Weigh In #1

It's time to refresh my weight loss history and attempt this again with a brand new start. There will be no looking back, only forward from this point on.

 

But in all seriousness..

I'm taking it slow and steady at first, focusing mainly on the good healthy guidelines set forth by Weight Watchers. I will be tracking, running, drinking 6+ glasses of water, eating more fruits & veggies, eating more protein, choosing whole grains and taking a multi-vitamin. I am not making weekly goals at this point other than to consistently track, make healthy choices and eat smaller portions.

I have a tendency to focus on too much at once and I just end up stopping everything at once because it gets too overwhelming. I need to start with the basics and add a little at a time when I start to get the hang of things.

I mentioned before the things that I'm going to start with. I can't quite running because of my streak (and my love for it), but I am going to focus more on what I eat than on strength training right now. I think that will help with seeing success on the scale before I start working on toning.

I'm tired of starting over. I'm tired of not seeing success. I know that I can do this, but that's the thing.. I have to actual do it. I have to put in the work in order to see the results and I'm just not putting my all into it because it's too easy to be lazy and to give into temptation. I'm done trying to make this work, I'm ready to just do it already.

Starting weight: 183.2

Height: 5'9"
Healthy weight range: 125.3-169.3
Goal weight: 160
Healthy BMI range: 18.5-25
Current BMI: 27.8
Current body fat %: 29.4%

Starting measurements as of 5/1/14
Bust- 40
Waist- 34
Hips- 44
L thigh- 23.5
R thigh- 23.5

L arm- 12.25
R arm- 12.75

Starting pictures as of 5/1/14
Front

Side

Side

Back

I'm going to put my all into it. I want to be able to stop starting over. I want to reach my goal. I know I can and I truly don't know what's been preventing me. I am a self saboteur, but at what point do I allow myself to just let it happen without sabotaging myself or going to one extreme or the other. I can sit here and make excuses or I can get up and make it happen.

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.

Weigh In #15

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 181.4

This Weeks Weight: 179.6

+/-: -1.8
Total +/-: -9.6

I have been off of the wagon for a while now. To the point where when I tried to catch up and jump back on I ended up getting caught and dragged. So, that's where I've been with that.

With my birthday coming up next week I made a deal with myself to not track or do anything special for the next week or so and then I would get back to it with 100% commitment on April 1st.

But then I woke up this morning. I thought about what I wanted, what I needed. I knew right away that what I want is to start tracking, start exercising and start caring about it again. I miss that feeling when you're giving it your all and it pays off. I can't expect to give it 50% and get the results you want.

So, I stepped on the scale and am moving forward with this new found desire to see results. I got a little too comfortable and even though I don't have all the motivation I would like at this point I am ready to fake it until I make it. 

I am hoping that whatever this new start is can kick my backside into gear to get more serious about training. I still have a lot of races coming up and I know I feel better when I'm in full training mode. Plus, it would be nice to see some successes at the end of the week in regards to my goals and workout schedule.

This weeks goals:

1. Track.

2. Water.

3. Clean out closet and dresser.

4. Work on training schedule.

5. Enjoy my birthday dinner.

Workout schedule:

March 21st - March 27th

Friday 3/21: 2-3 mile interval run

Saturday 3/22: 8 mile interval run

Sunday 3/23: minimum 1 mile interval run, cross train

Monday 3/24: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Tuesday 3/25: 30 day shred, minimum 1 mile interval run

Wednesday 3/26: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Thursday 3/27: 30 day shred, minimum 1 mile interval run

Measurements

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Measurements taken on March 8th:
Chest: 40 (-1)

Waist: 33 (-4.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)

L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Current measurements taken March 22nd:

Chest: 39.25 (-1.75)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 23.5 (-3)

L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Weigh In #13

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 180.6
This Weeks Weight: 181.4

+/-: +0.8
Total +/-:  -7.8

Last Weeks Goals:

1. Track. Everything. Everyday. (hey, it will happen one of these weeks): I did really well tracking most of this week. But I fell off the wagon a little in the middle of the week and didn't even try to get back on. I let myself have a free for all and now I feel horrible about it both physically and mentally. I'm frustrated with myself for reaching a milestone two weeks ago and then letting it slip away because I did not have enough self control to eat healthy and use portion control. I know I will get back there and I'm now done focusing on the could have, should have, would have. This is where I'm at now and it's up to me to find a way to get back to where I want to be.
2. Find a better way to track water. Start small, 6 glasses a day: I did well with tracking up until the same time that I stopped focusing on tracking food. I was getting at least 6 glasses of water a day with some days being closer to and/or over 10 glasses. I stopped tracking though, so I don't actually know if I made it the whole week. Does anyone have a system they use that works?
3. Stick to workout schedule: I didn't quit stick to the schedule and have already stopped the NMTZ Challenge. What is wrong with me??? It's like I set myself up for failure when all I want is success.. I didn't get in the full 5 miles this weekend in one day because I had too many excuses not to. But I did get 2.04 miles on Saturday and 3.51 miles on Sunday. That counts, right?
4. Be self confident and own it: I have seen a tremendous difference in my self-confidence since starting to lose weight this time around. I have been focusing so much more on how I am feeling and less on what I weigh. I am also focusing on measuring success in different ways and not just based on the number on the scale. I have read too many articles (and experienced myself) about the scale being a liar and not the best tool to measure success or even progress. There are so many factors that can affect the scale one way or the other, and although it is a tool and can be helpful to reach certain goals, it's not the only tool and it doesn't tell the whole story.

The last few times I tried to lose weight I became obsessed with the scale and with seeing that number go down. It affected me to the point of questioning my self worth based on what the scale said. If I lost then I was able to do a happy dance and my whole life was validated because I saw success. If I gained then I would look at myself in the mirror and question everything. I honestly don't believe I saw the real me in the mirror, but a version of myself that was unacceptable in every possible way.

I decided for a while to put the scale away. To not care what I weighed and instead focus on how I feel. If I was hungry, I ate. Simple as that. I listened to my body and stopped eating when I was satisfied. Not full, not stuffed, satisfied. Unfortunately, this brought on more weight and although I was feeling better about myself for the first month or so it was showing that I was gaining weight and by the second month I was becoming frustrated with myself. My clothes wouldn't fit and it was affecting my marriage.

I don't know what happened or why it happened when it did, but in the middle of December I decided that I wanted to start the habit of tracking, portion control and making healthy choices overall. I was already in the middle of my running streak and had the daily exercise taken care of. At that point I was mainly focused on the eating. I had gained a lot of weight when I was training for my first marathon and since I had huge goals for 2014 and 2015, I wanted to get down to a healthier weight to make it easier to achieve these goals. The holiday's seem like the worst time to start trying to lose weight, but I viewed it as a challenge and ended up losing close to 6 pounds before the new year. The losing streak continued for 5 weeks before I saw my first gain and the yo-yoing of my weight began again.

 

I may not be where I want to be weight-wise. I may not be where I want to be measurement-wise. But I'm making progress and I'm trying my best to focus on that instead of where I want to be. I need to stop looking at what I have left and look at what I've already done. I'm becoming a better version of myself and not because I weigh less or have smaller measurements but because I am seeing who I really am in the mirror and because I am holding my head up higher with each passing day. I am who I am, whether I weigh 181.4 or 160 (my current "goal weight") has no bearing on who I am as a person.

 

 

 

Workout Schedule:
March 2nd - March 8th
Sunday: long distance run- 5 miles did not complete (I did get in 3.5 miles though to make a total of 5.5 for the weekend), NMTZ challenge completed
Monday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge completed
Tuesday: streak completed
Wednesday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge completed
Thursday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge completed, gym completed
Friday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Saturday: streak completed

This weeks goals:
1. Track
2. Follow workout schedule
3. Do not go overboard at birthdays

Workout schedule:
March 9th - March 15th
Sunday: San Diego Half Marathon
Monday: streak
Tuesday: streak
Wednesday: streak
Thursday (Patrick's birthday): streak
Friday (Isabel's birthday): streak
Saturday (Isabel's birthday party): Hope4Kids 5K

Get in two strength training sessions (using any DVD I choose) and one cross training session at the gym of a minimum of 30 minutes.

Measurements

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

 

Measurements taken February 22nd:

Chest: 39.25 (-1.75)

Waist: 33.25 (-4.25)

Hips: 43.25 (-2.25)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)
L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Current measurements taken March 8th:

Chest: 40 (-1)

Waist: 33 (-4.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)

L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

My measurements are pretty close to the same with the exception of gaining in my chest (what the heck is that all about?!) and losing in my waist. I knew they were going to plateau at some point and this may be a good time to switch to taking measurements monthly along with my progress picture and body fat %. I will probably take them again in two weeks and then start taking them monthly starting April 1st.

 

 

Weigh In #12

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 179.8
This Weeks Weight: 180.6

+/-: +0.8
Total +/-:  -8.6

Not as bad as I was expecting, yet not in the right direction. It's what happens when you get on track for the beginning of the week and fall off the wagon halfway through. 

I found some self confidence this week and rolled with it. It was an amazing feeling to walk around with my head held high and my mind focused on so many other things rather than my body and the areas that cause concern. I have spent so many years worried about the way my skin looks on my stomach and my thighs and stretch marks. A week off from that was much needed and pretty dang relieving.  

I just wish I had found a way to bottle that feeling up so that I could bring it out and use it in moments of weakness..

Hopefully those moments start to show up less often. It's a struggle sometimes and I wish I had that confidence, but until I do I'm going to continue to fake it until I make it!

Last Weeks Goals:
1. Track. Every. Single. Day. Fail. Did much better about tracking all day except for last night and Thursday night. Kind of fell off track and self sabotaged again for multiple reasons. Can't/won't get into it now but I need to get back to it. I just feel better when I do.
2. Drink 8 glasses of water. Every. Single. Day. Better, but not perfect.. Yet.
3. Attempt to PR at Seaside Half Marathon. Success!!! I still can't believe it. It was so exciting to cross that finish line knowing that I was able to accomplish something I set out to do. I don't run for speed. I run because I enjoy it and I have found that speed doesn't matter. I'm not going out to win these races, so why not enjoy it and appreciate the fact that I can do it. I spent a lot of time justifying myself being a "runner" because of my speed or my use of intervals. I'm done with that. I am a runner because I run.

Workout schedule:
February 23rd- March 1st
Sunday: Seaside Half Marathon completed
Monday: streak completed
Tuesday: streak completed
Wednesday: streak completed
Thursday: streak completed
Friday: streak completed
Saturday: long distance training run- 5 miles moved to Sunday, streak completed, NMTZ challenge completed

 

Measurements taken on December 28th: (first set of pictures)
Chest: 39
Waist: 35
Hips: 44
L thigh: 25
L arm: 12.75

Current measurements taken January 25th: (second set of pictures)

Chest: 39

Waist: 34

Hips: 43.5

L thigh: 24.25
L arm: 12.5

Current measurements taken February 22nd

Chest: 39.25

Waist: 33.25
Hips: 43.25

L thigh: 24
L arm: 12.25

Difference in 2 months:
Chest: +.25
Waist: -1.75
Hips: -.75
L thigh: -1
L arm: -.5

This weeks goals:
1. Track. Everything. Everyday. (hey, it will happen one of these weeks)
2. Find a better way to track water. Start small, 6 glasses a day.
3. Stick to workout schedule.
4. Be self confident and own it.

Workout Schedule:
March 2nd - March 8th
Sunday: long distance run- 5 miles, NMTZ challenge
Monday: streak, NMTZ challenge
Tuesday: streak
Wednesday: streak, NMTZ challenge
Thursday: streak, NMTZ challenge, gym
Friday: streak, NMTZ challenge
Saturday: streak

I am excited to start the NMTZ challenge again. I think this time around it is much more realistic compared to my last attempt. It will be nice to have "rest" days where I only run, and the shorter work out will be effective, yet I feel like it won't cause me to burn out quickly.

I'm thinking of getting Jillian Michael's new workout DVD which is called One Week Shred. It is a twice a day workout combination of strength for one workout and cardio for another. I think it's meant for doing right before a vacation or other big event. But, I like Jillian and her workouts are hardcore and her DVD's are reasonably priced, so I may buy it to incorporate into my workout routine.

I really want to find a good workout schedule that I can stick to long term that includes running, strength and cross training. I know it means that I should probably start working on getting up earlier for some morning cross training at the gym so that I am not cutting into my family time any more than I already am.

For March I am focusing on running and strength training with a minimum of one cross training at the gym a week. If I am able to do more (depending on Patrick's work schedule) then I will try to make it more often. Now that I know that I prefer the bike over the elliptical and have stopped forcing myself to do the elliptical when I really don't feel like it I tend to want to stay longer and get in a good workout instead of calling it short because I'm not enjoying it. I do like the elliptical, however scheduling a certain amount of time on it was not a good idea for me. I'm trying to be much more flexible in that sense.

And even though I am focusing on the NMTZ challenge I set for myself I am also going to be trying to run more. I have been running for my streak but have been relying on my walking miles and long distance training runs to get me to my mileage goal for the month. I would much rather run more during the week as well and am going to start trying to run two miles a day instead of the minimum of one. There will be days that I only do the short one mile, but I am going to make more of an effort to get out there and give it my all more often than doing the bare minimum.


Weigh In #11

Starting Weight (12/14/13): 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 180.6
This Weeks Weight: 179.8

+/-: -0.8
Total +/-: -9.4

5%! Heck yes! That was exciting to see this morning.. Considering I've been stepping on the scale daily to "peek" and I've been up every single day by no less than 3 pounds I was sure that I was going to see a gain this week. I did really well on Saturday, tracked everything and felt great. Then I went a little overboard on Sunday and really overboard on Monday and just decided the week was shot. Up until Wednesday afternoon when I decided to reach out for help.

I decided to ask for accountability to some friends I have online who frequent the same message board that I do. I received a wonderful response to my request and now have a few people who I email, text or facebook with daily/every other day/once a week to check in and see how we are doing. I like this a lot because I feel like I am able to be there to support them as well and it's more of a give and take than me just getting what I need.

I tracked everything on Thursday and yesterday and actually completed my daily journal on MFP both days. I haven't done that in a while... It felt wonderful to get on the scale this morning and to see that not only did I have a loss, not only did I reach my 5% goal, but I am also out of the 180s. I haven't been in this weight range in too long and it's a very exciting start to my week.

I am going to use this as motivation to stay on track all week this week so that I don't go back up to the 180s next week. I have an email that I'm waiting for response for something pretty exciting/scary/nerve wracking that I would like to do next Saturday. Pending spaces available I might be putting my self esteem to the ultimate test. May need to add in some strength training this week depending on if I get an appointment or not...

Last weeks goals:

1. Track: I did really well with my tracking on Saturday and most of the day on Sunday. I don't know what happened to cause the stop in tracking other than a bad meal which turned into a bad day which continued on through most of the week. I can't go back and change it, so instead I am looking forward to the next week.
2. Water: Same old, same old. I am going to be doing a much better job with tracking my water in take and I am going to get in at least 8 glasses a day. I feel so much better when I do and I know how important it is to stay hydrated. I will succeed in this goal at least once!
3. NMTZ challenge: This ended on Valentine's day. I took the night off of the challenge for my one free night and ended up losing all motivation to continue. Not good. But I am planning on picking up a similar/less intense workout on March 1st with scheduled rest days so that I will be forcing myself to be better about letting my body heal.
4. No self sabotaging:  I'm pretty sure I sabotaged myself by making this my goal. I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but I realize there is a problem and I'm working on finding ways to make it easier for myself to see the successes by sticking with it.

Workout schedule:
February 16th- February 22nd
Sunday: training run- 6 miles completed
Monday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Tuesday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Wednesday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Thursday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Friday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete
Saturday: streak completed, NMTZ challenge did not complete

This weeks goals:
1. Track. Every. Single. Day.
2. Drink 8 glasses of water. Every. Single. Day.
3. Attempt to PR at Seaside Half Marathon.

Workout schedule:
February 23rd- March 1st
Sunday: Seaside Half Marathon
Monday: streak
Tuesday: streak
Wednesday: streak
Thursday: streak
Friday: streak
Saturday: long distance training run- 5 miles

Measurements:

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

 

Measurements taken February 8th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 33.5 (-4)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)
L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Current measurements taken February 22nd

Chest: 39.25 (-1.75)

Waist: 33.25 (-4.25)

Hips: 43.25 (-2.25)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)
L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Weigh In #9

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 181.8
This Weeks Weight:182.4 

+/-: +0.6
Total +/-: -6.8

So, clearly not the direction I was hoping for, however with the addition of a new 30 day challenge (No More Trouble Zones Challenge- NMTZ Challenge) I was anticipating a gain. In fact, I was actually anticipating more of a gain than 0.6. The gaining was the reason I wanted to wait to be at a healthy weight range before starting Body Revolution- Jillian Michael's 90 day challenge, but at the same time I knew that if I wanted to start toning then I would need to add more to my routine. 

I need to look at the big picture. This is week eight. In that amount of time I have lost a total of 6.8 lbs. That's an average of -0.85 lbs a week. Weight Watchers recommends .5-2 pounds a week for a healthy weight loss. I feel like slow and steady does apply here because I'm learning along the way and I truly believe that the slower it comes off the longer it will stay off. There's no get fit quick pills here! 

Last weeks goals:

1. Get back to basics and track 100%: I did much better this week but still had the difficulty of getting through the weekend. I make the excuse that I just had weigh in and can splurge but then I'm spending the rest of the week undoing what I did on the weekend. It's not productive at all. I know this.. I felt in control this week once I started tracking and doing so the entire day. 

2. Get back to basics and drink more water- minimum 6 glasses a day: Still working on this one. Again, I am much better about this during the week when I am sitting at my desk. I keep a cup with a lid and a straw right there so I am reminded to drink it. The issue becomes when the cup is empty and I have to go fill it. Pretty pathetic that laziness is preventing me to reach my goal. I have a difficult time when I am at work actually getting up when I'm in the middle of an account and need to work on that. In regards to the weekends, I am going to but a 1.5L water bottle. One of those on Saturday and one on Sunday. Anything after that is a bonus.

3. Follow workout schedule: Not quite, however I did workout everyday and I feel fantastic! I started a strength training challenge for 30 days in a row and I am feeling strong and am already noticing a change in my body. Today is only day 5, but it's Jillian Michael's and it's no joke. I know that I got results from 30 Day Shred and I am ready to see results again, even if it holds the scale from moving down for a while. 

4. Write one positive about myself a day: Yeah, this one was a complete fail. I don't know why I can't remember to do this..

Workout schedule:

February 2nd- February 8th
Sunday: streak completed
Monday: streak completed, arm workout completed 
Tuesday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, NMTZ Challenge completed

Wednesday: streak completed, arm workout completed, gym did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Thursday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Friday: streak completed, arm workout did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Saturday: training run- 12 miles moved to Sunday, streak completed, NMTZ Challenge completed

This weeks goals: 

1. Continue tracking 

2. Drink more water

3. Continue NMTZ Challenge

Workout schedule:

February 9th- February 15th

Sunday: training run- 12 miles

Monday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Tuesday: streak, arm workout, NMTZ Challenge

Wednesday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Thursday: streak, arm workout, NMTZ Challenge

Friday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Saturday: training run- 6 miles, NMTZ Challenge

(Make it to the gym at least twice)

 

Measurements:

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Last weeks measurements taken January 25th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24.25 (-2.25)
L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Current measurements taken February 8th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 33.5 (-4)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)
L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

My measurements after 30 Day Shred were:

Final Measurements:
Bust- 37.25 (-0.75)
Waist- 31 (-2.5)
Hips- 40 (-2.5)
Arm (left)- 11.5 (-0.5)
Thigh (left)- 23 (-1.5)

I'm obviously older and doing a different workout routine and finding that it is not as easy to lose weight and inches this time around, however I am not that far away from those measurements. Only 9.5 inches overall. Considering when I first started tracking and losing I was 20.5 inches overall away from those measurements I am thrilled. Getting closer with each workout and each day that I make healthier choices. That, to me, is motivating to see.

Overall this week was pretty great. I love challenging my body and mind and workout challenges do both. These challenges remind me that sometimes it's not about the number on the scale but about how you feel. I will take changes in measurements and a reflection I love over a smaller number on the scale any day. 

It makes me upset to think about how much time I've spent worried over something that is pretty insignificant. I obviously would like to be in a healthy weight range at some point, but there is no use in rushing the process. I am becoming healthier on a daily basis and still learning. I am happy when I can splurge on certain things and find that I appreciate them more when I don't have it as often. My body is getting stronger and that, above all else, is what I'm striving for. 

No More Trouble Zones Challenge

I have always been one to try to push myself just a little bit further. I have complete both 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30 and am currently waiting to get closer to my goal weight before attempting Body Revolution.

Recently I have been doing a small amount of strength training every weekday, usually no more than 15 minutes. I fit this in on my lunch break and feel as though it is beneficial to me in so many ways. I plan on keeping this routine along with adding a bit of a challenge for myself for the next 30 days.

I took the exercises that I have been doing with No More Trouble Zones and set up the following workout that I want to do every day for the next 30 days (or longer if I am not completely bored with the routine). I decided to do it without the DVD because I find that I am not always able to keep up with their speed and I get frustrated and then my form suffers. Since I am trying to tone up without injury I figured this would be the easiest way because I can modify as I go along, take a few seconds in between exercises and complete this without taking up a TV in the apartment.

The fact that I'm starting after the first of the month is a little frustrating for my OCD, however I really do not want to wait until March 1st to start this. I need to start it now so that I can see the results sooner rather than later. I am going to use a chart to either check or put a sticker for the days I complete and at the end of 30 days (March 5th) I should have 30 stickers.

I'm going to give myself two free passes for the 30 day challenge. If I can (and I'm going to attempt to) complete all 30 days in a row then I will treat myself to a massage. If I take two break days (more likely than not on the two long distance training runs I have within the next 30 days including a half marathon) then I will treat myself to a pedicure (desperately needed). Anything under 28 means I did not complete it and I need to start the challenge over.

The workout:
Warm up

March in place- 30 seconds

Jump rope- 30 seconds

Windmills- 30 seconds

Skaters- 30 seconds

Jumping jacks- 30 seconds

Circuit 1

Squat with shoulder press- 15

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 left side

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 right side

Chair squat with anterior raise- 10

Press outs- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 2

Chest press with crunch- 15

Chest fly- reverse crunch- 10

Bicycle crunch- 15

Squirms- 15

Push ups- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 3

Dead lifts with hammer curl- 15

Static squat with concentration curl- 15 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 right side

Side lunges with bicep curl- 5

REPEAT (Static squat with concentration curl right side)

Circuit 4

Chair pose tricep kickbacks- 15

Sumo squat- 10

Surrender- 5 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 right side

REPEAT (Surrender- right side)

Circuit 5

Double crunch- 15

Twisting plank- 10

Toe taps- 10 left side

Toe taps- 10 right side

Windshield wipers- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 6

Plant rows- 10

Superman- 10

Hollow man scissor kick- 10

Pelvic thrust- 15 left

Pelvic thrust- 15 right

REPEAT

Circuit 7

Side plank- 5 left

Foot raises- 15 left

Inner thighs- 15 left

Side plank- 5 right

Foot raises- 15 right

Inner thighs- 15 right

Donkey kick- 15 left

Donkey kick- 15 right

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 left

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 right.

COOL DOWN/STRETCH

The checklist:

Here's to day one (to be completed after my run tonight) and to the next twenty-nine!

Weigh In #8

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 182.8
This Weeks Weight: 181.8

+/-: -1
Total +/-: -7.4

This week was not what I was expecting. After gaining two pounds last week I had a great feeling that seeing that number would put my mind back where it needed to be and I would get back on track and find that motivation again. That didn't happen. In fact, it did the opposite. I got frustrated and lazy and that needs to stop right now.

It's not difficult to track on my phone before every meal. It's not difficult to say no to something if I don't have the calories for it. It's not difficult to make the better, healthier choice. It's okay to pick the choice that you want if it's not the healthiest as long as you don't do it every day.

I am thrilled to see a loss on the scale and surprised that it's as much as it is. I will take this week as a lesson that even though I lost, I don't feel my best and I would much rather feel good, healthy and strong than to see a number on the scale that is lower.

I am actually starting to believe that I am a self saboteur. When I start to see a little bit of success and then a week or two of taking a step backwards I throw it all away. I was so close to being out of the 180s, something I haven't seen in probably a year, if not more. I'm still not far away and I am determined to get down to the healthy weight range and then letting my body decide the rest. I have to defeat myself in this one. It's a long, difficult battle. One that I've been fighting for over 10 years. It's time to be done with this crazy weight obsession and negatively thinking about my body and to embrace who I am as a person. My weight does not define me and getting to a healthy weight is for my health and to benefit my life and running.

Last Weeks Goals:

1. Track every single bite. Could have done better. In fact, I could have done a lot better. Every day was an opportunity to do better and every day the tracking ended after lunch. I have successfully logged in to My Fitness Pal for 50 days in a row, but that doesn't help my weight loss unless I give it my all.

2. Stay off of the scale except for weigh in day. Could have done better. Although my obsessive pattern of weighing myself multiple times a day has not returned, I did check my weight Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
3. Get 6+ glasses of water every day. Could have done better. The fact is, I have not found a system that works for me to track how much I am drinking. Maybe I need to do the rubber band rule and wear 6 rubber bands on my left wrist, drink a glass of water and move it to my right. Anything past 6 glasses is extra.
4. Follow workout schedule. Could have done better. I think my body needed/appreciated the break from strength training. Work is starting to get more stressful again and I am going in earlier and earlier each day. It's exhausting and unfortunately my workouts are what gets cut first.
5. Write one positive thing about my body a day. I'm pretty sure I forgot this was a goal for this week. Not pretty sure, I am sure. I did not do this one at all and am kind of sad that I didn't because I know I feel better

Workout schedule:

January 26th- February 1st
Sunday: streak completed
Monday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed
Tuesday: streak completed, arm workout completed
Wednesday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones skipped, gym completed
Thursday: streak completed, arm workout completed, gym skipped

Friday: streak, completed No More Trouble Zones skipped
Saturday: training run- 6 miles completed

This weeks goals:

1. Get back to basics and track 100%

2. Get back to basics and drink more water- minimum 6 glasses a day

3. Follow workout schedule

4. Write one positive about myself a day

Workout schedule:

February 2nd- February 8th
Sunday: streak
Monday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Tuesday: streak, arm workout
Wednesday: streak, No More Trouble Zones , gym
Thursday: streak, arm workout, gym

Friday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Saturday: training run- 12 miles

Measurements taken on December 28th: (pictures on the left)
Chest: 39
Waist: 35
Hips: 44
L thigh: 25
L arm: 12.75
L calf: 15.5

Current measurements taken January 25th: (pictures on the right)

Chest: 39

Waist: 34

Hips: 43.5

L thigh: 24.25
L arm: 12.5

L calf: 15.5 

Difference in 1 month:
Chest: 0
Waist: -1
Hips: -.5
L thigh: -.75
L arm: -.25
L calf: 0

I think that the changes in measurements are the main factor I'm going to be looking at in regards to success in this weight loss journey. The measurements and progress picture show a better picture of the progress I've been making. That, and the fact that I have been feeling more confident in this body of mine.

Last night, for the first time in a long time, I agreed to taking Isabel to the Jacuzzi at our apartment complex. Normally I fight it and say no, then reluctantly give in, then stand in front of the bathroom mirror judging my body in my bathing suit, then stand in front of the bathroom mirror and think about what others will think of my body in a bathing suit, then find a shirt to cover up, etc... It's not a healthy cycle to be in. But last night I simply put my bathing suit on and we left. No time to ponder in front of the mirror and think about what others think. The truth of the matter is... No one else cares about it. And if they do feel the need to make rude or hurtful comments then that's on them and I need to focus on the fact that I am feeling AMAZING in this body of mine and I am improving it with each passing day.

So here's to another fantastic week. Hopefully one that's a little more on track.

Weigh In #7

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 180.8
This Weeks Weight: 182.8

+/-: +2
Total +/-: -6.4

A two pound gain was not expected, planned or wanted, but a two pound gain was needed. You see, I haven't been very diligent with my tracking. I've been sneaking bites off of Isabel's plate and not using my calories as well as I can. I'm not going to try and justify it as a false gain (even though it could be) or due to strength training (even though it could be). It is a reminder to get back to basics and to start tracking again. 

It's also a reminder to look at the whole picture. I may have gained weight and a quarter of an inch in my chest, but overall I have lost an inch between my waist, hips and thighs in the past two weeks. That is a success and something to be proud of.

Plus the fact that I stood on the scale and accepted the weight without any negative thoughts about myself was a huge step in the right direction.

Last Weeks Goals:

1. Stay off of the scale except for weigh in day. I did well with this goal up until Thursday night. I had an inner turmoil dilemma on whether or not I should check in. I knew better because it was at night and I already felt like I had gained so why verify it and make myself feel worse. I ended up picking up the scale and taking it to Patrick to hold onto until it was time to weigh in. I didn't like feeling so out of control, but I was proud of myself for finding a solution.

2. Track. I could have been better tracking every bite, but I'm not going to be too hard on myself. I know that it's the little bites and tastes that end up causing harm, so I need to cut that out ASAP.

3. Stick to the workout schedule. I did stick to the schedule, except I moved the gym from Tuesday to Wednesday again. I realized that this works better and am going to make that change for next week so that I don't have to change it and can just stick to the schedule. I stayed home from work on Friday as Isabel was sick and stayed home from school. I left my 5 and 8 pound weights at home so I followed the exercises from the Jackie Warner DVD using my 3 pound weights and did more repetitions.

4. Go grocery shopping on payday (Friday). Well, I didn't go yesterday (payday) but I do plan on going today or tomorrow and sticking to our list/budget. Isabel was home sick so we stayed home so she could rest. It will feel good to get groceries to restock the fridge BEFORE it gets completely empty

5. Step out of my comfort zone and use the weight machines at the gym. Patrick went with me to the gym on Thursday (it's becoming a nice part of the week) and after a quick run on the treadmill to get in my streak he and I went and did a few of the weight machines. It felt good and I think that if I went in the morning when there are less people I would be more comfortable trying more machines.

Workout schedule:

January 19th- January 25th
Sunday: streak completed
Monday: streak completed, arm workout completed
Tuesday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym moved to Wednesday
Wednesday: streak completed, arm workout completed, gym completed
Thursday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym completed

Friday: streak completed, arm workout completed
Saturday: training run- 10 miles 8.69/10 miles completed. Isabel is sick so I ended early.

This weeks goals:

1. Track every single bite.
2. Stay off of the scale except for weigh in day.
3. Get 6+ glasses of water every day.
4. Follow workout schedule.
5. Write one positive thing about my body a day.

Workout schedule:

January 26th- February 1st
Sunday: streak
Monday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Tuesday: streak, arm workout
Wednesday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, gym
Thursday: streak, arm workout, gym

Friday: streak, No More Trouble Zones
Saturday: training run- 6 miles

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Last weeks measurements taken January 11th:

Chest: 38.75 (-2.25)

Waist: 34.5 (-3)

Hips: 43.75 (-1.75)

L thigh: 24.5 (-2)

L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Current measurements taken January 25th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24.25 (-2.25)
L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Long distance training run recap:

Today's run was a scheduled solo 10 mile training run. Rachel couldn't make it this week because she's too awesome doing volunteer work at a Cross Fit Infinite Strength competition in Arizona. I was a little worried that it was going to be a tough run, but it ended up feeling really good.

My mom text me between mile 4 and 5 to tell me that Isabel's fever had spiked. There really wasn't anything I could do except cut my run short and go back to their house before mile 9 instead of passing it for that little extra distance. I finished at mile 8.69 and thankfully her fever had gone down by the time I got there.

I stuck with my 30:1 intervals and tried to keep my mile times until 13:30 minute miles. These long distance runs are supposed to be 1-2 minutes slower than my race day pace (which has been around 12:30). Some miles were closer to that 12:30 and some were close to the 13:30 pace. Overall I was really happy with my time and more importantly with how I felt throughout the entire run.

Onto another week!