Slack Week

Since my race, and my knee injury, I have been taking it easy. That's really an understatement - I've sat on my lazy ass doing nothing is a better way of putting it. Training for the race really gave me a purpose to get out to the track or on the treadmill every day, and now that it's over I'm having a hard time getting the motivation I need to start again.

Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the wagon. Quite the contrary, in fact. My eating stays on track, watching my calories, eating healthy, all that jazz - but I just HAVE to get some motivation to start working out again.

Dear hubby wants to get our "home gym" organized because my work out space has become smaller and smaller over the past few weeks. The room doubles as a storage room, but it's now 70% stored crap and 30% work out space. It's really hard to focus on working out when I'm surrounded by towers of boxes. Maybe, once that is done, I can get back in there and start working out again. Until then, I'm going to dust off my workout DVDs and start doing some weight training. I've definately got the cardio stuff down, but the sagging skin is starting to appear - not good. I've got to start working on toning, or I'm going to have some issues. Moving aside fat rolls is one thing - but I don't want to replace the fat rolls with saggy skin..EWWW!! I know, TMI - but it's the truth.

I managed to break the 230 mark this week. I'm now down to 228lbs!! That I'm happy about - although it's taken me 2 weeks to lose 4lbs. That's not so good. If I was working out, I'm sure the number would be double - so I should try using that as a motivation. I'd really like to shed 29lbs this summer so that by the time I start teaching in the fall - I'll be less than 200lbs. Wow, it's so unreal to see a goal so close. The last time I was under 200lbs was 10 years ago!!

Ok, so there's this week's update - Till next time. :)

First 5K Down!

So, this past Saturday was the Susan G. Koman RFTC. The day started out pretty bad, but got a little better.

Friday night, I decided I wanted to get a short run in so that my muscles would be a little warmed up for what awaited me the next day. My sister and I did a 2 mile run, but instead of taking it easy I decided to run hard. I don't know what I was thinking, I just wanted to get in a last "practice" before making it to the real deal. Well, I over did it because my knee started giving me some problems.

The next morning, we woke up at 5:30am to the sound of pouring rain - GREAT (*insert sarcasm*). One thing that had been stressed to me is that the race goes on rain or shine, so rain it was. That's all well and good, but the rain increases my knee pain - so I knew that it was going to be a very trying day. We arrived at the mall, and discovered that there had been a 30 minute delay of the race due to the sighting of lightening. That meant that we would be spending the next hour standing in the pouring rain. There really was no shelter anywhere, so we were absolutely DRENCHED by the time the race started.

I started the race pretty strong, despite the tingling in my knee. Got through 1/2 a mile before I took a "walk break". I walked for about 2 minutes, and then took off running again. Just as I did I felt like someone had stabbed me in my knee cap. The pain was terrible. I'm not sure what happened, what I did, all I knew is that I couldn't give up. I literally had to hobble through most of the course, until I came to the last 1/2 a mile. I just couldn't bear the thought of walking through the finish line, so I sucked up everything I had to ignore the pain and I took off running. I crossed the finish line with no pain, just joy that I had done what I had been working so hard to do.

I managed to finish the race with a time of 48:30. Not great at all, but good taking into consideration that I couldn't run. I'm happy with it, and it just gives me something to work harder on next time.

I have been out of running commission since then, because I apparently I injured my knee pretty badly. It's been 5 days since the race, and I'm still in a little bit of pain. I've been taking it easy, but now it's time to jump back on the horse and start working out again. I just have to take it easy.

So, my weight today: 230.1 lbs!! I just have .1 lbs to lose to hit another 10lb target!!

Here are a couple of pics from the race:

Me, my sister, and my 10 year old daughter before the race.

Me right after I crossed the finish line:

Oh, Yes I Can!!

So, this past Saturday was my first run with my new running "group". Well, the run consisted of me and the group leader - but I actually preferred getting some one-on-one time with her.

When we first met, she explained that the trail was 1.8 miles long, and she likes to run around it twice - giving us a total of 3.6 miles. I was ok with that, because I've been walking/jogging for about 5 miles for a few weeks now. The difference was, I'd been running for about a minute or two, and then walking for 2 minutes. Karrie, my running partner, explained to me that she liked to run for 3 minutes and then walk for 2. I was a little nervous, but I thought - "it's now or never - if those people on Biggest Loser can do it, so can you!" Well, we started out, and I got through the first 3 minutes pretty easily. Then I did the second run, and started feeling the burn, then the third and I thought I was going to throw up but I kept on pushing. I finally pushed myself through the pain and got around the first time. The second time around I decided to step down to 2 minutes run/2 minutes walk. I got around the second time - and I was exhausted, but I did it!!

Despite how tired I was when it was all said and done, I really felt great. Karrie was such an inspiration and a motivator. She's currently training to run a marathon - so she's in a lot better shape than I am. We decided that being no one ever really shows up to run with her, she is now becoming my new "trainer". She's going to help motivate and push me through a long run each Saturday. I'm excited - maybe this time next year, I can run a half marathon!!

So, I'm just over 2 weeks away from the 5K. I'm getting pretty excited, and a little nervous. Even though I'm entered into the competitive run, I'm not doing it to compete with anyone. I know I'm not going to win - but the competition is with myself. I'm determined to get through it just to prove to myself that I can.

My sister, who is 14, is going to run with me. She's extremely fit, so it will be nice to have her to pace me and keep me going. She's coming over this weekend, along with my mom and brother, to spend the weekend with me. I plan on hitting the track at least once while she's there so we can get an idea on how we run together.

After work today, I'm heading straight to the track. I'm going to run 3 times a week from now on. On my "off" days, I'm going to either run on the treadmill or lift weights. I really like how my body is getting, but I still have these HUGE chicken wings that flap around all day. I really want to work on getting rid of them, so I'm going to start working on the weight gym 3 times a week.

So - my weight this week: 236lbs. Down another 2lbs - not too bad. :)

Well, that's it for now. Till next time. :)

Getting Down with the Sickness

For the past few days, I've been fighting a nasty chest cold. For anyone that doesn't know, chest colds can play nasty havoc on working out. I did manage to go for a nice run last Friday before it all kicked in. I was able to run a lot more than I expected, and was on the track for about 45 minutes.

I'm feeling a lot better today, although I've still got a bit of a cough. I'm hoping to take it easy tonight and get on the treadmill for a little while - at least until I can't stop coughing..LOL

I reached a huge milestone this week - I finally dropped below the 240lbs mark. It seems like for the past few years, I'd always get stuck at 240lbs and then end up giving up. Well, this week, I kicked that little road block up the ass and weighed in at 238lbs!

I'm really happy, and now I feel like that's been the hardest road block for me to get over - it's all easy sailing from here. It's definately true what they say about getting into a new habit. It has now become second nature for me to check all food labels, buy low-fat, whole grain, or fat-free products, and mentally record everything that goes into my mouth.

So, a lot of people have asked me why things are so different this time. How do I know I'm not just going to fall off the wagon again? I have to say, I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for my amazing hubby. He has been so good at supporting me through this. The big difference is that this isn't a diet for me - we have literally changed our entire lifestyle. All of the food that I buy is for everyone, and all of the healthy meals I cook are for everyone. It really helps keep things easy to deal with. Planning my menu each week is something I actually look forward to. I make a weekly trip to the grocery store and ONLY buy what's on my list. I've also realized that I can't eat "diet" food all day every day. There are going to be times that I eat something that isn't healthy for me, I'm going to go to a restaurant and eat too much, I'm going to have a candy bar once in a while - and the best part to all of it is the understanding that it's ok. My biggest set back in the past was giving up after my first falter. If I ate something I wasn't supposed to, I'd admit defeat and just give up. I don't feel that way anymore. I look at things differently, now. It's not cheating, it's living!! I can enjoy the joys of unhealthiness once in a blue moon - and I don't feel guilty about it. I plan accordingly, I make sure I enjoy every bite of satisfaction associated with it, and then I work out extra the next day.

My new exercise interest is now running. I'm not really sure why I like it so much - and it's not at all easy - but I really find enjoyment out of running. It may be the hype that I've created for myself surrounding the 5K that I'm going to run in a few weeks...LOL This morning, I joined a local running group, so every weekend I will be running with a few people. I really like that idea cause I feel like I'm committing myself a little more because there are people that are relying on me to show up. Also, it will help having people keeping a pace for me to go by. My first run is this Saturday - so I'll have to update on how that goes.

Till next time. :)

First 5K Here I Come!!

I know, I know, it's been almost a month since I've posted - I'm bad, what else can I say. I do bring news of continued success though - so cut me some slack on that.

Things have been going great the past few weeks. I've accomplised several mini milestones, and increased my workout and activity. My eating remains to be on target - and I'm feeling on top of the world.

I recently went to an Oscar Party and shopping for the event was quite an ordeal. It was terrible trying to find a "fat girl" dress among the aisles of beautiful gowns. Store after store I roamed, not finding any dresses in my size. Depsite not being able to find any dresses, I decided to pick up a couple pairs of pants that were on clearance. I deliberately bought them a size too small, so that I would have some "inspiration pants" to work myself into. I was so tired of wearing sweats or elasticated waists that I thought it would be good motivation to get into the smaller, cuter pants.

Well, after several hours, I finally found a little boutique that had 1 or 2 dresses in my size. I just couldn't believe it when I tried them on...both of them were TOO BIG!! WAY TOO BIG!! I almost fell over I was in so much shock. We tryed a size smaller, it fit - but was a little loose!! I went one size down again, and that was a little too snug but did zip up. I was in total shock.

As soon as I got home, I decided to try on the motivation pants. Would you believe that not only did they fit - they were TOO BIG, and I had to wear a belt with them??!! Hallalujah!!! Finally I got to see some major progress.

The next day, I rushed out and bought a new pair pants in a size smaller, and they fit perfectly - so I had to buy another pair of motivation pants in the size down from that one. So, what does that look like in numbers?

Before dieting - size 22-24 (mostly 24)

Size now - 18!!!

With the progress I've been making, I've decided to dedicate myself to running a competitive 5K race at the end of April. I know it's not going to be easy, but I'm so determined to do it that the determination is fueling me to work out, work out, and work out some more. I'm now up to working out 5-6 hours a week (an hour a day). I'm walking 5 miles a night or jogging 2-3 miles. I am also doing strenth training an hour a week or 2 days at 30 minutes. I don't know where I managed to find the time to workout so much - but I did, and I am. I've found that my schedule and food planning has really been a life saver in all of this. It's so true when all those diet gurus talk about writing everything down. I don't jot down everything I eat, but I sure do plan EVERYTHING!!

Here's a couple of progress pics. The first one is me in December of 2009, and the second one is me 2 weeks ago:

First Biggest Loser Weigh-In

So, a week has passed and last night I had my first official "weigh-in" with the Biggest Loser game. This week, I faltered just a little. I ate dinner out with my kids Sunday evening and ate some stuff that I shouldn't have - but I didn't let it bring me down. I enjoyed the food, and just prepared myself for what the scale would say.

My exercise schedule this week was:

Tuesday: Started Biggest Loser program
Wednesday: Jillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD
Thursday: Biggest Loser work-out
Friday: No work out (should have, but didn't)
Saturday: Biggest Loser work-out
Sunday: No work-out
Monday: No work-out - that was planned..LOL
Tuesday: Biggest Loser challenge and weigh-in

My previous weight was: 245lbs

My weight last night was......drumroll please...... 242lbs!!!

That's a difference of 3lbs!! I'm very proud of myself - despite the lack of work-outs, I still managed to pull a good number. I'm really happy with that.

This next week, I'm increasing the intensity of my work-outs - so I'm hoping to continue pulling pretty good numbers. I'm doing really well with my food intake - staying within my calorie/fat targets.

Till next time. :)

New Beginning

Well, it took a few months, but I finally got my ass up and decided it's time to start over.

The beginning of January, I decided that this year had to be my year to get this weight off. I'm just over a year away from getting my teaching license, and I just don't want to be a fat teacher.

This time around, I've decided to ask for help - and follow through with it. I'm also using a little "helper". I decided that I was going to try Alli. I did a lot of research about the pill before jumping into it. I don't even take medicine when I'm sick - so I really wasn't thrilled about using a pill to lose weight. I really didn't want one of those "get thin quick" offers, and Alli was so much different from the other weight loss suppliments I studied. Alli is FDA approved, which is a good start, plus it doesn't advertise that it will help people lose weight fast without doing any work. From day one, I knew that I had to change my eating habits and my exercise habits or I would be wasting money taking the pills.

The pills are just a suppliment to help stop some of the fat I eat from being stored into my body. The pills actually block 25% of consumed fat from being absorbed. There's no increase in heart rate, no crap about "eat whatever you like" - the information book is honest and realistic - either eat healthy while taking the pills or end up shitting all over yourself basically sums it up the best..LOL The pills do come with side effects, that the company prefers to call "treatment effects". The easy way to describe this is: if you eat more fat than you should, you're going to end up with anal leakage...EWWW!! If that doesn't motivate you to watch what you eat, I don't know what else will.

I decided I wanted to really get in control of things before I came back to my blog. My life is very different than it was a few months ago. I have been on the Alli plan since the middle of January - about 4 weeks. In that time, I've lost 17lbs!! I realized I have to have a scale in my life - and I don't know what I was thinking by not using one.

Every day is a challenge, but I want to report my accomplishments and what I'm up to these days to get things to work for me:

So, like I said - I've lost 17lbs since starting all of this. On January 24th, I stood on the scale to see a nasty 263lbs!! As of Tuesday, February 16th, I weighed in at 245lbs. That's a huge accomplishment for me. So, what am I doing?

I eat 3 meals a day, and one snack. I am eating 1200-1400 calories a day, and my target fat intake is 17-20 grams. I eat basically anything I want - but the fat free or low fat options. All of the dairy I eat is fat-free or 1%, the meat is super lean or fat-free, lots of fish, fresh veggies, fruit, and low calorie bread. I have converted my whole household to eating healthy, so there's no hassle in cooking seperately. I also plan my meals out every Sunday for the next week and then make a shopping list - this has been my favorite tool to staying on target. I do my grocery shopping every Sunday afternoon, and I only buy what is on my list. One thing I have also learned - it's ok to cheat. Because I want to change my lifestyle, I'm now realistic to the fact that I can't go through the rest of my life without eating out or enjoying the occasional slice of pizza - I enjoy my "treat" and then just pick up the next day. I limit myself, though, and try not to indulge more than once every couple of weeks.

As far as exercising goes - I'm LOVING IT!! I bought the Biggest Loser game for my Wii, and it's the BOMB DIGGATY! I weigh in each week, do challenges, and work out 3x's a week. I use the game Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Wednesday's, Friday's and Sunday's I work out using a work out DVD (Jillian Michael's 30-day shred, Biggest Loser Cardio Max, or Leslie Sansone's Walk Off the Pounds), or I walk for 45 minutes on the treadmill. Monday nights is my night off. This schedule is working really well for me, and I'm burning a lot more calories with the extra workouts than I would by just working out 3x's a week.

So, that's how my life is doing - I'm really happy with everything...and hopefully I can now continue with positive updates of how things are going with me. Also, I will get around to posting some new pics of me to track my progress.

Till next time. :)