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Thursday, June 28, 2012

up. uP. UP.

I took a sabbatical from everything healthy.  Basically life happened and my weight took a back seat and I didn't focus on it.  I am not proud of the fact that I gained as much weight as I did, but it proves to me that I must always check the scale daily to keep on top of it.  Even when I was basically maintaining for the better part of a year I was still checking almost daily and my weight fluctuated up and down but over a range of only 5-7 lbs.  When I checked at the beginning of this week I was back up to 271.4, then the next day it was 271.8, down a little to 271.6 and today was 271.2.  I have not been perfect every day, but I have been more aware and I think that is helping again.

My activity level has been nil.  I haven't felt like running really because I am never home it seems.  And when I am home I want to relax.  I feel like such a putz because I was doing pretty good at one point.  I know I need to get back at it, whether it be running, walking or something else, but I just haven't felt like it yet.  I feel kind of on the verge of planking and doing my ab stuff.  It takes minimal time and does lead to results.

The temperatures have been atrocious lately!  I have definitely not wanted to be outside doing anything physical since it has been 95+ degrees outside.  Heck, I haven't even mowed the lawn lately.  Not that it needed it until just the past day or so though!  

I started my baking business officially this week.  It's All In The Frosting...  I hope it works!  I am quite nervous about it as of right now.  Afraid of prices and doing a good job for people.  I have only ever baked for myself or friends and family.  I felt it was finally time to give it a go though.  Keeping it fairly simple to start.  As of right now I only have cupcakes and cakes listed on the price sheet.  My goal is to add cookies, bars, muffins and pies also!  I ordered some business cards, magnets and product stickers to get my name and info out.  If you want to check it out you can find me on Facebook. Click on the name and it will take you to my page.  It's All In The Frosting...

Life has been bumpy since the wedding...oh yeah speaking of the wedding...it went off beautifully.  My mom was here to help and celebrate.  I met more of John's family.  We had a gambling good time and everyone seemed to have fun!  Hopefully everything will start to smooth out though! I am ready for life to be a little more relaxing!  

Not much else to report at this time of catch up.  I hope to be back on here more often because I really think it helps me stay focused as well.  Until then...

~Chat Soon~

Friday, March 2, 2012

February Re-cap!

This past month has been amazing!  I decided to really jump back into my working out!  I am training for my 10k so I completed 4 more weeks of runs.  I have now run 4 miles (intervals of course).  I am working on increasing speed and interval length slowly.  This way I will have more endurance for the actual race day.  By the end of March I will have completed a 7 mile run!  I actually feel like that is very doable now!  Today and next Friday I will be doing 5 miles.  I also plan on doing the 5k on Saturday the 10th.  That should prove to be a little more challenging, but I need those challenges!!!  Then I will do 2 weeks of 6 miles and the final week will be 7 miles.  These are just the Friday runs and during the week I will be doing 45 mins plus 5 min warm-up and cool down.  I figure these runs will total approximately 4.2 miles or more.  By my calculations I should be around 68+ miles for the month of March.  February I came in at 41.1.  Which I was very pleased with!

I did almost every day of the Fab Abs Challenge.  I got a little busy the last few days and didn't have enough time in my day, but I am still satisfied with my results.  I didn't keep track of weight well at the beginning of the month, but I know I was around 263 so as of yesterday I was at 260.6.  I hope with all that I am doing I can continue this direction downward!  Measurement-wise...I don't think I did a very good job of taking my measurements at the beginning of February and so it only shows a loss of 7/8" but I am still very pleased with that.  I did have January 2011 measurements to go off of and I have lost and kept off now 13+ inches total!  5.5" off my waist and 3" off my hips!  From the beginning of February until March 1st  I did lose a whole inch off my hips and a whole inch off the area under my boobs!  I can really see the differences in those two areas.  My waist did not change, but it did TONE!  I can see so many changes in my body from the hard work I am putting in using the Ab Challenges and running! 

The next challenge for abs didn't seem tough enough for me this month.  I wanted to step it up another notch so I added to it.  It only called for the side planks, crunches and push-ups.  I added everything else you see here!  I did Day 1 last night and it had me DRIPPING SWEAT!  I loved every moment of it.  I have never done side planks well at all and due to my increased core strength they went rather well!  I was so shocked when they actually seemed DOABLE! 

I did do pictures and a side by side to show the changes I have for the past month.  I can not say enough that if you haven't started these challenges yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  I think the longest one day has taken me is 30-45 mins. (The one really long day doesn't count because I got really distracted that day.  Usually I stay right on task until I am done.)  The way everything is set up it builds your strength up to make it so you are successful!  I haven't really done much with my eating.  The only thing I have done is try to be more mindful of what I make and how much I have of it!  When I have done this I do find I am getting more results more consistently!

Feather Girl Dress
As of wedding planning - It is 49 days until the wedding!  EXACTLY 7 WEEKS!  I sent out most of the invitations yesterday and am hand delivering a few.  I have a feather (flower) girl now and have her dress picked out.  I want to make one modification to it but otherwise it is perfect and sparkly!  I still need to finish my chandeliers, which is one goal this weekend.  I also need to figure out the ceremony stuff and I am working on exactly how much food I need.  I went to the hall last night and starting working on the electrical planning and was pleased that the space was EMPTY!  I really got a great sense of it that way!  I took lots of pictures.  I also talked to the manager about the alcohol and she is supposed to be getting me all the prices of the stuff I want.  I am trying to figure out how to not have to make people pay for too much through the bar.  I wish I could just have an open bar, but my budget just does not allow for that!  But I plan on doing my best!!!!

Well that is all for today on this extended post!  I will try to get back on this weekend and let you know how my 5 mile run went!!!

~Chat Soon~

Monday, February 20, 2012

Am I A Runner?

I must admit that I have never thought of myself as a "true" runner.  That is until Friday.  I had a scheduled 4 mile training run for my 10k.  I did it and the miles just ticked off one after the other.  It was the most amazing feeling ever!  I couldn't believe that when I completed it that I could have probably gone further as well.

My goal for this week is to do my regularly scheduled runs which are:
Monday - 30 mins
Wednesday - 35 mins
Friday - 4 miles
But instead of doing 1:1 for every interval I plan on increasing my running time to 90s and keep my walking at 60s.  If I can't quite do the 90 I may try for 75s and alternate between that and 90s.  My goal is to get farther faster without actually increasing my speed yet.  I have been increasing speed, but I have noticed my knees bother me more when I do that.  If those get hurt well then I can't run and so I need to find another way to get to my destination faster!  I will see how this week goes and see about increasing slowly over the next couple of months.


Friday I completed my first ever 4 mile run in 52:40.  My goal was 52m to stay within the goal of 13m miles.  I had to run for longer distances at the end to make sure this would happen, but I did it.  I ran most of the time at 5.3 mph but did increase the last 1/3 of my time to 5.4mph.  I got up to 5.5 mph for one interval and it was definitely too much at that time if I wanted to complete the 4 miles strong.  WHICH I DID!  


I have been sticking to my Fab Abs Challenge every day it is scheduled, which is every day except Sunday.  I am now up to 60 crunches, 15 push-ups and 50s planks for each set.  I am still doing 3 sets as well.  By the end of last week though my back was pretty sore from everything.  It was great to have Sunday off from it all.  I woke up this morning feeling pretty good though and look forward to everything today!  I can't believe there are only 9 days left in this challenge!  And I have ROCKED every day so far!  Now the true test comes though.  It took my 18 days to get to 50s planks and now I have half the time to get to 2m planks!  OMG I can't believe I will be doing this!  EEK!  I will though.  I am so determined to finish this challenge strong and move on to the next one :)


I can't believe that the wedding is only 60 days from today!  It really will be here before I know it!  I have my invitations about 2/3 done and just need to add stamps.  I hope to get those on Friday and have them in the mail on the first still!  That is the goal we'll see if that happens :)  I am still trying to decide for sure exactly what I am doing for table decorations and buffet set-up.  I need to make this my focus and just decide.  It is so hard not having my computer running at home because I can't compare prices at home :(  But it just has to be done and so I will figure it out!  I have a couple of ideas and just need to see what will be best for the budget.  I would like to save in these areas so I can apply more to the bar fund.  I hate not being able to just have an open bar, but it will be good still!


Well that is all for now.  I can't wait to share my progress at the end of the month for sure.  I know I am losing inches, just not pounds right now.  My focus this week needs to be food!  I will get this figured out and do better this week.  At this point I am already doing better because I had oatmeal for breakfast.  Now to figure out lunch and dinner and I will be all set!


~Chat Soon~
 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Mid month...Already?!?!

Hard to believe that is basically the middle of February already!  Time flies faster and faster each year.  

I have been doing well on my exercising.  I am sure I could be more dedicated and do even more, but I am pleased and not overwhelmed with what I am doing.  I have completed every day of Fab Abs so far doing each day three times.  Last night was the hardest day of all, but I had just ate dinner and that was probably a big mistake and I was also just plain physically tired after spending the entire weekend at the trade show.  I didn't use it as an excuse though and still muscled through!  Today I have a 30 min run/walk scheduled along with kettle balls and fab abs.  

I had actually paused while writing this and had gone to the Rec Center and did my 30 min run/walk!  It took 41 mins and we went about 2.9 miles.  I also got kettleballs done and will do Fab Abs later tonight.  

I am noticing the differences with the stuff I am doing.  I tried on my dress yesterday and without even sucking in my gut it is starting to look better!  YAY two weeks and already seeing the difference.  I can't wait until the end of the month when I can compare measurements.  So far I haven't lost any weight, but I haven't gained either!  It will come off in time and I am OK with that.  

Right now I am just so impressed with how far I have come in a year.  Friday I had a 3 mile training run and I did it with no problem.  I thought for sure I would be really sore and I wasn't.  I even increased the speed every 10 mins or 5 intervals.  I started at 5.3 mph run and finished the last two intervals at 6.0 mph!  I couldn't believe I could run at 6.0 mph and I did the last interval for 90 secs because I wanted to finish the mile I was on!  I probably could have even gone for another 30 secs!  It was such an amazing feeling!  It took me 39:20 to do the full 3 miles, which was 3:40 faster than I had planned!  This Friday I have a 4 mile run scheduled.  I am nervous yet I know I will rock it!  This will be my farthest distance yet.  This past week the total I went was 3.7 miles with my warm-up/cool down. 

A year ago I couldn't even imagine running 3 miles really and this year I am pushing for 6.2 currently.  I can run 3 for the most part without any problems.  Sure I still do intervals but that's OK.  I will get better in time and increase my running times and shorten my walks, but it's better for my joints to do the intervals and if I want to keep doing this I better keep them happy!  I also couldn't have even thought about running at any speed greater than 5.0 mph last year...EVER!  and this year I start at 5.3 and can actually increase speed too!  I know I am not fast and will never be fast, however, I am moving and that is better than some can say! 


Tonight my fab abs will consist of 45 crunches, 10 push ups and 35 sec planks...all done 3 times!  I think tonight will be better than last night!  And...now that I know how food affects me also I will be more aware!

I almost forgot...it's ONLY 67 days until the wedding!!!!  


~Chat Soon~

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Who knew?

If someone would have told me a week ago to do a 25 second plank I could have barely done one and only two if I absolutely had to.  Well yesterday I did three of them.  One in each set of my Fab Abs workout and they weren't even hard!  I am only mentioning this for anyone still not convinced to try to Fab Abs Challenge.  It really isn't too late to start...it is NEVER TOO LATE TO START!  Always remember that! 

Today I hit the gym and rocked the treadmill.  My running partner played a little bball so I chose the treadmill to see if it would help me focus and not come up with excuses as to why I wouldn't have to do all 30 mins of the run today.  It worked.  I did 31 minutes actually and felt like I could have easily done a few more minutes.  I even started increasing the speed on the run intervals for the last third of the run sets.  My heart rate was quite steady before increasing so I thought I needed a little more challenge!  The only issue I was really having was my breathing but that is because of my sinus infection that refuses to go away!  I also think it caused me a little dizziness afterwards, but that finally went away also.  All in all I got to 2.8 miles including my warm-up and cool down in 41 mins.  Friday I am supposed to do 3 miles plus warm-up and cool down!  So basically a total of a half a mile farther!  I can do that I think.

After running we did the kettleball exercises I have been doing and the tonight I will do Fab Abs again!  I feel as though I am making progress and it's only been a week!  I am trying to watch my eating and it's not been terrible!  Almost actually good :)  I can do this if I just stay focused on the goal!  I need to post a picture of me in my dress so you can see the before.  I will work on that soon.  I do have it taken though :)

That is all for now, so until then...

~Chat Soon~

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Right Choice?

Yesterday I chose to cancel my Weight Watchers membership.  I felt like such a failure as I did it, but WHY?  I wasn't using it as I should and I was more of a financial failure for continuing to pay for something I just MAY use.  Today I still feel like I may have made the wrong the choice, but I think I am starting to feel as though I didn't also.  I have been maintaining for months now while I half-ass my WW lifestyle.  If I want to do it at anytime I know I have all the resources to do it and I can join again as well.  But until then I think I will just choose to make better food choices and exercise more and see where that gets me.

I adjusted my running schedule this week so it doesn't fall on the weekends.  I have found that for the past two weeks that as much as I want to go out and get it in, I probably won't because there is always some excuse as to why I shouldn't.  So now I have it set for me to run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for sure.  With walking or cross-training on Tuesday and Thursday. 

I am still following the Fab Abs February challenge everyday but Sunday, that is a rest day.  I can tell that it is helping and I am getting better with all the moves.  I think tonight I have to up the time on the planks for the first time since Friday or Saturday.  I did notice that last night that I could probably do the 25 second planks, they would just be a little tougher!

Last night I bought some chicken breasts and they didn't have any added water and they had all the fat trimmed off.  It was the best chicken breast I have had in a long time!  I used my Mojito Lime seasoning from Costco and baked them with a little olive oil.  I then sliced it up thinly and put it over a bed of salad with a little cheese and a small baked potato on the side.  It was so delicious.  I was really proud of all my food choices yesterday.  For lunch I chose Subway and even though I ate the whole Footlong sub I didn't have anything else all day besides my coffee.  Now I just need to work on my water intake.
Overall I would say I feel like I am doing well.  I feel a little stressed about the wedding, but I know that will come together in time.  I got the entertainment officially this weekend.  Almost lost the date to another bride, but he called me and just said I had to send him some sort of a deposit, which I had and did!  I was happy to know that I will have my casino games for sure.  We found out some family from Ohio will for sure be coming and still hoping my mom can make it as well.  I also set up the hotel for the night of the wedding.  All of these kind of big events have made me really realize how close we really are!  At the same time it really makes me nervous that there won't be enough time.  I just figure at this point it will be whatever it is and I can only do so much this way!  I still have a few projects to get stuff for and I may have to push back craft day because of it.  It will happen and still in plenty of time!

~Chat Soon~

Friday, February 3, 2012

Fabulous February

I had some anger and frustration that pushed me into Fabulous February and as much as I would change the events that happened I am glad it has helped get me on track!  I am using my exercise time this week and going to kick some ass! 

I started a challenge that has been going around on FB called Fab Abs February and basically every day you do each exercise (there are 3 of them) a little more.  By the end of the month you should be able to do 100 sit-ups (I do crunches), 25 push-ups (I do the modified version, but hoping to work up to the real thing) and 2 minute planks.  Right now I am doing each day with 3 reps.  By the middle to end of the month I may not be able to do that as easily, or may just need to do it 3 separate times a day.  Which is a possibility!  I feel that I can do this challenge and do it well!  It is exactly what I needed for "Operation Wedding Day"!

I am still going on my 10k training as well.  I can do the two miles in 26 mins using 1:1 intervals.  Lately I have been having sinus issues though and it makes it hard to breath.  Not sure what's up with that, but hope I can get better soon so I can be at my best running game when the 10k comes around!  I need to run this weekend.  Last weekend we went shopping in Rapid City and we got a lot of walking in, but on Sunday I didn't feel like doing ANYTHING so I sat around mostly or worked on my crafting projects for the wedding.  I hate that it is cold when I get up in the morning and then by the afternoon when it's pleasant I don't have the ambition to go and do it.  I know I should, but I just don't want to!  lol  I do plan on going this weekend though and I think it is supposed to be beautiful out again!  The outside air is a good workout for my lungs too.  Not sure if it's because it's cold or what, but it makes a difference!  This weekend I am scheduled for a 2 mile run.  Keep in mind that is intervals for me.  As much as I would love to do it straight, I know I am not really there yet, but kind of hoping that I can start to increase my time/distances!

I have lots of crafts I need to be working on this weekend also.  I am working on these every night after work as well.  I just realized yesterday that there are only 11 more weekends between now and the wedding!!!  EEKS!!!!  Got lots to get done!  Still need to solve a couple of issues, but overall I think all of my projects are coming along well :)  I will have to start getting some pictures together!  I got one of my chandeliers completed last weekend and I am so in love with it!  The hardest part is putting it the frame together and the most tedious part is getting the lights inside it all attached to the hoops!  Just lots of little stuff before you can glue the fringe one, by far the easiest part of the entire project!!!!

I don't plan on running or walking today because of my sinuses, but hoping they feel better tomorrow.  I will still get in my Fab Abs Day 3 and hoping to do my other routine of ab exercises I have!  Until then...

~Chat Soon~

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Challenges...

Yesterday I decided to plan officially to do the 10k a week after my wedding.  I looked up the training program on Jeff Galloway's website and was pleased to see it was for 13 weeks.  The race is 14 weeks away from RIGHT NOW! I felt as I reviewed the plan that I CAN DO THIS!  A good attitude to have I think! 

I started last night with a 20 min run.  I did a 5 min warm-up and cool down for a total of 30 mins.  I did it on the track at the rec center and it came out to about 2.1 miles.  It takes me about 2 1/2 laps to do the warm-up and cool down each and it took me 20 mins to do 10 laps of running intervals (1:1).  I had to push myself a little towards the end because I have been slacking lately.  Well, in the fitness department mainly. 

I then went downstairs and picked up a kettle ball (20 lbs) and did a few exercises with that.  I also used one of the large balls.  You hold it over your head and as you lift your knee up to the side you crunch pulling the ball towards the knee.  This is while standing and you do it one side then the other.  Good for the abs.  I also did crunches, both regular and side.  I tried to do planks, but I was too sweaty and the carpet on the floor is really rough and hurts my bare arms.  I will need to do these tonight for sure!  Overall I spent another 30 mins doing all of this!

I felt so good last night knowing I had done all of this.  Makes me one step closer to my goal.  I haven't decided what exactly I am going to do today for my exercise.  It said walk or cross train.  Right now the wind is blowing and it is FREEZING!  I was hoping to just go to the park and walk, but not if it is this cold!  I may just end up going home and cleaning house a little...I have to get all of my wedding stuff organized or I am going to go crazy at home.  I have quite a few projects going on currently and I need to tidy them up. 

Speaking of wedding planning.  We are 86 days away from the wedding!  I will have invitations done at the latest by the end of next week!  I just need to figure out a few more addresses and I will have them all labeled as well.  But the envelopes will at least be stuffed.  We are going to Rapid City, SD this week to get John's suit.  I will also pick up a few other things or at least try to find them so I can get a trial run done on a couple of other projects.  My goal is to have all the supplies by February 19th to have a craft day with some friends.  This should really help me get some stuff done and make me feel like I am actually making progress.  I think I finally have all of my ideas.  Now I just need to figure out how to make them all happen and for the lowest cost possible but without looking cheap! 

Another reason for my latest kick in the ass on working out is my dress.  I love it and I want to look my best in it.  As of right now I could wear it and feel good in it, but I want to feel FABULOUS in it!  If I can stick to this training program I will achieve two goals.  One, I will look fabulous in my dress and Two, I will rock my 10k!  I am so excited for both. 

On the weight front of things I am still maintaining, but I am really trying to watch what I eat.  I have had a few bad days due to stress and I know I shouldn't let them get to me, but I am human and I know it's what I do.  I have been at least trying to be more mindful of what I am eating, when I am eating and WHY I am eating.  I still haven't been tracking like I should, but I think if I can see results from working out it may give me the right kick in the ass I need to master this.  I really do want to lose, but if it means just adding to my stress I am not sure if right now is the right time.  I will keep trying though :) 

I know this is a long post today, but I haven't posted in at least a month.  I keep meaning to and I really needed to.  Just to share my journey and get stuff out of my head.  This is really therapeutic for me!  I can't wait to share some pictures of my projects.  Maybe by the end of this weekend I can get some uploaded! 


~Chat Soon~

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