My Exciting News!

So I reached my goal, and now will be going up a little bit for a good reason.

I am a little nervous to gain weight, but know that it is necessary for a healthy baby.

Post Thanksgiving Roll Call

Calling all Losers! (Weight loss losers, of course):

Time to fess up on how you did over Thanksgiving....

I am afraid I had too much pie twice, but I am going to swim tomorrow.

What about you?

I rode Andie yesterday and tonight I'm going to go swimming at the local pool with a friend or two.
I'm trying to get moving more...its hard but I want to really enjoy my winter. I've not had to medicate myself (for pain) in the past few days (much) so I'm happy that I'm in a zone that is relatively pain free! Other than the lactic acid in my legs and back from riding!!!

Post-Race Debriefing

I'm too sore to post much today, but the marathon went really well. I "hit the wall" at mile 20 but kept running right on through it. So I'm now a marathoner, and really proud of myself, but a depressing realization hit after the run was over: do any of you realize just how few calories you burn running 26.2 miles?

I feel like I worked a lot harder than 5000 calories...(sigh).

Wish Me Luck!

Well, Ladies, tonight I head south to San Antonio. It will take me (hopefully) longer to drive there than it will to run the marathon on Sunday, and I'm getting nervous about the race. At the same time, however, I feel really blessed.

The weather will be perfect - cold early in the morning and warming to the mid-60s by the end. I will have friends and family to cheer me on. I have gorgeous scenery to run through and I will even get to run by the Alamo and the other missions in San Antone. I will be able to stretch my legs and run for the pure joy of it.

I'm a little scared and nervous, but mostly amazed that this is actually happening. It wouldn't have happened without each of you, and I will see you at mile 22!

Lisa

Swimming with the Stars (in her eyes)

Okay, I'm going to start swimming twice a week w/ a friend. We'll rotate local pools and pay about 1.50$ a visit. Cheap, and great aerobic benefits and will help me get in shape for snowboarding season.

Yay!

Hello!

Hey girls, thought I would take a minute to say hi! I am still in the weight loss game, will be till they bury me, I suppose, but I am trying to get to the Y to workout ! Homeschool pretty much runs my life and I can't seem to make time for me. I get down and crave bad foods. Not a good cycle. Pray for me, k? I just need a breakthrough. I have been trying to get Blake or Jodie or somebody to work out with me from 7-8AM, but no one is up for that. Grumpy me needs a partner.

I am still in the 160's, but my fitness level has completely sunk to bottom.

I will try to put more time into the blog, that might help inspire me. Prism meeting tonight at 6:30, too. Rambling now. Sorry. Jules

I am still here!!

This was me at my year mark, in June!
I am feeling great!!

Back on!

So I went back on Weight Watchers last Saturday and found out that I had gained 6 pounds back from me leaving in July. I didn't think it was too bad considering all I had done the past 3 months including 11 days in Cabo. I weighed in yesterday and I was down 2.6. I wasn't expecting this much since my week was crazy. I had a death in the family, my mom had a small stroke on Friday, and I started a part time job that I work on my days off from my full time job. So I will take this loss :)

How is everyone else doing? Where is everyone? :)

Have a wonderful week!
Coreen

Stay away from the CANDY!

Stay away from the candy girls, its SCARY!

Much love to you all!!!

Elicia

Natural Highs

Kris feels great when she gets home from the gym for many reasons, but a HUGE part is the hormones the brain produces after exercise. Endorphines are powerful and natural chemicals which energize your body.

Does anyone else get a buzz from working out? Share the story and help encourage a sister to get her butt a-movin!

(I went to the barn today, for the first time in months and months)

A little embarrassed, but definitely encouraged...

Today at the Y I got TWO compliments! One from another woman,(about my age... 40) . She told me that my butt was lookin' great. : ) And I know that she's straight because I've had conversations with her about a couple of her different boyfriends. And the other compliment took me completely by surprise. A man, I'm guessing him to be in his 50's somewhere asked me as I was standing in the lobby, if I was a dancer? If you can believe THAT?!?!?!? Maybe it was just a pick up line, I don't know. I suppose the sweat pants and shirt that I wore today must have been doin' my curves some good. At any rate, I'm motivated to keep going to the gym.

Late evening snack

Ok - its a little bit like spinach - you like it or you don't - but I found a guilt free, stomach filling snack that will stall your hunger.

Cottage cheese w/ pineapple chunks.

It has a ton of protein, it is high in calcium (which we need as we age, ladies!) and the cottage cheese itself is fat free.

You could also add a little of Bonne Maman Apricot preserves - but I like the sweet spike of pineapple.

Haven't weighed myself. My jeans told me not to.

I'm feeling re-inspired!

Okay, I wore some jeans on Sunday that I've not worn for several months... ones that were starting to get a bit baggy on me, and they were too tight! I've worked too hard to let myself get fat again. I am NOT going to be fat for the holidays dangit!
So, I've been eating healthy again, drinking my water, and even started drinking green tea in the afternoons. I've already lost a few pounds since this weekend ladies. : ) I am encouraged, and determined. My goal is to lose 10-12 pounds more by Christmas. Does anyone else want to set some goals with me?

So Glad to See Y'all Back!

Hi Ladies!

Well, as promised, I'm posting and WOW has it been a long time! I haven't lost any weight - at least I don't think so - but I don't know because the battery in the bathroom scales died and I haven't yet gotten around to replacing it. I think I'm a little scared to, since I have been eating SO MUCH lately. My appetite is really strong with all of the running that I've been doing. Which brings me to...

The marathons. Yes, plural. I am running my first marathon on November 16th (if you'd care to say a little prayer, I'd appreciate it - I feel like I can use all of the help I can get) and my second on December 14th. The first one, I want to beat Oprah's time (4:29) but the second one's just for fun. I'm a little scared of the distance, but I've come up with a battle plan (courtesy of Lance Armstrong's ex-wife's friend via Runner's World magazine). Which is...

I plan to dedicate each mile in my first marathon to someone I love, someone who has been an inspiration, or someone who has gotten me to the point where I could run a marathon. For example, one of my running buddies is mile 8 because she got me through our first 8-mile race last year. Another friend is mile 25 because he has always believed that no matter what I'm doing, I can do anything and I will do it well. You ladies are mile 22 - because each of you has been such an inspiration and last year when I said in a posting that I was thinking about taking a running class, each of you was so supportive and realized that while I might be afraid of it, it could be a really good thing. So like it or not, you'll be running a marathon in spirit! But the last mile...

That last mile of the marathon is kind of how I feel about my relationship with my body and this whole weight loss thing. You can't set out to lose weight or change your lifestyle or get healthy simply because you want to please someone else or because they told you to. In order to be successful at it - as many of you have shown - you have to want it yourself and be willing to work for it. The dedication it takes to be successful and lose weight in a healthy way doesn't come from other people - it comes from within. Which is why, the last mile? Of my first marathon? When I could barely run a half-mile 14 months earlier? That one's for me.

There's so much else going on so I'll keep posting, but I'm glad to "see" you ladies again. I've missed you!

Lisa

This is for you Coreen...

You know, I check the blog every single day, even though I've not posted anything in ages. I suppose I feel like if I'm not losing anything, that I've not really earned the right to post. Does anyone know what I'm talkin' about?!
Anyhow, I've not lost anything for a while, but I've continued to be extremely active. In fact, we've taken the boys on several hikes this year. Something that I wouldn't of DREAMED of doing a few years ago. All I used to want to do was lie around, eat, and stay home, because I had no energy and I was ashamed of myself for being so unhealthy. Well times have changed baby. Perhaps I should take the time to look at some old photos of myself. I need to find some more inspiration to get the pounds movin' again.

Inspiration?

Hi everyone!
So I have been checking the blog and I only see Elicia posting. I, being guilty as well. I just wanted to share what all of you have done for me. I joined the blog several years ago with hopes that I would lose weight by surrounding myself with people that were also wanting to losing weight. I worked for Jenny Craig so I thought how could I not do this? Well I failed and ended up gaining about 20 pounds. During this time I still read the blog and look forward to updates on all of your progress so I could hopefully get motivated.

Last November (with all of your help) I joined Weight Watchers and I am currently down about 33 pounds. I have lost my motivation and I keep coming back for inspiration and theres no one here (except Elicia). Thanks Elicia! You all have been a inspiration for me and I want to thank each of you for that!

So if you all could come back and help me (because I'm selfish) get back on track I would be very happy. Even if you aren't losing weight or at goal it's nice to know what everyone is doing and it's so nice to have solutions or just someone to talk to. Is any in with me?

Coreen

I feel Fat....

Have you had this thought recently? I have. I was down several pounds, but then I did what I often do, slack and eat inappropriately, and the pounds and girth responds.

I got a Wii recently, and am using their Wii Fit product to measure my path as well as encourage me to exercise - run, do areobics, step, all classical workout stuff - in addition to Yoga and games which encourage balance (skiing).

I'll let you know how it works.

I can tell you I got up and moved around for 45 minutes yesterday, all while playing tennis and baseball INSIDE. You have to still swing....

Elicia

Miss
You
All
Very
Much!

Stretching Help

Keeping flexible is very important for us ladies. When we walk on heels, carry babies and do many things women do, our muscles can get very tight, making falls more likely and recovery slow.

I bought these rubber strips which have varying resistance, light/med/hard at the Bartells. They advertised them as pilates bands. You use them to stretch gently and to do resistance work.
I am really liking using them (especially after a long ride) to loosen up.

They are inexpensive, portable (for workouts on vacation) and easy to use. You can get a nice workout without cardio just by doing resistance stretches with these puppies. Give them a try!

Green River Gorge

Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege of riding a gaited horse down to the Green River and back.

A gaited horse has a special step that allows them to cover a lot of ground while providing a smooth ride for the mount. It doesn't jostle and bump and shake, it smoothly and deftly advances and you're surprised at how little you're bejumbled!

We rode for five hours roughly, and while my back is sore a bit, my body seems to be able to handle the ride.

Plus, check out how cute I am in my tight breeches? That extra 10 lbs has made a big difference! Three cheers for being able to enjoy life! The weather was sunny and clear, and the wilderness we traveled was beautiful. I'll have to look at a map to see where we rode, exactly.

What are you doing to push yourself?

Hello, my name is Melissa

And I am a slacker blogger.

Well, not on my own blog - but I put off coming here for a couple of weeks (like, around CHRISTMAS!) and it's like skipping church - the longer you stay gone, the easier it is to stay out.

Well. Enough of my "sermonizing."

When last we spoke, it was the Christmas holidays and I was determined to maintain.

I think I ended up with a net gain of half a pound, but I guess that wasn't too bad.

In February, though, I realized that the Weight Watchers "Flex" plan was no longer working for me - I don't know if I was getting complacent, or spending too many POINTS on junk, but I was at a virtual standstill for MONTHS - so I switched to CORE.

One of the best decisions I've ever made.

I'm not penalized for eating fruit! Or drinking fat free dairy! Or eating whole grain rice or pasta!

(Well, as long as I only eat the pasta, or potatoes, or rice once a day. I can usually handle that.)

I'm eating way, way less junk now. I'm cooking better meals at home. And I'm feeling "freer" about my choices.

I've also lost another 10 lbs. since Christmas, to put me at 146.5 (a total of 90.5).

My three-year WW anniversary is coming up in a few weeks, and it kinda bums me out that I haven't lost my 100 lbs. yet. But I keep reminding myself that 90 lbs. is nothing to sneeze at, and that the longer it takes me to lose it, the more chance there is that I'll keep it off.

So, I'm sorry to have stayed away so long - I've been reading, even if I haven't always commented - and I'm glad to hear from those who are keepin' on keepin' on!

Checking In

Hi gorgeous ladies! Well I, like Kristina, haven't posted in forever so here I am. I'm still running, now stuck smack in the middle of marathon training in the hot (HOT!) Texas summer and really sort of thinking that this might be more than a little bit crazy.

I get up at 4:40 most mornings and meet a friend to get in a run before the sun comes up and then on weekends we do a long run. This weekend we're scheduled for 16.5 miles early Sunday morning and I don't mind admitting that I'm more than a little bit scared. Nevertheless, I'm getting excited about the race this fall and keep thinking to myself that I'm going to be a marathoner. It never even occurred to me to think I would ever say that before this last year.

The problem is that in addition to being a runner, I eat like a runner too. That is to say: I eat A LOT. Since I'm burning mucho calories but also consuming more because I get a lot hungrier, it's all pretty much evened out and I haven't gained any weight. That said, it is occurring to me now how much easier it would be to haul my carcass 26.2 miles if I weighed, say, 10-15 lbs. less. I'm still in the fantasizing stage - not yet the planning or commitment phase - of losing this weight but once I figure out a strategy, I think I will implement it and see where it gets me.*

*The problem with this idea is that you're not supposed to lose weight while marathon training. You need to eat enough to keep your body fueled, and if you're losing weight, chances are good that you're not taking care of yourself like you ought to. So you have to find the precise balance between eating enough to be healthy and running enough to burn what you eat (without overtraining). So needless to say, any weight loss strategy has to be slow and subtle.

I miss each of you, and figured that we'd all come down with a big case of the blahs. I hope more of you post and update us on what's been going on!

XOXO,
Lisa

Feelin' the need to post...

I've not posted anything in quite a while... in fact no one has, accept Elicia. : )

 I stepped on the scale again this morning, I'm up three pounds. I've been flexing the same 10-12 pounds for about the last six months. I'm exactly where I was two years ago weight-wise, when I had my high school reunion. So for the most part I've maintained the weight loss.  It gets hard to stay motivated with healthy eating, heaven knows I love food. At least my working out has been a constant this last couple of years. But I'm looking for new inspiration. I know that I look pretty good, but I'm not satisfied with that. I want to get more of this weight off and feel gorgeous again.

So Robyn....

Do tell,

What are your weight plans? Do you currently have a schedule or program you're following? When you say you have 'a lot of weight' what does that mean? Did the weight accumulate around a specific time in your life, or have you always been a bit heavy?

We're so glad you're here - please make yourself at home and post, post, post!

I find words become "THINGS" and you can use this as a space to create your NEW BODY!

Big love, little waist,

Elicia

The Science of Obesity

National Geographic has a special called, "The Science of Obesity" and it discusses the way the body adapts to our overweight stature - all the way to how the body reprograms itself to keep going.

I was struck by the tenacity of the human body - its amazing what we ask of it, and how it always strives to survive - regardless of what we're doing to ourselves.

Check it out - it is truly eye-opening.

Intestinal Health Ideas

How many of us are concerned with our intestines? Our guts, as we used to call them in childhood, are a large part of how we keep healthy. I haven't paid much attention to this part of my insides, until recently.

My new medicine for fibromyalgia has a side effect of constipation. I've always been 'regular' but in order to keep that way, I have added some things to my diet. Knowing how little I like to eat, I have found Danactive drinkables a great way to benefit myself.

Raisin Bran used to give me the, well, runs. I've been eating it lately and it 'works' the way it should, but I was told the high fructose was not good for me. I've been eating sunflower seeds too, to try to be good to myself.

Do you folks think of fiber? Does digestive health occur to you and do you do anything about it? Kefir, as Jen mentioned, is supposed to be good for that. Any ideas, suggestions or successful uses of dietary (either supplements or live food) would be appreciated.

8.9 lbs to go?

Could it be? Do I really only have less than 10 pounds to my goal weight?

Wow. Wish me luck!

Back at the Y

We are signed in back at the YMCA now. Yippee. I can feel my old fit self rising to the occasion. I will do it. I will.

Howzit going?

Roll Call!

If you are reading this - then hit the comment button and tell us how you are doing!

Elicia Checking In

I've been hovering around 147 for a few weeks now and that's very exciting. My jeans are baggier and I've actually had comments from friends about how loose they fit. I've excavated my closet and found my skinny jeans, which were way baggy yesterday so I'll have to dig even further because I can't afford to buy new clothes, but I know I have something nice back there...

I'm not doing anything special, just trying to keep up the water and stuff. YAY

My Plan

Elicia asked me to post my plan, so here it is. I'm going to do what has worked for me in the past.

• I'm going to "automate" my breakfast and lunch. That means high protein, low sugar cereal and low fat milk for breakfast. A smoothie for a mid morning snack, and a ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread with carrot or celery sticks for lunch.
• I'm going to keep my water bottle filled and in front of me throughout the day.
• I'm going to walk EARLY in the day, not put it off.
• I'm going to start grocery shopping, menu planning, and cooking dinner again. NO MORE deli, takeout, pizza, and eating out ALL week long.

That's my plan for now. I'll do that for two weeks and then reevaluate things. If that isn't working, I'll start journaling. If I do those four things I know I will lose weight. It's basic biology. I know exactly why I've gained the weight too.

Why is it so hard to do? Just knowing what will work doesn't make doing it easy.

Hey, Remember Me?

Hi, y'all! Man, it's been a long time since I checked in. Sorry about that. This is because I've been acting like someone who wants to weigh 250 pounds again. Ha!

Seriously, though, after months of not getting on the scale and basically eating and drinking whatever I want and not exercising, I've faced the music and my fear, and weighed myself. I've gained 15 pounds. Ugh.

I want to lose ten of those before July. I'm NOT going to accomplish that by eating Chinese food at the karaoke bar two times a week and ordering pizza one or two times a week. Unfortunately, I can't say that I'm feeling strong enough to change my ways.

I HATE having to watch what I eat. I HATE being fat more, but when I'm watching what I eat, that's in my face every day, several times a day. I can deny my fat and only face it when I realize I can't wear a certain pair of jeans anymore. So, it's easier to deny fat and keep getting fatter than it is to do something about it.

I know you all know that, though. I'm just expressing it, and trying to talk myself into getting excited about trying to lose weight again. It's time. I need to do it before I gain it all back. That would really suck, huh?

Checking In

Hello Girls! I stopped by the blog today and saw that you all are still doing great!! Way to go. I haven't been by for a long while, but am ready to start my weight loss journey once again. When I first started journaling my goal was to lose weight so I could have a baby. I DID THIS. During my pregnancy I got gestational diabetes. I ended up losing weight during my pregnancy. Now she is almost 4 months old and and I have gained it all back. So it is time to get serious.

Looking for all the support and prayers you can give me. The good news is that I am down 3 #s from the last tickler post. I am looking forward to talking with you all again.

Weight Loss Procedures

Hi Ladies,

I have a friend who is considering the lap band.

Does anyone here know anyone, or have personal experience with this type of procedure? What should she know? I'm trying to help her decide...

Google will also help, I know - but if you have direct experience or want to chime in on the subject, please do!

I journaled this last week...

 I haven't kept a journal for a very long time, but one of the trainers at the Y encouraged me to start keeping one again, and to journal my excersize as well, and that she'd be taking a look at it. 

And wouldn't ya know, I lost 3.5 this week! That puts me at a 6.5 pound loss since I've actively started trying to lose again a few weeks ago. She also encouraged me to alternate my weights. Doing upper body one day, and lower body the next. I've been told this a number of times from various people, but have been resistant, until now. Every day I do cardio, and upper and lower body weights, as I am anxious to get my totals up and to be #1! But I've been thinking it through, and I've decided that I will yield on this point, and let my totals drop, so as to see a change in my body. I want to become leaner, not bulkier. And this involves doing more cardio as well. Weights are easy for me, I am incredibly strong for a woman. Cardio is not easy for me, and this challenges me. But if this helps me to get to my goal, than do it I shall. 

Over it!

Thank goodness, it was only one day of mind numbing boredom I had to deal with. I'm over that yucky patch and going to get em again.

My hubby and I went to Ocean Shores this past weekend. It was a wondeful get away.
We rode horses on the beach (20 per hour!) and it was lovely. So, I got my ride in even though I was away from home.
(ask me sometime about how the second day's ride went)....

My scale blessed me with a 147 this morning. My highest was 164 so I'm really excited to see such a big difference, finally - those last pounds are moving.

Uninspired and simply BORED

Bored.

Ugh. I hate being bored. There is so much to do here. A trampoline, dogs, birds, sewing, cleaning, so, so many things to keep me occupied. Yet, I remain feeling void. BORED.

What do you gals do when you are bored or feel that empty feeling - how do you keep yourself from 'filling' that sense by food?

I poured myself a big pint of coca-cola. I know, its not good for me, but I'm letting myself have a glass every day or so (rather than a can every hour or so). The scale said 148 again today, so I figure I have the treat coming.

Help me! What do you do??

A confession that may shock, and even frighten some of you...

You know how I'm a numbers freak? Well... I went and checked my Fitlinxx stats, as I do every day online. I compare myself to all other members at my local YMCA. Anyhow, this afternoon, I thought that I'd try and see how I ranked worldwide. In the past, I've tried a few times to see how I've ranked to that degree, and it's never allowed me to see where I stand, until now. You guys, for weights for the year in  my 30-39 age group for women, I am ranked number FOUR in the WORLD!!! Let's just say, that made my day! : )

Hope you had WONDERFUL Mother's Days

For those who are mothers, I hope it was sweet,

If you are a daughter, I hope you enjoyed your momma.

If you had to borrow someone else's momma - then I hope you BOTH were blessed.

It may not come up again, but I still

wanted to share my thrill. I saw 148 on my scale this morning. I haven't seen the fourties since, well...in years. In about 4 years to be precise. I wanted to celebrate about the 148 because I'm afraid it'll disappear into the ether and I'll be back in the 50s. But this way - I told people and so the 148 can't hide anymore!

It is a big deal because I feel I've been fighting the same pounds over and over. I don't want this one to slip thru my fingers!

Wheee!

A little comic relief, along with my Fitlinxx stats for April

Last month at the Y, I kicked it up a notch and actually broke one of my records. : )

Anyhow, here's da #'s :

I earned 22,511 fit points,( my most ever for one month) placing me 1st in my age group, 2nd for all women, and 5th over all.

I burned 13,374 calories. ( That's the most that I've burned over the last six months) and it placed me 1st for my age group, 10th for all women, and 22nd over all.

I lifted 1,482,575 pounds. ( my most EVER) Placing me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 2nd over all. Wheh!

I be jammin', I be jaaaaaaamin'!!

Down three pounds for the first week! I've been trying to do more cardio, I'd kinda slacked off a bit. I mean, I always do some form of cardio, but not as much as I should to burn off those extra pounds lately. AND, I'm eating a bit better, and drinking my water...

Stepping on the scale for the first time in over a month!

You know how you go through these cycles of eating too much, and then being fearful of stepping on the scale? That's what I've been battling. But this morning, I took the plunge, and found out that I had gained only a not so scary two pounds... I really thought that I was going to weigh like ten more. And so, I am feeling motivated once more. My 40th is in six weeks, and I really don't want to look like the chubby chick for her big day. I know that I won't get down to my original goal of 160 pounds, but I'd really like to lose like 15. 15 pounds on me really does make a big difference...
So ladies, how 'bout a little cheer leading in my corner. This soon to be 40 year old needs to put the crappy food down, and drink her water.

I Can't be the Only one Who's Like This

For the past couple of days, I have felt FAT. And although the picture to the left (from last weekend) isn't too bad, in some of the others my legs are so flabby that they look like they belong to someone else. And my belly? It's back. Or at least more noticeable.

I am usually one of the most secure people you will meet on any given day. I'm not perfect, and I'd like to lose a few pounds, but normally I love my body. My flaws? They just add character. Dimensions a little off? Makes me unique. I've made peace with the fact that I never photograph well compared to real life and love myself in person, if not in pictures.

But for the past few days I've felt down about myself, and I've felt down about my body. I've been getting hung up on the places that I want to be toned, the jiggly bits that I wish would just go away, and the imperfections that make me what I consider to be less than ideal. To top it all off, I have a sneaking suspicion that I may have a stress fracture in my left leg so I'm laying off the hard running for a little while so I don't do some real damage. In short, though, I feel unattractive, unbeautiful, and unhealthy. That may be the bad body image trifecta.

So tell me, now that I'm grounded from running for the present, what do you do when you don't love yourself as much as you should? What cheers you up and brings you back to having the resolve to improve but without the disgust at your current state? I'm looking for ideas here, ladies...

For Future Reference

For those who are considering it, I do NOT recommend running 2 half marathons in the same week. I am so unbelievably sore that even my hair hurts.

But here goes...

Last weekend I ran a half hosted by one of my alma maters, which I found out after has the reputation as the hardest half in Texas. After all of those hills, I totally believe it. Even though I added 6 minutes onto my time, I was happy with the race. And then came this weekend, when I ran another half. This one was not so enjoyable and I could definitely tell I was tired. Whether that was the light cold I'd been battling all week or still being worn from the weekend before, I don't know. I again ran a slow half but you know what - I finished it in good time.

So here's my total: 26.2 miles run between both weekends (not including running during the week), almost 5,000 calories burned in 2 days, and down a pound. Not too shabby!

I hope everyone else is doing well (YAY JULES!) and I hope everyone has a great week.

As for me, I'm headed back to the ice bag. Because tomorrow I'm running some more.

Love y'all,
Lisa

Down 3.6 lbs. for my 4 week Prism weigh in.

Happy to be back in my 3 lb. maintainence window again! But looking ahead to the 150's and 140's and dare I say the all elusive 130's???? I have 23.4 lbs. to go to my weight goal. On my way!

Jules

My Fitlinxx stats for March

Last month at the Y, I burned 11,432 calories. Placing me 1st in my age group, 12th for all women, and 30th over all.

I earned 18,887 fit points. Placing me 1st in my age group, 2nd for all women, and 5th over all.

I lifted 1,239,170 pounds. Placing me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 1st over all! (That's my 4th month in a row of taking 1st for the whole Y!) : )

Not bad for a soon to be 40 year old. : ) Two more months... YIKES!

Spring Hurrah Anyone???

I know the activity has slowed down on this blog, but is anyone interested in gathering for a Spring Hurrah? I was at Northgate yesterday with my Grandmother and I couldn't stop thinking of you gals. So, what do you think?

Let me know.

Jules

Spring FLING!

I don't know about any of you, but I'm seriously having some spring cleaning anxiety. I've purged a ton of paperwork, books, old cds and VHS tapes and I'm making room.

Tell you a secret -

If you make your home roomier, you feel thinner because there's more room to walk around!

Who's gonna fling with me? Old clothes? Old magazines? Old attitudes?

Throw Em Out and get yourself some more room to live!

Death by Chocolate BUNNY

I did not have ONE bite of chocolate yesterday.

I fought the Easter bunny and WON.

How did you all do???

Well, if it works?

I have confessed on several occasions my often habitual use of Coca Cola. The Costco sized flats of red cans filled a cabinet, and created a large amount of garbage space in loose, used cans. Between the bottled water waste (Perrier) and the Coke, I felt I was leaving a huge footprint in a landfill. Embarrassingly, this is just ONE way I am NOT green.

Yet another reason to re-evaluate.

So, I told my DH not to buy coke at Costco anymore, and instead, to pick up 2, 2 liter bottles of Coke instead. One I put in the fridge, and the other in the pantry. The idea being that if I wanted a coke, I would serve myself a glass, with ice (the way I really like it) instead of grabbing a can. Sometimes I would dilute it with Perrier (yum!) to make it last a bit longer.

I find that if I keep it for a treat rather than something I can have thoughtlessly, I drink less.

Not only have I lost a bit of weight, increased water intake, (the ice cubes melt and make for a shot or two of water) but I have lessened my mess I'm leaving behind for my grandchildren's grandchildren. I'm not very green, but this gives me one more excuse to do something good for myself.

Water Bottles

Ladies,

I have been hearing a lot lately about how much space individual, plastic water bottles take in landfills.

With the drinking of water that goes with a healthy lifestyle, how do you find yourselves filling up? Do you use bottled water? If so, why (practical, inexpensive) and do you refill, recycle or trash the bottles when you are done?

Do you use a water filter at home? Do you drink water from the tap? Do you fill up a canister for the family like I do, or do you subscribe to a water service like Culligan?

I'm curious. Do tell!

Committed

First of all, let me say YAY FOR JULES AND MANDI! It's awesome that y'all are back on Prism, rededicating yourselves, and seeing results.

Now, onto my own little committment. Today I registered for my first marathon which I will run in San Antonio next November...and there's a rule that once you pay money for a race you have to run it, so I guess I'm officially committed. Of course, I have been trying to get anyone I can to run it with me - so far I'm up to five friends who will be there with me so if any of you (ahem, Kristina!, ahem) have ever thought about training for a marathon, let me just say that I'd love to meet you.... :)

The other thing going on it that I now have new incentive to kick these pounds I've put back on. In June I'm going to a weeklong trial boot camp which requires 7 straight days of suits. Now, my office is dress casual so most days I wear slacks and a blouse, not a suit. I have enough suits to make it through the week, but - and here's the catch - only if I weigh about 10 pounds less than I do now. At $400-500 apiece for nice ones, I don't want to have to buy any new suits for this program (and I'd need at least 2 more) so let's just say that I have MOTIVATION to kick this weight.

Now, I've been running my little tush off. I run 4-5 days per week, between 4 and 14 miles a workout, but the catch is that I have a bad attitude towards eating. M&Ms? I ran 10 miles Sunday, I can have those. Starbucks mocha? I ran 10 miles Sunday so I earned that too. Cake in the kitchen? Well, that's what those miles I did Sunday was for, right? I trust that you see the problem. I'm not the only one in my running group who gained weight training for a half marathon but that's still ridiculous.

So, my resolve is to keep running (I have 2 half marathons in the next 4 weeks - that shouldn't be a problem) and keep what I'm eating in check.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great St. Patrick's Day. Get out there and shake your shamrocks, Ladies!

(P.S. Jenn, I've been wondering how you've been doing. I know you were pretty down awhile back so I just wanted to know that you're in my thoughts)

Down 2.2 lbs. after week 1 phase 1 (SCARY) of Prism!

Mandi, her sister and brother in law and Blake all started Prism, phase 1 last week. I wasn't planning on going "drastic" and starting phase 1, but Mandi challenged me. So I accepted. It hasn't been easy, but it is simple.

The scale has me down 2.2 lbs. for the week. I will take it! I am officially within 25 lbs of my ultimate goal of 139 lbs. On my way! Thanks for supporting me here, ladies.

Photo of me on my 38th bday.

Typically, I'd be at home in a lump on a Wed.

But today, I wanted to grab the monkey (11 year old) who got off early from school and drive up to Snoqualmie for some spontaneous shredding.

We had so much fun, and I'm so proud that I was able to get OUT!

I'm still spinnin', and still lovin' it!!

I've been going twice a week to this group cycling class, this particular instructor is super tough, and I love her. She teaches it Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I even ventured out and asked someone new to join me, and they DID. : ) And let me tell you, the instructor kicked our butts this morning! But it felt so GOOOOOD! : )

Is it another Manic Monday?

Monday is

A great way to start a new attitude
A great way to categorize bad moods

A day that starts with the word 'mon'
which in French means "My"

So when I hear Monday,
I think "its MY day today."

Grab your day!

Are you a drinker?

You should be.

Chime in if you've glugged today!

How'd it go?

Julie, Mandi - how was Prism?

Kris - have you taken another spinning class? Is that butt still made of steel? Are you swamped with out of town visitors? How does that effect your eating?

Jan - how is it to be on your diet plan without the Meridia? Is it like a whole new world?

I love to hear about how everyone is doing! Tell me busy ladies! I'm sure you're sick of me by now!

This is me, taking a break while I watch other skiiers and boarders learn. Ahhh, I don't miss those early days of slamming down frontwards and breaking my fall with my wrists.

I don't miss slamming down on my butt and hitting the snow with the back of my head either.

Ah, but I am so proud of me for being able to snowboard at all. I stuck to it and I am telling you - I feel so cool doing it I could burst.

This year ladies, keep on truckin. Try something new, try something hard, do something hard again until its not so hard.
The rewards my friends, are priceless.

Mandi and I are headed to Prism on Thursdays again!

Hey all, Mandi and I are going to join Prism again....I left my class in Jan of '07 to lead one of my own and I have just maintained for the last year or so. It is time to get these final 20-25 lbs off me. Mandi has had an emotional year and is ready to put the pedal to the medal again. Pray for us, as our new meetings begin next Thursday and we both plan to have a full meal journal filled out to turn in. It will be hard, but so worth it.

PS It was Mandi's birthday today, girls! Lets all flood her with some WAIWMIWLI love! (She is GlitzyGuru on the blog)


Back to fat splat, Jules

Checking In

It has been super-busy here at Chez Lisa, what with all the working (good), playing (better), and keeping out of trouble (best). I think have gained some weight but I'm scared to step on the scales. That said, I have never been fitter. Go figure.

I just ran my second half-marathon last weekend and improved even on my really good time from the first. I am going to run one (or maybe two) more this spring and then start marathon training. Who thought I would ever say that? Not me!

Anyway, I'm just checking in, posting a pic from Mile 13 on Saturday, and thinking about maybe getting serious about this losing weight thing here soon (I look so "fluffy" in the picture and that was the best one).

Hope the rest of y'all are doing well!

Love, Lisa

I've started a new class

Last week, my girl friend at the Y persuaded me to take a spinning class with her. She normally does it twice a week, I'd only done it once, last year. Once I tell you, because my back side hurt for like 2 1/2 days, and it was HARD, so I avoided doing it again. Last Thursday though, I thought that I'd give it another go, and I'm so glad that I did! I did it again this morning, and my butt's not even sore this time. That, and it's not quite as hard as I remember... probably because I'm stronger than I was several months ago. : ) At any rate, I'm going to be doing it twice a week for a while, just to change up my work out. So here's to trying something new, even when it's really tough. : )

Ahem....anyone?

Is there anyone out there?

Helllooooo?

Up the Mountain

I'm on my way up to the mountain. It is a gorgeous day and I'm sure conditions will be well awesome. I'm sore, tired and achy, but I can hear my husband griding beans in the kitchen which means a latte is on its way.

Enjoy your day - I hope to!

Hi all, I have been absent for a while. I have spent the better part of the last two months eating my way through winter. I gained back nine pounds and found myself at 167. So I have been working on getting it back. I am sticking firmly to 1500 calories, have ditched meat completely and have managed to stop eating at night. It's only 6 days since I quit eating after 8 pm, but I am already back down out of the 160's. It just goes to show me that I can't budge if I want the scale to budge.

It has been hard getting off the Meridia and settling into my own weight loss plan, but I am hanging in there. The alternative of gaining back all the weight is just too scary. With this weight gain coming on in two months, it would take hardly any time to gain it all back again. Especially since we all know that it snowballs and the more you gain, the faster you gain it.

I don't want to go back to how I was. I was ready to quit this month and say, screw it, I'll just say I am in maintenance. But I wasn't in maintenance, I had not hit my goal and had not stayed at that goal. I was quitting and gaining.

Hopefully I am back for good. Wish me strength. Luck just won't cut it when it comes to hot dogs and fries. That's what the family had for dinner last night. I had veggies. It was really hard.

Today I went to the barn again. I worked on three horses, cooled out two, and was basically WHOOPED when I got home.

I think its been over a month of working there regularly. I wish I could say that I've lost weight, but my arms are getting stronger!

Today I had the pleasure of cooling out (walking slowly after workout) two horses - and I had a couple of Paradise Moments.

It sure is fun to have a workout activity that you enjoy - and on a stunning day!

A FOUR pound loss!

Yes, it CAN be done, even while on your period of all times. : ) My dilligence is paying off. This week I've been drinking lots of water again, eating really good, and avoiding cake at all costs! (I've been to two separate places where yummy cake was served, and I've declined both times). You must understand, I could, and would live on cake alone if my hips permitted it. It is my favorite junk food...
Anyhow, I'm feeling reinspired. I really want to get down to my goal weight by my 40th, which is in June. I've got 21 more pounds. Can it be done?!?!? I'm going to do everything within my power to get there. I want to feel gorgeous for my big day, I want to feel like a super star! Does that sound vain? Well, even if it does, that's how I want to feel.

Monday is Julie Paine's Birthday - and this is for her.

A light aria of a flute drifts over the hill

Where my Julie doodles her musical designs.

A light of soft love surrounds her still

When my Julie enters a room.

A light velvet hammer pounds under His will

When my Julie is a friend.

A light smile all defenses kill

When my Julie look into the eyes.

Happy Birthday

Sweet Julie,

My life is better for having known

And being known by you.

A new take on treadmills

Happy Valentine's Day

I was inspired by Julie and Mr. bill to post a little something for Valentine's Day too!

This song is dedicated to my husband.



I mean every word. Well, except the bit about sewing. Unless we're speaking metaphorically, in which case, yeah, I mean every word.

Mr Bill wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our Love

by Julie Paine

Our Love started in the heart of God
He knit us together, in our mother’s wombs
Our sweet mothers roamed the Earth,
Going to pre-natals at the same time,
In different states

My mom hated her doctor
He made her eat practically nothing
Salads
And natural breast feeding was never even discussed

Blake’s mom had a kinder experience
And she never considered NOT feeding her son
The way God intended

We grew up in the 70s
We discovered who we were in the 80s
We fell in love in the 90s
We married in my hometown church

We have lived in seven different homes
We have gone to ten different churches
Helped to start one of them
We were even on staff

With every home we have lived in
Excluding our first and our most recent
We have welcomed a new child into the world
7-2 = 5 children

We have been in love for over 15 years
We have been soul mates for just under 15 years
We have been parents for just under 14 years
We had no time alone before a little one showed up

Truly

But no regrets
We love our children with our lives
We home school them, we cherish them
We count them as our treasures above all treasures

Our love has grown
It has ebbed and flowed
It has accelerated and run out of gas
Occasionally

Our love has recreated us
Our intentions
Our dreams and desires
Our view of ourselves

We no longer live for just us
Or for our parents
Our peer groups
Our country

We live for one another
For our God
For our children
For our community as a whole

We have been institutionalized
We have been legalized
We have been galvanized
We have become super sized

I am just discovering
The soul of our marriage
I am learning how to make deposits
I am learning when to make withdrawals

Always building
Building this love
This masterpiece we were born to build

This is our love
This is our life
This is only the table of contents
So to speak.....

This is a photo of me and my friend Debbie during my birthday dinner at Bucca di Beppo.

I had such a great time - and I'm so happy to have started of the year with good friends!

Sunday, I took my high school buddy snowboarding for the first time. It was so beautiful and a wonderful way to enjoy the first day of my new year!

My weight has hovered at 154 for weeks. I'm going to the barn to work this morning, so I am keeping up with the physical goals for myself.

More water maybe.....

Depression, Sleep Issues

After logging my calorie intake and activities at fitday.com for a week the scale has calmed down a bit, but my weight is still a little higher than normal.

My sleep is completely out of whack, and I'm ready to face the fact that my depression is deepening again. I've made an appointment with my doctor for next week to discuss it. In the meantime, I have some medication left over from last year that was prescribed by a sleep specialist. It's an anti-depressant that has the added benefit of causing sedation. It's the thing that works best for me, and I've taken it in the past so I'm comfortable with the effects and dosage. I only have about a month's worth of it, so I expect my doctor to just write me a prescription for more of that.

I think once I'm sleeping again everything else will fall into place, as has been the case in the past.

FINALLY! My fitlinxx stats for January

They were doing repairs on the fitlinxx site, and I was unable to get my grand totals until yesterday...
Anyhow, I lifted more than I ever have in any given month. But I also had the fewest amount of calories burned for quite awhile too, hmmm... There IS a balance, I just need to find it.
Here's my stats:

I burned 8,659 calories. Placing me 3rd in my age group, 19th for all women, and 43rd over all.

I earned 19,655 fit points,(my most yet). Placing me 1st in my age group, 2nd for all women, and 4th over all.

I lifted 1,358,620 pounds. Placing me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 1st for the whole Y! : )

One hoof in front of the other

I think this is week three of my working back at the barn. While I decided not to try to ride right away, I have been getting my butt over and working with at least two horses.

There's a lot of walking, walking in mud, walking in poop, walking in the rain and walking to pick up things which have fallen.

There's a lot of brushing - which always makes me think of Karate Kid's "Wax ON and Wax OFF". I hope my pythons will be sick again soon.

Saturday is my birthday. I'll be 39, which is my last lap around the sun before I turn the official 40. I am a little freaked out. But at least I know that if I keep going with the horse thing in the morning, I am bound to get more strong. I must remain strong if I want to live a long time. (I don't wanna die!)

The Week in Numbers

1 - number of birthdays, Mardi Gras, times I have gotten sick, trips to Austin, and mothers of mine who have cared about the foregoing.

2 - number of times that the firm I interviewed with in Austin (that I really liked) would like to see me again; number of boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the house that I really ought to just throw away; number of boxes of marzipan fruit consumed as a reward for also consuming that truly vile (yet reputedly therapeutic) ginger root tea; number of Kleenex boxes used

3 - number of miles I have run in over a week (for reference, I usually run 25-30 miles per week); number of work days missed while out sick; number of days I would still like to sleep straight

10,000,000+ - number of glasses of orange juice and bowls of chicken soup consumed in the last 9 days; number of calories in same

1 - number of races I was supposed to run this coming weekend but was told in no uncertain terms that my job is to show up and cheer for ONLY and that if I run, my friends will send me home; number of Daddies who made me pico de gallo to help my snuffy nose go away.

As you can probably tell, this has not been a banner week at Chez Lisa. Between getting sick, leaving town, getting older, and - oh yeah - there was jury duty in there somewhere too, I have probably gained weight like nobody's business. At present I feel fine, but every time I go out to run all of that nastiness lurking down in my lungs makes me feel like I'm drowning. Whatever it is, it's not letting me get enough oxygen to run so on Tuesday when I put feet to pavement for the first time in a week, I got super dizzy and had a hard time making it through our short and easy run. I have been involuntarily benched from running for the rest of the week and I feel miserable about it.

Okay. Now I'm done whining.

This week that I have gone without running has been really demoralizing. When I think about that, though, it's pretty amazing that I haven't gone a week without skipping out on this training regimen, especially when I think about how hard it was for me to get myself to the gym consistently before I started running.

Okay, New Resolve

The Scale? This morning? Pure evil.



So, Jules, I'll join you by starting a fitday.com journal today. Whoever wants to join us on fitday, drop me an email and I'll give you my user name.

It is the FIRST

of February. This is a great day to START a good habit.

This morning I had a riding lesson and got home in enough time to shower before work. This month, I am going to strive to have a lesson a week.

What are you going to start?