping off.

Oh, I did read an article at the gym on "soft addictions" (caffeine, chocolate, eating, Facebook or online social networking, etc.) that interfere with a person leading a healthy, balanced life. But I can't remember the name of the magazine so when I went to look for it – I wanted the the name of the author quoted – I couldn't find it. I'll look again on Sunday, as I think I want to read the book & it's relevant to what I've been doing in the last week.

Last thing. Turns out DOOD's relay was affected by the bomb scare. Bill just forgot to mention it (he did last leg). They weren't given accurate information. About 2-3 miles before the finish officials were telling them the race was called off & they couldn't get downtown to finish. Lots of runners were confused, although rumors were spreading, and many slowed to a crawl & started to walk. (But they kept moving toward the finish because information was so spotty. Eventually, officials came back, said it everything was fine & that they could finish. Good times. Bill seemed pretty blase about it, so I guess it wasn't that big of a deal to him.

DOOD still hasn't run since the relay, so that puts me up two runs on him (three tomorrow)! Whoo hoo.

Now, must leave for a drink or two to go with dinner.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hello Ladies!

Also a quick pop-in, today is my wedding anniversary and I have to get beautiful before we go out for dinner...

I weighed in at 192.3, with 32 pts. This was not a great week by a longshot. I'm hoping for much better things next week. TOM will be over, and I will eat better. I ran 8M this morning and 4M yesterday morning, so I'm back on track with exercise. I can't run Wed. or Thurs. next week, so that will be a bit more incentive to keep the food good. I haven't had chips all week, and I'm giving up the Hostess this week. I'm replacing them with sugar-free fudgesicles. I really think if I can reduce my sugar, all my results will get better

Oh, and get this -- I deliberately slowed down today, not doing any time at 5.7 since that seemed to zap my last week. I still did everything else normally, and it only added 2 minutes to my time. Since I'm all about the weight loss and less about the time (I want to go fast, but I have to remember my priorities right now -- and keeping moving is more important than one fast workout), I'm going to do the same again next Saturday.

Debra -- I had my own "end of semester" brush Thursday -- I was walking to Boston Common to catch the T, and students in the Emerson dorms (right next to the Common) were moving out. It's quite a sight to behold, and I'm glad I don't have to sort through the unbelievable mess I saw leaving that dorm!

Jeanne -- Great loss! And I am coming down with you! We are going to get to the 180s, I can feel it!

Vicky -- That salad sounds delicious! I wish I had a fresh salad place closer to where I work. I can get to one, but it's a bit of a hike...Congrats on the new PB, you are workin' it, girl!

Tandy -- You are doing great, especially with all you've had going on this week! Even when I think I know alot, I alwasy learn something more -- and sometimes I remember things I had forgotten

Beth -- I've got the squats and curls going! It feels great after a run. How is your weekend treating you? We have rain and a bit cooler weather, not to mention losses by almost all our major sports teams last night. I guess I should just be grateful the Patriots didn't play, too

So much for short -- anyway, to Jackie, Cindy and Kim! -- I hope all the racing, resting and relaxing are going well!

As Jeanne said, Happy Mother's Day! -- Whether you are a mom, a daughter, a cherished aunt, or just have to act "mom-like" to a s.o., have a great day tomorrow!

Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Just a quick post to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's on the thread or to anyone who's a mother figure to someone in their lives We appreciate all the little things you do to make our lives extra special (even though we may not always take the time to say thank-you)....

I'm down 0.9 lbs - I blame the steak that's still probably sitting in my tummy. Curses! I've got 38 points. How do you all get 40+

Sorry for the short post - I'm going to try and squeeze in a movie tonight! Chat more tomorrow!!

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies.
I hope everyone had a good Mothers Day. I spent the day eating and relaxing, which are 2 things I don't really do anymore. I was rewarded with a 2 pound gain, but I know it's temporary!

Vicky: At least you had a loss! That's good! I'm not a big steak fan, but my family loves it. We live in the Kansas City area, so the KC strip is a big hit around here. Great job on the deadlift. I am amazed at your workouts!

Maria: I'm so glad you were able to figure out what was messing up your runs and fix it! I think we all have to wrap our heads around what it is we really want out of all of this. I thought it was weight loss at first, then it was super speed, and now, it's health! I keep remembering all the times I was super skinny and how I got that way or maintained it. It was never healthy. I smoked back in the day and never ate. Of course I was skinny, but so what. I couldn't run 13.1 miles, and I can now!

Debra: Great job on the BF loss! I'm pretty sure mine is down, but since I never go to the gym, I haven't measured it. I know when I was in personal trainer certification school, they measured it, but that was 5 years ago.
After hearing the story of DOODs race, it's amazing they were able to finish at all! Congrats on being ahead of him!

Jeanne: Great job on the weight loss! That's fantastic. I think you'll be hitting the 180s in no time.


AFM: I had the laziest weekend, but it has me feeling energized for the week. I took my son for a run in the rain this morning. I thought it was fun, but he was grumpy and miserable. We ended up only going about 1/2 a mile. I'm going to get back out later for a 4 miler. I got a fantastic Mother's Day present. My son's baseball team won!

Hope everyone has a great day!
Tandy

 

[MouseDogMom]

Happy Monday (I think?) Lean Ladies!

I'm back from Indy, and trying to figure out where I am, when it is, and what I'm supposed to be doing. We thought we'd have Internet access in Indy, but were quite surprised to find out that the Hilton charges $10/night (like some other hotels we know, but we've gotten used to paying it at Disney...), and DH wouldn't pay. So I've been out of the loop since Wednesday night!

I did weigh Thursday before I left, only to find my weight was 139.8. So I left for Indy weighing more than I did when the challenge began. Then I did nothing (except run a half marathon ) while I was gone, and my eating - well, we won't discuss that. I did eat an apple on Friday. And Sunday morning we had the breakfast buffet at the hotel, and there was lots of fruit. I may actually have had TWO servings! Bottom line, I'm not reporting any points for last week, and probably not for this week either. It's ugly, and I have a LOT of work to do.

And while it's a really nice idea to run a half marathon as a family, I wouldn't actually recommend it to anyone! Unless, of course, you're Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, or some other perfect TV family who never argue. We did finish together, but only after DH made comments like "If we're not dead last I'll be surprised," and DD said "I'll do another half but I want to run my OWN race." Finished in 2:50:42, which was not a bad time at all for her first try. And she wants to do the Princess next year. And we had a great trip. Did a lot of sightseeing and side trips along the way, mostly in West Virginia.

Now I'm home, and very happy to be here! And I need to run, and I need to stop eating.

Tandy - I absolutely LOVED Once a Runner. I could at least pretend I was a runner. That next level of runner, which I'll never attain. When I'm out there, I imagine what it would be like to run like he does.

Vicky - The first couple of weeks, 40+ points seemed really easy. Then I got lazy. Now I can't even remember to keep track! But to be honest, I'm missing the exercise ones. I've been getting the food ones, at least until I left for Indy.

Jeanne - on the weight loss! Keep doing whatever you're doing!

Debra - So it's official. We can add bomb scare, and WIND, thanks to Indy, to running conditions. How can you "forget to mention" that there was a bomb scare at the end of the race? Oh yeah, he's a man. It's that detail thing. I left out of my race report above the fact that we had 40mph wind gusts Saturday morning. There were moments that it felt colder than Disney in January. Fortunately it didn't last long, but there were lots of throwaway clothes on the side of the road!

Maria - Glad you figured out that running slower works for you. Dreading the workout is not a good thing. Way too easy to make excuses!

Jackie

 

[Creativebeth]

hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted.....I was in Philly over the weekend, with one sick kid.....and he passed it on to me! I woke up at 3:00 am with a fever and headache, and now have his cough! Felt really bad today, and took off of work so I didn't get Nancy sick!

Jackie: I know what you mean......the idea like a 'family run' sounds great, but not great in function!!! Sounds like my stupid idea of doing another marathon! Great idea 6 months ago....not so much now!

I am glad that you had a nice weekend though! Don't worry, you will get back on your game soon enough!

Tandy: Sounds like you had a nice Mother's Day! I would love to have sat and ate! My dh had to leave on a business trip on Sunday, so I had to make dinner for the boys myself! Oh well!

Debra: A loss is a loss!!! Nice job!

AFM: My 16 miler was difficult, but I felt pretty good the next day so I feel somewhat successful! I thought I would be hurting more than I turned out to be. That right there is a good thing, and maybe I am in better shape than I think!

My eating has been crazy though.....I was up again this week....darn it! But trying to clean it up this week!

Beth

 

[Cindylou]

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I've had a rough couple of days. A slight weight gain this week and 24 pts. I'll post more soon.

Cindy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Leanies!

I literally have seven minutes to post, so bear with me...Sorry I've been largely MIA -- I just turned in a proposal yesterday, and things should slow down nicely for the rest of the week. Today I'm in an all-day training about purchasing foreclosures. This is going to be deadly dull, and largely unapplicable for me since we don't do single or double families or triple deckers. But, my boss wants me to go so there I am. On the bright side, I got to sleep in until 7 since I can't work out (had a hair process Monday night which doesn't allow me to sweat until Friday am), and I don't have to be there until 9:30.

I had yoga yesterday, which felt great. I feel like I'm kind of "stuck" again with not being able to work out, but it's actually a good thing. I can't wait to get moving again! I really think next week will be a breakthrough for me. I'm totally off the chips and hostess cupcakes, so I think even if I don't lose much this week (or at all), next week it will all come together. It helps that I don't have any big deadlines next week at work, so I won't be so stressed and it will be easier to get up and do my workouts!

Beth -- I hope you're feeling better!

Cindy -- A little gain often preceeds a big loss!

Jackie -- I didn't realize you were all running together, I thought you meant you were all running the same race, but wherever you fell. I can see why this wasn't the greatest experience, but I do think in the end you will treasure it

Tandy -- How is your energized week coming?

Vicky -- I hope you're having a good week, how's the lifting coming?

Debra, Jeanne, Kim -- I know you guys are standing in line for your Shrek tickets -- don't forget to send us a quick note to let us know you're doing squats while you wait!

Oops, that was 10 minutes....gotta get to the subway!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Biggest Loser Week 4 Results:

Our Big Losers of the Week!:

Jeanne: Our biggest 'loser' at 2.5 pounds!!!

Tandy: A very close second!!! with 1.5 pounds!!!!

Vicky: With a good showing at 0.9 pounds!

Debra: Our dear Debra with a 1/2 pound loss!

Good job Girls!!!

Points Leaders!:

Tandy and Debra both got 41 points this week! WTG!

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies.

Maria: Sorry you are going to have a dull day, but it's good you got to sleep in. I did too. I told my friends no to walking today. It's so rare that I get to sleep past 5:30!
So, what kind of hair process won't let you sweat? I'm so low maintenance at this point, I can't even remember going to the salon! I cut ALL my hair off last summer and did the boy hair do. Since I'm growing it out now, and will be for the next 3 years, I haven't even gotten a trim in 6 months. Also, I'm allergic to hair dye, so I haven't done that for a few years. My son is growing his hair out as well. It's so cute. He has very red hair and now that it's growing out, it's all wavy and beautiful! Obviously, I'm biased!

Cindy: Sorry to hear things haven't been so good. I hope next week brings better things!

Beth: Wow, sorry you had such a rough weekend. Sick kids, you getting sick, and no Mother's day treat makes for a long weekend. I'm glad you weren't hurting too bad after your 16. You're doing 20 this weekend, right?

Jackie: You are brave, girl! I would NEVER run with my family. At least, not a half. I'm running a 5K with my son in September, but that's different. I can't really even train with someone else. I like to run at MY pace, not someone else's. Your daughter did very well though. She didn't really train much, if I remember correctly. If you don't mind my asking, how old is she?
I'm still struggling to get through the book. I'm enjoying all the running portions, but the in between stuff is dragging for me. But, I'm used to crime and medical dramas, so I'm stepping out of my comfort zone!

AFM: I have had my worst week since we started this challenge. It started on Mothers Day and has just kept going. I've been eating the house apart. As of this morning, I'm up 3 pounds from my weigh in on Friday!I am truly scared of how much I can eat when given free reign. Today is pastries at school and lunch out with a friend, so it'll probably continue. I need to get back on track though. I am SOOOOO close to my goal weight (at least I was on Friday). I may need to change that goal and just be happy a little heavier. I don't know.

I did manage to get my runs and walks in so far. I didn't lift yesterday, like I was supposed to, but I ran in the rain Monday, then went to zumba, and I walked 8 yesterday with a friend and the dogs. I need to get a 5 mile run in sometime today, but we are supposed to have hail and possible tornados. My TM is broken again. The repairman can't come out until Tuesday, so I may not be running!!

I hope everyone has a great day. Hope to hear from everyone soon!!!!
Tandy

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - Yes, for some insane reason, we planned to run it together. DH had this vision of us crossing the finish line hand in hand. I don't know if the photographers actually got that photo, but it may make for a good memory one day in the far, far future. Unfortunately, DH and DD are way too similar, and can't be left alone together for very long. I could very easily have run my own race (or with my Galloway friend who PR'd), but I was terrified of the carnage that would have been left on the course if I hadn't stayed with them. DD needed an "adult" with her, or she wouldn't have made it the distance, and DH would surely have killed her when she started complaining. And she would have screamed at him, and the other 34,997 runners would have DNF'd just to get away from them.

Tandy - DD is 19. Going on 30. Or 13, depending on the day. And she did exactly 2 runs over 2 miles long. One 6 mile and one 10 mile. Eventually, the lack of mileage does catch up to you. She did really well during the 10 mile run, but fell apart really quickly on race day. We let her set the pace on the 10 mile run, and she was easily doing a 9:30 pace, but on Saturday she whined any time we got below an 11:00 pace. She kept saying she wanted to run closer to a 13:00, which was making DH crazy. I was literally running between the two of them trying to keep them as far apart as possible. She would say something to me, and he would insist on knowing what she'd said, even when he really didn't need to know since it would just make him mad, so I'd have to repeat it. Can you tell I'm a little frustrated with the whole event? And I totally sympathize with your eating frenzy. I've been on one since we left home on Thursday morning. And the only exercise I've done is the race on Saturday, plus a couple of short hikes to waterfalls when we stopped on the way home.

As for how the challenge has helped me: Even though I can't seem to maintain the weight loss that I showed the first week, I do at least know what it will take to achieve it. Diet changes alone won't get it for me. I must run, 3-4 times during the week. I've made serious changes to my eating habits in the past month, all of them healthy ones, and discovered new foods (and food groups). And I've actually started trying to work some other activities into my exercise regimen, although my body seems to rebel against those. Most of my injuries and aches seem to occur any time I add activities other than running, so I'm not sure how to incorporate those without risking pain. Gotta work on that!

Jackie