Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Vacation is over

I love going on vacation!
It means shopping for supplies; not shopping for groceries. I hate that job!
It also means no cooking or cleaning for however many days we are away for. That's probably one of my favorite things about vacation.
My most favorite thing though, is spending time with the family. Vacation is the best for bringing everyone together for some undivided attention. Makes you realize even more how much you love being together. Man! I am ready for another vacation!  :D

Now that vacation is over, I'm realizing the drawbacks of being away. Hitting the gym for the first time in a week was haaaard! I was so looking forward to getting back in the gym. After ten minutes though I was ready to walk out crying. I couldn't get over how hard it was to lift/push the weights I was doing just a short eight days prior. This vacation was (fairly) active. We did some hiking and tons of walking. It's not like we sat on the beach the whole time.

Getting back into eating right was a little easier than the gym thing though. I only had a few days of eating poorly. That's the good news. The "bad" news is that I was starting to feel like garbage because of it. It was so easy to start making better choices to get myself back on track.

What I've learned for my next trip:
Do a workout a few times during the week. Whether it's a DVD or making use of what's around, a workout can be done. I know I'll feel better for it and won't suffer as much during the first day back in the gym.



Monday, August 29, 2011

Week 22 Weigh in

A Little late. I did WI on Friday but haven't had the time or energy to sit and write.

I was up 2.3 on Friday. Not a huge surprise since I haven't been hydrating nor been in the gym for the week. I just peeked again and up a little more again. It's OK though. I know I have to hydrate and get back on plan. Vacation is so hard for the proper eating plan thing. All in all though I didn't really do too bad until this weekend. Being stuck inside because of a Hurricane doesn't bode well for proper nutrition either. OK, so it's just an excuse. I know it. You know it. I'm going to do better today. Back on track.

I do have a few good things to chat about. I just don't have the energy right now. Hopefully I'll have that ready for tomorrow. Until then, it's proper nutrition and gym-bound today!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Clothes

I hate clothes shopping. Well, for me anyway. It's been something that I cringe about when I have to do it. The stores I can shop at - not too many - have a very small selection for my size. And when I actually do find something that is in my size, I usually find something wrong with it. For instance, I find that a lot of manufacturer's find it funny to make large people look old and frumpy. I am not old. Although, I am starting to look rather frumpy, more on that in a bit. For pants, the waist is usually fine but the legs are ginormous, making me look like a clown. Tops? The necklines are tough because they make them so big, the girls practically pop out. (hubs likes that) Coats?  Forget about it. They are the worst. Arms are always 4 inches too long, the shoulders are too big, but the waist hardly fits.

See why I hate shopping?

But guess what? I HAD to go shopping this weekend. My clothes are getting to be way too big for me. Thus the frumpy look I was referring to. I've been putting it off because summer is coming to a close and I didn't want to spend money on new stuff that I won't be wearing for very long. Then I really thought about it. I've been starting to feel like a slob in most of my clothes because they are getting so big. And we typically are still in capris and or shorts well into October. Off I go to the shops....

I hit the clearance rack and almost enjoyed it. I found a lot more to choose from in my new size....down 2 sizes!  It's such a great feeling!! I am looking forward to being able to shop in places like Old Navy in the not-so-distant future. The thought of being able to just walk into any old store and pick something off the rack is so encouraging!

Monday, August 22, 2011

FMM: The Last Thing


Didn't think I was going to have time to write anything today. We're getting ready for a small roadtrip, but had to bring my little guy to the doc to make sure he's not getting yet another ear infection.  

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!
FMM: The Last Thing
1) What is the title of the last book you read?  Water For Elephants. 
2) What is the last movie you saw in a theater? Cars 2 with the kiddos. I usually can't go to the movies. I've been known to have panic attacks while in there. It's the only place that that happens. Well, there and an airplane. Anyway, I was perfectly fine and am looking forward to going to another movie again with just the hubs. 
3) Briefly describe the last person you saw today.  Let's make that people...would be my hubs and the boys....they were running out to the car to bring the little one to the doctor's office. Not sure why my eldest wanted to go along for the ride?
4) Which store did you most recently shop in?  The Disney Store. Popped in right after I went to The Children's Place
5) Who’s the last person you spoke to over the phone? Lisa at the doctor's office. 
6) Where’s the last place you vacationed? Disney World. On our way for a staycation today though. :D 
7) When was the last time you kissed someone of the opposite sex?  Last night
8) What’s the last thing that made you laugh?  Hubs said something that made me chuckle. I can't remember (honestly. Remember, forgetting is what I do)
9) What’s the latest app that you downloaded on your phone? Angry Birds Seasons
10)  What’s the last kind thing you did for someone?  Great. Now you got me. I can't think of anything. Now I will have to go do a good-deed. :D 
Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  I hope you like them!  If you have an idea for FMM, please e-mail me, and it could be featured!  Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Lose It! 5K

Yesterday was the Lose It! 5K in Boston. The starting time was high noon. Of course the hubs and I were running a little late getting out of the house but should have had plenty of time getting into Boston on time. We forgot about the construction near the city. Great.

Anyway, we pull into the parking garage a few minuets before noon and hoof it out to the starting point. We get out there to see a small group of people walking toward us and realize it's the group of 5K goers. I was thinking we'd have to register and there would be more people...nope...just a small group. Now they are a good block ahead of us. No biggie. I can catch up. So off we go.

We're high on their tail but end up losing then because of a light. We finally get to cross, climb a big hill (gotta love all the hills in Boston)! My heart rate monitor was beeping like mad. I was walking really fast trying to catch up. I usually slow down a bit on the hills so I don't kill myself trying to climb, but I didn't. I needed to catch up. Alas, we get to the top of the hill, turn the corner and see them standing at the next light. Great! Can catch them now. But wait. My legs are now rubber. Cannot jog to catch up. We miss the light. It's OK though, the lactic acid will dissipate and we'll get 'em at the next light.

Coming up to the next block and we see the first "interesting" person. I am not trying to be disrespectful at all, just telling a story as I saw it. I realize people have issues...it's a whole other discussion for another time. Or not. Anyway, this man is on the sidewalk screaming at people. Calling them names. He clearly had an issue. His back was to me, and then I passed him. Now it's my turn for the name calling. "BOY! You are BIG!" is all I heard. Over and over. I just kept on keeping on. I know I am big, but I am fit.  And the man clearly had issues.

Anyway, we reach the next light and lose the group. Not sure if they went straight or left. Can't see them either way. Stupid lights. Now we're irritated but decide that we are there for fitness so we'll keep on going. We pass a few other "interesting" people, like the man who was panhandling and called my husband names because he wouldn't fork over some cash. Ummm, dude? You're wearing a Patriots Jersey AND smoking a butt...do you know how much all that costs? So not feeling for you at this moment in time, and screaming at us isn't going to make us feel any worse off for you. (Again, I mean no disrespect. I KNOW people are struggling. There are better ways of getting help...)

So we're heading around this corner at a great pace and who do we see stopped having a break at the next light? Yup! That's them! We start high-tailing it over so we could at least finish up the walk with them. As we're stepping up, they start walking again. Great timing. We finished the walk with one of the guys who works at Lose It! Got a lot of great information about the app. and gave some input into what we like, don't like, would like to improve. That sort of thing.

How'd it go? Well, my time according to my fitness watch was 1:02:42. My last time was 1:01:47. I am going to go ahead and call this go around a success. Even with all the lights, my time was only a minute more. My thought is I could shave off about 5 minutes for all the stops we had to make while waiting for a light to change. Not. too. shabby.

After the walk, the Lose It! group gave us lunch and had a giveaway. I won a copy of their book. I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.

My overall thoughts on the walk:
1. I wish it were earlier in the day. The heat/humidity was a bit overwhelming.

2. It still was a very challenging walk. Partly due to the roads we were walking and the heat.

My personal feelings:
3. I was frustrated with my legs. I kept getting a weak feeling in them. It wasn't like a true lactic acid build-up. It felt more like a tickle. Hard to explain. Just a very strange feeling.

4. I was also a bit frustrated because my heart monitor kept beeping at me. I was over the 90% threshold a number of times. I understood it at the beginning on that first hill, but the rest of the time I should have been in the 80% range. When I hit the 90's I didn't feel like I was at that level. I was still able to speak without feeling like I was running out of breath. Not sure what to make of it.

5. After my last 5K in May, I couldn't walk for the rest of the day. The cortisone shot last week coupled with my Strassburg Sock has really helped with the plantar faciitous.

6. This is probably my favorite part. I realized I am fit. My husband is usually fine or nearly fine after doing a lot of activity. He was "hurting" a lot more than I was yesterday. And even today!

Can't wait to do another one!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Week 21 Weigh In

Great week! Shockingly enough...although I do realize that this week's weigh in is probably more a reflection of what I've done in the past weeks more than what I've done in the last seven days...

Down 2.9
Total: 39.9 - calling it 40!

I couldn't be happier this week! I am so close to hitting that first "big" goal. I can almost taste victory!

Next week will be rough with the workouts. The plan is to keep the calories in check so I can at least continue on a downward trend. I'll write more about my planning later though. Need to get some zzzz's, I do have a 5k tomorrow!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Back in the game

It never ceases to amaze me what a workout will do for my mood! I just got home from the gym and I feel like a million bucks. I feel stronger, am standing a bit taller, and have a renewed sense of "I can do this". I feel like this every time I hit-the-gym. One would think I would remember that when I'm having a day that I don't feel like working out. It's actually those kinds of days that working out is probably the most important thing to do. At least for me it is. Always gives me the kick in the butt I need.

That all being said, let me talk a bit about how I've been feeling these last few days. I said on Friday that I was going to enjoy myself on Saturday. It was my son's birthday party then we hosted a little get-together afterward for the neighborhood people. That part was more of an adult thing, but the kids got to roast marshmallows and run around outside in the dark. That's always a good time for kids.

Anyway, I had my fun on Saturday. I actually enjoyed myself. Had a few drinks but didn't over do it on my calories. Yes, I went over but things could have been MUCH worse! Sunday was rough. It wasn't due to a hangover either. Shocker, really. No, more the insomnia thing. I mentioned last week that I had a night where I woke up at an un-Godly hour and couldn't get back to sleep. Well, sleep has been a bit rough since then. Would have thought a little alcohol would have fixed that. Nope. I tossed and turned all night long. I was so miserable and tired all day Sunday. I had to take a nap at one point. I would never have made it through the day without one. It took the edge off of the lousy feeling I was experiencing, but didn't put me back in the game.

I don't know about you, but when I am exhausted I tend to make poor decisions. I don't think things through well enough to do the right thing. Especially when it comes to nutrition. That pretty much goes out the window. So, I gave in and had whatever it was that I wanted. So now I'm in for two days of less-than-stellar eating. Great.

Then comes Monday. Guess what? I got a decent night's sleep on Sunday night. You'd think I'd be back on my game right? Not. So. Much. Although it wasn't horrible, things should have been a lot better. If ever there was a day I needed the gym, it was yesterday. I stubbornly didn't go though and was left with poor feelings about my decisions at bed-time last night.

It was at that moment I decided enough-is-enough. I need to get back into the game. I have so much work to do and am so close to that first big-goal I have set for myself. Next week is going to be rough as I will be on vacation. Need to make this week count! So, eating has been right on target today. And the gym was perfect. I am back in the game!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Week 20 Weigh In

Stayed the same.
Total is still 37 pounds. :-)

I'm OK with this. I've had a lot of sodium this week and didn't hit-the-gym as much as I would have liked. It's all good though. I'm feeling strong and am in this.

Keeping things really short right now. I am running on fumes. Wednesday night I hardly slept - got maybe 3.5 hours of sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night and just couldn't get back to sleep. Last night wasn't all that much better. I went to bed a little early but had serious issues with staying asleep. As of right now I am burnt out. Trying to hold on til 9:00 though because I certainly don't want to be up in the middle of the night again.

Tomorrow is my son's birthday party. Been working on those preparations all day. I spoke with my trainer about tomorrow too. I've decided to give myself a day of fun. That is, I'm going to have a few beverages after the party. We're having some friend's back over tomorrow night for some s'mores and campfire fun. I've been good all summer and haven't joined in with the drinking festivities. After the week I've had, I'm going to let myself slip a bit. No worries...it's part of my plan.

Later this weekend I will update you on my feet and let you know what's on the agenda for next week. Good things are about to happen. Until then I need to get a good night's rest so I can enjoy my son's day tomorrow!

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Note to self

My thoughts and I had a long chat at the gym last night. We talked about all this stalling I'm doing this week. Call it TOM, call it afraid of breaking though, call it excuses...whatever it is here I am trying to figure out how to get my head back in the game. And that's just what it is, a head game. I truly believe a lot of this process is about getting the mind into it.

While I was on the elliptical, I found myself working harder and harder at every turn talking things up about getting things going. I am just a short way from hitting a major milestone for myself. Actually, I am just a short way away from hitting two major milestones. This is the big time. I can't let myself get lax here right now.

So, I worked really hard last night in the gym. I got my cortisone shot this morning in my left foot. Plantar Fasciitis will be at bay at least for a few months on the left side. I found out I can have another shot on the right. I'm holding off on that until I start physical therapy next week. When my feet feel better, there will be nothing that can hold me back. I plan on being as close to my wedding weight on my 10th anniversary in October. That is almost 50 pounds. I realize I won't be 50 pounds lighter in 3 months, but if I can get a little more than half-way there I will be more than happy!

The short term plan is to get my feet in order. Forhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif this week I did a personal training on Monday, did my own workout last night and will be heading in for a bike ride tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day followed by personal training on Friday. There is also a 5K in Boston next week with Lose It!...I'm hoping my feet will be better and I can participate. I think the short term plan looks good.

Rough go

Possible TMI here...just be aware. :D

This week is proving to be a rough one for me. I am getting closer and closer to my first big goal. One would think it would be a "balls-to-the-wall" sort of week. I thought it would for sure. I've been so excited to hit this milestone. I am just about there and here I am fighting it. Almost like somewhere deep inside I am afraid to pass through?

I'm not sure what's worse for me this week. The thought of dealing with my feet (getting a cortisone shot tomorrow - hopefully) or being that it's "that time of the month". It seems since I've started this process, my monthly "friend" has been very "unfriendly" to me. I've been more uncomfortable and hungry. I stepped on the scale this morning because I've been feeling so bloated and gross. Found I was up about 4 pounds. I don't typically gain during TOM, but looks like I may this go-around. No worries. I'm not beating myself up about it at all, just feeling frustrated with myself for not being able to snap out of it and push through this milestone that is starting me right in the face!

And back to my feet issue. The Plantar Fasciitis is actually doing better since I called the Doctor to set up the appointment for the cortisone shot. Murphy's Law, right? I also have my first physical therapy appointment next week. I feel like my feet are holding me back more than anything. I would be more than thrilled to walk on a daily basis but don't because of the discomfort and pain I have in my feet. I can't wait to get going with the PT and hopefully get my feet to a place where I can handle daily walks.


Saturday, August 6, 2011

It's a new day

Yesterday I logged my weekly weigh in. I said I wasn't too disappointed with not losing. And truth be told, I wasn't. I'm used to the pattern and know I just have to roll with it.

My behavior yesterday told a completely different story though. For some reason I just kept snacking and snacking and snacking. I was so far over my calories yesterday, not sure how I could ever dig out. It's OK. I'm not beating myself up or even contemplating continuing down that path. I hated the way I felt and am not going back.

Today is a new day. Not looking back at yesterday but looking to what I can do today and in this moment. The plan is to hit the farmer's market today so we'll have tons of fresh fruits and veggies on hand. I'm also staying away from the kitchen this morning. My son had a sleepover last night. The kids want pancakes. If I start my day with that it'll just turn bad for the rest of the day. I know that. It's pretty much what happened yesterday.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Week 19 Weigh In

Staying the same this week.
I'm not surprised nor am I going to complain about it.

First, it's my pattern. I have a great week then a nothing (or close to it). Plus I've been lacking in the gym this week. My trainer is on vacation and it's been a busy week for me. I've done all of 2 workouts this week. So not like me. Then the other night we headed over to Gillette Stadium for the Patriots' Season Ticket Holder and Waiting List Member night. Needless to say I splurged on a burger. Not beating myself up about it. I stopped there. Gotta live.

The next weeks are going to be slow in the gym too. I've made the appointment for the cortisone shot. And of course my foot is feeling better! Murphy's Law, right?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Beach going and FMM

Coming off a fun weekend and now back at it. I was a little over on calories for both days but my workout on Saturday should cover the overage. Not expecting much this week by way of weight loss as my trainer is on vacation and my feet are in a bad way! I will be calling the podiatrist this morning about getting into physical therapy and possibly a cortisone shot. :( Take care of your feet! You don't want plantar faciitous!

Stressing out a little this morning too. Taking the kids to the beach. Not the real beach though...just to a pond/park around here. I hear it's a blast, but the thought of me sitting on a beach of any kind makes me a little unnerved. I hate the heat. Hate sitting in the sun. And I worry too much about the kids and the water. So, I am putting on a happy face and am going to try my best to have a great time. Will let you know how it goes.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Girly Questions

1. Do you like to shop? Nope. Well, that's not entirely true. I am a huge fan of Target and will shop there all day long. I enjoy shopping for kid's clothes and scrapbooking supplies. Other than that I avoid shopping like the plague. That may change as I get smaller.

2. How often do you wear makeup? Only on special occasions. I have allergic reactions to it. I've tried all the specialty kinds and still will have breakouts and my eyes get all gross. I'll save you the deets on that.

3. How do you feel about nail polish? I like the look of nail polish. I wish I wore it or could wear it but I don't. I'm not gentle with my hands and will have chips within an hour of putting on a fresh polish. Nothing irritates me more than chipped polish.


4. Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? Not at all.

5. What’s your biggest challenge as a woman? Honestly, I can't think of any. I don't think in terms of "women's issues" and "men's issues" I am more of a "human issue" type of thinker.

6. Do you wear skirts and dresses? Someday I will again. I love wearing dresses but haven't worn one in about 8 years. :(

7. How do you feel about high heels? I hate them. Always have. I am so unsteady in sneakers never mind high heels!

8. Do you subscribe to magazines? If so, which ones? Yes. Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbooks Etc.

9. Do you shave your legs/wax/ use depilatory creams or go au naturale? I shave. In the winter I am more au naturale...Not that I like it that way but because my skin is so sensitive and dry it's hard to get a good shave in all the time. :(

10. What do you like most about being a woman? I love being a mom! There is no better job for me!