Week 29: Day 3

I'm not afraid to admit I'm kinda hungry.  Probably not actually "hungry"...you know what I mean.  I want to munch and crunch!  I want to snack!  I don't want to diet!

Guess what?  You have to diet to lose weight.  Yep.  Just a little something I've learned...feel free to write it down.  Hahaha.  Now, I know some people like to refer to it as a "lifestyle" and that's fine.  However, I enjoy thinking one day I won't have to do this.  One day, maybe?, I will be able to eat whatever I want!  Snack all day long!  Get myself a shake at Sonic when rewarding the kids with a "Wacky Pack"!  Hopefully I won't want to do those things...but it's how I choose to get through the times when I feel I am "depriving" myself.

So, this morning I had my apple and coffee, and a bowl of low fat cottage cheese topped with canteloupe and honeydew.  Oooohhhh....mmmmmm.  It really was delicious.  I then had 20 ounces of water.  We had a bit of struggle getting everyone into the car and on the way to Bible study...just like every morning.  Every day we struggle.  No matter how much of a routine we are in, no matter how many times I explain to everyone what we are doing that day and where and what time.  Ugh.  All morning long today, the kids were all "yes, mom."  "Okay, mom, we will just watch Conner get on the bus, then come inside."  "I promise, mom, no bike riding." 

What do you think happened when we took Conner to the "bus stop" (front yard)?  Jack grabbed his bike and began riding around the yard.  Henry went to the next door neighbor's house and disappeared into their back yard.  I warned them several times that we were going RIGHT back inside when the bus arrived...."OK, MOM!"  Yeah right.  Ugh.  So, we got to fight a little and scream and yell and kick on the way back indoors.  Awesome.  They settled down for the most part inside - I normally would have just let everyone stay outside until time to leave, but I really, really, really needed a shower.  Trust me.  It was time. 

Well, we made it to Bible study and I made a very conscious decision to NOT enter the room with the food.  I saw several cakes and cookies and muffins enter that room...when I did a real and true "gut check" I totally admitted I wasn't even hungry!  I would have been completely happy to stuff my face with any number of the things available, but I definitely didn't NEED any of them to continue my day.  It was nice to have that realization!  On the way home, as I mentioned above, we stopped at Sonic for $1.99 Wacky Packs (yeehaw!), and the smell of that food was killer.  I made it home, though, and I had 2 slices of Whole Wheat Bread with salsa spread over it (I don't know), and the leftover ground chicken meatloaf I made for dinner last night.  I counted that as 1 Grain, 1 Vegetable (carrots and celery in the meatloaf, plus I had 5 baby carrots), and 1 Protein.  Yum, yum!!!  Finished that up with another 20 ounces of water and now I'm hanging out with the kids in the living room!

So, I started Jackie Warner's plan today, by the way.  Basically, each day I get 4 Protein servings, 3 Vegetables, 2 Fruits, 2 Grains, and 1 Fat.  I have a dry erase calendar on the fridge and I've broken these up on each day to cross off as I eat them.  I am planning to have scrambled eggs (1 whole, 2 whites) with oatmeal topped with almonds for "2nd lunch".  Then, for dinner, I will have a Protein and 2 veggies left.  I have a bunch of chicken to cook up and some spinach leaves.  Tomorrow is my magazine delivery day AND I am running in the morning.  Fun!  I will hit up the grocery store after my route is finished (hopefully) and stock up on some more goodies...I have gone back to my "menus".  I can't remember where I first posted about the menus, but basically I have given the kids 5 choices for breakfast, 3 choices of snacks, and 7 options on a lunch menu.  It helps me with grocery shopping and the words are printed below pictures of their options (helping them to read!) and it cuts down on the randomness of their "orders" at times.  I ask the kids what they want for breakfast every morning and sometimes they just say, "Uhmmmmm, uhhhhh.  Hmmmm.  Uhhhhhh."  I realized they have no idea how to limit their own choices.  If I say the various options they have it seems to overwhelm them.  I found the last time I did these menus, they responded very well to being able to SEE the items. 

Well, that was sort of a random tangent?  I had to save and come back (a few hours later!), and I have no idea where I was going with that last bit.  Sorry!!

Ha, ha, ha.  I am SO full today!  I had my 2nd lunch, but wasn't able to eat it until about 4, so it's now 5:45 and I'm putting off dinner because I am still full, full, full!  Love that, right?  Oatmeal with almonds.  Oh my goodness, yum.  Dinner is chicken and salad which smells and looks delicious (the family is already eating), but I really don't even want any just yet.  I could probably not eat again tonight, truly, and be fine.  I am running in the morning, though, so I kinda want to make sure I'm "fully stocked". 

Have a great evening!
xoxo

Week 29: Day 2

I promised to post every day, and I have 8 minutes before I need to go pick up the kids, so here goes! 

As I was running today I was thinking about some things.  Well, a lot of things.  During my run - which was mapped out by me yesterday and supposed to be 4 miles, also the first time I have run that distance (or more) with no intention of doing any intervals (meaning no walk "breaks"), AND was happening at 10:00 am which is significantly later (and sunnier!) than my usual runs...well, a lot was going on in my mind.  I kept wanting to quit, or cut out one little portion, but what kept me going was thinking about posting my run distance and time on dailymile.  Which, subsequently, automatically posts it here.  So, my drive to continue a tough run (only minorly tough, but there were a lot of hills and I was following my written down instructions, so I really didn't know what was next or where I was), was just the accountability of posting it here.  However, I do not seem to have that same "fear" when cramming my mouth with the damn peanut butter and jelly sandwich crusts I cut off the kids' sandwiches!!  Apparently, at some point, I stopped being completely honest here and feeling like all anyone cares about is how fast I can run a few miles.

That stops now.  I know you all are rooting for me.  I know for a fact you all are just as anxious about the end of my 40 weeks and seeing if I can actually get to that 80 pounds lost mark, as I am!!!  RIGHT?!?!?  Something I sort of lost sight of was the fact I only started running...STARTED running, like, 3 and a half months ago!  Does anyone reading expect me to win this 10K on Saturday?  Does anyone expect me to have a time of under 2 hours for the half-marathon on the 24th? 

Does anyone expect me to lose the full 80 pounds in 40 weeks?!?

I am going to imagine you answered "no. no. YES!"  Right? 

Let's refocus.  I am into this running thing, yes.  I enjoy the way I feel (mostly afterwards), and I really, really like training and having something structured to follow.  I will NOT stop running.  However, want to know what I plan to START doing?  (again)  Ha, ha, ha.

You are gonna be my food journal.  SparkPeople-SchmarkPeople.  You are my people.  You have been watching from the beginning (or whatever), and you have been encouraging me and inspiring me and following this blog.  I love it.  You deserve to see me ROCK IT until the end.  Yes!

First thing this morning I had an apple with my yummy new Caramal Apple Pie coffee.  Some of you may cringe, but dude...it was freakin' gooooood.  I think made a Whey Protein shake with water, ice, a banana, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.  Also, very good.  :)  After my run I went to lunch with my big boy kindergartner and ate a bag of air-popped popcorn (80 calories) and his peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  (eek!)  I didn't pack anything and the veggie choices of corn or spinach just weren't doing it for me.  LOL  At home I had a bowl of low-fat cottage cheese topped with almonds and a plum.  Mmmmm. 

I am planning out our week of meals and heading to the grocery store this evening, so I will have a small dinner that is heavy on the vegetables.  I haven't completely decided what meal plan I would like to follow, but I am considering Jackie Warner's plan.  If you recall, I only did her 2 week Jump Start, and I'm thinking I need to give her a few weeks try...the back of the book contains sample menus for me to follow.  I like it easy. 

Time's up!  I'll write more tomorrow!

xoxo

Week 29: Day 1

Good morning!

Ohhhhh, frustration.  Grrrr.  I didn't want to weigh this morning...mostly because I didn't drink enough water yesterday and I haven't run since Saturday.  But I did.  And I was disappointed.  Again. 

I have been trying to refuel my weight loss "fire" over the past week.  Reading everything I can on various diets and plateau breakers and ideas ranging from ridiculous to impossible.  Meanwhile, I have increased my mileage and running confidence.  However, if I could just drop at least another 20 pounds, I know my running would improve that much more!!!! 

I don't even know what my point of blogging today was/is.  I know the accountability of coming here and fessing up really, really helped and motivated me in the beginning.  I know I have seen loss ONLY when using this as the tool I originally intended it to be.  I have been incredibly inspired by other blogs I have discovered as well as the friends I have noticed starting up their own exercise regimens and diets via Facebook.  I love it!  It truly takes a "village" to be successful...I have learned (and continue to re-learn) you have to ask for help.  You HAVE to ask for help. 

I'm getting off course, and I'm sort of losing steam as I get distracted by the kids waking up one by one.  Basically, I plan to blog EVERY day this week.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.  I have decided to switch things up this week regarding my foods...I am increasing my vegetables and lean proteins and will 100% stay away from high sugar foods.  I will likely eat fruit a bit, but I am going to try to choose veggies instead.  I will continue my apple first thing in the morning, for example, but I just finished up a bowl of steamed broccoli and cauliflower for breakfast.  I have a 10K race this Saturday and plan to run at least 2 days this week.  I also plan to incorporate some strength training.  Not much, but just some sit-ups and push-ups here and there. 

Today the scale showed 191.5.  This is such a huge bummer.  HUGE.  I will focus on getting all of my water in each day this week, and hopefully I will quickly see that number go back to my plateau of 188-189!  THEN, I will hopefully break through and bust up that stupid plateau!

I did order a 30-day trial of Sensa.  Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Have a great day!!
xoxo

Week 28: Day 5

Hello!

This will be quick, I just wanted to check in...in case anybody was missing me?  I have not fallen off the wagon.  I have not stopped running or dieting or bettering myself!!  I just have some things going on at home and the motivation to blog was lost.

I plan to post a weigh in on Monday morning.  Currently, I am focusing on eating less and making better choices about what I do eat.  Kristin came over last night for a teaching session about all things "17-day diet".  She is very excited.  I bought her a few of the staple items and will be checking in with her daily.  She will do an official weigh-in on September 9th before her "off weekend" of wedding and birthday celebrations!!!  She has incorporated some exercise now that she is off the cabbage soup plan...she went for a jog the other day and was leaving my house to go on a walk last night.  Woo-hoo!  I am planning to start up a group after my half marathon to go through the Couch to 5K plan.  I plan to do the program again in the hopes it will improve my speed greatly.  The next long-distance run I am planning is not until April, 2012, so I will begin training for that in January.

Tomorrow morning will be my first 10-mile run.  Whew.  Daunting.  I have a very busy day planned after that, so I will likely not be posting anything.  Look for some notes on Monday!

Have a great weekend,
xoxo

17 day diet

Good morning.  Here's the details for anyone wanting to follow this plan.  I am going to try, but I have a LOT of running to do over the next few weeks and I'm a little concerned it is too low-calorie.  I have downloaded (uploaded?) the Runner's World Guide to Running on my (new) Kindle and was kind of thinking I would follow their meal plan.  I am happy to do another challenge, however, amongst followers.  If you are interested in doing that, please post a comment or email me or Facebook message me with what day you would like to start.  Kristin will probably do Slim Fast for one more day and start this plan on Friday.

EVERY DAY:  First thing in the morning, drink one 8-ounce cup of hot water, squeeze half a lemon into the cup.  **I added a little bit of Splenda.  VERY little bit**

17 day diet consists of 4 cycles of 17-days each.  Cycle 1 is called the Accelerate Cycle.  You can eat as much as you want of specific proteings and cleansing vegetables.  "Specific proteins" = salmon (canned or fresh), sole, flounder, catfish, tilapia, canned light tuna (in water), chicken breasts, turkey breasts, ground turkey (lean), eggs (2 eggs = 1 serving), egg whites (4 whites = 1 serving); "Cleansing vegetables" = basically any vegetable.  Stay away from corn and beans.  Yay to green colors!

2 servings a day of "Low-Sugar Fruit" = apples, berries (all types), grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, prickly pear cactus, prunes, red grapes.

2 servings a day of "Probiotic Foods" - yogurt (any type, including greek-style, sugar-free fruit flavored; plain; low-fat (6 ounce container = 1 serving)), Kefir (1 cup = 1 serving), low-fat acidophilus milk (1 cup = 1 serving), Yakult (small 50-calorie bottle), Braekstone LiveActive cottage cheese (1/2 cup = 1 serving), Reduced salt miso dissolved in low-fat, low-sodium brother (1 Tbsp - 1 serving), Tempeh (4 oz. = 1 serving), sauerkraut (1/2 cup = 1 serving), Kimchi (1/2 cup = 1 serving)

1 to 2 Tablespoons of "friendly fats" daily!  Olive oil, flaxseed oil.

Condiments are allowed in moderation, but I would recommend trying to eat foods without any.  If you do HAVE to use something, try to find low-carb varieties of ketchup and marinara sauce, and fat-free sour cream and/or cheeses.  Same with salad dressing - use fat free.

Typical Sample Day:
     BREAKFAST:  2 eggs or 4 egg whites (**or I prefer a combination of the two with 1 egg and 2 egg whites); or 1 serving of probiotic food.
          1 fruit serving
          1 cup green tea

     LUNCH:  Liberal amounts of protein in the form of fish, poultry, or eggs plus unlimited amounts of cleansing vegetables; or 1 probiotic serving plus unlimited amounts of cleansing vegetables.
          1 cup green tea

     DINNER:  Liberal amounts of protein in the form of fish or chicken.
          Unlimited amounts of cleansing vegetables
          1 cup green tea

     SNACKS:
          2nd fruit serving
          2nd probiotic serving

I would be happy to detail some days, if anyone feels they need more "structure"?  It's pretty basic and simple.  I found the Kefir drinks to be particularly filling and yummy.  Also, plain yogurt with a spoonful of sugar free jelly is yum-yum!

I am sorry to not post more.  Things around the house have not been great lately and I believe I will be taking a break for a bit.

Week 28: Day 1

Hello!!

Good ol' Monday.  Luckily, the kids don't seem to upset about my choice of a lazy, lazy day today.  Mentally I have all sorts of motivation to rearrange and clean this house, but physically?  Yeah.  Not happening.  I did start in the boys' room, but quickly lost interest.  I think it's time to paint.

Does anyone else experience this extreme need to move things around?  Frequently?  I have several friends who will tell you that every time they come in to my house it is arranged differently.  I love it.  I love to move things around, I love the freshness of new arrangements, I love the new feel.  I also, however, love new pictures hung and new colors on the walls.  Unfortunately, those last two things can be a little expensive!  Anyway, I think it may be time to paint.  We have only lived here for 9 months, so that might not happen for a bit, but it does take me some time to pick out colors....

I get restless easily.  Unfortunately, my day to day is SO monotonous, I don't get a lot of release for that restlessness.  I guess I could channel it into coming up with new things for the kids to do, but I really feel limited with their young ages and attention spans.  Not to mention intelligence level.  I love my kids, I truly think they are all super smart FOR THEIR AGE.  This does not translate to "smart for an adult".  Right? 

Okay, speaking of restlessness and young children - they really want to go outside and wait for their big brother to get off the bus.  I'll make my point now.  :)

So, my Kindle screen froze.  Again.  This was my 3rd Kindle in a year, and now my 4th is en route to me.  Ugh.  Luckily, Amazon replaces them for free, but unluckily, my 17 day diet book is on the Kindle, so I have to wait for the replacement to get here in order to tell you the meal plan!  I am so so sorry.  I received an email stating the replacement would be here tomorrow, so I will post in the afternoon with details of at least the first week.

Kristin is doing AWESOME.  She wanted me to let everyone know that she did "fall off the wagon" on Saturday.  Friday evening she went out to a concert and drank 3 beers - which she said went to her head way faster than 3 beers usually do!  Haha.  So, Saturday she had a very long day at work and allowed herself to get too hungry, and she ate Subway for dinner.  Gasp!  :)  I told her that was fine, I totally understand.  She ate on "plan" for day 7 of cabbage soup yesterday (brown rice and veggies).  I didn't hear from her this morning, but yesterday morning she was showing a loss of over 10 pounds!!  She also had to do a little shopping because an outfit she had intended to wear to her new job today was too loose to still look good!  I'd call that a successful first week, for sure.

Kristin will do Slim Fast for the next three days (including today).  I set her up with enough shakes and snacks, and we will do an official weigh in Thursday morning before she begins 17 day diet.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

P.S.!!!  i did the random.org drawing today and the E-Mealz winner is Adam Shapaka!!  He has won a 6 month subscription to E-Mealz.com.  Hooray!

xoxo

Week 27: Day 6 (KLD 6)

Hey!!

Yeah, I am not doing the Zone.  Blah.  More on that later...when I have time to actually collect my thoughts and make some sense of them for you.

I just wanted to update you all on Kristin!!  She is doing great.  She did go out last night to a concert and told me she drank 3 beers...I think she is very much regretting that decision today, however, because she is now a "light-weight"!  Her words.  Hahaha.  She is back on track today and I actually have some steak I need to take over to her house.

My Kindle's screen has frozen, so I cannot retreive the 17-day diet information right now!  Ugh.  This is my 3rd Kindle in the past year, can you believe it!?!?  Awful.  Every single time the screen freezes.  Every single time this happens they replace the Kindle for free...which leads me to believe this is a common problem that doesn't surprise them at Amazon.  So, my new one should be here today or Monday and I will promptly detail the first week of the first 17-days!

Hope everyone is having a great day!!!

Today's Bonus Question:
     What is your favorite part of this blog?  Why do you read each day?

W27: D4 (KLD 4; Zone 1)

My Titles are getting stranger!  Hahaha.  Helps me track of all my goings on. 

Well, this morning's run was brought to you (me) by the letters G-O-D.  I did NOT want to get out of bed.  Zoe was up at midnight and 2:30, both times to vomit what appears to be sinus back-up or teething saliva.  Thing is, she has no fever and I know she isn't sick...it just appears she has a more sensitive stomach than her brothers.  Who never vomited.  I don't handle that well, so Shaun cleaned it up the first time while I cleaned HER up.  The second time, however, it was on her mostly, so he put her in the tub while I cleaned up her bed and linens.  Again.  Wow.  This time when I got her dressed in fresh pj's, I put her in our bed and I went to sleep in her (clean) bed.  When that alarm sounded at 4:30 I had EVERY intention of rolling over and silencing it.  However, my eyes shot open and I felt like I could get up without much effort.  I sat up and then felt certain I could at least make it to the living room.  Baby steps got me dressed and out the door for my almost 5 mile run.  Yay!!  When I first got out it was SO dark...like, intimidatingly dark.  The longer these runs get, the earlier I have to leave in the mornings because Shaun still needs to leave by 6:15.  I was a little nervous especially when I realized we have very few street lights in our neighborhood!  Anyway, I just listened to the music and did some praying and all was good...my legs and lungs felt good, my feet moved at the right pace.  Everything this morning took VERY little thought...which is good, because I've been home for 20 minutes and I think I might have just woken up officially.  Ha, ha!

Let me tell you about our sweet Kristin!  She is ROCKING this cabbage soup diet!  Down 9 pounds as of yesterday morning and still loving the soup.  Like, she told me last night she wants to eat that for the rest of her life.  We'll see.  It's only been three days.  LOL  Today is her awesome banana day, I made her a fresh batch of soup last night so she is good and stocked.  I went ahead and told her about ground beef tomorrow so she's looking forward to that, for sure.

It looks like we will have some challengers for the 17-day-diet starting next week!  Exciting!!  I will look it over again this weekend and post details on the first few days...we start on Thursday, so I want to make sure everyone is able to have the list before grocery shopping.  The book has sample menus for each day, but you can also choose from a list making sure to hit the requirements of protein, carb, fruit, veg, etc...If you read all of this and decide to be a "Contender", I will just need a picture of your scale Thursday morning either emailed to ALDUNKLE@MSN.COM, or texted to my cell phone. 

Awesome, I'm going to get these kiddos ready for school and relax today!  Relaxing is probably going to involve some house cleaning, but it will be on MY terms, so it's okay.  Ha, ha, ha.

Have a great day!!!!

xoxo

P.S.  Starting weight for my Week In The Zone - 190.
P.P.S. If you had one day fully to yourself with NO responsibilities...what would you do??  Let's say money is no object, but you only have 8 hours.

Week 27: Day 3 (KLD 3)

Good morning!

Very quick post...just a few things to say before rushing to make sure Conner doesn't miss the bus again!!

1.  Kristin's day 2 went great and she is loving this diet!!  She lost 6 pounds in the first day.  6 POUNDS!!!  We both recognize this may be "water weight" and losing the excess from the binging weekend, but 6 pounds is 6 pounds....so yay!!!  She doesn't know about banana day tomorrow just yet...I thought it would be fun to keep it a secret.  :)

2.  I am starting tomorrow with "A Week in The Zone".  A book I found for $0.25 at the used bookstore yesterday (told you it was awesome)!  They have a grocery list and specific meals detailed for 7 days.  I will start tomorrow because I didn't make it to the grocery yesterday and will be going tonight.  The family will be eating the same thing, so maybe everyone will weigh in tomorrow morning?  :)  Ha, ha.  Today I am not going to really pay attention to what I eat...I did that yesterday and gained 2 pounds.  Awesome.  Guess what this week is, also?  This will definitely account for gaining or staying the same, but usually equals a great loss afterwards.  USUALLY.  Here's to The Zone!  (anyone wanting to join me, email me and I will send along the details)

3.  Nobody answered the question yesterday.  That breaks my heart.  So, no random question today, I will just ask - Is anyone at all interested in 6 months of E-Mealz for free? 

Have a great day!

xoxo

Week 27: Day 2 (KLD 2)

Good EARLY morning! 

I am writing this before the mad rush of getting everyone (that's right, everyone) ready for school! 

* Yesterday was so awesome.  Seriously, I am on to something with this whole NOT getting up too darn early to enjoy the rest of my day!  It does have to be said, however, that I would not go back and change any of the days I was getting up so early.  The habit of running had to be made, and the only way to do that was truly having a time to myself to get it done.  That time would not have happened any other time of day.  SO - for anyone thinking "Oh, I don't have time."  Yes, you do.  It may be uncomfortable for a bit, but you have to create a habit before you can rely on yourself to really keep it up.  Now, I am missing running, seriously.  I am heading over to a Greenway after dropping off the littles at 9, so I am really excited about that!  Yesterday was so COOL!  We got Conner off to school (he has become and bus ride and LOVES it!  So does momma...pick up and drop off in our front yard?  Oh yeah.), and then I blogged and got dressed and we headed out to the streets.  The twins riding their bikes and Zoe in the stroller.  We live on a not-too-busy street, but cars will use it as a pass through and sometimes drive too fast, so we headed around the corner to a cul de sac.  The boys were able to just ride up and down and back and forth and circling as fast as they could!  Turns out they are pretty darn fast.  I decided to run along with them and use my stopwatch to sort of recreate Week 1 of C25K.  When I would begin running ("racing") with them, I would make sure I ran for at least 60 seconds.  Then, I would intentionally walk for 60-90 seconds to get my heart rate back down.  It was fun!  The boys thought it was hilarious that I couldn't keep up with them riding their bikes (by the way, Zoe's stroller is the worst stroller I have ever used, I truly HATE it)...especially at the point when my shorts FELL OFF!!!  Hilarious, embarrassing...all of the above.  So, we swung around to visit a neighbor who used to watch the twins when they were much younger (before I had Zoe).  We hung out at her house for about 20 minutes and then the boys were itching to get back out to their bikes.  I decided to let them ride about 50 feet up a slightly busier road in order to get to new not busy streets...that was the biggest workout of them all!!  Chasing after them and trying to keep them to the edge of the road and one twin is slower than the other so flipping my head back and forth to watch them both.  Whew!  A passerby (driving) even stopped to encourage me and said, "Girl!  You got to get that exercise in any way you can!  You doin' it!  Good job!"  It was sweet.  :)  So, we then got to go down a HUUUUGGGE hill and the boys were flying!!!  Made me very nervous, but they honestly did a great job of using their brakes just enough to keep themselves from going too fast and getting out of control.  I am so amazed at these little guys!!  When we got home I mapped our route to the best of my memory and it was over 2 miles that they rode!  Would you believe they did not get off the bikes once except for the short time we were at the neighbors' house?  Nice.  When we got home, I was as sweaty as I usually am getting home from a long run!  All three of them took a nap after lunch, so that made it all the more better.  :)

*I kept up with SparkPeople yesterday...the only thing I dislike about using that website (or any website for that matter) is that I do not have a fancy cool phone to track my food from anywhere.  I have to get on the computer every time, and if the point is to keep track throughout the day I find myself on the computer every few hours.  Normally, no, this is not a "problem", but it does get annoying...I am very easily distracted when I open up the computer.  I entered a recipe last night and got SO bothered by it wanting me to select category and type of food and enter instructions and blah, blah, blah.  I should probably just do it the old-fashioned way.  Carry a notebook around and write everything down...that way, too, it will be extra work and maybe I will decide I don't need to eat that extra couple hundred calories!  After reading the comment from Erin on yesterday's post, I did a little bit of research as to a proper "Runner's Diet".  I found some good information, but not really anything I could use outside of "tips"...like a meal plan.  You gotta tell me what to do or I am going to break all your rules and make up my own!  Runner's World magazine (my favorite) has a book out, so I'm going to stop by McKay Books and see if they have it there.  For those not in Nashville, McKay is the most awesome used book store.  You can get most books for under a dollar...I have found some of my favorites for 10 cents!!  They also have music, movies, books on tape...everything!  It's awesome.  So, I will check it out to see if they have this Runner's World Runner's Diet book...I do agree with her that I am not eating properly for the kind of exercise I have now added in.

*Kristin's Day One went GREAT!!!!  She weighed in the morning, but I need to get her permission once more to report the number.  She said she LOVES the soup and wants to eat it all the time (good thing cause she's gonna be eating a lot of it!).  The fruit salad was delicious and she was feeling good!  Her only complaint was the extreme "cleaning" effect the soup was having, but we both agreed this is to be expected when switching from what she WAS eating (particularly over last bachelorette party weekend) to all of these fresh, awesome foods!  Today I have set her up with a package of baby carrots, some sugar snap peas, and one package of steamable broccoli/cauliflower.  She also has all of the leftover vegetables from when I made the soup.  And, of course, I got her a baked potato for tonight!  Yum, yum!  I think she may have been nervous about eating a baked potato, but I assured her (and if she's reading this, let me assure you again) EAT THE BAKED POTATO!!  LOAD IT UP WITH BUTTER!!  It may feel so wrong, but it is absolutely a part of the plan and you need to eat it!!!!

*I do have 50 followers once again and will be opening up the E-Mealz giveaway!  Over the next 6 days, I will pose a question at the end of each blog posting...you will be given 1 entry for being a follower and 1 entry for every question you answer.  I will use Random.com (.org?) again on Monday morning to get the winner!  The winner will receive a 6 month membership to E-Mealz.com...this is the website I have been using to plan out our weekly dinners!  They give you 7 meals a week, with recipes, and a grocery list broken down by section of your chosen grocery store!  I use the Publix plan, and often take it to Kroger to compare prices. 

*I have a follower who is really, really wanting to do another challenge.  I am very competitive, so of course this speaks to me.  I was thinking about a 17 day diet challenge when Kristin begins that diet on August 25, 2011.  Let me know if you would like to enter this challenge!  Basically, we would all follow the 17-day-diet plan (I will detail it for those who don't want to buy the book), weigh in on day 1 and then day "18", and do percentages just like we did for the Slim Fast Challenge.  Interested??

Today's Bonus Question:  What is the farthest distance you have ever run?  My current answer is 8.65 miles...I am very excited for the answer to change to 13.1 miles in September!! 

Have a great day,             (Also, please vote by clicking the brown link below!!)
xoxo

Week 27: Day 1 (SFC final results!)

Good morning!!!

I cannot believe it is Week 27 for me!  That's kind of crappy since today's weigh in wasn't phenomenal as I'd hoped.  :)  Damn.  Now I'm 5 pounds behind schedule!!!  GRRRR.

Okay, let's talk happy things.  The Slim Fast Challengers have all reported in...here are the results:

Bonnie	237.6	236.4	0.51%
Audrey	188.5	189.5	-0.53%
Liz	195.4	191.2	2.15%
Heather	143.6	137.8	4.04%
Shonda	156.8	153.1	2.36%
LJ	243.5	226	7.19%

Heather and LJ rocked it!!!  Everyone (except me) did great, actually, and I'm very pleased.  All losses!!  Again, with the exception of me.  Way to go, right?  Ha, ha.

So, since LJ is a guy, I have decided to award Heather with the "Love Cuff", and he will get a prize that hasn't been determined just yet.  I'm not saying guys don't enjoy bracelets, and I totally offered to let him give it to his wife, but his sweet wife said this wasn't about her and she would rather he got something meaningful to HIM to reward his efforts.  Awww.

Today marks day one of Kristin's Losing Days!  I am starting her off with the Cabbage Soup Diet, so I made her a beautiful bowl of fruit salad, couple of oranges, couple of apples, and, of course, the soup.  I found a "new" recipe for the soup with a lot more veggies in it (at least it looked like a lot more!), so she should be good.  Kristin loves all foods...even all fruits and vegetables, so it's going to be pretty darn easy to do her shopping!  The fruit salad included strawberries, canteloupe, pears, peaches, and green grapes.  All fruits were fresh and diced up by yours truly.  I should have taken a picture because it really was pretty.  I instructed her she could have coffee since she drinks it black, and she needs to drink between 80 and 100 ounces of water. 

For my own dieting plan, this week I will be religiously using SparkPeople to track all foods.  I'm going to try really, really focusing on only eating when I am hungry and only eating until that hunger has been satisfied!  This week is going to be a new one for me...Conner has kindergarten all 5 days, the littles are in school on Tuesday and Thursday, and I don't have any plans for those two days!  The weather is a bit cooler, too, so I don't feel as restricted to doing my running at the crack of dawn.

Speaking of running, here's where I am at with that...don't worry, still loving it, and totally still training.  However, I ran 4 days last week and felt tired, tired, tired.  I noticed that, rather than having more energy to get out a play with the kids (part of the reason for losing weight), I am sleepy and cranky and just wanting to lay around.  Rather than "waste" all of my energy on myself before they are even up, I would like for my days with the kids to be more about being outside and playing!  So, I'm going to get up super early to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but leave the Monday, Wednesday, Fridays for "cross training".  Riding bikes with the kids (well, I don't have a bike, but I can run alongside them!), walks around the neighborhood, playing at the park, etc.  I think this will help with my snacking all day, too, since I will be more up for being outdoors rather than distracting myself from sleepiness with food.  Does anyone else do this?  Ugh.  I totally got right back into old habits this weekend...putting food in my mouth just for the sake of it, or just to get the taste there.  Why don't they make pizza flavored toothpaste?  I know that sounds gross, but minty fresh isn't what I want when I want to snack!  Pickle flavored gum is another idea I had before.  Ha, ha, ha.

So, this week's running plan will be Tuesday and Thursday morning, running 7 min/walking 1 min for a total of 48 minutes.  Today I am taking the kids out in the neighborhood for some fun bike riding!!  They are not allowed to ride in the streets, so it's pretty exciting to them when we relax the rules a bit.  We haven't gone out and about since they learned to ride without training wheels, though...should be interesting. 

I currently don't have any plans for Wednesday, but I'm thinking Friday we will go to the YMCA pool.  My 3 month gifted membership ends September 6...sad face!  I will say I don't feel like it is quite worth the cost, but I really, really enjoy having the membership as "back up".  Ever since taking the kids to the pool there, they get really bratty and screamy when I try to check them in to the daycare.  It's very annoying.  This results in me not wanting to go unless we are using the pool...add to that the fact I have no clue what I'm doing with any weight lifting and I can't run on the indoor track anymore.  Basically, I'm saying I don't think we will be renewing our membership. 

Segue from "September" talk...I have found a 1K race for my sons to do on September 5th!  It is in Franklin and they are all really excited.  I think it will be fun for me to NOT race that day and just make it all about their first!!  Now to get them all tennis shoes and not break the bank, right? 

I hope everyone has a great day! 

xoxo

Week 26: Day 6 (SFC Day 14)

Hello!!

So, the East Nashville Tomato Fest 5K was this morning and it was FUN!  I woke up one of the twins, Jack, because he had told me before he really want to come with me...we left about 5:50 am.  Whew.  The atmosphere was super fun and there were a lot of people dressed in costumes!  Some as tomatoes, one man was dressed as a taco, and a few people in red togas.  It was pretty cool and I was very excited.  Jack hung out with a couple of my friends during the race, and I did feel some motivation knowing he was going to be seeing me run.  The route was pretty hilly, but nothing too bad, actually.  I think my biggest downfall was using my ipod.  At the Firecracker 5K I didn't have any music on and it was pretty cool to hear people breathing behind me and really FEEL the difference between just running any ol' day and racing.  So, even though I had super motivational music playing with fast beats and all that...it didn't result in a faster race.  Well, being honest, it was faster...just not as "faster" as I wanted it to be.  Firecracker 5K time was 28:20, and today's Tomato Fest 5K was 28:08.  12 seconds improvement.  I am a little disappointed, but I am finally coming around to realizing that is a great time no matter what, and I have to give some credit to the fact I feel great and truthfully could run a little more today if I needed to.

So back to 1/2 marathon training!  My next race will be in Somerville, TN, on September 10th.  With Ashley!  I'm setting zero goals for that race.  I think it will just be fun to be with Ashley and her family, on a mini-vacation.  I do think a bit of our competitive nature will come out and we may just have to "race" each other.  Ha, ha.

Slim Fast Challengers - send me your weigh-ins Monday morning!  I have already heard from Liz because she started before everyone else.  I'm actually kind of looking forward to weighing in.  I haven't followed the plan today, but I actually wasn't terrible this week...I'm coming to realize running brings out a bit of a hungry bear in me!  I was happier eating dinner with the family rather than lunch by myself, though. 

I seem to have "lost" a follower?  So, anyway, when I get back up to 50 followers, I will be doing another giveaway!  I have decided to buy 6 months of E-Mealz service for one of my followers.  Yay!  This is a great website, feel free to check it out...there is a link on the right of my page.  This is what I have been using to plan our dinners.  The website has you select a grocery store and they plan 7 meals a week for you, giving you the recipe AND a full grocery list broken down by aisle!  Very easy to use and really helpful.  Not to mention, there are recipes I have never even thought to use/make, so it keeps things fun in the kitchen! 

One other link I would like to ask you to click on...at the bottom of each post, you will see a box for Top Mommy Blogs, and I would love to move up their "ladder"!  If you like what you read, all you have to do is click there and it will register a vote for my blog!  If you have some spare time, you may want to stay on the site and read other blogs that are listed, too...I have found some great ones there. 

Welp, that's all for today.  I am taking Conner and Zoe to the zoo this evening for Member Night.  Free carousel rides...hopefully that means I can just sit back and enjoy watching.  I totally took a nap today, too.  Lazy girl!  It felt SO good.  We bought "new", very used, bikes for the twins today and Shaun spray painted them red and black.  They look pretty crazy now, but these bikes just have to last us until we ask for new ones for Christmas!  All three boys are riding without training wheels, so I'm thinking we will become a bike-riding family in the new year!  Fun!!

xoxo

Week 26: Day 4 (SFC Day 12)

Good afternoon!

It has been a whirlwind day so far and I cannot believe it's only 1:00 PM...I totally need a nap.

So, first things first, Conner started kindergarten today.  He looked SO cute and I was all set to take a picture...when the batteries died.  Ugh.  So, I did manage to get a couple shots with my cell phone...

 


He did great, I did great.  We have both been ready for this day alllll summer long, so I wasn't surprised with the lack of tears and sentiments.  He knew I would be back to pick him up in a few hours and I knew he would be the same "little" Conner when I picked him up.  :)

Moving on...this morning's run was awesome.  I felt great and managed to increase my distance even thought I ran the exact same intervals for the same amount of time as the other day.  That was fun!  I was seriously sweaty when I got home, although the weather was perfect for running.  Shaun stayed home while I took Conner to school, so I didn't have to get up and run quite as early.  It's quite different running when the sun is up...even if the temps are cooler.  I was g-r-o-s-s!  I am really, really excited about the Tomato Fest 5K on Saturday.  Nervous a little, but mostly excited.  My outfit is complete and I cannot wait to post some pictures!!  Since the run is only 3.1 miles, I am hoping to recover my legs enough to do a short 2-3 mile run on Sunday, as well.  My half marathon training calls for 7 miles that day, but I also surpassed the other three days' 3 miles this weeks, so I guess the total may end up being the same regardless.  The interval training would be another day of the 6 min run/1 min walk...I probably have too many "trainings" going on at once, huh?  Ha, ha, ha.  I always have been quite the multi-tasker!  Who knows, maybe I'm on to something...

I am very excited about something else, by the way!!  A friend has "hired" me on as her personal diet consultant.  "Hired" does not imply payment, and diet consultant really is going to translate to me being the boss of the food that goes into her mouth.  But I cannot wait to see if I have it in my to help someone on their own weight loss journey!!  She approached me, and I really thought about it a lot yesterday and came up with a plan that we both have agreed on.  "She" is Kristin.  Kristin wasn't going to let me put her picture up here until she realized it would be true accountability at that point.  SO, Kristin's plan will begin Monday, August 15.  I will post little "blurbs" about her plan/progress each day...I am starting her with the Cabbage Soup Diet, and then I plan to join her for 3 days of Slim Fast and Phase 1 of the 17-day diet.  I will be doing her grocery shopping and meal planning, so she has no food to think about for the next month - all she has to do is eat it.  Fun!!

I hope you have a great day, I'm really going to get a little nap in before picking up the three youngest from preschool!

xoxo

Week 26: Day 2 (SFC Day 10)

Good morning!

This will be a quick, short post.  I just had a couple of thoughts I wanted to share...

1.  I saw 188 on the scale this morning!  Yeehaw!!  Now to only go DOWN from there, right??

2.  I have revamped my Slim Fast tactic.  I was trying to eat my 500-calorie meal at lunchtime and finding myself not wanting to stop eating once I started.  Last night was grocery night, so I planned out our dinners for the next 5 days and ONLY bought those ingredients.  Obviously, I got a few things for breakfasts and lunches for the rest of the family, but nothing that is too enticing for me.  After I put everything away last night, I was telling my husband that it is easier for me to not snack when everything in the kitchen is a part of a "meal". 

3.  Today's interval run was 6 minutes run/1 minute walk and it was awesome!  I felt great and even had a little burst of energy at the end to make it to the end of the street for my mapping to be easier.  Ha, ha.  During my run I decided on my music for the Tomato Fest 5K this Saturday.  Since I have a goal of finishing in 27 minutes or less, I have decided to use my Christian Workout music for 25 minutes and then have 2 minutes of silence.  This way, I will run comfortably (hopefully fast) during the music (only choosing songs with the BPM's higher than 140), and when the silence starts, I will know I need to just kick it up to the finish line.  I have heard from others who are experienced with this route that it is a bit hilly and I really feel like the Firecracker 5K was not, so I'm nervous about that.  However, if I improve my time at all, I will be happy.  The 27 minute goal is just to get out of paying for the Somerville 5K, right, Ash?  ;)

4.  I officially have 50 followers now and feel the need for another contest!!  It will be next week, so be on the lookout...

(Finally) 5.  I am working on my Tomato Fest outfit and I think it's going to be a good one!!  Look forward to pictures this weekend.

That is all for today.  I did end up buying some more earbuds for the ipod and had a stern talk with the kids about NOT cutting anything other than paper.  And only paper that has been preapproved by mom or dad.  We'll see if that sticks.

Have a great day!

xoxo

Week 26: Day 1 (SFC Day 9)

Good morning! 

I am starting this before my run and plan to finish after my run, just to let you know how I like the new routine.  So, I know I have been complaining a lot lately about the kids, but I am thinking this week will be way better.  Or at the very least marginally better.  School starts back for the little ones Tuesday, and Conner will start kindergarten on Thursday!  It's only a half day and he is off Friday, but I'm really hoping even that little bit will help the crappy attitude he has developed lately.  Plus, I have a few fun things planned this week to help ALL of us with our attitudes!  Ha, ha.

So, this morning, as I mentioned I am off for 50 minutes of interval training, 6 minutes of running followed by 1 minute of walking.  I'm planning to head out Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this week to do this in the morning.  The Tomato Fest 5K is this Saturday!  I'm very excited!  A friend who I'm pretty sure will be running with me is a pretty fast runner and I'm considering trying to stay with her!  She finished the Firecracker race in, like, 20-21 minutes...I have never run that fast before, but I was thinking if I could at least have her in my sights, I should meet my goal of 27 minutes or less, right? 

Also this morning I did a weight check.  Ugh.  Back to 190.  If I were going to be completely honest, I would tell you I should probably be up higher than that...however, I was really hoping the extra exercise over the weekend and extra water (and the hot tea) would have counteracted my poor eating!  Oh...I guess it did.  Because I'm not higher, and I likely deserve to be.  I wasn't so much AWFUL as just not good, y'know?  I haven't heard back from everyone, but here are the mid-week updates I have so far

Heather - down 3.06%
Shonda - down 1.53%
Liz - down 0.72%
Bonnie - down 0.34%
Audrey - up 0.80%

Way to go, everyone!!  Just keep in mind we have one more week to go on this, so power through and rock it!!  I am hereby pledging to be 100% compliant this week.  I even told my husband, so he has promised to keep me accountable.  As I mentioned, we have lots of things planned, so it should keep me out of the kitchen and away from the snacks.  Today I am thinking we will head out to the Y for some indoor pool fun.  The forecast is calling for random thunderstorms...I'm not sure if that affects the indoor pool or not?  Tomorrow, the youngest 3 will head off to school at 9 and Conner and I have a full day planned!  We are going shopping for back to school supplies and attending a "back to school" party!  Wednesday is very exciting...we are heading out to a friend's house.  A friend of mine I haven't seen in a very, very long time and my children have never met her children.  Hers are younger, but my kids just LOVE meeting new friends and visiting new places.  They are quite social.  Thursday I get to take everyone to school.  Even if it is only for a couple of hours, I plan to enjoy those hours.  Thoroughly.  Friday we will all be home together again, and I may do the YMCA pool again.  My three month membership ends after this month, so we have to really use up these last days.  Ha, ha.

******
Went for my run...however, on the way out the door, as I went to plug my headphones (earbuds) in to the ipod, I noticed something was wrong. 

I'm pretty sure I remember these things being all attached...

Yeah.  I had forgotten one of the twins discovered he can reach the scissors...he has taken a liking to cutting things.  Particularly coupons!  He's not very good, so luckily he only got to one page before I got them back.  (I'm only a baby couponer, by the way.  I have a binder with all the inserts neatly placed, I purchase two Sunday papers a week, however, I often forget about them entirely and just impulse shop.  Awesome, right?)  So, I didn't even think twice about him cutting things.  OF COURSE he wouldn't cut something as important as my earbud cord!  Sigh.  Ever seen the website www.shitmykidsruined.com?  It will make you feel better in times like these.

Anyway, I was awake and really craving some exercise, so I decided to head out for a "silent" run.  Or I could call it a "bird" run.  Haha.  There are some loud birds in this neighborhood!  I live in a small section with some serious hills that I have never attempted, so I decided to try my first ever hill training.  Now, please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing, and there was no time to Google.  SO, I went out for a bit of a jog...down my street, around the corner and down and back another relatively flat street.  Then, I headed up.  Slight incline, feeling good, then I went down a pretty serious hill on another street just 2 blocks away from my house.  Wow.  I knew that one was going to be tough.  I ran to the end of the road and back, then allowed my heart rate to come back down before pushing HARD up the hill.  I'm sorry to not be able to give distances, incline, timing, etc.  The hill took me about 25 seconds to get to the top and the Garmin shows I was running at a rate of 7 min/mile.  The part I was most excited about was to watch my heart rate shoot up to 171 and go right back down when I turned to jog the downhill!  My new running buddy, Ericka, says that is a great sign of fitness - when your heart rate recovers quickly.  I would jog back down the hill and around to the end of a little cul de sac, then walk back to the bottom of the hill.  I managed to do the hill three times and truly feel I could have done a fourth, but I needed to get home for Shaun to head off to work.  Very exhilarating!

This has turned into kind of a lengthy post!  Well, I did want to say one more thing today.  If you haven't checked out any of the blogs on my "blog roll", I want to highly recommend one for you to read!  Slim Katie blogs at www.runsforcookies.com.  She lost over 100 pounds and I really like her writing style...plus, she let her husband guest blog one day last week and he's a good writer, too!  Anyway, I read her blog every day and I love that she posts every day, does not hold back in her posts, and SHE LOST 100 POUNDS!  She is very open and honest about things.  I just wanted you all to know, if you are also on any sort of weight loss journey, she is one to read...and her pictures are amazing. 

Okay, I hope you all have a great day!  I am trying to figure out a way to either get some new earbuds or borrow some until I can afford new ones.  Either way, I will head out tomorrow for my 6 min/1 min run.  I did figure out how to set timers on my watch, so I do always have that option.

xoxo

Week 25: Day 6 (SFC Day 7)

Full confession time:  When I run long distances I binge, binge, binge.  It's not a good thing, it's definitely NOT necessary, but something about the sore legs just translates to my brain as GRUB TIME.  Ugh.  Knowing this about myself is the first step, right?  Praying is step 2.  So, I've been praying about this and I was bracing myself for today and truly, truly attempting to be good and healthy and just find things to do outside of the kitchen...I started off fine and dandy, but then it rained and our pool plans cancelled and the only "fun" thing I could think of to do indoors was have the kids help me cook.  Great idea, right?  Well, great for the kids, but not so much for my tendency to snack.  We made a thin crust pizza with sausage, green peppers, and carrots.  And cheese.  Lots and lots of cheese.  Oh, it was so good.  Mmmmmmmm.

Guess what I have been blessed with now?  A ridiculous sour stomach.  I overate the pizza and will likely not eat another thing today.  Ick.  Tummy troubles are no fun.  However, it has helped me to reel the monster back in and stop the madness!  I took a couple hour "in and out" nap while the kids randomly napped and woke me up.  I mean, I remember Henry coming and asking me something that made NO sense at one point, I totally remember my eyes being fully opened and I just couldn't understand the words he was saying!  However, Shaun tells me Henry has been asleep the whole time?  Spoooooky.  Ha, ha.  Zoe and I were out on the couch and who knows what Shaun put on the tv for our dream-making enjoyment.  So, now we are all outside in the muggy weather and I'm drinking hot green tea.  Thanks for the tip, Jackie Warner!

So, no Slim Fast for me today, but I will get back on the bus tomorrow, promise.  I heard from a couple of challengers and they don't sound like they are being all too compliant either.  Wink, wink.  You know who you are!!  Let's refocus for this next week and end this challenge with some good losses!!!  Shall we say if you don't lose at least 1% of your starting weight, you have to donate $10 to the ADA??? 

Ooooh, speaking of suffering when you don't lose, I have devised a new "game" here at home!  Due to my random binges this week (uh, by the way, no school for ANY of the kids this week, so it was a long one!), I told Shaun we were going to make three "buckets" here at home.  Bucket #1 will be the "GAIN" bucket.  Shaun will fill this bucket with notes of tasks he would like me to do that he knows I will not be happy about.  This bucket will be drawn from if I show a gain of 1.5 pounds or more in one week!  Bucket #2 is "EVEN" bucket.  Give or take a pound, if it is the same as the week before, I will draw from this one and it will be full of tasks that are menial, but not exactly awful.  Maybe a full week of emptying the dishwasher, or putting away all the laundry.  Stuff that usually is shared Shaun's job.  Then Bucket #3 is "LOSS".  Losing 1.5 pounds or more will result in choosing a slip of paper from the Treat jar!  Manis and pedis and naptime, yeehaw!  Sounds fun, right?  The reason for the 1.5 deal is that my scale only weighs by the .5 pounds.  I would love to invest in something fancy that goes by the .2, but that will just have to come in due time, right?

Okay, folks, the computer is now at 13% battery power and the kids are asking if they can have a sleepover.  One bonus to having lots of children - a sleepover doesn't have to involve any other kids!  LOL

Have a great evening,

xoxo

In which I discuss heat, laziness and my old nemesis the treadmill

Ok I caved. I know I said I would never, ever, ever run on a treadmill again after Destin, but my miles this week have ALL been treadmill miles. I can't help it.

IT'S FREAKING HOT OUT THERE!

Now listen - I suspect a lot of you reading this are Nashvillians, and having lived there myself, I realize it gets really hot there. I know you're sweaty. I know that 100 degrees in the afternoon is brutal. I get it.

But see - here in Little Rock we're a little bit further south...err, and I think west (haha) and for whatever reason our temps tend to be a teensy bit hotter than yours. And by a "teensy bit hotter," I mean that we've consistently hit 110 and up this past week. Not heat index - real temps.

So yeeeah. If I haven't mentioned it before, I sweat a LOT when I run when it's mid-70s in the morning. When the mercury is tipping 90 degrees at 6 am....well, I sleep in. Specifically, I roll over, check weather.com, groan and then go back to sleep for a couple of minutes. Or I go make coffee and watch tv. The point is, I don't run.

This was becoming a problem for me. I had the "itch" all week to run, but I truly, truly had no itch to run in 90 degree heat. Last Saturday when I did a 6 mile run, the temp climbed to the mid/upper 80s during the course of my run and it was sooo not fun. I love a good sweat during my workout, but I hate feeling sun beating down, the air going still, and that feeling that the air is actually thicker because of the heat. Gross. So Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, I just sat. Or slept. Or whatever. And by Wednesday I was feeling insanely guilty, so I got up and did my Kenpo X video (from p90x) and felt a little better, but still guilty because I wasn't getting miles in.

Long story slightly less long, I ultimately decided I had to do something, so I am in the middle of a trial week at a gym nearby. I hit the treadmill yesterday and this morning, and while it's still not my favorite mode of getting a run in, I really DO feel a whole lot better physically and mentally just getting a few miles under my belt for the week. And it's been nice to have access to all of their weights and machines as well, so I think I'll go on and join and as this heat wave dissipates, I'll just have another cross-training option. They also offer a Zumba class, and I've really been wanting to try one.

In any case, that's the latest. This was my first week back to work full time since I had Sadie Baby, so I needed an endorphin rush - she started daycare. :( Mama guilt was in full effect this week. For the record, not any easier putting a second child in daycare than it was the first. Back to playing the Powerball, eh? ;)

Ask....and you shall receive! (Q & A post)

Bonnie posted this today and I thought it would be a fun change-up from my usual!  We will be back to our regularly scheduled "stuff" tomorrow.  :)  Enjoy!

1.  What is your occupation right now?
Well, if you use the definition of occupation as "way to earn a living" (dictionary.com), then I would say I deliver magazines.  That is one day a month, however, and the other 27-30 days per month are spent chasing four small children.  That is pretty "occupying".
2.  What color are your socks right now?
No socks on.  It's freakin' 90+ degrees outside! 
3.  What are you listening to right now?
Alice in Wonderland is on the television in the dining area, 92.9 is playing "She's Gone" on the radio in the kitchen, and Dora is playing in the living room.  I can honestly hear all of these things simultaneously.  Know what I don't hear?  Crying.  Yay!
4.  What was the last thing that you ate?
A bite of Zoe's pancake.  Oops!  She got the first one from the batch and I had to make sure they were good!  Nevermind that they taste the same every time...I make it from scratch, I have to taste.  :)
5.  Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, and I prefer it.  However, we do not have any stick shift vehicles.

6.  Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Actually speaking was my grandfather last night, but I've been texting with Shannon all morning.  :) 
7.  Do you like the person you stole this blog from?
I don't guess I really know her in "real life" just yet, but I very much like what I know!  I do believe we would really be friends if we had met in any circumstances...our shared weight loss goals are just "icing on the cake".  So to speak. 

8.  How old are you today?
31

9.  What is your favorite sport to watch on tv?
Football, hands down.  Although, I will say here I love to watch sports.  I do not, however, LOVE them like my husband LOVES to watch them.  I didn't realize a person could be so excited to watch high school teams in a different state/country play rugby...all because there were no other sports on. 

10.  What is your favorite drink?
Water.  Reisling/Gewurtztraminer.  Bud Light.  In that order.  :)

11.  Have you ever dyed your hair?
I vaguely remember the first time I colored my hair...I'm pretty sure I was a junior in high school.  I haven't stopped since!

12.  Favorite food?
Cheese.  I realize that is really specific, but I love it...almost any kind, and almost on any thing.  Mmmmm.

13.  Last movie you watched?
Totally disregarding Ben 10 yesterday, which I didn't watch, but I was in the room.  Hall Pass with the hubs on Monday.

14.  Favorite day of the year?
Duh.  October 26th!  Happy birthday to me....

15.  How do you vent anger?
Poorly, I will say that much.  I'm a yeller.  And a screamer.  And a punch the air-er.

16.  What was your favorite toy as a child?
Books.  I am a life-long nerd.

17.  What is your favorite season?
Sweeps!  Just kidding.  Fall.

18.  Cherries or Blueberries?
Blueberries.  I do like cherries, too, though.  I'm just saying if I had to pick ONE.

19.  Do you want  your friends to blog this survey?
Yep.  Even if you don't currently write in a blog, I want you to start one simply to DO THIS SURVEY.

20.  Where is your favorite place to escape?
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.  Like the key on the computer?  Escape?  No idea.  I guess I escape in the morning when I run between 1.5 and 2 miles away from my house...but I always come back.  "Mommy always comes back!"

21.  Favorite tv show?
Currently we regularly DVR Master Chef.  I prefer to read, but will watch Storage Wars, as well. 

22.  Living Arrangements?
Renting a house with my husband and aforementioned 4 children.  I have ZERO interest in ever owning a home, and we love our landlords, so this will likely be our forever living arrangement.  Not this house, specifically, though.

23.  When was the last time you cried?
Ha, ha, ha.  Saturday night/Early Sunday morning.  According to my husband I'm a "chick and chicks cry when they are drunk".  So, yeah, after a long night of drinks, I cried with my good friend.  It happens.  Oh, I also cried on Monday when I got very overwhelmed with my life!  So, I guess Monday is the right answer.

24.  What is on the floor of your closet?
Tons of clothes.  Mostly winter stuff and things that no longer fit. 

25.  Who is the friend you have had the longest?
MFHL     :)

26.  What did you do last night?
These questions are obviously for non-losers.  Let's see...I went to Wal-Mart and bought Zoe a tricycle and myself a blender (presents from my grandfather), then came home and got the kids all to bed...and subsequently CRASHED myself.  Yep, 9 pm.

27.  What are you most afraid of?
I guess "most" afraid is just the day I am going to have to deal with the death of a close loved one.  I've been quite lucky most of my life that this is one thing I haven't had to handle.

28.  Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheese and ketchup! 

29.  Favorite dog breed?
None.  Boo to dogs.  Sorry, dog-lovers, I am a true cat person.  I do think Pomeranians and Pugs are cute, but only from afar.  Oh, and bulldogs!  Basically, I like pictures of dogs.

30.  Favorite day of the week?
Sunday.  Soon to be Tuesday and Thursday when school goes back in session!!

31.  How many states have you lived in?
This is tricky...I traveled for over 2 years with work and "lived" in several different states, but only for 6 weeks at a time.  NOT counting those, I have only had a home I paid for in 2 states.  Although, I went to college in a 3rd state, so I would answer 3.  However, if I do get to count the free apartments for 6 weeks at a time and my parent's house in Virginia (which I would stay in for long periods of time, but never actually felt like I lived there)...12.

32.  Diamonds or Pearls?
Sure!  This choice has, obviously, never been mine to make...I do like the look of pearls, but I think I would choose a shiny diamond? 

33.  What is your favorite flower?
Really?  I don't know.  I have a "black" thumb - as opposed to a "green" thumb.  Plants don't really like me...I guess I like sunflowers, though.  I have never chosen a "favorite".

Week 25: Day 3 (SFC Day 4)

Good morning!!

If you are reading this and you called me yesterday and told me you bought your Slim Fast and were starting today...I DIDN'T FORGET!  :)  Ha, ha, ha.  You are going to rock this challenge, "Verona". 

Okay, everyone else, we are on Day 4!  Fun!!  I am still happy with how everything is going and I cannot wait to weigh in.  I was thinking we will have a mid-way Weigh In, too.  Sunday morning, August 7th, please text or email me another scale pic. 

This morning I did get up and out for a run.  It wasn't too bad.  Would you roll your eyes if I reported I have changed my training routine again?  I'm actually not completely changing it...still planning to do the DISTANCE required to follow Hal Higdon's marathon training program, but I'm going to be running them following an interval 10K program I found on the site where I got my music for Couch to 5K.  It's called "Freeway to 10K".  I counted up to the half marathon and decided to skip the first 2 weeks so I would be finishing the program on the day of the half.  Week 3 is six intervals at 5 minutes running/90 seconds walking.  This morning was pretty good.  I only completed 5 of the intervals because I left the house "late" and Shaun needed to leave for work.  I did get 3 miles in, though, which was the distance for today.  I hope I'm explaining this well.  Basically, I'm wanting to improve my speed AND keep up with the distance necessary for half marathon training.  Plus, I know interval training is good for weight loss!

I believe that is all for today...I have another great quote for you all this morning!!  This one is from Thomas Edison, "If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."


Have a great day!  xoxo

Week 25: Day 2 (SFC Day 3)

Good Morning!

I feel horrible.  I haven't ran since SATURDAY!  I realize it's only 6:00 am on Tuesday, but I am so angry with myself for not getting up early this morning to get it out of the way.  The plan now is to go to the Y for an indoor track run after dropping Conner off at VBS at 9.  The track there is 12 laps to a mile, so I'm thinking I need to shoot for at least 50 laps.  I like round numbers.  Ha. 

I will say my excuse for not getting up this morning was that Shaun and I were up until 12:30 watching a movie!  We knew better, but it was a funny movie ("Hall Pass") and the fact that we both managed to stay awake is seriously saying something.  I call that a successful date night...and we didn't even have to pay a sitter!  Add to the late bedtime, Zoe woke up at 4:00 asking for milk and, of course, daddy's bed.  Sigh.  I went out to the couch and decided if I couldn't go back to sleep, I would get up and run.  I went back to sleep.  :)

I had all of the intentions in the world of running yesterday, but it just was not a good day.  I mentioned Conner has VBS this week, so trying to get out of the house yesterday morning was enough of a chore...Zoe's ears were draining and disgusting, so I had to make a doc appointment for her.  We finally manage to all get in the car with shoes and clothing on (it was tough!), and I keep thinking I'm going to head to the Y after the doc appointment, but when I found out she DID have an ear infection and she looked so sleepy and sad...we came home.  Only to load back up an hour later to pick Conner back up.  When Shaun got home I had to finish my magazine route, and there just wasn't any energy left for running.  Just none. 

On the Slim Fast front, however, I am doing awesome!!!  I have to admit I am so happy to be back to a real "strict" diet!  No real thought involved.  I made a crock pot meal last night that was a huge hit with the family, and I set aside my serving for today's lunch.  Got all my water drank and my two shakes and three snacks.  Yay!

How is everyone else doing??  We have one late entry I have received a weigh-in from...it's good ol' LJ from the "LJ Challenge!"  I guess they finally purchased an actual scale and the weight loss that was showing on the WII scale was not so much showing on a "real" scale.  I do not own a WII and have no idea what the scale is like?  So, LJ's official start weight is 243.5.  (For those who don't remember, LJ and I are in a "race" to see who can lose 30 pounds first.  I am down 7 from our original weigh in and he is down 5.)

I took a new picture to post for a "before" shot.  Basically, it is in my new goal outfit...this is the outfit I want to wear on our next date night.  Shaun and I have agreed we will figure out a babysitter situation where we can spend one night in a hotel...when I look good in this outfit...

Size 12 skirt, Medium shirt!

According to the husband, I already look good in it, but I totally see some workable areas.  Plus, I should've taken a sitting down picture because it is way too tight to sit comfortably at dinner! 

Anyway, I will end with a quote I found for the other Slim Fast Challengers...   "The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!"  -Marvin Phillips

Have a great day!!  xoxo