Thursday, August 11, 2011

The last month or so...

All right, I have been terrible about updating. Between my birthday week (when I gained 2 pounds, not surprisingly), and being gone on a ten day trip to Canada, I have been busy! The most surprising thing concerning my weight/health in this time is that I lost 5 pounds at my weigh-in yesterday. I didn't have a weigh-in last week, since I was out of town, but I was expecting to gain or hoping to break even. I am thinking it may relate to what I did when we got back from Canada...
We got home Sunday night, and I felt like I really needed a detox/cleanse of some sort- I had eaten some rich stuff and plenty of trail mix. So on Monday and Tuesday, I ate nothing but fruits and vegetables. It was actually really cool and gave me a greater appreciation for those foods and what they can do for you. So at this point I am restructuring what I eat to be largely fruits and veggies, also have lean protein regularly, and eat much less grains and dairy. We'll see how this comes out, but I think it's going to be a great help in re-jump-starting the weight loss. I looked at my chart and I spent 8 weeks in about a 3 pound range. I have finally tipped over the edge of 40 pounds gone (40.8!) and want to ramp the losses back up. Bring it on!!!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Weigh In

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.53 miles in 34m:00s using Endomondo."

I lost 2.2 pounds this week, for a total loss of 37.4 pounds! And I did well on my run today :-) I actually felt good at the end rather than miserably tired or exhausted, like last time. I started carrying a small water bottle with me, which I think helps. Also running in cool weather is far superior to running in the heat.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Training Begins.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.53 miles in 34m:28s using Endomondo."

So first off, at the weigh-in this week I went up .6. I did great at the beginning of last week and then kind of slacked off, what with 4 or so meals that were just not great choices. But that's okay. I did Butte to Butte on Monday and I was feeling fatigued for a good part of this week. My Wednesday run was really weak- I barely made it two miles. Today, however, I went 3.5 without a problem. I am officially picking up on the training schedule as of today. It has 3 runs per week, with two short-ish runs (3-4 miles) and then a long one at the end of the week (today's was 3.5, and it works all the way up to 12). For the long runs, as they actually get longer, I doubt I'll be able to run the whole thing, which I am fine with. I am switching mental gears from "how fast can I go" to "get through the whole thing."

Friday, July 1, 2011

Holy Crap!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 28m:50s using Endomondo."

Okay, notice above- not only did I crack the 30 minute mark for my 5K, I dominated it!

I found that once again Mike's ideas concerning fitness (particularly mine) are really good ones. He had suggested going hard for the first mile and easing off for the second, then picking up the pace at the end. That's what I did. I also decided that the times I wanted to walk I would just slow down my run instead, and that was a really good idea.

And big news- yesterday I signed up for a Half Marathon in October!!! It's just what I needed for motivation and taking things to the next level. I'm stoked!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A variety of good.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.60 miles in 34m:37s using Endomondo."

Today's weigh-in was a success! I am down 1.6 pounds for a total of 35.8 pounds lost. It wasn't a huge loss for the week, but considering the actual week and the fact that I was stuck at the same number three weeks in a row, I am pleased!

Today was also an awesome running experience. I heard about Walk it Off Wednesdays from my WW group. It is where you go to Alton Baker Park (Mike and Annie and I went) and sign in, choose your course, and walk (or in our case run) however far you please. There are prizes at the end of the summer and it's a great way for us to get out and have a "family" run :-) It was also the farthest I have run, I think ever. I walked for about a minute at one point, but ran the rest and got a good time too!

I have also been continuing to clean out my closet- Pictures to follow.

I went shopping recently for a few things I desperately needed, clothing-wise. I got a cute pair of shorts that actually show some leg, because I actually am starting to feel comfortable with that again! I got some great running shorts that will fit for a long time, and, hallelujah, some new bras. My old ones just didn't fit anymore and I forgot how awesome you can feel when you have a good-fitting, comfortable bra on.

J out!

Monday, June 27, 2011

New Records!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 30m:02s using Endomondo."

So, today was the first time I have run a 5K since the Weight Watchers 5K. It has been awhile! I ran a couple of times last week, but that route is just over half the distance of a 5K. I knew today would be a challenge.

The up- New fastest mile ever- 8:45! Holy crap!!!
The down- I did have to walk two different times, and I allowed myself a minute each time, while still keeping the timer going.
The up- even with those two minutes of walking, my 5K time today was 30:02. That's, like, amazing!!! I've had a goal to run a 5K in under 30 minutes for several months now and I just kicked my previous time's ass!

Weigh-in on Wednesday. Please let the plateau have passed! I don't want to weigh in at the exact same number for a 4th time in a row.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

New Record!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.71 miles in 15m:51s using Endomondo."

I did my short loop in my fastest time ever- but I also finally cracked the 9 minute mark for my mile. 8:58! I think tomorrow I will run just a mile and see how fast I can go.

Thanks to my awesome running partners, Mike and Annie! :-)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

New Beginnings

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.71 miles in 16m:48s using Endomondo."


Today's run was different than previous runs. I have a new running partner- she is six years old, weighs 12 pounds, and is a mini-poodle.

She is our new friend/baby. We just picked her up on Sunday and have been having a great time with her. Today was her test run- literally. She did quite well! Now that I am done with everything work-related, I am enjoying the time off and still working on finding a balance. I need to re-find the enthusiasm I had for running just a few short weeks ago. It will help if I don't go at 3 in the afternoon.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Endomondo Running Workout

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.71 miles in 16m:14s using Endomondo."

So I haven't run in awhile, due to getting sick and still not haven shaken it. I am well enough to run without going into coughing fits, however, so it is finally time!

Did a pretty decent mile- 9:11. Woo!

I have had a hard time switching from a very structured food/exercise schedule to now being on vacation and having to reset all of that. I have decided a few things to help with this:

1. Breakfast will be fruit and cereal or oatmeal 4-5 days per week.
2. Lunch will have more options, but often involve salad (which is partly inspired by my lettuce plants that are going crazy!)
3. Exercise will happen on the same days as before- I need to decide what time of day they will happen.

Weighed in the same as last week (down a total of 34.2 pounds!) This would normally be the week I'd gain, but I think the whole metabolism-being-much-improved-from-exercise this has helped to keep me dropping down.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Slowly Regaining.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.71 miles in 15m:57s using Endomondo."

Today is the first time I've run in 9 days. When you consider I was running 4 days per week, that is pretty major. After the events of last week, I have been really off-track and didn't particularly care. Somehow I managed to lose 2 pounds at the weigh-in today, but that was definitely a surprise. I am trying to regain focus and get back into everything. It is hard, but it is what I need to do.

This is the second time I've run this route. I beat my time and also set my fastest mile to date- 9:05. I haven't yet run just a mile to time myself, but that will be soon I think. Also I went to the chiropractor again today. I am still feeling it a bit but it is far better and my run doesn't seem to have had a negative impact. So there's good news for sure.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Badness.

I haven't updated in awhile because I haven't been really trying this past week. Last Wednesday a wonderful, sweet, furry family member died and I've had a really hard time with it. I don't want to get into details, but it was gruesome and awful and shouldn't have happened.

The case has been before, as it was this time, that when I have dealt with emotional trauma, it presents itself as physical trauma as well. So Friday morning I was at the chiropractor because my back had twinged on Thursday and then I couldn't move without pain. It's getting better, but I haven't run in a week. I have 3 hours of dance class tonight and I hope I can fully participate.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Endomondo Running Workout

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.47 miles in 24m:24s using Endomondo."

I am impressed with this one. I was feeling tired and didn't think I was going to come close to my normal average, but voila!

Endomondo Running Workout

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.91 miles in 23m:00s using Endomondo."

Well, sort of. Lillian was over and we had a great time. We were planning to run my 5K route, but my body was just not feeling it. We ended walking a bit and taking a different route home.

I have found that having music while I run is absolutely imperative for me to do well and stay motivated. If I don't have it I start thinking about being tired etc... I guess hashing might be an exception, but then again I'm not usually pushing myself when I'm there. It'll be interesting to go back to it and see how I do, now that I have been running so much.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Records Galore! And a Cool Thing.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 31m:22s using Endomondo."

Record 1: I broke the 30 pound mark today! I have lost 31.2 pounds in the last (almost exactly) 6 months. I am just over halfway to my goal and still on track to reach it in a total of a year's time. At that point I will be in better shape than I ever have in my life. As it is, I am already under the weight I've been since moving to Spokane in 2005. Wow!!!

Record 2: My new5K time tonight was 31:22, giving me a 10:05 minute mile for 3.11 miles. Inching closer to that goal of under 10 minute miles, then shortly after that is the under 30 minute 5K. Yeah!

Cool Thing: Mike took me out to celebrate my victories. I picked Izzy's- sounds bad, but if you load up on salad and veggies and moderate yourself in pizza, it's not a bad option! Anyway, we noticed that all over the restaurant there were signs posted about caloric content in each of the dishes. Our server told us that it was now required by law for all restaurants to post their calorie info. I love it! That makes making informed choices sooooo much easier!

Monday, May 16, 2011

All Kinds A Record Breakin!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 1.71 miles in 16m:19s using Endomondo."

I am feeling a little tired out today and was not up for a 5K. Also I was bored with doing the same route so many times. So I figured, how about shortening the route and really pushing to see if I can improve my time? Remember a few days ago, when I made a new mile time record for myself? It was 10:08. Keep in mind the only times I've really timed my full on running mile since starting this have been during 5Ks, so I knew those wouldn't be my fastest. Today I chose a route that was 1.71 miles and pushed myself harder. The result? I averaged 9:33/mile! And even more amazing (to me anyway) is that I clocked my first mile at 9:20! Damn, I didn't know going for shorter distances would make that much of a difference. After my race next week I am going to take a few days to just run a mile and see how fast I can go.

Biggest yay of the day is still finding the energy to actually go out and run. Tell myself it's okay if I don't do the full 3.11. That doesn't mean I'm not living up to standards.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Endomondo Running Workout

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 31m:30s using Endomondo."

10:08/mile average. New record!

I am trying to be extra awesome this week, because I want to lose at least 2.2 pounds at next week's weigh-in. The reason? That will mark the beginning of a weight range that I have not been in for about 5 years. Woo! Plus I told myself I wouldn't look at swimwear until I got to that point :-)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Good Stuff.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 33m:13s using Endomondo."

This did not beat my record from Monday, but I am pleased with my speed, given that my shins/knees/ankles were feeling a little tender.

Also, I lost 1.6 pounds this week. Again, not my best week but I was worried it would be worse, so I'll happily take it!

Only 2 more pounds to 30/halfway mark!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Hell yeah!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 31m:45s using Endomondo."

Today's run was special for a couple of reasons. One, it is the route I will be following for the majority of the next couple of weeks. It is exactly 5K and I am now running a 5K each time I go out. That still boggles my mind that I am capable of achieving this so quickly after starting.

The second reason it was special is because it is my fastest average mile time since I started tracking, which was 5 weeks ago. So I'm pretty sure it's my fastest mile time ever. Like even for a regular mile. Holy crap!!! I feel pretty amazing right about now.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Another Milestone

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.12 miles in 32m:10s using Endomondo."

Yesterday was my first ever running an entire 5K. Wooo!

I'm pretty sure the timing was a little off- the tracker on my phone isn't perfect and loses time every now and then. But we made a route around the neighborhood that we know is exactly a 5K, and so my running goal right now is to do that route and try to improve my time each time I go out.

Food-wise this week has been challenging. I keep craving crap food and I'm working harder to turn down the bad stuff. We'll see how it goes on Wednesday!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Better Than Expected!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.24 miles in 37m:00s using Endomondo."

This was yesterday's run, I just didn't get around to uploading it. This was the 18-1-18 bad boy that I was worried about. Turns out I had nothing to be worried about. I made it through! It's probably the farthest I've ever actually run. I was so psyched about it. Also it turned out to be more than a 5K, which is what I'm training for. I've decided I'm going to make the transition from running a certain number of minutes to running a 5K and tracking how long it takes me. I think that will be more beneficial to me at this point. It's pretty amazing for me to realize that I've come to this point. Runningfor 10, or even 5, minutes in a row was a terrifying task just over a month ago. And look at me now- 36 minutes of running yesterday and me saying "it was hard but actually not too bad!"

Weight Watchers is where the training program came from. Once again, WW for the win!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Not Expected

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.81 miles in 30m:34s using Endomondo."

First off, the weigh in today. I thought of it as an experiment- I have done pretty well this last week, but since the day of the weigh-ins were moved recently, we now weigh in on the same day I start my period. So once a month, I wonder how that will be reflected on the scale. Today I weighed in at.....exactly the same as last week.

It's disappointing, but I will stick with the idea I have been this whole time- do the best I can, and just accept that my body is really weird. I am often surprised in one way or another when I weigh in, so I have kind of given up on trying to guess. All the same, I expected better this week.

Today's run was also quite difficult for me. I am up to running 15 minutes, walking 1, then running another 15. I thought my legs were going to give out at one point, but fortunately they stuck with me. I have had this weird thing happen to me on rare occasions over the years when I am doing something very physically demanding- it's almost what I imagine an asthma attack would be like, where I suddenly can barely breathe and have a hard time balancing my breathing back out. What I've realized from the last couple of times, however, is that it's entirely psychological. I can work through something physically challenging, but when my mind starts thinking I can't do it or it's too hard, I start to panic and this thing happens. The last couple of times it has started I have actually managed to make it stop before it got to be a big deal. It started to happen again today, but I was able to call it off and keep on running.

I'm nervous about Friday's run- it's a big jump from 15 minutes to 18. Wish me luck.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Surprise Milestone

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.39 miles in 25m:56s using Endomondo."

So two awesome things happened today in terms of getting in shape. First off, I did my fastest minutes per mile so far. I clocked in at an average of 10:50/mile, which is slightly better thana couple of runs ago.

The other thing is that I looked at a pair of pants that I pulled out of my closet awhile ago in the Great Purge. They were the smallest ones I had and I knew they would be the last ones I would fit into before I had to search elsewhere for pants. I decided to experimentally pull them on today, and they fit like a freakin glove :-)

Prom is tonight! Mike and I are stepping out in style, and I will be wearing a dress that has never fit me before a few weeks ago. Yeah!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A New Layer

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.06 miles in 33m:18s using Endomondo."

Today is about layers.

First off, I weighed in this morning and dropped 2.2 pounds, bringing my total to 26.4 pounds gone. That's the equivalent of over 105 sticks of butter! Wow! And gross. I am so happy to see those layers go.

And the positive layer that I have added: since I've been using this running app, I have been tracking my total distance, including my walking warm up and cool down. I am now at a point where I am more interested to know the accurate minutes per mile of my pace than how far I've gone total. So from today forward, the numbers for my workouts reflect only the time and distance I am actually running, plus the few minutes of walking in between running sections. Today, for instance, I ran 30 minutes and walked 13, but only the 4 walking minutes between sets of running are actually counted, therefore making my 10:53 mile almost accurate.

Also- woo freakin hoo! My first under 11 minute miles!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Woo!

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.72 miles in 54m:14s using Endomondo."

Not only did I completely kick this workout's ass, but it felt pretty good too! I am taking lots of time to stretch afterward so I don't pay for it later, and it is sooo good. I got a huge grin on my face when I finished the running portion (a total of 30 minutes) and actually felt pretty good.

Pride feelings. 

Sunday, April 24, 2011

The Longest Mile...so far.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.11 miles in 40m:43s using Endomondo."

This was Friday's run, but I didn't have time to post before going off adventuring for the weekend. Friday was the most physically demanding run yet...it was run 8 minutes, walk 2, and do that 3 times. It was also the day after I gave blood, so I'm thinking that contributed to the run being harder. Tomorrow's, however, is going to be even more challenging- run 10 minutes, walk 2, do that 3 times. This program starts out nice and slow and then cranks it up, that's for sure. I have noticed that my pace is getting slower, but that also makes sense because I'm running for longer. I'm not focused on speed right now, only stamina to run as long as I can. On the plus side...it used to be that I would think "run 5 minutes? That's really hard!" and now I'm thinking "run 5 minutes? That would be pretty easy!" That tells me this program is working :-)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Better.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.42 miles in 37m:00s using Endomondo."

I was really worried about running today. Monday I went and overdid it and had really painful shin splints come back. I had been flying through every run until that one. It felt like I hit a wall and all the old doubts came back- can I really do this? What if I can't go past this point in my running development? What if it goes back to hurting every time and I have to quit? All the same, I went out today and did the same amount of time as Monday, but slowed the pace a little...and did just fine. I am really glad that worked out. I was really not motivated to run earlier- my stomach was aching, I was tired, etc. But I think, while those things are very true, that I manage to work myself up on the inside if I don't want to work out for some reason, so it makes the other issues suddenly a bigger deal.

But here is where more of the personal growth comes in. Old Me would have succumbed to personal pressure and just said 'forget it' and laid on the couch. New Me, on the other hand, tells Old Me to suck it and gets off her ass even if she doesn't particularly want to. If I had an actual serious injury that'd be a different situation, but I stretched out, didn't push too hard, and still managed to get a good work out. The best part is that while I am stretching post-work out as I write this, the shins are doing okay. :-)

Bleh.

Today's weigh-in was pretty bad by my standards- I gained 1.6 pounds back. I can't think of anything I did that would warrant that big of a gain. The only possibility I have come up with is that it is due to my sudden burst of hardcore exercise. When you build muscle your body retains water to help with the building, plus muscle is heavier. All the same, it doesn't seem to add up.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Today kicked ass...mine that is.

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 3.94 miles in 45m:01s using Endomondo."

This was definitely the hardest workout so far. I ran 3 segments of running 7 minutes and walking 2 minutes. Ramping it up to 7 and 2 from 5 and 3 is a surprisingly big jump. Plus I went further than I was supposed to, so there is some added walking time in there. I was nearly limping home, but my legs are feeling better now. Rest tomorrow then same run Wednesday.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Running

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.37 miles in 26m:32s using Endomondo."

This has been my fastest average mile time and it keeps going down! Woo! Check out the website and you can see details. It's neat!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Cool App

As you know, I am training for a 5K in May. I recently found this awesome app for my phone that tracks distance, speed, calories burned, and even maps your route. I will be uploading those to the site as I complete them, so if you want to look at where/how far I am going you can follow the link.

Endomondo Running Workout

Endomondo Running Workout: "was out running 2.30 miles in 32m:33s using Endomondo."

Milestone

I hit that next big milestone today at my weigh-in. I have lost 25.8 pounds! I am halfway on the weight loss path to the weight I was in college when I felt really good, then I have another 5-10 pounds for my lifetime goal. It's all very exciting! I have been averaging 5 pounds per month almost exactly. If I kept that consistent, it would take me exactly a year to get where I want to be. Right now, given that summer is approaching, I am most excited for the little things...like a new swimsuit! I won't be in bikini shape at that point (not that I would wear one anyway), but going back to a 2 piece is a thrilling prospect. Woo!

Monday, April 11, 2011

5K

As I mentioned in my last post, WW is hosting a 5K run all over the place. The workout plan is for six weeks (starting last week and going through the actual race day) in which you run four days a week in longer and longer chunks. For instance, the first day was to run one minute then walk one minute, and repeat ten times. Then run two minutes and walk three, repeat four times, etc. Today's was run 3 walk 3, 4 times. I am excited that I have a plan to follow and it mixes up my workout so it is fresh again. Loving it! If anybody wants to come out for a run with me, just drop me a line :-)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Progress!

Today's weigh-in was a pleasant surprise. I did pretty well this last week, but not spectacular. All the same, I lost 2.6 pounds, bringing my total so far to 23.4 pounds. Just 1.6 away from that next big milestone! It feels really good.

 One of the things I've been doing that is good for me, both in terms of weight loss and personal space, is getting rid of clothes that don't fit or I otherwise just don't wear. There was a massive pile I donated a couple of weeks ago, and now my plan is to wear everything in my closet. If I don't like it or it doesn't fit/look quite right, it gets added to the new donation pile. And the best part was from today- I went through all of my dresses. I still have dresses from high school- prom, winter formal, etc. And while I have worn them on a few occasions, I took an idea from a smart colleague of mine and am bringing them to school to donate to girls who need a dress for prom. Plus it made lots more room in my closet (I'm talking 9 dresses in total that I'm donating!). And girls who don't have money to buy a dress usually have a harder time finding one to borrow that is their size. Problem solved!!!

One other really neat thing I learned today is that WW is hosting a 5K all over the country! Our branch is going to have one in Drain in May. It even came with a walking plan and a jogging plan to get you prepped for the 5K (which is 6 weeks from now). I did day one of the jogging plan today. I am really excited about it. My goal is to jog the whole thing, which would be a huge accomplishment for me. I can run/walk it no problem, but this is a great opportunity to set a specific fitness goal in a reasonable amount of time. The jogging plan is for 4 days per week with variation on how long you run for and walk for, alternating. You always start and end with 5 minutes of walking. Today's task was run one minute then walk one minute, doing this cycle ten times. So all together it was 30 minutes on the treadmill, which is also a big deal for me! I can do that on the elliptical no problem, but I've always had a harder time/mental block when it comes to running. Wish me luck!!!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Shocking? Not really.


Well, I gained this week. However, it’s not a surprise. And it’s not that much (0.8 lbs).

And it’s not because I’ve been eating particularly poorly. I started graphing my progress from each weigh-in, and it’s been really interesting to note that I will lose big (2-3.5 lbs) for a couple weeks in a row, then lose very little or gain the next week, then start the cycle over. Between the last two weigh-ins I lost 5 pounds so I was due to go up this week! I’m not sure why this is though. Any ideas??

On the plus side, I earned my 10% weight loss (20 pounds, though I’ve lost a little more) achievement last week- it’s this neat keychain and I just got it this morning. Hooray for shiny rewards!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Starting off...

            First off, hi and welcome! I got the idea of doing a journal of my weight loss journey, then thought, “maybe people I know would be interested in knowing the details, and not just seeing random Facebook updates.” And then I thought, “maybe it would also be helpful for anyone who is struggling through the same situation of trying to lose weight- this might give them some perspective or someone to relate to.” So here it is- this blog is all about my journey. It will include my progress so far, any stories related that I deem amusing, and probably some tips that are good for anyone trying to keep an eye on their weight, even if you’re not trying to lose.
            I should have started this when I began, about four months ago, but I didn’t. So this first entry is kinda lengthy and not in any real order. They shouldn’t all be like this. So if you want to encourage, sympathize, or perhaps find motivation for yourself, read on!!

My weight loss journey began on November 15, 2010. That’s not to say I haven’t attempted it before. I had been unhappy with my weight for several years- the last time I remember being pleased with it was around 2003-2004. I never seemed able to stick with a plan that worked though- I would work out, but not consistently. I wouldn’t pay much attention to what I ate, or I would but I would have too much. And at times it was a matter of emotional eating, whether that meant being happy or being sad. For a number of reasons, I was never able to make it stick.
But this time!!! This time is different. This time I have several things working for me:
            -An internal motivation. Without that, I would go nowhere.
            -A support network, both at meetings and at home.
-Food knowledge I have gained from Weight Watchers. (My insurance decided that we as a people are too fat (fair enough, insurance!) so they gave everyone on their plans a free year of Weight Watchers. I had never done WW before, but I thought I might as well try it. It’s been a very important part of my success.)
-Consistent workout routines. Mike suggested I go work out right after work so I wouldn’t get home and be tired and not want to leave. Very good idea.

There is no fad diet in here, and no magical way to get the weight off that will actually work. That’s why it’s always been so damn hard! Cause you actually have to put the work into it. And it can be disheartening to feel like you’ve been working hard but not see results right away. I think that’s one expectation that has caused me to fail in the past. So this time, I’m doing it right. It’s not overnight, and it’s always going to take work.
I should also mention that I detest the idea of dieting. That implies that once you get where you want to be, you are done. It also implies that you are making temporary changes to your diet, only to revert back to your old ways once you reach your goal (or get tired of eating a specific way, whichever comes first). That’s why WW has really worked for me- it’s all about eating more sensibly, but not being restricted in your diet. That has been a big learning curve for me but it’s worked out great so far.
So I started at the heaviest I have ever been (though I have hit that point a couple different times in the last few years). I am now down 21.6 pounds! My ultimate goal is a loss of 50-60 pounds. Probably closer to 60, but we’ll see as I get closer to that. I weigh in officially once a week, so that is the number that I’ll be reporting.
Something I think is important to document is what has changed. This is one of the things that, should I ever revert again, will help me to regain focus. Since it’s been a big loss from the beginning point to now, there are multiple things:
-         Flexibility. I have always been flexible, but I’ve been able to reach so much further since there’s a lot less getting in the way. For instance, I can once again sit with my legs apart and touch my head to my knee. I couldn’t do that even a few weeks ago, because there was padding preventing it.
-         Strength. I have been weightlifting as part of my workouts. I may not have bulging muscles, but I can tell that I am stronger on a regular basis.
-         Stamina. I’ve been doing a lot of cardio and therefore can outlast even some of the smaller girls in my dance classes. Woo!
-         Appearance. Of course this is an obvious one, but what a difference! I have gone down 3 pants sizes and look much better already. I cleaned out my closet and pulled out everything that didn’t fit (or that just needed to go because I didn’t like it anymore). Mike now has some free hangers. :-)

As far as tips go, I have one that I’ve been using recently to great success. Any time I go out to eat at a chain restaurant (Olive Garden, Applebee’s, etc.) I go online with my phone and pull up the nutrition facts. I look at them before I even look at the menu. That way, I know what I’m getting myself into and don’t allow anything else on the menu to tempt me without me knowing the full nutritional story. You would be absolutely shocked by what you find! There are spinach/artichoke dips out there that are almost twice your daily allowance for fat. (Daily recommended allowance for a 2,000 cal diet is 65 g, this stuff was 107 g!!!)

And to add photos to the journey, here is one from Thanksgiving (a couple weeks after I started) and one from today. Same shirt!


That’s all for now. Feel free to leave comments, questions, etc. Til next time!