Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Ladies.

This has been some week. Last week I took a day off work to get ready for my son's 1st Communion party. It took me 2 days of cleaning plus my sister helped me and even then we were just shoving things in closets, etc. I am so overwhelmed by housework (or lack of it consistently). Add to that, my very dear Aunt died on Thursday so I was at the wake and funeral on Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday was the 5 yr anniv of my FIL's passing. We also found out my MIL has had a re-occurence of her cancer (highly treatable at least) and I learned that there will most likely be lay-offs at my work today. I don't know if it will include me, but I know several of my friends will be let go. After nearly 6 weeks of no stomach pain, I find my stomach hurting today, is it any wonder? Needless to say, my eating has been atrocious this last week. I have been running a few times which has helped a bit with the stress. If I do get laid off, I am thinking I might have more time for exercise at least in the short term.

Sorry for the all about me post, but wanted to vent a bit about my current situation. I know it could be much worse, so I'm trying to keep it all in perspective.

Have a great day everyone. Be healthy.
Cindy

 

[MouseDogMom]

Cindy - And another And one more Yes, it COULD be worse, but that's an awful lot for one person at one time. It's no wonder that your stomach is hurting, and of all of us who seem to be eating uncontrollably right now, you have the most right to be. At least you're running, and I know from experience that it does help. I had just started running when my mom was dying, and I think it kep me sane, at least just a little. You sound like you have a fairly good outlook on the job situation, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that the news is good today.

Jackie

 

[rubato]

Cindy: I'm so sorry you are dealing with all of that right now!!!How horrible. My condolences on your aunt's passing. And, please do not worry about your post being all about you. We are here for you. Always!

Jackie: Okay, now that you've explained the race a little better, I know that you, your hubby and your daughter are, in fact, all insane!!!!I cannot imagine running a race only having run one 6 miler and one 10 miler! I think it will be a very good idea for her to do it on her own next time. For your sake!

AFM: Well, I ended my eating binge in style last night. I stopped at the bakery and got a dozen donuts and ate them all! My stomach hurts so bad today, I don't want to leave the house. But, I did walk this morning. I was nervous about possibily vomiting on the sidewalk, but I made it.

We had a microburst hit here last night. There are trampolines everywhere! It's kind of amusing really. No one was hurt, so it's just fun to see. I am supposed to run today, but everything is soaking wet, and I just don't feel good. Plus, I'm going to try to go to zumba tonight.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Tandy

 

[bunnyfoo]

Good morning lean ladies! I think this is going to be a quick post because people keep showing up at my desk.

Cindy - No wonder your stomach has been acting up. That is a lot on your plate and I don't blame you at all when you say your eating has been off. I think I would have eaten out my entire house and then some. I hope things go okay on the job front, I'm thinking good thoughts for you today Keep us posted!

Jackie - I wish I could convince my family to do a short race or two with me. I think I'd only be able to handle a short race myself but I think it'd be fun to do more things as a family.

Tandy - I keep wanting to cut my hair short too but then I want bangs too and I don't want to end up looking like Anna Wintour or Katie Holmes Was the repairman able to come by and fix your TM? How do your dogs handle long distances, do they need rest breaks at all?

Beth - Hope you're feeling better! How's the eating going this week?

Maria - How was the training session? We have to go to those every once in a while. I don't like them either Does the hair process you had mean that you can't wash your hair either until tomorrow?

Debra - Holy cow! A bomb scare yikes! I guess that would be the one place to do it - lots of people and difficulty with communication. I'm glad it was just a scare and nothing more. Fantastic news about your body fat% coming down!! Do you use a scale to measure or the tests where they look at several points on your body?

AFM - I can't remember if I mentioned my old dentist not doing the regular cleanings properly. Well, I discovered a little bit of a problem with that a couple of months ago when I started seeing a new dentist. I was late (15 minutes during a snow storm) one day for an appointment and he took off. Never mind if I had been on time, he wouldn't have been able to leave... Anyway, the same thing happened to DF. One of his fillings came out, he was late and the dentist left and reception referred him to an emergency dentist.

The emergency dentist looked at his tooth and didn't like the way the root canal (by the original dentist) was done. DF went to see my dentist who referred him to a root canal specialist. The specialist says the whole root canal has to be redone and he needs a new crown too. The whole thing will cost him $3,000+ Is it wrong that I started thinking of what kind of WDW trip that would pay for

I've got training tonight and then will probably relax at home!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Cindy: Sending many to you. Sometimes life just pours down on us.....it can be overwhelming! You are doing the best you can expect.....don't worry, things will straighten out. Take care of yourself any way you can right now.....if that includes eating, so be it! I hope your stomach straightens out....stress is the worse for that. I am glad you could come here to vent....we are more than happy to pick you back up. That's what we are here for....never be sorry about an 'all about me' post!!!!

Vicky: on the dentist bill!!!! Holy crap! That's alot of money! I have had to have alot of work done over the last 5 years, but I am lucky to go to our hospital dental center (with discount and insurance). I spent alot, but it could have been much worse! I have never had a root canal though....several crowns though.....never fun. I have a little dentist anxiety too, but found an excellent attending at the dental center (whom I love!). I would check around to see if maybe you could find a dental center around with dental residents (who are interning). They actually usually give excellent care, and usually a discounted price.

Tandy: I am glad there were no injuries with your storm....it is easier to laught at random trampolines lying around! Hope your TM is fixed today!

AFM: Eating still off the charts, but still running 40 to 50 miles a week. I am taking it easy on myself until after my marathon.....not the time to exhaust myself worrying about weight loss right now. I would love to maintain at this point.

Beth

 

[rubato]

Good morning ladies.

I am weighing in at 145.0 which is a GAIN of 2.5 pounds. I am reporting 44 points, which is miraculous considering my week. But, when I overeat, which was everyday except yesterday, I eat the healthy first, and then, go crazy!

Beth: I am glad you are taking it easy on beating yourself up! You are a running machine and you need fuel. Lots of it! When training for a marathon, you can't focus on weight loss. Just miles and speed!

Vicky: How'd the training go last night? That old dentist sounds scary! I just got 2 crowns and spent $2500! The price of dentists and doctors is insane to me!
You know, it's funny that you mentioned Katie Holmes, because that's the haircut I used to have. I had it for 3 years, and was totally bored with it. So, one day I told my hairdresser that I was bored, and she said "Do you trust me?". What do you say to that? Of course I had to say yes. So, she cut ALL my hair off! I ended up with the haircut Winona Ryder had in "Autumn in New York". Very cute, but not my thing really. I have pulled it off for a year now, but hate how limited it is. Before the Katie Holmes hairdo, I had really long hair. I miss ponytails. So, I'm going for really long again. My top layer is only about 6 inches long at this point, so I'll be waiting awhile!

AFM: I ate great yesterday! I've been reading the book "Sports Nutrition Guidebook" by Nancy Clark. It's opening my eyes to just how much I need to be eating. I've always dieted with 1500 or so calories. According to this, I should be eating more like 2000 a day. It's more of a lifestyle than a diet. There aren't cheat days, just living life. It's all about calorie deficits for weight loss, which I completely agree with. But, it's also about doing those calories correctly. So, after the week I had, and with my stomach in such bad cramps that I had a hard time exercising, I'm going to up my calories, but not take any days off from it. I'm also taking out all dairy because I think I may be lactose intolerant. So, there goes 1 point from my daily challenge, but that's okay.

Have a great day ladies!
Tandy

 

[MouseDogMom]

Good morning!

My official weigh-in is 137.8, which is a loss of 1.1 pound (and 2 pounds down from last week!) I only have 17 points, which I expected, so I'm not going to beat myself up TOO much. I'm already off to a good start today - have had 12 grams of fiber already, 1 serving of dairy, and 20 oz of water! AND I ate blueberries this morning - for the first time ever.

DH and I ran last night, and I had another painful meltdown. Told him I was going to quit running and sell my MCM entry. Then at 2 miles the pain subsided and we ran another 3 relatively pain-free. I even sprinted back to the car. I may have made a major error when I took the orthotics out of my shoes just to see how they felt, but I wondered if maybe they were part of the problem. Since I actually hurt worse, apparently not! It still doesn't make sense that I can run half marathons with no pain at all, but as soon as I try to run shorter distances, I end up in tears (and DH will confirm that I really did cry, a lot, last night) He was really frustrated, but was very patient and did whatever walk breaks we needed to get me through.

Tandy - I'm envious of the hairstyle options. My hair is nothing but natural curl, which many people would kill for, but is actually very limiting when it comes to style options. I finally told my stylist to do whatever she wanted, and it's very, very short now, which DH hates. I love it, because I can choose to use gels and blowdry some sort of shape, or do absolutely nothing. DD occasionally goes for short, but she insists on being able to do a ponytail no matter what!

Beth - I think maintaining is a good goal for now. You're close enough to the race that you need the fuel. I don't have any such excuse!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lovely Leanistas!

I meant to get up this morning and run, but I got to bed late due to a church meeting I guess I really am having a completely fresh start tomorrow morning with my 8M!

I've made the "breakfast switch" for warm weather. I have a smoothie and sugar-free vitamuffin (yea, I'm really doing well with reducing my sugar!) for breakfast during the week once it warms up. I'm getting my yogurt and at least two fruits (usually strawberry and banana), so it's a nice way to start the day.

Jackie -- I am so sorry you are having the pain when you run! It doesn't seem fair. On the bright side, you saw a loss and you are already doing great today! My dh would emphasize with you. He will sometimes shake his head at ds and I and say, "Wow, you can really tell you two are related...", and it's not a compliment DH is also needed to de-escalate and keep the peace.

Tandy -- I had a Brazilian relaxer Monday night. You can't get your hair wet in any way for 3 days. I'm happy with the results so far. It's much better for my hair and doesn't burn my scalp like a regular relaxer. I'm really hoping this works for me because my hair was having serious breakage with the traditional chemicals, and I'm not quite ready for the full Halle Berry yet, I need a little more hair! I think it would be funny to see Trampolines 'R Us, but a little creepy, too! I was really hoping ds would be a redhead -- and he was born that way, it just didn't stick! My dh is a redhead with blue eyes, and my birth mother had red hair and blue eyes, so I was hopeful...but no, ds has brown hair (thankfully his father's texture), and my brown eyes.

Beth -- You definitely have the right idea, I think you should just let yourself keep your mileage up and eat as you feel you need to. You are so close now, your body is telling you it needs fuel! Just to make sure I understand -- we earned 2 pts per day if we did bicep curls and squats? 'Cause I did, and I want to count it correctly!

Vicky -- The training was mindbogglingly boring. I sat there with my crackberry and was thrilled anytime a DIS message came in. Honestly, everyone around me was using their blackberries, too, very few people were fully paying attention because it was deadly dull. There were 75 people crammed into a space with tables so large you could not walk around them on one side, so only one way in and out of your row, and no windows. At least they had plenty of food --which I probably should not have eaten, but I was honestly desperate to stay awake Oh! and I have the type of hair you wash once a week, so that hasn't been so stressful or me. I actually have Brazilian ancestry (ok, just physically not culturally, I couldn't speak Portuguese to save my life), and my hair has been a nightmare my entire life. I am adopted, and my parents had no idea what to do with my hair. I think I've finally got more of a handle on it, and the key is to leave it to professionals!

Cindy -- Oh my goodness, you seriously need a I am so sorry for everything you've been through this week, that is more than anyone should have to deal with, especially all at once. Keep telling us how you are, you can always vent, cry and just rail at the world here. We will just give you

Kim, Jeanne, Manda and Debra -- Onward and Downward!

This is the big weekend when I pin dh down about summer vacation. We have to make reservations or decide not to go anywhere. We found out ds has orientation Aug. 23-27 for his new school, so we're pretty much limited to Aug. 28 - Labor Day for our vacation. So, it's either a cruise to Bermuda (one cabin left which perfectly meets our needs), Universal and Tampa visiting SIL, or staycation. At this point, it could go any way. DS is getting a trip to Tampa visiting SIL and then to visit my dad in St. Louis when school is out for the summer. DH and I were just in Orlando in January, and ds and I were there last Thanksgiving, not to mention we were all there last August. I can live with skipping this summer, since I will be in Tampa for a conference in November, and back to Orlando for marathon weekend in January. Plus, dh is talking about the family visiting his stepdad in Sun City and going to the Grand Canyon for February vacation next year -- it might be a good idea to skip this summer and then I'll have a better case for cruising next summer -- I know that if I push, he will agree to whatever I propose. I'm just not sure how responsible I'm feeling like being

Anyway, everyone have a great weekend!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Maria: Yes, you count 2 points if you have done each!! I am glad to hear that you are feeling psyched for your 8 miles!

AFM: I didn't get my 20 miles in..... I don't know if I am sad or not. I was ready for it. My clothes were out. Time counted, and had enough. I woke up with a bad headache, which is nothing unusual, but this came with stomach upset. I couldn't eat, felt sick just walking around.....I don't think I could have managed 20. I tried the TM later in the morning, and struggled to get 2.5 in. I don't think I can get it done this weekend.....we are spending the night at a resort in MD, and I am volunteering for a local marathon on Sunday morning. If I don't get it done this weekend (and I probably won't) I won't be smart to do it next week, as it's to close to the marathon. I am not sure about any of it. I did get 20 miles in 2 weeks ago, maybe that's enough? Dont know!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lean Ladies!

I am happy to report I actually ran 9M this morning! I had intended to run 8, but when I ate my last 2 Clif bloks I was already at 7.2, so it seemed silly not to keep going. I am definitely off to a good fresh start! I also did squats and bicep curls, and I'm about to eat cantaloupe and yogurt for breakfast.

I am weighing in at 193.0 and 43 pts (that's what happens when you don't do any cardio for a week and eat Chinese food the night before), but I think it's a good, sobering number for me. I was so close to going under 190, and I couldn't mentally do it. Actually, I've been sitting here for awhile. I know it's ambitious, but I'm going to do my best to make it there this week (yes, I'm going for 189.9!). I don't plan anything totally radical, just doing what I should have been for the last few weeks --90 minutes of working out daily, and eating only my points. That should be much easier since I cut out the chips and hostess cupcakes. Plus, I don't have to eat out for lunch any day this week, so I can bring my usual and keep it to a dull roar. I also don't have any projects due this week, so I should be able to manage my stress better, get to bed at a decent hour each night, and pop up for that morning run. Unfortunately, there's no yoga Tuesday, so I'm going to have to substitute a walk in the morning. I have to take ds to gymnastics, so I can't work out after work that day.

You're also going to get sick of hearing from me this week. I do better with following when I post, so I'm going to be here -- even if I'm reporting on my progress with ds's peach cobbler for Thursday...the class has finished their state reports, and now they have to bring in a dish from their state on Thursday for a feast. DS had Georgia, so we're making peach cobbler. My grandma is probably turning over in her grave, but I'm making it with Bisquick. And I suspect I won't be able to find peaches in the produce aisle, so it's probably going to be canned peaches, too. I'm just glad he has a state with something I've made before. I'm sure there are some that would not be nearly as easy.

Beth -- Of course you can't run with both a headache and upset stomach. I'm really glad you decided to be prudent and not try 20 miles under those conditions! I do think that the 20 you did 2 weeks ago has conditioned you to be able to do 26. I hope you enjoy your night at the resort, and volunteering.

We have serious Celtics fever, so I'm glad tomorrow's game is at 3:30. The 8:30 weeknight games are impossible for me, and there's one on Tuesday. If I can stay awake, I'll catch Friday's...I'm usually asleep by 10 on Friday, just worn out from the week.

I guess I've rambled enough for today. I plan to walk for 90 minutes tomorrow, and when I do I'm giving myself a mini-reward (my strategy to actually stick to the workout and eating schedule!) of a facial, mani/pedi. I'm doing it myself, but taking the time to actually do it will be a treat.

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Ladies!

How about an 'all about me post'? Geez.....I am really getting down.....I put like 5 pounds on.....from the constant, vicious cycle of hunger and eating! It's getting to me right now! I need to really work at this weight loss thing when this STUPID marathon is over! The training is a big PITA! ((((Sorry I am venting!))))))

The weight is ALL in the middle....my size 10 pants fit fine, but leave a huge muffin top around the middle. I bought a size 12 pant over the weekend, but they are huge everywhere else and sort of falling off. I am frustrated.

I haven't felt good for a week. My stomach is still upset on and off, but it hasn't stopped me from eating crap. I think "eating may help" but it doesn't. I don't know if it is a virus or what......it's killing me.

Okay....maybe I will feel better now that I have vented!.....

Maria: Your plan for the week sounds great....maybe I will join you!

Later...

Beth

 

[rubato]

Good morning all. It sounds like most of us had a bad week. Let's all try to feel good this week!

Beth: Of course you can have an 'all about me' post! It sounds like you've had a rough week. I have trouble fitting into pants no matter what size I am. They always fit too tight in some places and too loose in others! I found one pair of jeans that I liked, and, of course, they don't make that style anymore!
I, too, am eating like crazy and my stomach is killing me. Why is it that we continue overeating even when it hurts so bad? Food is a major addiction for me.
On a different note, did we have an extra exercise challenge for this week? I didn't see one, but haven't been as good about checking in as I should!

Maria: I like your plan for this week too. I am going for perfect eating this week. And, I'm going to try to lose the extra weight I gained last week! How was the at home spa day? I so rarely take the time for those types of things, and boy do I need to!

Now I understand the no sweating thing! I've never had to have a relaxer because my hair is stick straight! I am jealous of your brazilian heritage. I think brazilian women are the most beautiful. Of course, I'm the complete opposite. Pale, freckled and used to be a redhead. Now, my hair is almost black and I'm going grey. I don't know what happened. But, I like the dark hair. It sets off my light blue eyes very well! We weren't sure my son's hair was going to stay either, but I love it on him. He's got blue eyes, red hair, pale skin and tons of freckles. He used to be a model, but got sick of auditions, so we quit. Plus, his agent started putting him up for "chubby" roles, which made me mad!
I hope you managed to get your vacation figured out. We always have to plan it in January, because that's when hubby bids his vacation times. This year, we've already been to Disneyworld, so we're just doing little things around here. My son wants to go back to Europe, so we're going to stay put for a few years to save up. He's so spoiled!

Jackie: I'm so sorry that you're still having pain! This has been going on for quite some time. Have you run since? Any better?
My husband doesn't like my short hair either. He never says anything though. It is, after all, my hair. But, I finally asked him what I should do about it now and he said he likes longer hair with no bangs. So, off I go on the growing out thing. The bangs are the worst part. They're too short to tuck behind my ears, but right in my eyes! Yuck!

AFM: What a cruddy weekend. I stayed in bed with stomach cramps all day and night Saturday and then, we had to run errands all day yesterday with stomach cramps. I can't believe how bad I feel. And, it's self induced. I have made a pact to get it together this week. I have either frozen or thrown out all the junk food again. I haven't even felt like running, so I've planned out a full week of runs. At least 5 miles a day! My TM is supposed to get fixed tomorrow which will help since we've had nothing but rain for weeks now!
And, because of yesterday's deal of the day on Amazon, I have a Garmin 305 coming in the mail next week. I'm sooooo excited!

So, I hope everyone has a wonderful day and a productive week!
Tandy

 

[Creativebeth]

Good Gracious! I am sorry to be slacking on the last week of the Challenge! (Thanks Tandy!)

Biggest Loser Challenge Week 6:

1. Points for the healthy habits as usual.

2. Exercise challenge: (You all may count points for the last 3 days, since I didn't post earlier!) Complete ANY of the previous challenges for points daily. So, to review, you may do the push-ups, planks, squats, bi-cep curls, or sit-ups. You may do TWO of them a day, for two points a day if you choose. (No more than 2 points a day)

3. I will give you an extra point for the week, if you post what you have learned from the challenge, or a learned fact that you have read or researched during the last 5 weeks.

Sorry to have forgotten to post earlier.....LTO!

Beth

 

[mandac]

Hi All. I will have to catch up with everyone later. I am just here to report the bad news that I am at my highest weight in several years. I guess it is only down from here.

We volunteered at the local Marathon here this last weekend. It was lots of fun. Mother's day weekend I did a 5K, so I am not totally slacking, but mostly. I will do what I can to get back into it.

I am setting a reward, if I can exercise 30 minutes 5 times a week and track my food and drink water for 2 weeks I get to buy myself a prize. If I make it 4 weeks I finally get a massage. I needed to choose something I really want but won't get for myself. I will try to add in some of your BL challenge items. It seems like so much fun what you guys are doing. I am trying hard to get back into it! Time to start running my life instead of letting it run me!

 

[rubato]

Manda: Rewards are always good. And, a massage is the greatest! I know that # is hard to see, but maybe it's just what you need to get back on track!

Beth: Don't worry, I am just a points hog, and don't want to miss out!

I just wanted to come back to update that I ran 5 miles today. It felt great! I passed this really fit looking guy and he ended up at least 2 or 3 blocks behind me at the end. Plus, when he came into my route, I had already done 2 miles. It took me awhile to catch him, but it's nice to have some competition! I am going to zumba tonight, and we do biceps and squats during our routine, so I'm going to count that as 2 points!

My stomach is hurting, but since I'm only eating healthy today, it's not getting worse, like it usually does every time I eat! I had oats for breakfast and veggies and yogurt for lunch. I read that yogurt is sometimes tolerable if you are lactose intolerant. So, we'll see! Anyway, I'm feeling better already!


Tandy

 

[jeanneg]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to be reporting in late, but I'm frying so many fish right now......

I regret to report that my weight is slightly up for the week....193.3. I did everything right as far as eating went, but had little time to workout and it resulted in a 0.2 lb. gain. I'm not too bummed out though, I had lost 4 pounds over the 2 previous weeks so it was bound to happen.

I also regret to report that I did not keep track of my points at all. In fact, I never even checked to see what the new parameters were. I'm still trying to do the basics with fiber, water and the fruits and veggies.....just not being very successful at it right now.

Maria: I had to laugh at your Brazilian treatment....for a moment I was thinking of something very different...and couldn't believe you were reporting the details to us! Just goes to show you that my mind is always in the gutter! Glad it all worked out Good luck with your vacation planning. Let's you and me both get to the 180's before summer arrives.

Jackie: Too funny about doing the race with Annie! It sounds like the races I tried to do side-by-side with John! Not a pleasant experience. That's why I usually go it alone. Unless someone is exactly in sync with you, it's difficult to be with someone else. That's why I miss Nancy so much. She and I were so good at keeping the same pace, had similar fuel and potty needs and never stopped talking the entire time so it went really quickly. Unfortunately, I think she is retired from racing events.

Cindy: so sorry about all the bad things that are happening around you lately. Here's a big hug from me......and please take care of yourself!

Beth: don't worry about missing your 20-miler....YOU ALREADY DID IT! When I was training for NYC, the only stonker I had was my 20-miler. I got to 16.something and totally ran out of gas. My 18-miler was great, so I took that feeling with me. You've already done your 20 (and 18 twice, if I remember correctly) and you're already a pro, so go out there and KILL IT!

Tandy: sorry to hear you're not feeling well and congrats on the new Garmin!

Vicky: Yowsa re the dentist bill! You're right....that money be be so much more enjoyed if you could spend it at Disney. We gotta take care of our teeth though. As I once heard Ricky Gervais say in a movie where he played a dentist, "Only floss the ones you want to keep!" I always think of that line when I'm too tired to do my dental routine.

Manda: I was at my highest lifetime weight just a year ago when one of my doctors clocked me in at 226! It had been going up every year for the past 10years and I thought I would never see anything beginning with a one ever again (One-derland!) Getting a Wii and weighing in every day has really helped me be accountable. Sometimes women feel bad doing things for themselves. I know it sounds totally ridiculous, but I am doing this for my little Mii....because it makes me sad when I see her get sad when she's told she's obese. Trying to make her happy is actually making me happy, but it doesn't feel like I'm being selfish. Intellectually, I realize this makes no sense whatsover, but I finally found something that works for me and so it's all good. Every day is a new beginning and a new opportunity to turn your life around. Don't get discouraged....this group is here to support you in whatever way we can. You CAN do this!

Debra, Kim: where are you ladies? Miss you!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Lean Brigade!

I am pleased to report I did 90 minutes of incline walking yesterday for a total of 6M, and then got up this morning at 4 so I could fit in 90 minutes of interval running. I alternated 4.8/5.3, and ended up with just over 7.5M.

I have a great menu today -- breakfast: yogurt/banana/strawberry/blueberry smoothie; lunch: hummus w/grape tomatoes, baby carrots, and red/orange/yellow peppers, sugar-free jello pudding ; afternoon snacks: sugar-free vitamuffin, babybel and grapes; dinner: barbecued chicken and grilled veggies; dessert - cantaloupe and pre-bed sugar-free fudgesicle. All within my points!

I am already down a pound, all I have to do is stay strong and stay out of the kitchen! I'm going to get up and walk for 90 minutes tomorrow before work.

Jeanne -- You have fish frying and tugging on your line! Oh my goodness -- no, I wouldn't be telling you if I had that Brazilian treatment -- or maybe I would, 'cause I would be so stunned at my bravery. I do not do pain or discomfort well, so I don't see that in my future My good grooming is only going to go so far Do you hear that? It's the sound of our pounds packing their bags because they are out of here!

Tandy -- Great lunch! And great job getting in those 5M! I know you will make your goal of perfect eating this week. We are going to finish this Challenge strong!

Manda -- Bring on the rewards! It really helps me, that's why I'm having one every day this week to get me really going strong. Yesterday I did a mani/pedi, today I'm getting some items from DHC Beauty, and assuming I keep it going, I'm ordering new Bondi-bands tomorrow. Mine are a year old and I need 2 to keep my ridiculously thick hair off my face, so it's time to update! Jeanne gave you some great advice. It is depressing when you realize you are at an all-time high, but there's nowhere to go but down! One thing I have found to be helpful are the Biggest Loser books. They are full of inspirational stories, and great if you are looking for a little something to inspire you each day.

Beth -- Nothing wrong with "all about you". Sometimes that's all we can manage, and that's ok -- everyone cannot write an epic like our dear Debra! -- especially when you have so much happening, and it's not coming together as you had envisioned. I cannot tell you how much I admire your success and determination, and that you are focused on being healthy instead of teeny tiny. You are going to be so happy you ran this marathon, it is going to be an awesome experience!

Vicky -- Another great place to run in Boston -- the Esplanade. It's 6M around the Charles River, and really beautiful on a sunny day. Great path, and tons of people (well, not too many!) running and walking

Cindy -- Gotta check on you Hope this beautiful day has made things a little easier.

Jackie -- How's the office BL coming along?

Did I mention my Celtics are leading their series with the Orlando Magic 1-0? I'm not discussing the Bruins. So glad I don't follow hockey!

Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi lean ladies! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Tandy - I'd love to cut my hair that short! I'm always thinking wash and go but that's probably not the case. I like Victoria Beckham's pixie short cut I loved your story about passing the guy on your 5 miler! Gotta love it when the girls are faster than the guys! Wait until you get your 305 and then you'll be tell us exactly how speedy you are How's the eating going so far this week?

Jackie - WTG on your loss this week! Sorry to hear you're running with pain - could it have something to do with your shoes? I read in a running magazine that runners should get refitted/re-tested for shoes every year in case their running patterns have changed. I haven't done that yet myself

Beth - You're so totally entitled to an "all about me" post! And why wouldn't you be after all the support you've given to the group :hugs: I hear ya on the pants! I have to buy mine to fit my thighs but then they don't fit anywhere else. But you're training for a marathon so I think focus on that and then the weight loss will come after you're done the race.

Manda - I love the idea of the rewards! I vote for a purse - I love purses! But I also love the idea of a massage I say a spa day would be a really great for a long term goal!

Jeanne - Love the flossing quote! Actually, I'm going to remember that one the next time I floss - I want to keep all my teeth (for as long as I can)!

Maria - Any news on the vacation plans? I'm not adopted but my parents still didn't know what to do with my hair so more often than not, I ended up with a bowl cut Which I never thought was cute, especially past grade one ... if that I often straighten my hair but have never used a relaxer, just a flat iron. Thanks for the tips on the running routes! Still trying to decide if I should come down a day early...

Kim - Did you leave on your cruise without telling us?

Debra/Cindy - Hope you ladies are doing well! We miss you!

AFM - I have a slight gain to report this week - I'm up 0.7 lbs . I just did a little more snacking than normal last week and probably should have gone vegetarian on a few dinners. So I too am going to cut out the snacking and increase the running. Hopefully that will get rid of the 0.7 lbs and a little extra.

I had a great training session tonight - a little bit of weights, medicine ball throwing, lat pull downs and a few burpees. I can't remember how we started talking about it but Darryl (my workout buddy) and I were talking about body weight. Long story short - he asks me my current weight and before I can answer he says "What are you? 140?" I think I whipped my head around the front seat of the car pretty quickly so I could give him the stink eye No I'm not 140 lbs at least subtract 10 lbs from what you think I weigh Men! I think he's just upset because I was telling my PT that he wasn't doing enough exercise or eating well. So he ended up with a little talk before training. He's on a schedule though so he really can't cheat or use excuses.

But speaking of weight ... How do you decide what's a good goal weight? I think I could go down to 125 lbs but I doubt I could maintain that.

Have a great night everyone

 

[MouseDogMom]

Beth - You absolutely deserve to vent. You spend so much time lifting everyone else's spirits here - it's finally your turn! You're always positive, and know just what to say when any one of us is having a bad day, or a bad week. I'm sorry that you're having a bad time right now, but it lets us know you're human! Hang in there, take it easy, and know that everyone has a bad spell and it too, will pass, and you'll be back on track in no time. Well, maybe after the marathon...

Tandy - Congratulations on the 305! I looked at it yesterday, but it seemed really silly since I have a perfectly good 205, and I'm still not sure how much I'd really use the HR monitor. Plus, DH has a 305 as well as a 301 that he doesn't use anymore, so I can always try his 301 if I want to see what my HR is. More money to spend on other running gear...

Manda - No where to go but down... Your plan sounds very reasonable - not too much at one time, but enough to be a change and deserve a reward! Just keep us posted as to how you're doing. It's so much harder to skip a workout when you know you have to confess to it!

Jeanne - Racing with family members is apparently an art which very few people have perfected. Next time we'll just carry cell phones and check in with her. As for running partners, I seem to have found a buddy in my Galloway group who is that perfect match, both pace-wise and personality-wise. We challenge each other, and while we're perfectly happy to leave anyone else behind, we always wait for each other so we can finish together. We're doing Marine Corps together - in fact, she's the one who talked me into doing it.

Maria - Could you send a duplicate set of your meals down south? Actually, strangely enough, I got home from work and decided that I absolutely had to have barbecue chicken for dinner. I had chicken, but no sauce and nothing to make sauce with. Even though it was pouring down rain, I made a quick trip to the store just so I could have the meal I wanted!

Vicky - Totally with you on the more running and less snacking. Same mantra for me this week. Not nearly as much fun though! Interesting that you should mention the shoes - I bought a new pair of my same old shoes on Saturday, and the store we were at had a pro athlete there to answer questions. She was really, really good, and I almost had her evaluate my running to see if she thought I was in the right shoes, but instead I had a long conversation with her about the pains I was having and she gave me a list of dynamic warmup exercises to do before my runs. She thinks it's a lack of blood flow, especially since the pain subsides once I've been running for a while.

Had a great 10 mile run on Saturday. Then went out with DH and walked part of the half marathon course that the local running store was putting on Sunday. He was considering running it, but once we looked at the course - REALLY hilly, decided we'd just go out and cheer for the runners Sunday morning. What that meant is that I ended up doing another 6-7 miles over the weekend of serious hill work, even though we walked it at a brisk pace instead of running it. (Lots of exercise points!) But we picked a spot on the course where there were no other spectators, so it was a lot of fun being the sole cheering squad on a very desolate section!

Managed to get in a very lousy 3.5 mile run tonight on the TM, so that's 3 days in a row with actual exercise!

Jackie

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning ladies! Thanks to all of you lifting my spirits yesterday.....I know that we all have days like that, but boy, they can hit you hard!

I have evaluated my goals:
1. Finish the marathon without dying! (Hopefully around 5:30)

2. When back from California, start getting the eating under control.

3. Take a few weeks of eating right, and a few Body Pump classes at the
gym. (Gym? What gym? Haven't seen it in months! )

4. Doing the running leg of a sprint triathalon the end of June.

5. Start doing the P90X around a month after the marathon.

6. I want to be at 160 by Labor Day. At this point, that is 15 pounds.

I know I would really like to start the p90X right away, but I need to build up to it. It's a tough workout, and I need a little weight training before I jump in. I think the pump class will help me to build myself up and get ready for the P90X.

Weight can be such a burden. You think you have things under control, and in a blink of an eye everything can go to heck in a handbasket. I was aware what could happen with training for a marathon again. At least I haven't gain 25 pounds like last time!

Maria: Your menu for today sounds delicious! You can send one my way too! Good for you for the workouts!!!!! I KNOW how hard it is to get up in the morning!!!! You rock!

Vicky: I am lucky that my thighs aren't to big.....but my waist is another story! I am such a apple shape, as soon as I gain anything, it's in the middle! I guess fitting your thighs is just as frustrating when the waist would be too big! UGH with the WO partner 'guessing' your weight! Men are never right, and he was just looking at you muscles!!!! Don't take it to heart......men are idiots!

Tandy: WTG kicking butt on your run! I am never fast enough to 'beat' anyone, so I will live through you!

Cindy: How are you doing???

Jackie: So great you found the perfect running partner! That's hard to do! I run with my friend Heidi, but she has to run much slower than she actually can to stay with me. She doesn't usually mind on the long runs though. We talk the whole time too!

Jeanne: Great job on your weight loss! Getting under the 2's has served you well. Your little Mii will soon be smiling!!!!! Good luck with all the wedding to-do's!

Debra: Where are you? We miss you!

AFM: I did manage to get my butt out of bed this morning, but only got 6 miles in. My son had quite the issue getting out of bed this morning, so I couldn't manage to get 7 in. I may even try to jump on the TM later today for another 3 miles or so.....we'll see!

Beth