Road to Hot Mommy

This week has been a struggle

2012-02-04T21:39:00.003-06:00

I have had an even harder time sticking to healthy foods this week than I have in the past past 4 weeks. I'm blaming PMS. Should I? No. But I am. I have struggled to hit the requirements for fruits and vegetables every day this week, and found myself asking things like..."a pickle is a veggie, right?" I was supposed to eat at least 3 vegetables and 2 fruits every day this week. I got them in, but added a lot of unnecessary junk with it. I did discover how to get both fruits and a veggie in for breakfast. Smoothies are wonderful things. My morning smoothie consists of fresh spinach, frozen strawberries and frozen banana, and some milk. Even my boys beg for this every morning.

I haven't been feeling it too much for exercise this week either. I have been so tired (blaming PMS for this one too), that getting my three runs in has been almost torturous at times. But thanks to the Team Up to Trim Down challenge at work, I have done them. I still have one more day of exercise to do tomorrow. Not sure what I'm going to do...but whatever it is, it has to be for 20 minutes. Maybe some yoga. Should do the Wii Active again, but that game made me sore for almost a week last time!

Anyway, my runs were hard, but I got them done. I finished the week tonight with a 22 minute run! I stopped the treadmill once to get a drink and blow my nose (am I the only one that gets a runny nose when I run?) and then I took a quick break to get another sip of water. I have yet to master the skill of drinking out of a cup while running.

Next week is a fresh start. I'm planning to add strength training to the exercise plan this week. The Team Up challenge is continue eating the fruits, veggies, exercise for 20 mins 4 days a week, stretch 3 days and now we are adding push ups and squats. Week 7 of the Couch to 5k program brings 3 days of 25 minutes of running! Getting close to the end, only 3 weeks left!! Should be ready for my first 5k. I think it will be in April.

To those of you who would like to try running, but hesitate...if I can do this, you can! A year ago I struggled to run for 60 seconds. Don't believe me? Go back to the beginning of this blog.

Tonight I ran for 22 minutes...I covered 2.18 miles in 33 minutes.

Until next time everyone, Happy Running!

This week has been a blur!

2012-01-29T23:00:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since Monday! Nothing earth shattering happened this week, that I can remember at least. I'm still struggling to get my eating habits straightened out, but this week's challenge at work has been very helpful. On more than one occasion, I found myself grabbing some baby carrots or other veggie instead of another, more unhealthy snack to make sure I got my 3 veggies in this week.

I did complete day 2 and 3 of Week 5 of the Couch to 5k program. They were both much more of a struggle than day 1 was that's for sure! I slowed my speed down to 4.5 mph for both of these runs, and that was enough for me to be able to complete it. Day 2 was an 8 minute run, 5 minute walk, 8 minute run; Day 3 was a 20 minute run. I don't think I had to stop during day 2, although I don't even remember doing it, honestly. Day 3, I stopped for about 45 seconds to a minute total, for small water breaks throughout the run. Not too bad...moving on to Week 6 tomorrow.

Also starting another week of my challenge at work. I think this week is work out for 20 mins...4 days (I think) eat 3 veggies a day and add in two fruits. This is all by memory since Friday, so I'm not 100% sure what it is. I'm going to try a banana strawberry smoothie with spinach tomorrow morning for breakfast. We'll see how that goes.

The health person behind the challenge at work sent us a really handy menu planner last week. It helps you plan out each meal to ensure your meal is balanced. I thought I would share it will all of you. You can find it here, I hope you find it as useful as I did!

I'm a little bit frustrated with the lack of weight loss as of late, but I know it is because of my eating habits. Tuesday is my last day of class until March. I think I really need to amp up my workouts on my non-running days once class is over.

Monday brings a new day, and a new week.

Happy running everyone!

I can do this!!!

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001-06:00

Still need to work on my eating habits. I didn't do so hot again today, although I did drink more water than I have in other days. And I did manage to get my three veggies eaten. I had to break down and have some hot chocolate this afternoon though, just to warm up. My hands were freezing!

I went to the gym on my lunch break today to start week 5 of the Couch to 5k program. Run for 5 minutes, walk for 3, repeat twice. I actually did pretty good. Day 2 brings on 8 minute runs. Pondering running faster for the middle run. It almost seemed too easy today. The last run was a bit of a push though. Maybe that's the way it is supposed to be every run.

Day off of working out tomorrow. I have class tomorrow night and I'm sure I'll be spending my lunch hour trying to finish cranking out a 4 page paper about an opera. Yeesh...yes it is that bad. I've tried to start it twice, but haven't gotten very far. Maybe 3 paragraphs on my last attempt.

Until next time...happy running!

Week 4, Day 3 COMPLETE!!

2012-01-22T18:56:00.002-06:00

Well, in the words of Larry the Cable Guy, I "Got 'er done!" I completed day 3 of Week 4 of the Couch to 5k program today. I did pretty well I think. I took just a couple of water breaks. I did have to slow down again today, but I think that is going to be the case from now on. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up my speed this whole time...

Eating was pretty good today, not perfect. Hubby made a killer homemade Beef & Noodles over mashed potatoes tonight. I'm sure it wasn't good for me...but it was delish!!

Back to the grind tomorrow. My Team Up 2 Trim Down challenge for next week is to work out for 20 mins or more 4 times next week, do stretching 3 times a week and eat some veggies. Going to school, getting that 4th day of exercise in might be a little difficult, but I'll figure it out!

Until then...happy running!

Better run and a milestone!

2012-01-21T21:24:00.000-06:00

I did Day 2, Week 4 last night on my treadmill and it went MUCH better!! I did slow down a little bit this time, but I only had to stop once for about 20 seconds or so. I managed to hit 2 miles in a little over 30 minutes. Overall, I'm pleased with how the day went.

Today is not my official weigh in day, but I weigh myself every day...mostly because I can't resist. Well, I'm happy to announce....Drum Roll please........

Over 30 pounds lost!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Dance

Today I was not so good on my diet, way too much snaking on things that aren't real good for me. Something to improve for tomorrow. Can't deny myself the yummy stuff all of the time.

Room for Improvement

2012-01-19T22:41:00.003-06:00

What a rough week!

Monday I spent the day in bed, sick with some stomach bug. Tuesday I really wasn't feeling up to par, so I didn't go to the gym. Wednesday my elder child came down with the same stomach bug, so I didn't go to work (or the gym, which is at work). Today I finally was able to go to work and felt up to going to the gym. So I started Week 4 of the Couch to 5k training today. As my title says...there is room for improvement. The program this week is to run 3 mins, walk 90 secs, run 5 mins, walk 3 mins. I couldn't even do the first 3 minute run, which is what I did all last week! I had to stop and walk a number of times. It was a little discouraging, but I think there are a few good reasons--excuses?--for my issues.

I spent the good part of two days not feeling well and not eating much
This is my first day of exercise in 6 days
I didn't drink any water all day before I went to the gym

And the pants I was wearing were too hot for indoor running, although I'm pretty sure I could have worked through that one.

I'm scheduled to go to the gym tomorrow, but I haven't decided if I'm going to do the Couch to 5k training again (you are supposed to have at least one day of rest between each day) or do something else. Either way I have to go to the gym to meet my ShapeUp to TrimDown challenge at work. I need two more days this week of 20 minutes or more of exercise.

So, I may only do two days of Week 4 this week. If I do that I'm pretty sure I will repeat Week 4. The end of Week 5 is a 20 minute run...not sure if I'm ready for that or not. Might be time to slow my speed down on the treadmill a little!

Until next time, Happy Running!

Bring on Week 4!!

2012-01-13T20:29:00.002-06:00

Week 3 of the Couch to 5k program is complete, and I feel great! Ready to move on to Week 4. The last time I did the program, Week 4 by far the hardest week, and was a real struggle for me. I wanted to quit, but I kept going. I'm not sure if this knowledge will help me or not next week. It makes me a little nervous...I will run for 5 minutes straight, up from 3 minutes this week. But...I know I made it through the last time, so I know I can do it again! Right??

I've done pretty well with eating so far this week. I haven't been perfect, but I've been MUCH better than I have been in a long time. I really need to pay attention to what I'm doing this weekend. Being at home is awful for my diet...I have food available all the time, and I want to munch all day long.

Week 1 of my Trim Down challenge is wrapping up this weekend too. We only have to weigh in three times during the 10 week challenge, but I thinking I'm going to weigh myself weekly. I'm almost excited to see what the scale has to say on Tuesday (we have a holiday on Monday, so no weigh in then.) I have completed the challenge for this week, which was to exercise for at least 15 minutes three times this week. Next week's challenge is to workout for at least 20 minutes three times a week, and eat 2 cups of veggies everyday. I have three days at the gym scheduled for next week, so I should have that part covered. Eating a salad for one meal everyday should cover 2 servings of veggies without a problem.

With this week coming to a close, I'm very happy with my progress and sticking with it :)

Tomorrow I'll work on the menu for next week...and grocery shopping (YUCK!)

Until then...keep it up, every little bit helps!

I need to come up with better titles to my posts!

2012-01-11T21:26:00.005-06:00

I've got nothing creative for post titles, and I can't call everything today or update. Something to ponder while on the treadmill I guess.

Anyway...today was a great day for my journey to the new me. I stayed within my calorie range, and even got in a late night snack.

I headed to the gym for Week 3, Day 2 of Couch to 5k. I was not feeling it and was not in the mood for running at all. But we are way too early in the game to be skipping dates with the gym, so I went. It was still tough, but not as bad as it was on Monday. I didn't start wondering how much longer was left on my final run until there was only 1 minute left! And I only had to repeat my current manta once - "Suck it Up Now and You Won't Have to Suck it In Later!"

I need to get better about drinking more water. I've cut my coffee down to two cups, although it should really only be one. And I haven't had a pop since Sunday afternoon...wonder if I can keep it up...

I feel great after having such a wonderful day...a great run, great calorie count (and not feeling hungry). I hope I get to see results on Monday with my official weigh in!

Dinner on class nights

2012-01-10T22:19:00.000-06:00

This weekend when I have some time, I need to sit down and figure out some ideas for dinner on Tuesday night for me for the next three weeks. I have class from 5:30-9:30. I get off of work just in time to get the boys, change my clothes and walk out the door as soon as hubby gets home.

There is a coffee shop that I can buy some things from, but I can't resist their 4 cheese wrap dipped in ranch dressing. I haven't asked what the nutritional value is for this, but I can't imagine it is very good. And I'm sure the whipped cream on top of my caramel macchiato (made with skim milk) isn't the best either. Since I can't resist it, I need to avoid the coffee shop all together.

Other than my wrap and coffee (which I didn't finish) I did really good today with my diet. And I did NOT buy the chips, cookie, muffin, or any other tasty, tempting treat at the coffee shop.And I did NOT grab a pop out of the fridge for lunch today, but instead got a big ol' glass of water!

My willpower is building! Motto for the day:

Day 2 of Week 3 tomorrow. Should be interesting with my building cold!

Was having a great day....

2012-01-09T21:09:00.002-06:00

and was feeling so proud of myself..and then...I came home. Because it is boy scout night, we don't have a lot of time for dinner, so my plan was frozen pizza and salad. I started out with a big bowl of salad, then got one piece of pizza...and then another. Checked in my calories for the day on spark people, and was actually only 20 calories over my goal and within my goals for everything else. YAY! Then I had a third piece of pizza, then a few fruit snacks, and a chip (yes just ONE!)

Ugh, I was doing so well, feeling so proud of myself for how I ate all day long, and then destroyed it tonight. When I went through coaching she told me I would be doing well if I was good 80% of the time and not so good 20% of the time. I would consider that my day today, so it wasn't excellent, but it could have been a lot worse. And would have been two weeks ago.

I moved on to Week 3 of the Couch to 5k program today, and accomplished to kick my own ass! It was rough. I remember week 3 or week 4 being the hardest the last time around, so I can't say I'm surprised by this. But I DID IT!! I didn't slow my speed down and I didn't stop. Every time I wanted to quit, I remembered an inspirational quote I found on Pinterest:

Yep, these are the kinds of things that get me through it!

Off to take my Week 1 picture. Wish I would have taken one when I started this journey, however long ago it was.

Until then, happy running!

No matter how slow you are, you are still lapping everybody on the couch! (Quote found on Pinterest)

Off day turned into off weekend

2012-01-08T18:36:00.000-06:00

Considering this my "last hurrah" before the big weight loss venture begins I guess. I didn't do horrible at eating, but I could have done much better this weekend. And I didn't do my final day of running either, but I'm still moving on to week 3 of the Couch to 5k program tomorrow, I've repeated week 2 long enough that it should count as being complete.

Last night I spent some time going over a Quick and Healthy cookbook to figure out the menu for the week. I printed out two months worth of these neat little weekly planning pages from Artsy-Fartsy Mama and wrote my menu out. Usually we just decide on the main dishes for the week and figure out the rest later. But this time I assigned a meal to each day, and also include the side dishes to try to get a more balanced meal. Instead of using the grocery list section as a grocery list (because my list was way too big for that little space) I used it to write out what I could prepare ahead of time and when to thaw certain things to save on time come the dinner rush.

Went grocery shopping today to get everything I need, plus healthy snacks, etc.

Still not feeling 100% healthy, our family just can't shake this stupid cold. It seems like it has been around for a month or more.

Tomorrow is a gym day...week 3, here I come!

Off day

2012-01-06T19:05:00.002-06:00

Today wasn't such a great day for eating. I brought some healthy single serve pizzas I bought to work for lunch since I didn't have to do anything else. Come lunch time I get it out and read the cooking instructions on the back. Conventional Oven only...SERIOUSLY?? Who the heck makes single serve pizzas that you can only cook in the oven?!?!? So, it was beef ramen noodles for lunch. Then hubby sent me a text asking if I wanted McDonald's for dinner. Yessir...anything to not have to cook tonight (bad I know). So I got a Big Mac snack wrap, medium fry and a medium chocolate shake.

Maybe tonight is a good night to break out the Wii Active 2 and get a little workout in with Mr. Bob Green and at least work out a little bit of the yuck out. We'll see, I'm pretty tired and I need to get some homework done.

I'm still looking forward to next week. First week of our 10 week challenge at work. I was nominated team captain, so I get to be cheerleader...among other things.

We are team SAIKI Chicks...betcha can't figure out what that stands for ;-)

Going Strong!

2012-01-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

Headed back to the gym today to tackle Day 2, Week 2 of the Couch to 5k program. I'm running it at 5.0 MPH this time around...up from about 4.3 MPH the first time I attempted this. Today even the 5.0 seemed a little like a jog, so I bumped up the speed, just a bit. It wasn't too bad. I think I'll be ready to move on to week 3.

Eating, I have done pretty well today. Mostly because I was too busy to think about food for much of the day. Should have drank more water though.

My challenge for today: ignoring the last three pieces of cheesy garlic bread sitting on the counter; left over from dinner.

No matter how slow you are, you are still lapping everybody on the couch! (Quote found on Pinterest)

Willpower? Its a work in progress

2012-01-04T22:07:00.000-06:00

Today was a day off from the gym, so no exercise for me today. My challenge for today was to eat healthy when going down to the cafeteria. I didn't have the time or energy to make my breakfast or lunch this morning. I had a very frustrating morning and by the time my lunch break came along, I was fuming. One of the options in the cafeteria was something called a Cheddar Ranch Chicken sandwich. Of course, it is fried chicken and smothered in cheese and ranch...served with a side of french fries...I'm drooling just thinking about it! And I really, really wanted it for lunch after the morning I had. But...what was food going to do to make it better? In the end, nothing. But I'm not perfect, so I compromised. I got the turkey burger on a wheat bun with tomato and lettuce. Instead of french fries, I got baked Cheetos and I got a small fountain pop. I was proud of myself for making the mostly right decision.

Chicken stir fry for supper, served on brown rice. Enough left over for lunch tomorrow.

I've always said I don't have any willpower, but apparently it is in my head somewhere. Today is peaked out a little!

Day 2 of the gym tomorrow.

No matter how slow you are, you are still lapping everybody on the couch! (Quote found on Pinterest)

Day 1

2012-01-03T23:00:00.001-06:00

Is it bad that I am secretly amused when the person on the treadmill beside me is my age or younger, skinnier than me and walking while I am running? Not that I am some expert runner or anything, and right now I'm only running for 90 seconds at a time but still... Now the logical side of me figures that there is a perfectly good reason for this; injury, health issue, no need to exert oneself to keep in shape... But I entertain myself and try to find any enjoyment out of running on the treadmill as I possibly can. So I internally gloat when I am running and the person next to me isn't. Childish I know, but whateva'!

Today I went to the gym to start week two of the couch to 5k program. I may be a little sore tomorrow, but it shouldn't be too bad. I also signed up for a ten week weight loss challenge at work that starts next week. Me and my two teammates will weigh in weekly and try to win some cash prizes while losing some weight.

My diet was pretty good units I headed to class. Dinner was not my best today.

All in all, a pretty good first day to a new me.

No matter how slow you are, you are still lapping everybody on the couch! (Quote found on Pinterest)

New Year, New Me

2012-01-02T23:18:00.001-06:00

I know this is the thought of millions of people around the world right now, as it has been mine many, many times at the new year. I made some serious progress last year, but then stopped. Stopped trying, stopped caring...just completely stopped. Luckily, I have not lost the progress I have made. But I could be so much further in my progress if I would have stuck with it.

So, this year:

I will run an entire 5k...no walking
I may reach my weight loss goal
I will be more healthy
I won't be perfect

I say I may reach my goal, because according to the weight loss calculators, I could have it done by August or September. But we all know I'm not going to lose weight every week. Some weeks I might even gain weight. I'm not going to kill myself trying to reach a specific number on the scale. I will however enjoy every minute of moving down pant sizes, getting rid of the old ones, and working towards a new me :)

Tomorrow I head to the gym with a co-worker, and I'm starting the Couch to 5k over again, at a faster speed. I'm starting with week 2 because week 1 is actually too simple for me =) Love being able to say that!

Happy New Year everyone!

No matter how slow you are, you are still lapping everybody on the couch! (Quote found on Pinterest)

Blogging Again

2011-10-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try blogging about my weight loss again. Hopefully on a weekly basis at least.

Update: I'm still slowly working on losing the weight...I'm closing in on 30 pounds lost (2 more pounds). I'm still able to stick with exercising much better than eating well. I've run 3 more 5k's bettering my time almost every time. The last one I finished under 40 minutes, which means I cut 7 minutes off my time this year. I've started to start over the Couch to 5k program, mostly just to get back to a plan again and work towards actually running an entire 5k.

That's about all for my update. Happy running!

Thoughts on Weigh tloss

2011-05-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been paying a little more attention to any weight loss products I might hear about or see about on TV. I've never really been into the weight loss supplements (o.k. I did try Slim Fast before my wedding, but that's the extent of it for me) because I truly believe that it is too good to be true. There is no magic pill, formula, or anything else that is going to help you to lose weight. If it were that simple, everyone would be skinny, right?

So what made me stand up an pay attention? The success of a friend . She is taking a certain type of supplements and she has lost a good amount of weight and inches...and she looks great!! So I started looking into what she was taking, but a month supply of some of that stuff was going to cost over $100. And that made me think again...you can't take this stuff forever....what happens when you stop taking it? Isn't this why almost all diets fail, no matter what they are? You can't buy the supplements, special food or whatever else you are doing forever. What then? Not to mention the possible side effects of this stuff (remember the pill that was killing people??)

So, even though my friend looks awesome, I'm gonna pass and stick with the tried and true method. Healthy diet and regular exercise. This is not a diet to me, it is a lifestyle change. I have the exercise down pretty well, so it is now time to concentrate more on the food I am eating. So far, I have lost about 10 pounds, and even more exciting...I am down two pant sizes!!!

(originally posted on my other blog, A Busy Mom in Iowa)

Update rambles and clothes shopping

2011-05-05T17:00:00.002-05:00

Usually when I don't blog on a regular basis, that means that I have fallen off the wagon, but I'm happy to say, NOT THIS TIME!! I have not been following the Couch to 5K program, I've been trying different things to push my limits; running programs on the treadmill, upping my speed to see how long I can last and stuff like that. I have also started using the EA Sport's Active 2 for the Wii. I have the first Active game they came out with and really enjoyed it. Actually it was what gave me the best results when I was working towards weight loss before I got pregnant with my second son. I think they have refined this version to make it a little more user friendly. Also, the program is a 9 week program instead of 30 days. I'm only on Day 2, but my muscles are feeling the pain! Today is my off day for the Active game, which means it is my running day. Depending on what time I get on the treadmill tonight, I might shoot for 3 miles and see how long it takes me to get there. We have finally subscribed to Netflix, so I can actually watch a TV show (I'm on Dexter right now) while I'm running and be able to hear it!

I'm still hovering around 10 pounds lost, which is a little discouraging. But I found something to show me the progress I am making...clothes shopping. I was on a mission to buy some new capri jeans this weekend (which I didn't up buying any, come to think of it). I grabbed my usual pant size in about 4 different pairs of pants and headed to the dressing room. I like my pants to fit loose, but when I put them on, they were pretty big, so I asked the nice lady if she could find the next size down for me. The dress pants were still a little loose, so I decided just to try the next size down...just to see...and holy crap...they fit!!! I had found a really cute pair of jeans on the sale rack, but they were 3 sizes smaller than what I was currently wearing, so I initially thought there was no way I could fit into them. But now I was in a pair of pants just one size bigger, so I decided what the heck...and guess what...I might wear them to work tomorrow!!! They are a little tighter than I usually like, but they fit! They are my current goal jeans :-) I haven't been able to enjoy clothes shopping for such a long time...it was a great day!

Getting some help

2011-04-19T23:08:00.000-05:00

My employer has what they call a "Live Well" program. As part of this program, they have two health people on staff (I don't know what their official titles are, but they know all about food, exercise and all of that stuff). These people do classes like Yoga and a Boot Camp thing, but they are never offered at a time that I can make it. Now, they are offering personal coaching sessions. They have 4 sessions - the first one is about 45 minutes and the rest are 30 minutes. They will help you set out your goals and the plan to achieve them. I signed up for this yesterday, but haven't been contacted yet to schedule my first meeting.

What I am hoping to get out of this? I'm hoping they can tell me what kind of strength training I can do to compliment my running. Also, I need strength training for an overweight beginner. I've found tons of stuff in the magazines that I get in the mail, but they are all geared towards women that are already in shape. I need a starting point, and I think these people are the perfect people to help me out. Also, I'm not doing so well in the eating department. I have a lot to learn about nutrition and how to work it into my life. And they will be there to help me hold myself accountable for the food I'm putting in my mouth!

On another note, I went to the gym today to do my last day of the faster week 2 Couch to 5k. My legs were not ready for that after my 5k over the weekend. I had to skip one of the 90 second runs because my legs were burning so much, they just couldn't take it anymore! Not sure what I'm going to do the rest of the week!

My First 5k!!

2011-04-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

Before the Race

I completed my first 5k of the year yesterday. It was to benefit a group for crime victims. Since I had to take 3 weeks off, I wasn't going to press myself too much. This race was a starting point and setting a time to beat. As long as I beat my walking time for the 5k I've walked the past 2 years, I was going to be happy. I woke up to freezing temperatures, noisy wind and SNOW!! Yep, you read right, snow in the middle of April. My friend Lisa who ran with me said Mother Nature needs to get back on her happy drugs, and I must agree.

I picked a yucky course to do my first race...there were 3 or 4 good size hills we had to go up. We walked a good part of the course, but ran at least 5 times, for different distances, and usually down hill ;-) We survived and we made it! And we beat our time by almost 30 minutes! We finished in 47 minutes, which probably seems slow to most people, but I'll take it!

After the Race, We made it!!

My next race is called the Tutu trot and is scheduled for May 15th to raise money for 4 year old girl fighting cancer. I have about a month to up my speed to beat my 47 minutes!

Update

2011-04-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

So, I do not have any stress fractures and was given the go-ahead to slowly start getting back into running. So this week I have done 2 days of week two of the Couch to 5k training. Starting next week, I'm going to slow it back down and see how long I can run, since I have my first 5K coming up on Saturday. I'm not expecting to do my best, but it will be a good starting point for me to see how far I have come and how far I need to go yet.

Other than this, I don't have much more to update. I'll post after my 5K next week. Wish me luck!

More of the waiting game...

2011-03-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday and they took x-rays. Must not have seen anything there, because he has now decided to send me in for a bone scan of my feet and legs to make sure I don't have a stress fracture. I won't go into all of the details of how awful the doctor was, but I will say I will not continue to see this person if this ends up being a long term thing.

My appointment for the bone scan is not until next Tuesday, and I have been ordered to rest and not do any exercise until we have the results of the scan, so I am sidelined once again. I'm supposed to get the results sometime on Thursday.

*sigh*

Week 2 - Round 2

2011-03-20T20:11:00.000-05:00

Take 2

I've completed two days of week 2 in the Couch to 5K training. I should have ran yesterday and didn't, so I should really run today, but I just ate supper and a hot fudge sunday (yeah, yeah, not the best eating this weekend). We'll see if I run or not.

I've been doing pretty well though. Week 1 at a higher speed was pretty easy (I've gone up to 5.0 MPH). Week 2 has been a little more difficult. And day 2 I hit the roads for the first time -- with the dog. Between pulling my dog away from other dogs and the kids walking home from school, and dragging him with me when he wanted to stop and pee or smell something (he is a beagle, ya know) it was interesting. I was defiantly more sore after that run, which is no surprise. Wish I lived in a less hilly neighborhood!

In other news, I signed up for my first 5K this week, it is on April 16th. It sounds like it is a pretty easy track and it starts and ends at the local park. I'm hoping daddy and children can hang out there and cheer me on :)

In anticipation of my first 5K, I decided I better make a Dr. appointment to check out my feet/ankles/calves to make sure I'm not doing more harm than good. My theory is that I have flat feet and that is what is causing all of my pain. I just hope they don't tell me I have to stop running, because as much as I hate it, I have stuck to this program longer than any exercise routine I have tried. Don't believe me? Just go back to the beginning of this blog!

I have saved the best news for last...I have now lost 10 POUNDS!!! Woo hoo!!! To celebrate, I bought myself two new purses :)

I'm back and kickin' some booty!!

2011-03-05T22:20:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday I finally went to the gym to run after my two week detour. I wasn't sure where to start, so I decided to let my body tell me when to stop. After my 5 minute warm-up walk, I ran for 19 out of 20 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, I decided I better walk for a little while but after a minute decided I could run for 4 more minutes. Then I finished with a 5 minute cool-down walk. I could have done more, but I figured I better take it easy for the first day back and see how my leg felt afterwards and the next day.

The next day I felt great. This weekend is a very busy weekend for me and I wasn't sure if I would be able to fit a run in or not...but after much debate in my head deciding if I should run at 9:00 at night or just go to bed, I decided to run. About 1 minute into my warm-up walk, I knew I made the right choice - it felt good to be exercising! Yes, I really did just say that!

Again I didn't know how long I was going to run for, but I was going to let my body and especially my leg tell me when to quit, but I at least wanted to run 20 minutes. At about 10 minutes into the run I started to wonder if I could do 30 minutes. At 20 minutes, I decided I could do at least 25. At 25 minutes, I knew I could do 30 minutes.

I did it! I ran for 30 minutes straight, without hating any of it!

My first 30 minute run (time includes warm-up & cool-down). Yes I realize I'm slow, but I'm short too!

Never was there the debate in my head about stopping or keep going. I just wanted to keep going. I even upped my speed for the last minute to try to run just a little bit further.
There are two things I have learned about running from my 9 week journey.

I am not Superwoman. I am not going to be able to run at the same speed through the entire Couch to 5K program. I must slow down if I am going to complete the long distances.
Slow and steady wins the race, right? For most people, running 30 minutes is running 3 miles. Not so much in my world. Running for 30 minutes got me just under 2 miles - short by about .10 miles. But I need to forget that and look at what I have accomplished. Nine weeks ago, I could barely run for 60 seconds at one time, and now I can run for 30 minutes. How awesome is that??

What now? I'm going to complete my 2 final days of running for 30 minutes and them I'm going to start over. Yep, you read right...I'm going to do it all over again! I'm going to up the speed a little bit so I can run faster. And I need to find the perfect 5k to be my first!

Back on the Bandwagon

2011-02-28T21:29:00.001-06:00

Last week was a week off for me, to give my leg some time to heal and feel better. I did do some strength training on Thursday and found a routine that I really like. I was a little sore the next day, but not so sore that I couldn't walk or lift my arms.

So tomorrow I plan to get back to the gym and test the waters of running again. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous. I'm afraid I won't be able to start were I left off. I'm hoping I'll still be able to jog for 25 minutes, but we'll see. Hopefully I have given my leg enough time and I won't be in too much pain afterwards.

If this run really irritates my leg again, I'm going to have to make a trip to the doctor to make sure I don't do more harm than good!

Road block

2011-02-22T18:51:00.001-06:00

So close, yet so far away. With only 1.5 weeks to go, I had to put a stop to my running because of an injury. I haven't gone to the doctor yet, but I know enough that I should be giving my leg a rest. I don't know it is just the stress from running catching up to me, or if jumping a curb in my Trailblazer last week aggravated it, but my lower right leg/ankle/foot has been bothering me since late last week. So, when it still hurt two days after my last run on Thursday, I decided it was time to give it a rest. I don't want to stop because I'm afraid I'll lose all of my progress. But if I keep going, I know I will just make things worse. I'm planning to go to the gym tomorrow and do some strength training as well as the elliptical machine to get some low impact cardio in. Fingers crossed my leg gets better quickly and I can get back to running next week!

Week 7 - Amazing!!

2011-02-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I ended the week feeling disappointed in myself. In 6 weeks, I had only lost 3 pounds, and for the first time ever, I wasn't able to finish a day in the Couch to 5K program. So this week my goal was to do week 6 over again and complete it. I also decided to add strength training to my agenda on my off running days...need to re-think this one a little bit.

I found a workout routine in my Women's Health magazine that I thought I could do, so Monday I started off with that. Um...yeah...I could finally walk normal on Thursday from that workout. Might be cutting out the extra exercises for my legs since they get a workout from running. I'm going to keep looking for other strength training routines for the rest of my body.

Tuesday, with my legs killing me, I hopped on the treadmill for day 1 of week 6 - take 2. Started the treadmill, pushed play on my iPod and got silence. My iPod died. I was pretty irritated, because I couldn't remember what day 1 entailed, but I decided to just wing it. I did my 5 minute warm-up walk and then started on my first run, which I thought was supposed to be 5 minutes. After that run, I slowed down to a walk. But as I was walking, I kept thinking was that really 5 minutes? It was too easy, I wasn't even breathing heavy....so after walking for a minute, I decided to go back to running and just see how long I could run. I ended up running for 25 MINUTES STRAIGHT!!!! For my slow run, that worked out to be about 1.7 miles, but oh my God I was thrilled. The longest I had ran before that was 13 minutes. And I actually felt like I could have gone longer, but I had to stop and get back to work.

Wednesday was a well needed break. I actually had an appointment during lunch so I had to skip working out, but my legs thanked me.

Thursday I decided to just run for as long as I could again, which ended up being 20 minutes. Finally I went online to see what week 7 was supposed to be and it was 3 days of running for 25 minutes. So I decided that I was close enough and I'm officially on week 7. Only 2 more weeks to go.

Today was day 3 and again I was able to run for 25 minutes and felt like I could keep going. Good thing because I have to run for 28 minutes next week. But I'm positive I can do it!! I have slowed my speed down now that I'm doing the longer runs, but at least I'm completing them :)

To add to my great week, I have lost another pound, and I found a pair of jeans I forgot I had, that I could actually fit into. They are a size smaller than my current size, so I'm stoked!!! I needed a good week this week to boast my confidence. I can do this. Only two more weeks!!!!

Week 6 - Not so much...

2011-02-06T19:54:00.002-06:00

Everyday: 5 min walk warm up; 5 min walk cool down
Day 1: Jog 5 mins ~ Walk 3 mins ~ Jog 8 mins ~ Walk 3 mins ~ Jog 5 mins
Day 2: Jog 10 mins ~ Walk 3 mins ~ Jog 10 mins
Day 3: Jog 25 mins

Well, it just wasn't in the cards for me to complete Week 6 this week. I was able to complete day 1 on Tuesday, without much problem. But because of appointments for the kids, homework, and a day off from work, I wasn't able to even attempt day 2 until Saturday. I did the first 10 minute jog pretty well, but at about 7 minutes into the second 10 minute jog, I stopped to catch my breath. I tried to start running again after a minute or two, but I was starting to feel light headed. As much as it hurt my ego to throw the towel in and not complete a day for the first time ever....it would have hurt my ego and my body much more to pass out on the treadmill and end up with broken bones and 'road rash' down my face!

So, I will start week 6 over again this week. To help in my weight loss, now that my class is over until March, I'm going to add strength training to my schedule on my non-running days. This should help burn off some of the fat. I'm going to be one hurting mama this week I have a feeling!

On the plus side, somehow I managed to lose 2 pounds this week! I have been watching what I eat a little bit better, but I haven't been perfect.

Did I do it? Week 5

2011-01-31T20:49:00.000-06:00

I'm sure everyone is just sitting on the edge of their seats wondering if I moved on to week 5, and if I did, was I able to run for 20 minutes straight? Let's start with the first part of the question. I did move on to week 5. This week, each day was a different program. Of course, each day starts with a 5 minute warm up and ends with a 5 minute cool down. Here's week 5:

Day 1: Jog 5 minutes ~ Walk 3 minutes ~ Jog 5 minutes ~ Walk 3 minutes ~ Jog 5 Minutes
Day 2: Jog 8 minutes ~ Walk 5 minutes ~ Jog 8 minutes
Day 3: Jog 20 minutes

Day 1 I did pretty good. I was pretty tired by the end of it, but I survived. Day 2 I did on my home treadmill instead of at work. Oddly enough, it seemed as if I was moving a lot faster at home at 4.3 miles an hour that I move at work, so I slowed down to 4.0 when jogging. It survived this one while watching Oprah (you have any idea how hard it is to tear up and cry at 4.0 MPH?) The first 8 minute run was going well, but the second one it felt like my legs just didn't want to get going again after walking. I almost thought it would have been easier on my legs to just keep running the whole time.

So...did I survive Day 3? Mostly. At about 13 minutes, I stopped the treadmill and took a breather for about 30 seconds to one minute. Then I continued on and finished the 20 minutes.

The new question is - do I continue on to week 6, or do I re-do week 5 since I didn't run straight through? I don't know what week 6 holds other than a 25 minute jog on day 3. If I couldn't do 20 minutes, what makes me think I can do 25? After chatting with a runner at work who has been very encouraging for me, she told me I should move on to week 6. She told me that only having to stop for a minute during the whole 20 minutes was awesome. She's like my own personal cheerleader :)

Tomorrow I will start week 6. Already dreading the 25 minute jog.

Today was War

2011-01-22T16:09:00.000-06:00

Today was a war between my determination and bull headedness and my pure hate for running and exercise in general. Today there was a fine line between 'I need to stop for a break' and 'I want to stop for a break.' I had to decide how far I wanted to push that line. Just when I was starting to think running wasn't so bad, I stared week 4 of the Couch to 5K training. It has been the hardest since I started - by far.

Today was day 3, my last day of week 4. Usually day three gives me the confidence to move on the the next week. This day 3 did not leave me very confident.

But my bull headedness won (shouldn't be a surprise to those that know me), and I completed day 3 without slowing down or stopping. I covered 1.92 miles in 32 minutes. I have cut my 1 mile time down about 2 minutes from when I started.

So...I'm moving on to week 5. By day 3 of week 5, I'm supposed to be able to run for 20 minutes straight. At this point, I'm kinda doubting that I will be able to do this. If I really feel like I can't do it, I'm going to back up and week and do week 4 over again.

Stay tuned to see how next week goes....it promises to be a challenging one!

Week 4

2011-01-19T21:12:00.000-06:00

Holy Shit! Oh, I'm sorry, I meant, HOLY SHIT!!! Sorry for the potty mouth, but I can't think of other words to explain the pain and suffering caused by day one of Week 4 of the Couch to 5K program.

This week's workout is: Walk 5 min - Jog 3 min - Walk 90 sec - Jog 5 min - Walk 2.5 min - Jog 3 min - Walk 90 sec - Jog 5 min - Walk 5 min

My legs actually felt pretty good during the workout, but about half way through I felt like I could barf at any minute. The fact that I ate lunch about an hour and and half before I went to the gym probably didn't help. I was temped a few times to slow down my speeds, but I didn't. I kept them at my usual pace. I was not sore at all today either, which is pretty cool!

I'm a little bit scared, but curious to see what tomorrow will be like. The second day is often the hardest day of the week for me. I will not be eating lunch first, that's for sure!

I'm pondering signing up for my first 5k on Memorial Day weekend. I was told it is pretty easy and a good one to start with. We'll see, I haven't looked into it yet.

Oh, and some other good news...the scale has finally moved down, by one whole pound. Not a lot, but I'll take any downward movement I can get. Hoping now that I finally got the darn thing to move in the right direction, it will continue that way.

Week 3 Complete

2011-01-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

Week 3 is done. For the last day of the week, I decided to do my 90 second runs .2 MPH faster than I usually do. Then I also did that for my final 3 minute run. I finished and was feeling pretty good! I am a little bit sore today, but nothing like I have felt in the past.

On to Week 4 on Tuesday. Haven't looked to see what the week is going to bring yet.

I'm also starting the Live Healthy America 100 day challenge this week, on the 20th. We have two teams competing against each other in the department. This could be interesting!

Wow

2011-01-14T22:42:00.000-06:00

I only had weeks 1-3 podcasts on my iPod, so I finally went back to download the rest of the podcasts for the Couch to 5K program (I use Ullreys podcast.) As I've said before, I don't look ahead to see what it waiting for me in the coming weeks. It just causes unnecessary--so far anyway--panic. But as I was downloading them, it hit me...I'm almost half way through this program! It is a 9 week program...next week I will begin week 4!

I've tried to start this program a number of times, but never did more than 2 days of week 1 at once.

Wow, that's exciting! :-)

Week 3!!

2011-01-14T19:36:00.000-06:00

Week 3: Walk 5 mins (warm up) - Run 90 secs - Walk 90 secs - Run 3 mins - Walk mins - Repeat - Walk 5 mins (cool down)

Oh my lord...I actually did it. I did day one of week three, without stopping...pretty much. I did take a time out to re-tie my shoes because my shins and feet were burning, but other than that...I did it! And really, the biggest issue was my legs and feet. I thought I might really struggle to make it through this one, but I was breathing ok when I was done with the second run. I was sore the rest of the day on Monday, but I was not sore on Tuesday morning...or afternoon!

I was supposed to go to the gym yesterday, but I just wasn't feeling it. I hadn't given myself a two day "weekend" between week 2 and 3, so I decided yesterday was it. So with 2 days off, I was back at the gym for day 2 today. I didn't have to stop at all today and my legs and feet felt much better.

I'm a truly amazed at my progress over the last 2 1/2 weeks. I never thought I would actually be able to run for 3 minutes straight...or if I did I thought I would be miserable and liable to barf at the end of it. None of which has happened.

Week 2 ~ Day 2 and 3

2011-01-08T17:50:00.000-06:00

Couch to 5K day 2 and 3 are now in the books. Today my Ipod was dead, so no podcast. I could have used that as an excuse to not hit the treadmill today and just go home, but I didn't. I pretty much knew what I was supposed to do, so I did it the old way...with the timer. I thought I was on my final run, so as always, I bumped the speed up .2 MPH (may not seem like a lot...but it is!). Then I figured out I had one more run left. Proud to say that I survived the higher speed for 2 of my runs, and was not breathing too hard afterwards.

Dare I say I might actually survive week three?

Couch 2 5K ~ Week 2

2011-01-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

Started week two of the Couch 2 5k program this week. This week I will be running for 90 seconds and walking for two minutes. Day one was yesterday, and I felt pretty good when I was done. And I wasn't sore when I got up this morning, so that made it even better! Yay me :)

BUT, as I was cleaning off the treadmill and walking to the locker room, the next week's podcast started playing. I purposely have not been looking forward to see what lies ahead, and now I know why. Week 3 has 3 minutes of running followed by 3 minutes of walking!! Are they insane??? Going up by 30 second increments was working wonderfully for me. What makes them think that I'm going to magically be able to jump up by 90 seconds, just because this week I can run for 90 seconds? I may stay on week 2 for 4 weeks or so....

I haven't dropped any weight yet, but I'm not too surprised by that. It's still early and I'm not being too careful on what I eat yet. I'm working on this - bringing my own lunch to work has helped a lot. Not to mention the $$ I'm saving!

To help in my quest, I am joining a group at work in participating in the Live Healthy Iowa 100 day challenge. We meet tomorrow to form the teams...a little friendly competition, kinda like The Biggest Loser on NBC. Don't know much more about it yet, but I'm excited. And the challenge ends 8 days after my birthday, so it works perfectly into my plan to be in better shape by my birthday!!

Proud of myself :-)

2010-12-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

I got on the treadmill at home tonight! I wanted to last night, but it got late and I really didn't want to clean off all of the boxes off of it, and excuse, excuse, excuse. Tonight I decided no empty boxes were going to stop me! So, after the baby went to bed, I started a load of laundry and hopped on the treadmill for another dose of Couch 2 5K. I slowed the run down just a little bit tonight (.2 mph) and holy moley...I can't say it was easy, but it is definitely getting easier than it was two weeks ago!

When I finished, I switched the laundry and stretched out my legs. While doing that I decided to listen to week 2 to see what is in store for me. The next week is 90 seconds of running, followed by 2 minutes of walking. I think I might actually be able to handle that!!

I'm sure I'm done for exercise this week, as I'm going to be out of town for the weekend. You'll have to wait and see if I stick to week 1 or move on to week 2!

It's the most wonderful time of the Year...

2010-12-21T13:23:00.000-06:00

That's right, it's Christmas time, and I have decided it's time to get back on the bandwagon...yet again...kind of. Are you starting to figure out why I don't lose any weight? I've had it figured out for a long time...maybe someday I'll actually do something about it.

I started thinking about the fact that I'm going to be 30 in April, and I'm not looking forward to it. But, then I had a thought....if I get back on the bandwagon now and really stick with it, I could be in the best shape I have been in, in years by the time I am 30. So, that is my inspiration right now. Until the holidays are over, I'm not going to worry too much about food. I have no willpower and there are too many goodies around...I would drive myself insane!!

Instead I am slowing getting myself back into the habit of going to the gym. I was there once last week, once this week, and next week I will go twice. I go to the gym during my lunch break at work, and taking time off during the holidays has messed up my gym schedule.

My goal is to go 3 times a week, starting in January. I'm starting the Couch 2 5K program again. And in January, I'm going to graduate to week 2, which I have yet to have had the nerve to try!

I have decided on a few rewards for all of my hard work, but I haven't decided what goals I have to reach to get my rewards.

My smaller rewards: new workout clothes, and getting my hair highlighted.

My larger reward, which I will get when I either complete the Couch 2 5K thing or reach a major weight loss goal, is to get a new tattoo :) Shhhh...I haven't told my husband yet!!!

5K

2010-10-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

So....remember that 5K I was training for...way back in the day? Well, it was today. It is called the Especially for You Breast Cancer Walk/Run. I didn't run, but I did walk it...and then I went shopping at the mall...and then went to an outlet mall. So, I'd say I got my exercise in for the day at least. I actually feel pretty good, other than the blister on the bottom of my foot.

Last Thursday I decided it was so nice out that me and the dog would test out day one of the Couch 2 5K program. I couldn't walk for 2 days and I thought that I might hurl when I got home, but I finished it (and I did not vomit). I do believe my dog got his butt kicked too.

I have not done another day, because I knew I needed to save my legs for the 5K today. I'm going to do day 1 again tomorrow with the dog. We'll see how long I stick with this one!!

I have ADD

2010-09-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

I have decided that I have exercise ADD. I cannot stick to an exercise routine for more than a couple of weeks and then something happens that I get out of my newly formed routine and then BAM...no more exercise routine for me.

I have stood Mr. Greene up for about 2 weeks now and I'm ready to break up (it's not you Bob...it's me...really).

So, now I'm pondering the Couch to 5k program. I looked it up once and thought it would be a big PIA to watch the clock to walk for 90 seconds, then run for 30 seconds, then back to walking...blah blah blah...

Then I found out that they have the programs on as pod casts, so I can upload them to my iPod, put in my headphones and go....no watching the clock.

Now if I could only find the cord to hook my iPod up to my computer.....

Challenge Day #11

2010-09-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

What is that....is my tummy getting noticeably smaller??? Heck no, that's just me sucking it in while I run in place with my much skinnier 'Mii' on the Active game.

No, I haven't really noticed any changes yet, other than some of the exercises may be a little less painful while I'm actually doing said motions, but I'm sure tomorrow will bring on the pain I'm used to. Did I expect to see any changes at this point? Not really, especially since I'm not really eating as healthy as I should be.

But I am commending myself on actually going down and working out tonight...I took two rest days, which is totally not part of the plan and will now extend my 30 day challenge to more like a 35-40 day challenge. Usually I would just say screw it, I'm over exercising.....it's overrated...and continue to surf the web. So, YAY ME for getting my butt away from the computer and getting my workout in. (Also thanks to my hubby for making my taco dip for my work's tailgate party tomorrow so it's one less thing I had to to after my workout!)

Now, off to do one more productive thing tonight and fold some clothes.

Until tomorrow...

I did it....

2010-09-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, I did it....I went down and did the work out. And bless their little hearts, the intro before the list of exercises for the day said they were going to focus on arms this time and take it easy on the legs

....and then it started with side lunges...then reverse lunges....both of which I had to do twice...and let's not forget the squat (hold) then jump, disguised as in-line staking with "tricks" when you jump off the ramp.

I'm on to you Wii ~~torture~~ game....I'm not falling for your trickery!

On a more positive note, Wii fit told me that I have lost .9 pounds since last Monday. Considering the way I have eaten in the last week, I'll take it!!

Challenge Day #8

2010-09-06T20:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, I realize that I'm supposed to work out two days in a row and then take a rest day. However, there was absolutely NO WAY my butt muscles would have let me do another jumping squat or anything of that nature yesterday. I did go for a short jog and a little bit longer walk with the little man yesterday. And I did take the boys for a walk to the park and back today....

So, yes, today should be my workout day...needs to be my workout day....but it is 8:00 at night, and I DON'T WANNA!! *insert pouty face here*

I was also supposed to weigh in today since it is Monday, but since I didn't go to work today, I didn't realize it was Monday until about noon. I weight in first thing in the morning, so noon was way too late. Maybe I'll remember tomorrow.

Challenge Day #6

2010-09-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was supposed to be a workout day, but I was exhausted and made it a rest day. So, today I was back at it. I seem to remember posting after my last workout that it was actually pretty easy. And really, the next day I didn't feel too bad!

Tonight, I paid for that easy workout. I should have known a crappy workout was coming. The workout included a lot of jumping, landing in a squat or a lunge. So not only are my thighs burning, but I can't breathe either. Then I get a break and do a few arm exercises...and just when I at a normal rate of breathing again...it time to start running or jumping again.

I have a feeling tomorrow Advil is going to be my best friend.

I need to track down my measuring tape so I can track my measurements as well.

Monday is my first official weigh in day. Should be interesting since I haven't been too careful about what I have been eating this week.

Challenge Day #4

2010-09-02T21:37:00.001-05:00

Today was Wii Active challenge day number four...yesterday was a rest day, and as you see from my post below, I took the word rest to heart. Today seemed like an easy challenge day. I think it is because it focused mostly on upper body, and a little less on cardio. Started with the side jumps today...it's all coming back to me now...the ~~hate~~ love for some of these exercises.

Only tomorrow will tell how easy tonight's exercises truly were.

On a side note, I'm starting to think I'm catching a cold...which is usually a great excuse for me to stop exercising. I WILL NOT LET A SIMPLE COLD BE AN EXCUSE TO QUIT THIS 30 DAY CHALLENGE.

Hope that works!

To treadmill or not to treadmill?

2010-09-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

That is the question. Yes, I should probably get in a workout today, even though it is my rest day from the 30 day challenge. But.......I have basically been up since 4:30 this morning. It would probably do me just as much good to just go to bed.

Hmmm.....

I think the what the Dr. would order would be a good night sleep.

Night all.

Sore...no way!

2010-08-31T22:05:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning, expecting my legs to be super sore, but as I got up and jumped in the shower it dawned on me...hey I don't feel too bad. Must have been those treadmill workouts. My arms were a little sore, but nothing to whine about.

So on with my day...get to work, sit down and get busy. About an hour or so later, I get up and notice that I'm a little more sore in the legs...no biggie...

Get to the end of the day and I feel like I'm walking like I'm 9 months pregnant again!

But Challenge day 2 and Bob Greene were calling and as much as I tried to ignore them...I finally decided after cupcake wars it was time to get off my butt for another round of ~~torture~~ fun. Day 2 complete...I'm afraid to get out of bed in the morning....

We meet again Wii Active

2010-08-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

Hello Wii Active, we meet again. It has been far too long since we have seen each other. Tonight, I started the 30 challenge on the Wii Active game. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the review I wrote about it, by clicking here.

I figured since I had been walking/running on the treadmill lately, I would be able to start the challenge on medium intensity, and I made it....barley! It will be interesting to see where I am sore tomorrow morning. Oh yes, there will be sore muscles! But totally worth it, right?

My first mini goal is to lose 10 pounds and then give myself a small, non-food related reward. The problem is figuring out what that reward can be. Got any ideas? Leave a comment!

Not so good with directions

2010-08-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

I'm terrible at navagating myself on the roads. If you tell me to go east or west instead of turn right or left, I will never find you.

So, that would help explain why I have gotten lost on this road to becoming a hot mommy, once again. But I'm back on track now...sort of. I'm still not going to count every calorie I eat. And as far as training for a 5K with my co-worker. Well, that has been put on hold as the third co-worker we had to cover phones while we were gone is no longer here.

But, I am going to meet up with Mr. Bob Green and the Wii Active again tonight for his 30 day plan. I'm also planning to hit the treadmill 2-3 times a week.

Let's hope I bring along the GPS this time!

Update

2010-07-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

I am not totally blowing off losing weight and getting fit. I'm just going about it in a different, more relaxed way. Counting every calorie I eat is just not working for me right now. So, my eating plan is to pay attention to what I am eating and have more good, healthy meals in a week than I do, non-healthy meals. I'm making the transition slowly, and I am not beating myself up when I decide to have McDonalds for supper every now and then.

As for exercise, a friend and I have decided to train for a 5k in October. We got the form to fill out last week, where we would either do a one mile family fun run/walk, a 5k walk, or a 5k run. Neither of us could bring ourselves to fill out the form for the 5k yet...but we are working on it. We are only on week 2 of a 10 week program. And half way through this week, we discovered we weren't doing it quite right, so we are starting over next week. I'm also thinking of starting the Wii Active 30 day challenge again on my off days from running. Haven't actually started that yet though.

So that is all. I'll update progress reports and let you know when I actually do sign up for that 5k!

Day 4

2010-06-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

So, I missed writing in my "journal" yesterday, so only one goal was met...I took my lunch to work, and ate it!! This is almost as big as an accomplishment as anything other goal I could have. The cafeteria downstairs in my building is just way too tempting. But with the encouragement of a couple of co-workers, I stuck to it and ate what I brought for lunch today.

Right now on SparkPeople I'm supposed to track what I eat just to get into the habit of it and that's it. It is amazing to see how many calories you eat in a day if you don't pay attention. Tuesday I was paying attention, but not caring too much...I ended up eating 3500 calories that day!!! I can't imagine what I would have eaten that day if I would have gotten some fried food from the cafeteria too!!

All three goals met today! It feels great to get the whole family out for a walk. And I usually push the baby in the stroller, which adds a little to the exercise.

Day 2

2010-06-01T20:56:00.000-05:00

Met two goals today. I packed my lunch (and only ate that) and I'm writing in my journal. No walk tonight, it's getting ready to storm. Hubby did point out that the treadmill is still usable...but there is no TV downstairs. Yes, I could walk without it, but I don't wanna!! I did take Big Brother to the library, which is in the mall, so I did get a little extra walking in today, but nothing I would chalk up to actual exercise.

Question of the day...why do I find myself thinking about food all day long as soon as I decide to watch what I'm eating to lose weight? But as of right now I'm on the fast break step of the Spark People program, which is just small goals. So, while I'm still trying to pay more attention to what I am eating, my goal during this phase is not necessarily to eat within a certain calorie range.

So, all in all, not too bad of a day. Could have been better of course.d

End of day one

2010-05-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

I met 2 of my 3 goals for the day...no need to pack my lunch today LOL. I went for a walk with the whole family and I am writing in my journal. Yay me!!

Day 1...take 2

2010-05-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

Well, today hasn't been the best, but I have had much worse days! One tool I have found to help me a lot when I actually use it is Spark People. So today I have logged back onto their website and have started over with step one, which they call Fast Break. I have set 3 goals for right now which are:

Pack my lunch (and actually eat it instead of going to the cafeteria)
Go for a walk
Write in a journal (which will actually be this blog)

Goodbye April and May

2010-05-30T21:15:00.000-05:00

Well, April has come and gone and I have done nothing about losing the baby weight. But June is a new month and with baby being 3 months old on Wednesday, it's time to get off my butt. I have told Hubby it is time to start being the food Nazi for me again.

I'm re-setting all my progress back to zero tomorrow morning after weigh in. I won't be able to do my measurements until a later time, because my tape measure has been packed...and is somewhere in a box....

Well....

2010-02-21T16:12:00.000-06:00

Eating healthy while pregnant...that's just not for me LOL. But on the plus side, I have only gained 21 pounds so far, with only 9 days to go. I will get back on the weightloss and exercise bandwagon after this baby is born. Of course, I won't be able to do a lot for the first 6 weeks since I'm having a c-section. But....after that's I'm out of excuses! So, look for more from me in April!

Fork in the road

2009-08-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

Just when I start to get serious and publish my weight loss journey to everyone in the world the choose to care, I have come to a fork in the road, which is taking me a little bit off the planned journey. I found out at the beginning of July that I'm pregnant. So of course that was a reason to stop all exercising and eating healthy.

I want to get back onto the healthier road again now that I'm mostly past the food aversions, but obviously, my focus is not going to be weight loss, but a healthy pregnancy.

So, my goal is now to get off my butt and get some exercise in everyday. After we go grocery shopping this weekend, where I can buy healthier food, I plan to eat better as well.

Oops

2009-07-06T17:49:00.001-05:00

So, not only did I stand Bob Greene up last Thursday, I blew him off all weekend long...same with Spark People, where I track my food. Not doing too well today either...had a bunch of fried food for lunch.

Well, I guess tomorrow's another day, right?

7/2 Update

2009-07-02T19:01:00.001-05:00

Well, yesterday I didn't do so hot with my calories, cuz I went out to eat for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. So, I didn't finish logging my food for the day. Today, I was doing ok, until I went to class, where they provide snacks...and the coffee I ordered to keep me awake.

Still need to exercise tonight, but it's getting kind of late. Better get the munchkin to bed so I can keep my date with Bob Greene.

Yay (insert sarcasm here)!

On a happier note, I have lost a pound this week and lost 8 inches since 6/9.

6/30 Report

2009-06-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

Not too bad today! I also exercised with the Wii Active again tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day according to the Active, but should take a walk or something. I don't think my legs will support me enough to take the stairs at work tomorrow!

I decided to take my measurements for the first time since 6/9 tonight, and woo hoo...I've lost a total of 8 inches all over my body!!! Now that's motivation, especially since the numbers on the scale haven't moved much!!

My Plan

2009-06-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

With the help of my hubby, the "food Nazi," my goal is to eat about 1550 calories per day. I track my calories, fat, carbs and protein using Spark People's website. There are tons of other things on there too, but considering I'm not very consistent at even tracking what I've eaten, I'm going to focus on that for now. But, if you haven't been there before, make sure to check it out.

For exercise, I am using Wii's Active game by EA Sports. I have written a complete game on my other blog (shameless plug, I know) Busy Mom in Iowa, so I'm not going to go into much detail here, but this game, which was designed by the infamous Bob Greene, kicks my butt. It has a 30 day challenge, which I was just days to completing (in about 45 days) when I decided to start over and try to actually do it in 30 days. So last night I started over, changing the intensity to high (I was on medium). I'm sore today from it.

I also took my measurements a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't checked them again to see if I had made any progress, because I have not been doing so well.

Day One

2009-06-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

So, this is my journey of weightloss for everyone to see. Along the way, I hope for some great success, I'm sure some struggles, and I hope to post all the helpful things I find along the way. It's getting late tonight, so I'm not going to post much more right now, but more tomorrow.