Setting a Goal Weight

I am sure you've realized by now that I like setting goals for myself. I'm not sure why, since I don't always reach them, but I enjoy having something to work towards. In order to make progress then I need to have an end result in mind. In this case it would be a goal weight to end up at instead of just bouncing back and forth between the same few pounds repeatedly.

It hit me recently that I am up close to twenty pounds from my wedding a year and a half ago. I could dwell on that fact, or look at the other side and realize that at one point since the wedding I was up over thirty pounds.

At least there's that fact that I have lost some weight..

I don't want to sit here and think about how far I've come from October 2012. I don't want to think about how I still didn't like my body at that lower weight or the negative thoughts I've said to myself or out loud in the time it took me to gain that much weight. I don't want to think about what my husband must think. I don't want to think of what impression I've put on my child with the things I have said in front of her about my body and my weight. I don't want to think about the struggle it's been to lose the fifteen or so pounds I've lost already.

I don want to think about the rest of this journey, no matter how far or how long it takes. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what my end weight goal is going to be for a few reasons:

1. I want to be at a weight that is a healthy weight for my height. I was recently measured at 5'8" (although I've always been 5'9" so I may need to re-measure) and an ideal weight range for that height is anywhere from 121.7 - 164.4 pounds.
2. I'm in full force training mode, so the weight isn't going to come off as easy when I'm dedicated to running and strength training, plus I'm still trying to find that exercise/food balance.
3. I know that weight I would like to be ideally, but I don't think it's a realistic weight to try to maintain, especially since I haven't seen that weight in close to 5 years so it's not going to be as easy to get or keep the weight off.
4. I want to be less concerned with a number and more concerned with what I'm eating, how I feel and how my clothes fit.

I truly believe that staying near the high end of a healthy weight range would be easier for me in the long run and at this point in my life I just want to be healthy and not worry about vanity pounds.

So that's what I'm aiming for. I would like to get down to and maintain at 160.

But, in order to do that it means that I need a fresh start. I need to make a clean attempt so that I can stop thinking about the past and what I have or have not done. The successes I've seen and the failures along the way. It's all a part of the process and I anticipate it on this journey as well, but I'm going to be starting and giving it my absolute best attempt tomorrow.

Ojai Half Marathon- Race #5 of 14

I am well on my way to the halfway point on this years goal of 14 half marathons. My halfway half will be in Mammoth in June and I am really excited that that race is going to be #7. Mammoth is a special place for me and I really cannot wait to run that race.

But, here we are at the end of April and my love for running and my excitement for my goal is growing. That's obviously a good thing because I still have 9 more races to go in the next 8 months.

I wasn't too sure about this race today. I knew that the course had a generous 4 hour time limit, however I got there this morning and found out there were only about 350 runners running the half marathon. My mom was with me and I looked at her and simply said, "I may finish last today.. But, finishing last is better than not finishing which is better than not starting."

Thankfully, there were pace groups and I stood in the corral with the 3 hour pacer. I wanted to try to finish before 3 hours (which is what I attempt at every half marathon) but I wasn't going out to PR. I just recently PR'd in February and I did that by increasing my intervals. I haven't been working on speed and I've been really comfortable in doing 30:1 intervals. Plus, this is a new course that states "no whiners or crybabies need apply" on their website due to the rolling hills.

I wish I could recap a race better than I do. I wish I could remember the things that I see, think about or do while out there. Unfortunately I think a lot while I'm out there, but never remember anything when I get in front of the computer. At least nothing interesting..

Here's what I remember:
1. My legs felt tight up until mile 2.5ish
2. I had a cramp on my right side up until mile 2ish
3. The scenery was amazing
4. The bike lanes were really small and I thought on more than one occasion that I was going to be clipped by a truck
5. A lot of runners use both headphones
6. I like it when runners sing out loud.. most of the time

7. I like taking pictures while running

8. Running in a new place with nice scenery makes a run go by fast
9. Running past the finish line down 1.5 mile and back 1.5 miles before finishing is torture

10. You can have a great run without hitting a wall and still get bored towards the end
11. Some days you feel like you're going to have a bad, hard run and it ends up being the opposite
12. Getting a cramp 2 miles before the finish line sucks
13. My mom is amazing and I'm so glad to have her. It helps running towards someone to celebrate with after you finish running for 13 miles

And with that, here are some pictures from the race.

 

 

 

 

Body Revolution Update #1

I started this 90 day program on April 14th and have been consistently following the program. Well, that's a lie. I have been following the workouts the way she has it set out, but I have not been following the food plan she has provided. In all honesty, that's not something that I can realistically follow and I am doing my best to stay within my calories on MFP. I am still learning how to balance both and maybe that's my downfall.

Week one and two are the same with the workout schedule and it's been a really good schedule so far. It's very different from both 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30 and I like that each day is different because I am less likely to get bored with the program. The following is how a week of strength training looks:

Monday- Workout 1
Tuesday- Workout 2
Wednesday- Cardio 1
Thursday- Workout 1
Friday- Workout 2
Saturday- Cardio 1
Sunday- Rest

The workouts last about 30 minutes and it's very easy to fit in during the day. The first week I was better about doing it first thing in the morning before I started work, but this week I've been waiting until either my lunch break or after work. The best part is that I have yet to have a day that I have not looked forward to getting the workout done. Normally when I start a workout program the excitement of it wears off pretty fast and I despise the pending workout, but this time around I have actually been anticipating the time I get to spend doing it.

I know that it's going to be getting more difficult next week, but I have enjoyed building the foundation these first two weeks and think that it's going to be exciting to watch my body change and my strength improve.

I made the mistake of taking my measurements after I had already started the first week and made a second mistake in taking measurements again before the second week was over. Since the same DVDs are used two weeks in a row I have decided to update my measurements every other Sunday. I was disappointed earlier this week when I saw that I was gaining inches in every single area, but I have to just accept what my changes are and realize that everything is happening for a reason. I'm making very positive changes to myself, both physically and mentally.

Body revolution start date: April 14th

First measurements taken April 19th
Chest- 39.25
Waist- 33.5
Hips- 43.5
L thigh- 23.5
L arm- 12.25

Measurements taken April 27th
Chest- 39.5 (+.25)
Waist- 34 (+.5)
Hips- 44 (+.5)
L thigh- 23.75 (+.25)
L arm- 12.75 (0)

I know what the problem is and I'm working on finding a solution. Unfortunately I am still using food to deal with stress and to celebrate exciting changes. My food choices are not reflecting what I want out of this. I am starting each day with good intentions and I go downhill quickly thereafter. I am also not completing the entire day with tracking either and that is huge for me if I want to see any sort of success.

My main problem with food is that I cannot cook well. I find that I get anxiety even thinking about being in the kitchen. I rely heavily on Patrick or on easy to make prepackaged foods. It's not a good situation and I know the only solution is to practice in order to be more comfortable to make healthier options for myself.

I'm hoping to see some improvements with my measurements after this next set of DVDs. It's one thing to watch the scale go up when you're strength training, it's a completely different mind confusion when your measurements go up as well.

Perfectly Imperfect

"I didn't do as well as I had hoped."

"Tomorrow will be a better day."

"I'm a work in progress."

"I adjusted my workouts."

"I didn't reach my goals."

"I'm gaining weight."

"I'm still not eating as well as I'd like."

 

I'm sick of saying these things. The problem is, I don't know how to get off of this merry-go-round. Some days I feel like I'm trying like hell to make this lifestyle change and to make it last. Other days the want to eat all the things is greater then the desire to change my eating habits to be a healthier person.

 

So what does that mean? 

 

It means I'm human. I'm imperfect and I like it that way. I'm going to trip up along the way and I will make mistakes. But I do try to make changes and it's sometimes a daily battle. As long as I'm willing to fight that battle, whether the outcome is good or bad, then I am a winner.

 

So I think my mindset needs to change. I am just going to do my best each day. That's something I can easily do. I can enjoy the smallest of victories and get over the biggest of failures because it's a day to day process.

I do still plan on having trip ups along the way and I do plan on sharing them. I'm not going to pretend to be perfect and only show the good things, I do believe that maybe someone somewhere can relate. And no one is perfect 24/7. But for my sanity I think the main focus needs to be on positives and successes. 

So here's where I repeat myself. I didn't do as well as I had hoped yesterday and I am going to try to make today a better day. I'm a work in progress. 

Weigh In #20

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 180.6

This Weeks Weight: 181.4

+/-: +0.8
Total +/-: -7.8

 

Clearly I'm not as committed to this whole thing as I should be. In 20 weeks I've lost 7.8 pounds and have gone up and down quite a bit. This is clearly not intentional but I know that I'm not putting my all into it. On one hand I don't want to be disappointed because I am still down from my starting weight and I do not want to say "only" in front of a decent loss, but over that time period it seems very little.

 

I'm only going to get out of this what I put into it, so it's about damn time for me to get serious about what I want my results to be over the long run. I need to stop giving into temptation all the time and I need to start being nicer to myself and to my body. I find myself slipping back into old habits of negative self talk and it's emotionally exhausting to think those things.

 

I have to focus on the things that I am doing right and the main thing is that I'm not giving up. I'm not quitting. I've had good weeks and I've had bad weeks but through it all I'm still fighting. I will see success and it's going to start right now.

 

Last weeks goals:

1. Track. No excuses, just plain couldn't get back into it after going overboard on Easter. New week and I'm really glad to have that reset.

 

2. Water. No excuses, just plain didn't drink enough water and probably could have made much better choices. Again, new week = reset.

 

3. Do not go overboard on Easter. Did not do as well as I would have liked. Using it as a learning experience and moving on.

 

4. Make workout schedule on Sunday. I actually did this and pending I complete my strength training workouts today and tomorrow as well as quick 1 mile runs both today and tomorrow I will have gone the entire week with completing every workout!

 

5. Take measurements at next weigh in. I actually took my measurements on the 19th and am using those as my starting measurements for tracking during Body Revolution since it's closer to when I started the program. The measurements were actually very similar to the last time I took them so that was good to see. Now to keep improving!

 

This weeks goals:

1. Track. Everything. All week.

2. Water. Everyday. 6 glasses or more.

3. Write down one positive about myself every day.

4. Have fun at the half marathon on Sunday. Do not stress about time.

5. Blog more.

Thankful Thursday #6

1. I am thankful that I have been enjoying Body Revolution. Even though I peeked and my weight and measurements are up I know that I am doing something good for my body and it will work itself out in the end. I have to continue to remind myself that this is not something that will change overnight so there's no point crying about the lack of progress when in fact there is progress. I feel stronger and all around better.

2. I am thankful for house hunting. We have officially begun the process of looking for a house to buy and although we went out and looked at all of the houses that are available in our area in our price range and nothing worked out, it just means that our house isn't for sale yet and that we have to keep looking. Our house is out there and this process is actually kind of fun.

3. I am thankful that we have found a great system for keeping the apartment clean. It wasn't bad, but now the chores feel more even and we aren't feeling under appreciated or like one person is doing more than the other. We've fallen off a little this week for various reasons but we're both committed to getting back on track.

4. I am thankful for my husband and his use of the phrase "Your face..."

5. I am also thankful for my husband and for joining me once a week to workout. It can get kind of boring when you're doing a strength training DVD by yourself, but I truly look forward to that one day a week that he joins me. Even though he gives me the dirtiest of looks right when we finish, I think it's a good thing for both of us.

"He who has a why...

...can endure any how." - Nietzsche

I've really been enjoying the first two weeks of Body Revolution and this is the favorite quote that Jillian says in workout 2. It makes a lot of sense to me and I think it's a great way to put it into perspective while you're finishing up an intense workout that you want to quite.

I have been on this weight loss journey for over 10 years now and have had so many different reasons why I want to lose weight. It's ranged from vanity reasons to health reasons to making a significant other happy to being a better parent. Some reasons have helped, some have hindered. They why has changed so many times that I've stopped keeping count.

There is one thing that I have not done recently and I feel it may be a necessary part of succeeding on this journey. I feel it's time to update my list of reasons why I want to get in shape and be healthy. It's always just been something I want because I don't like the way I look, but it's so much more than that. So much more...

I'm sure the list of why will change again at some point, and I'm sure the vanity reasons may outweigh the health reasons, but for today my "why" is:

- to end the yo-yo cycle of losing and gaining the same weight
- to continue to be active and accomplish my workout goals
- to be a better influence on my children
- to continue to boost my self confidence
- to feel confident in a bathing suit
- to believe people when they tell me I'm pretty
- to handle emotions without food
- to possibly be a roll model for those that want to lose weight/get in shape
- to take pride in how I look on a day to day basis
- to be able to spend more time focusing on some of my other goals

I think keeping this list visible will help me remember why I want this. I think lists like this are meant to be open and honest, so although some of these reasons may seem vain or unimportant to some, they are mine and no one can take that away from me. And if this list helps me get through a workout or make a healthier food choice, then more power to it. At this point I'm willing to try anything to make the motivation stick, and if it makes the journey a little easier I won't complain!

Accepting Disappointment

I had mentioned awhile ago that I would not be participating in the Dopey Challenge in 2015 like I had so desperately wanted to.

I made a plan to where I could still complete the challenge but not spend the money on the race or travel and I allowed myself a day to grieve over the loss and I moved on. Or at least I thought I did...

But then I saw this when I got to work this morning:

And all the emotions came flooding back. The excitement I felt when I thought of going to Florida, the accomplishment I would feel after crossing each of the finish lines, and the disappointment when I made the final decision to not participate due to finances.

Two hours is all it took for the Dopey Challenge to sell out today. Two hours.

I know that I made the right decision, the responsible decision. But it doesn't make it sting any less that the opportunity is now officially out of my hands.

I know it probably doesn't make sense to most people, but it's a difficult thing to let go. But, it's time to accept that this is the way it is.

I'm sure I will still feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete the 48.6 miles over four days. I know it won't be the same (running alone is never the same as at a race), but it will be enough to prove to myself that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to, just without the $530 registration fee.

Motivation

Or lack thereof...

I don't know what's wrong with me, but I tend to feel this way when I take a day "off" from tracking. I also tend to feel this way when I stop blogging. I sometimes get these feelings that what I write about is not meaningful so there's really no point in typing it all out because more likely than not other people have already realized the same things. Sometimes I just don't know what to write about, other days I feel as though I sound like a broken record. Sometimes I have nothing exciting going on, other days I do but can't write about it, most of the time what's exciting to me is usually not to others.

Then I start thinking about it. I mean, really thinking about it. What I realize is that this blog is for me and if what it takes to keep my motivation is to brag about it then that's what I'm going to do. If I need to post about each run, workout, meal, or whatever it is that is going on then I'm going to in order to keep myself going. I figure that I'm not forcing anyone to read along and find that when I do write about it, no matter how short or long, no matter how meaningful/full of knowledge or how insignificant/full of rambling thoughts it may be, if I find it helpful then I'm going to do it.

So I left off with my last post on Friday with a loss on the scale. A small loss, but a loss none the less and at this point I'm going to take whatever I can get.

It probably comes as no surprise that I have fallen off the wagon. Hard.

I had this great idea for Easter. I was going to do exactly what I did for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was going to track my meal as an even 1000 calories, pick and choose the foods that I really wanted to eat, take a portion of those items and enjoy myself.

It's pretty obvious that that didn't happen. Multiple trips for appetizers, an unbelievable amount of candy and then dinner and dessert (including an amazing "heaven in a dish") I left my parents house with a stomach ache and a disappointment in my head and my heart. The scale and my stomach are feeling it today as well with a 6 pound gain overnight (most likely a lot of that is false.. hopefully) and with the way my stomach looks I'm surprised no one has asked me when I'm due (I'm not, just in case you were wondering).

So, I had choices today.

Track or not track?
Workout or take another rest day?
Dwell or move on?

I chose to start the day tracking but then stopped at lunch time when we went out for a coworkers birthday. It was not a good enough excuse to quit, but it is what it is and tomorrow is another day to try again.

I will admit that I was extremely tempted to take another rest day from strength training. This is why I need a training plan that has me doing something every single day. It's just how I work. If I take a rest day then I'm going to want to keep resting and it takes a long time to get back into it. I woke up around 4:20 this morning with my alarm with enough energy to get up and go do my workout, but I also had enough desire to go back to sleep. Then I thought I would just do the workout on my lunch, forgetting in my sleepy haze that I had lunch plans. It took a bit of coercing to get myself into my workout clothes when I got home when the couch looked so comfy, but I did the workout and am so glad that I did. And then I went for a quick 1.21 mile interval run when Patrick got home from work.

I am moving on. There is no point in thinking about what I could have done yesterday. I can't go back and change it. I can change what happens for the rest of tonight and for tomorrow, maybe even for the rest of the week. Beyond that, who knows what's going to happen.

So here is what I did last week workout wise and what I plan to do for this week:

Sunday 4/13: cross training/gym- stationary bike 30-45 minutes completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Monday 4/14: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 1 completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Tuesday 4/15: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 2 completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Wednesday 4/16: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution cardio 1 completed, 2-3 mile interval run completed

Thursday 4/17: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 1 completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Friday 4/18: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 2 completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Saturday 4/19: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution cardio 1 completed, 8 mile interval run did not complete

The only workout that I planned on that I didn't complete was the 8 mile run on Sunday. I realized pretty early on in the week that I didn't give myself enough rest time before my half marathon next weekend. I decided that I would rather split the mileage between Saturday and Sunday then to do it all on one day. So that's what I did.. To be honest, I'm thrilled with how this week went and would call it a major success. I can't remember the last time I completed so many scheduled workouts..

Sunday 4/20: 4 mile interval run

Monday 4/21: Body Revolution Workout 1, minimum 1 mile interval run

Tuesday 4/22: Body Revolution Workout 2, 2-3 mile interval run

Wednesday 4/23: Body Revolution Cardio 1, minimum 1 mile interval run

Thursday 4/24: Body Revolution Workout 1, 2-3 mile interval run

Friday 4/25: Body Revolution Workout 2, minimum 1 mile interval run

Saturday 4/26: Body Revolution Cardio 1, minimum 1 mile interval run

I have really been enjoying the Body Revolution workout so far. Granted the first two weeks are the same workouts and are the easiest of the challenge. They're considered to be easier in order to build your foundation, strength and balance. It's still Jillian, so it is by no means easy, but I really like the system so far and I am really looking forward to continuing and completing the full 90 days. I even talked Patrick into joining me one day last week. He may even join me again this week.

I don't feel too sore either, which is great because I was concerned it would affect my running, but in reality I have been finding that I already feel my legs are stronger and running has been a little bit easier. Hoping that the results are as awesome as they've been on other Jillian programs.

Here's to more writing and a better tomorrow!

Weigh In #19

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 181.2

This Weeks Weight: 180.6

+/-: -0.6
Total +/-: -8.6

I am actually surprised to see this loss and am very happy with it. I did think that I would see a gain due to the addition of strength training again, but it ended up being a decent week all around, pretty balanced in regards to food and I am definitely happy being back in a routine with strength and running. 

I always feel better all around when I'm working out. I've got endorphins flowing and I feel better physically and mentally. I need to remember this if I fall off the wagon again...

Last weeks goals:

1. Track. Stay in the black more than half the week. I made it, but barely. I went over on calories three days, however two of those days were over by very little (less than 50). There were also a couple days that I had quite a bit left over (over 200). I've already burned over 4000 calories since starting Body Revolution on Monday and I'm still trying to find a balance. I am using my heart rate monitor, so it's at least the most accurate count I can get. Some days I'm constantly hungry, some days I feel like I'm forcing myself to eat and some days I just find nothing appetizing. I don't want to just eat to eat, I want to eat well and get the most out of it. 

2. Water. Still drinking lots of water and feeling great about it. At least 6 glasses a day and trying to do more if possible. 

3. Cut down on sweets. I did indulge a little, but not nearly as much as last week. I truly believe I was eating some form of candy at least once a day every day last week. I needed to stop that and I felt that this week was a better balance of healthy foods and treats.

4. No fast food. I made it all the way until yesterday with no fast food. I did go out, but my goal was no drive thru. After a long day and no food between 630am and 130pm we had to stop somewhere. We ended up at Jack In The Box. I stayed within my calories for the day, didn't go overboard and I'm moving on.

5. Make workout schedule. I did make my workout schedule for this week and I've stuck with each workout. I do have an issue with tomorrow's workout and I'll probably have to shorten the mileage down from 8 miles since my next half marathon is next weekend. 

This weeks goals:

1. Track.

2. Water.

3. Do not go overboard on Easter.

4. Make workout schedule on Sunday.

5. Take measurements at next weigh in.

April Goals- Update

I seriously cannot believe that April is already halfway over. It seriously amazes me how fast time goes by…

Here’s where I am at with my goals so far for this month:

 

1.       Write in a journal every day: It amazes me how easy it has become to skip a day and have to start over. I am attempting this again with a start date of April 13th, however this time I am doing what I have been wanting to do but never got around to doing for the past 6 years… I am writing in a journal to Isabel.
2.       Take at least one picture a day: This month seems to be the month of photos by iPhone only. It’s actually been a lot easier to stop focusing on what the picture is taken with and to just take it. I’m really getting excited to see all 365 pictures once I’m all finished.
3.       Run and/or walk 105 miles: I am just slightly ahead of schedule and if everything goes as planned I can see myself ending the month with over 110 miles, but that may be generous.
4.       Run at least one mile every day to continue running streak: Today will mark day 177 once I get my run in. It’s amazing what doing something every day can do for you. I remember being so excited when I got to day 50 and now here I am almost to day 200. It’s actually pretty exciting for me to prove to myself that I can stick with something for this long and still want to continue to do it.
5.       Track on MFP: Today is day 26 of tracking. And I’m actually tracking this time. I had one day this past weekend that I really did not want to track, but I went in that night and finished tracking and it wasn’t even as bad as I thought it was going to be. I do need to get back to eating below or at my calories for the day, but for now I’m really excited to be in the habit of logging on every day and tracking. It is such an important tool and so helpful to me to see success.
6.       Read two books: I don’t know why this happens every single book I pick up but it takes forever for me to get into it or I start working on other goals and don’t have time/energy to read during the day or at night. I am definitely behind with this book, but from what I’ve read it’s a pretty quick read so I just need to set some time to finish it so that I have enough time to finish the next one for the month.

 

1.       Have at least one child free date night with Patrick: This has not happened yet, and I guess I will be counting our outing Thursday morning as our date. Patrick and I have found that we really enjoy watching The Price is Right together at night so we record the show in the morning and watch it together either at night or on the weekends. For my birthday he decided to make it a date for us to go watch the show being taped. It’s a first come first serve basis, so hopefully we’ll get there early enough to get to see the show being taped. I’m really excited to go!
2.       Work on blanket: I haven’t really been working much on the blanket, but I have finished one color and am working on another. Some days I just don’t care to crochet and other days it’s all I want to do. I go through phases with crafting and it may take me awhile to actually finish this thing, but once I do I’m sure it’s going to look pretty cool. To me anyway..
3.       Work on cross stitch: I am so excited about this one… My parents bought me a cross stitch program for Christmas one year which converts photos to cross stitch patterns. I am working on one now from our wedding and I’m hoping that it turns out well because if it does I plan on doing a lot of personalized gifts for Christmas.
4.       Work on coloring book: I’ve done very little in the coloring book, but I have one and that’s a good start.
5.       Look into cake decorating classes: I very briefly looked into this at the very beginning of the month but the class was already started. What I did find was that the classes through the local craft store is very affordable and is a 4 week class. I really like that idea because it spreads the information out over time and I think that will help me to retain the information provided as well as to see progress over the entire program. It’s a two part class, the first four weeks being the basics of decorating a cake (frosting, etc) and the second four week class is decorating the cake using fondant and icing shaped as flowers, etc.  I am a very VERY beginner baker, so this would be beyond exciting to extend my knowledge.
6.       Stick to workouts as much as possible: I’m working on it and I think now that I’m starting a new DVD program I will find it easier to stick to what I have planned. Basically, I’m doing the DVD for strength and running. If I get to the two walks I do at work, great. If I am able to make it to the gym, great. If not it’s fine too because they are not mandatory on the schedule.

Workout Schedule 4/13 - 4/19 & Mileage Update #12

Sunday 4/13: cross training/gym- stationary bike 30-45 minutes, minimum 1 mile interval run

Monday 4/14: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 1, minimum 1 mile interval run

Tuesday 4/15: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 2, minimum 1 mile interval run

Wednesday 4/16: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution cardio 1, 2-3 mile interval run

Thursday 4/17: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 1, minimum 1 mile interval run

Friday 4/18: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution workout 2, minimum 1 mile interval run

Saturday 4/19: strength training/DVD- Body Revolution cardio 1, 8 mile interval run

Body revolution.. I finally decided it was time to start another strength training challenge. I find it easier to follow a challenge like this, for whatever reason it's too easy for me to give up when I plan different strength DVDs a couple times a week. 

I had wanted to wait until I got closer to my goal weight, but why? Other than the fact that I know I will end up gaining weight for a while because of the changes in my muscles, there really is no reason to not do what works best. 

I have always found that strength training is the best thing for me physically and mentally. I love the way I look regardless of what I weigh when I am following a workout that tones and my main focus will be my health and the way I feel, not what I weigh. 

I've done it before and I'm doing it again and I will see success. My hope is to workout in the morning before work. I get in first and we have a part of the back room that we use for working out. I figure it will be better for me to get it done first thing and since we currently live on the second floor of an apartment it will save our neighbor the pain of being loud most nights.

I know that schedules will interfere, so I'm trying to make sure I get it done either in the morning or on my lunch, but I think I was able to talk Patrick into working out with me one night a week (I asked for 2-3 days, he agreed to 1 and I took it). Those nights I will be more than happy to wait for him. I think it will be a good thing for both of us.

 

Bring it Jillian..

 

Mileage update: (including tonight's run)

 

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 4/13: 47.11 miles

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 4/13: 427.28 miles

34.18% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-4/13/14): 2177.29 miles

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: day 175

This week's mileage: 25.90 miles
Sunday- 1.23 mile interval run
Monday- 2.04 mile walk, 2.44 mile interval run
Tuesday- 2.04 mile interval run
Wednesday- 2.05 mile interval run
Thursday- 1.34 mile walk, 2.08 mile interval run
Friday- 2.04 mile walk, 1.34 mile walk, 2.64 mile interval run
Saturday- 5.51 mile interval run
Sunday- 1.14 mile interval run 

Weigh In #18

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 182.4

This Weeks Weight: 181.2
 

+/-: -1.2
Total +/-: -8

 

I am having a difficult time finding a balance between eating well and working out. I enjoy working out more and feel like I see more results to my body when I am strength training and I absolutely love to run, but I find that most of the time I waste the progress I've made through exercise by eating unhealthy foods.

 

I find that when I am tracking, eating healthy and staying within my calories then I am usually not putting in my all with working out. And the same can be said for when I am in full workout/training mode. I'm more focused on the workouts than I am the food.

 

It's a very delicate balance that I am trying to find for myself. I know it will help when I get out of the mind set that I need to do this all or nothing. I can workout 3 days a week and see progress. It does not need to be an extreme every time. Of course as I type that I am also considering starting the Jillian Michael's Body Revolution 90 day program...

 

I know for me that I need to set goals. Like tracking every day for a year or doing a workout routine that lasts 3 months. It helps me to stay focused, to feel determined and to accomplish something. If I take a rest day, as silly as it may sound, I fall completely off the wagon. Even if that rest day is planned.

 

I'm hoping that I can get on the same page about both so that everything will fall into place. 

Last weeks goals:

1. Track. Stay in the black more than half the week. I only went into the red one day and even then I stayed under 2,000 total calories. It felt great to see those positive numbers all week.

2. Water. This is the first week in a long time that I drank at least 6 glasses of water every day. I think this challenge at work is definitely helping!

3. Clean out closet and dresser. I finished cleaning out my closet, now onto the dresser.

4. Stick to workout schedule. Not so much, but I have been enjoying my running workouts, so half of my scheduled workout was done.

Workout schedule:

April 4th - April 10th

Friday April 4th: arm workout did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Saturday April 5th: Hollywood Half Marathon completed

Sunday April 6th: gym did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Monday April 7th: arm workout did not complete, 2-3 mile interval run completed

Tuesday April 8th: strength DVD did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Wednesday April 9th: arm workout did not complete, 2-3 mile interval run completed

Thursday April 10th: strength DVD did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

This weeks goals:

1. Track. Stay in the black more than half the week.

2. Water.

3. Cut down on sweets.

4. No fast food.

5. Make workout schedule.

 

Workout schedule:

April 11th - April 17th

TBD. I am going to decide today if I'm going to commit to doing the 90 day program and will post a workout schedule this weekend.

 

Progress Pictures: January-April

 

Okay, so I'm late in posting my progress photo this month. I'm not sure why I decided to not take the photo for so long, other than being forgetful or not having someone to take my picture in the morning (my ideal time to do this sort of thing). In all honesty, I'm not that disappointed with the progress, or lack there of. I know that in order to see progress then I actually have to be doing something productive to change what I don't like and I really have not been doing that. So, I'm using this as motivation to make that commitment to do something about the things that I don't like.

Thankful Thursday #5

1. I am thankful for new running shoes. After having some major issues while training for the LA Marathon last year I decided it was pretty stupid of me to be so stubborn. I took my sisters advice and went to a running store to be professionally fitted. Prior to this I was wearing shoes from department stores and went by how they felt. That worked well until if didn't and that last pair of running shoes was almost my last. My generous parents bought me my first pair and I have refused to try anything since. Thankfully Amazon recently had an amazing sale and I stocked up on a few pairs to last me awhile. And, right after the race on Saturday I knew it was time for a shiny new pair to be broken in. My feet feel fantastic and it's like running on clouds.

2. I am thankful for detailed and color coordinated chore charts. And of course for a husband who is patient and understanding when it comes to my OCD. The apartment has stayed clean and on day two of our calendar I had to ask what I am supposed to do during the 20 minute pickup if I only have 5 minutes worth of stuff to do.. I can see this working for us!

3. I am grateful to my best friend for being willing to jump back into a workout routine to help hold me accountable. I know that it is so much easier for me to stay accountable when I have someone doing it with me. We've seen success together a few times before, I know that if we stick with it this time we will see success again.

4. I am thankful for my parents, who let me run after work. It is easier for me to run immediately after work because it doesn't give me the opportunity to sit down. Knowing myself I know that I won't get back up, so going for a 1-3 mile run around their neighborhood is so incredibly helpful, especially since I can keep going if the run feels good or stop if I'm just having a bad run day.

5. I am thankful for tomorrow. Both the fact that it's Friday and because it's weigh in. I'm excited to have a fresh week. I didn't do bad this week food-wise but could have done better fitness-wise. I have yet to take my progress picture for the month for fear of seeing the changes, but will be taking them tonight to post tomorrow. I've been peaking at the scale all week and today was my highest day and I'm still less than last week, so here's hoping there's a loss tomorrow!

Hollywood Half Marathon- Race #4 of 14

This morning started bright and early.. Okay, not so bright, but very early. The alarm went off at 3:45 am so that I could press snooze once or twice before getting up and dressed for the race this morning.

My very awesome husband offered to stay up in order to take my running laundry out if the washer and put it in the dryer. He even took it from the dryer and set the laundry basket of clean clothes in the bathroom since he didn't know what I was planning on wearing. Lack of planning on my part won him some extra and major brownie points.

I picked my sister up at 4:45am and we made our way to Hollywood. We thought we had planned ahead and had given ourselves plenty of time to find parking and make our way to the start line. Unfortunately, the parking structure they had advised would be open for our use that morning was blocked off. There were so many people looking for parking and no one really directing anyone where to go. We eventually found a parking lot and decided it was our best option, even though we'd have to walk a bit to the start, walk a lot farther after finishing, and we weren't quite sure we'd come back to a car with a ticket.

Major frustration. 

I really do try to keep my frustration levels low at races, knowing that things happen, people make mistakes and that it is a learning process. In the grand scheme of things, a race not starting on time or running out of water is low on my list of things to worry about. However, this is the third year of this race and my sister and I both have a legacy status in this race. I'm not too sure we'll be coming back next year. Three years and three unorganized events later...

The race started about 15 minutes late an since we were in the second to last corral it meant we started 15 minutes after that. We started strong and kept a pretty good pace for the first half of the race. But the halfway point got us both. Rachel couldn't feel her right foot and on top of that felt like her feet were burning (later to be discovered the cause were two blisters). Her shins were also feeling tight and causing pain. My right knee was not happy and I was in quite a bit of pain no matter if I walked or ran. We decided to finish the race walking, although I strongly contemplated stopping at the first aid tent and not finishing. 

At that point I think it was more mental than physical though, so we walked 6.5 miles to the finish with occasional bursts of running when there was more of a downhill. 

It wasn't our best finishing time, but it wasn't our worst. It really was about finishing, and we did. 

On top of the 13.1 miles we had just finished for a medal, we then had to walk an extra 1.42 miles (partly uphill) to the car. No ticket though!! 

Another half is done. 4 out of 14 finished and the next one is in 3 weeks. I really like always being in training mode. It gives me something to work towards and keeps me more focused than if I was just running for pleasure. 

Good thing I enjoy it!

 

Weigh In #17

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 182.0

This Weeks Weight: 182.4

+/-: +0.4
Total +/-: -6.8

Clearly I'm doing something wrong here, and I'm pretty much over the fact that I'm not committed 100% to this effort of losing weight, keeping it off, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

So I am committing to myself this week to give it my all. I'm not shooting for perfection here, just progress. 

I could make excuse after excuse about why I haven't been strength training even though it works. I could justify the fact that I'm tracking every thing I eat even if that means I'm going over calories. I can explain that I've been really stressed at work and that carries over into my personal life and when I'm stressed I eat. 

That's not going to solve anything though. What is going to make a difference is what I do about it, not what I say about it. And I've been a lot of talk with little action. 

I need to start blogging more to hold myself accountable. I need to turn here when I've had a difficult day, to vent it out and work through why I want to turn to food. I need to turn here when I have no motivation to workout, to figure out what's holding me back and to hopefully find a small amount of motivation to do the workout. 

I can't keep doing what I'm doing though. Because I can tell a difference when I look in the mirror. I can see myself going back to a body that I didn't appreciate, a body that made me feel self conscious. I've made too much progress mentally in that area to turn around and throw it all away physically. 

Last weeks goals:

1. Track. I did it! I've made it another week with tracking everything. I did go over on calories six out of the seven days, however only one of those days did I net over 2000 calories. Baby steps. 

2. Water. Doing better with this one. I made it all but one day with at least 6 glasses of water. We started a new challenge at work to get in more water, so I am paying more attention to how much I am actually drinking so that I can accurately log my glasses of water each day. 

3. Clean out closet and dresser. If by cleaning out I actually meant adding more then I succeeded. I have a weakness for online shopping when there is an amazing sale going on and I may or may not have indulged in some new clothes shopping a couple days last week. So far, everything that I have received I have loved, so at least there's that. It all fits, I feel great and I am hoping to actually need this new business attire I've got going on soon. It's too casual too often here. It's nice to spruce it up. Unfortunately, there is a pile of hang ups sitting in front of my closet. A reminder to actually go through, get rid of (and not feel guilty for getting rid of) my older clothes that I no longer fit into, wear or like. 

4. Make April training schedule. I have it printed out and ready to go. I am going to be filling it in week by week so that I can work with Patrick's schedule and actually schedule workouts on days that I know they will get done. Things come up and happen (like being clumsy and tripping and pulling your side) but I'm trying to be flexible when it comes to rescheduling for realistic events and not just random excuses.

5. Stick to workout schedule for coming week. Not quite. I did change things around when I made my workout schedule for this first week of April, so there's that. Plus the slight "injury". It is what it is.

Workout schedule:

March 28th - April 3rd

Friday 3/28: arm workout completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Saturday 3/29: 5 mile training run did not complete (did run 1 mile), cross training did not complete

Sunday 3/30: minimum 1 mile interval run completed, cross training did not complete

Monday 3/31: arm workout completed, 2-3 mile interval run completed

Tuesday 4/1: strength training DVD completed, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

Wednesday 4/2: arm workout did not complete, 2-3 mile interval run did not complete (did run 1 mile)

Thursday 4/3:  strength training DVD did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed

This weeks goals:

1. Track. Stay in the black more than half the week.

2. Water.

3. Clean out closet and dresser.

4. Stick to workout schedule.

Workout schedule:

April 4th - April 10th

Friday April 4th: arm workout, minimum 1 mile interval run

Saturday April 5th: Hollywood Half Marathon

Sunday April 6th: gym, minimum 1 mile interval run

Monday April 7th: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Tuesday April 8th: strength DVD, minimum 1 mile interval run

Wednesday April 9th: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Thursday April 10th: strength DVD, minimum 1 mile interval run

So there it is. My breaking point of where I needed to get in order to start to make some positive progress. I think this week is going to be a good one. I'm ready mentally and I plan to go grocery shopping today in order to fill the refrigerator with healthy foods again. I've got this.. I hope!

Marley weighing in.