April and May Goals

1.      Write in a journal every day: Fail. I don't know why.
2.       Take at least one picture a day: Success. Post coming soon!
3.       Run and/or walk 105 miles: Success. I ended the month with 106.42 miles.
4.       Run at least one mile every day to continue running streak: Success. Day 192 was yesterday and I'm so excited to have stuck with this streak for so long!
5.       Track on MFP: Success/Fail. I started each day with good intentions and tracked everything most days, but the last few days have been a minimum attempt.
6.       Read two books: Fail. I didn't even finish the first one. I've got a lot of reading to do in May!

 

1.       Have at least one child free date night with Patrick: We went to see The Price is Right being taped and had such a fantastic time together. It was a really great day!
2.       Work on blanket: Barely, but I did some work on it.
3.       Work on cross stitch: I am not as far as I thought I'd be or as far as I'd like to be, but I've worked on it in my spare time and it's coming along. Still a little worried that it's not going to look like what it should though.
4.       Work on coloring book: I did not really do much of anything to progress with this goal.
5.       Look into cake decorating classes: I looked online once, but made no further attempt to schedule anything.
6.       Stick to workouts as much as possible: I did really well in the middle of the month and for two weeks in particular when I was doing Body Revolution. Unfortunately it just got to be too much.

May Goals:
1. Write in a journal every day
2. Take at least one picture a day
3. Run and/or walk 105 miles
4. Run at least one mile every day to continue running streak
5. Track on MFP
6. Read 3 books and finish Three Weeks With My Brother

1. Have a wonderful time at the Ingrid Michaelson concert with Patrick
2. Work on cross stitch
3. Try to not obsess over buying a house
4. Get back on track with chore chart
5. Weigh less on May 31st than I do today on May 1st

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.

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!

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!

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.

Thankful Thursday #4

1. I am thankful to my family and friends for making my birthday last week a wonderful one. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people and so lucky to be able to not just love my family because I have to but love them because I want to. It's like that saying about sisters.. "Sisters by chance, friends by choice." It's so true in regards to each one of these relationships. I couldn't be luckier!

2. I am thankful that I finally was able to talk to my boss and coworker that I work directly with about some things that have been bottling up for awhile. It was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I finally feel like we can make some forward progress. I held some things in that had been bothering me for awhile because I didn't want to step on anyones toes and because I truly didn't think anything would be done about it. Thankfully I was wrong about that last part and I may finally get the proper training that I deserve and need in order to be the best I can be at my job.

3. I am thankful that I am taking a couple days off from working out. Not that I was doing that much and not that I was actually in a routine that was exhausting or taking up too much time, but it was a good reminder for me to slow down and not jump in head first again. I tripped yesterday on my lunch break and ended up pulling something in my back. Yesterday's workout plan was 2-3 miles and an arm workout. I ended up going for 1.14 miles (to satisfy the streak), but skipped the strength. Today's workout is a strength DVD, cross training at the gym and a 1 mile run. I am adjusting it slightly to skip the strength DVD, but I will do the run and the stationary bike tonight. I do plan on doing my arm workout tomorrow but taking it easy with another 1 miler since the next half is Saturday.

4. I am thankful that I have decided to start journaling to Isabel instead of just using the journal to complain about daily annoyances. That was not my intention when I started journaling but it became so easy to focus on the frustrations in life (as petty as they were) instead of on the positives. I finally finished my second book for March yesterday and ended up crying at the ending. It involved a mother dying and leaving her 16 year old daughter a journal that she had been writing to her since finding out she was sick. I don't want to look back and think about the things I wish I would have done but didn't because I thought someone would think the idea was stupid or not start now because I wish I would have been doing this for the past 6 years. No, instead I started last night and I intend to keep going for who knows how long. It's a place to keep our story, our past, our present, hopes for our future, quotes, funny things she says or does, adventures we go on, adventures I hope for us to go on, etc.

5. I am thankful that I have so much in my life that makes me happy. I'm not happy 24/7 and I definitely have struggles in my life, but I think I learned awhile ago that it's better to focus on the good in your life then on the things you want to change. I'm working on improving my life in so many ways and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me. I know that everything happens for a reason and I'm accepting of what's happened so far. To be honest, the person I am today is so different from who I was just a year ago. I can only hope that the changes (which I believe to be for the better) can be seen by those around me. I feel more positive, outgoing, and just all around happy. It's a good place to be.

Mileage Update #11

Mileage update:

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 4/1: 112.42 miles (March), 3.38 (April)

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 4/1: 383.55 miles

30.68% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-4/1/14): 2133.56 miles

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: day 163

This week's mileage: 21.21 mile week

Wednesday: 2.04 mile walk, 2.52 mile interval run

Thursday: 1.09 mile interval run

Friday: 1.34 mile walk, 2.04 mile walk, 1.23 mile interval run

Saturday: 1.25 mile interval run

Sunday: 2.37 mile interval run

Monday: 1.34 mile walk, 2.61 mile interval run

Tuesday: 1.34 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run

April Goals

New Years Goals that will be included monthly:

1. Write in a journal every day
2. Take at least one picture a day
3. Run and/or walk 105 miles
4. Run at least one mile every day to continue running streak
5. Track on MFP
6. Read two books

April Goals:

1. Have at least one child free date night with Patrick
2. Work on blanket
3. Work on cross stitch
4. Work on coloring book
5. Look into cake decorating classes
6. Stick to workouts as much as possible

Weigh In #16

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 179.8

This Weeks Weight: 182.0

+/-: +2.2
Total +/-: -7.2

Okay, so I weighed myself yesterday morning because I was feeling good and I knew that I would be eating a lot for my birthday (lunch out with my best friend, a cake at work, dinner out with the family, cake with the family..) I weighed in at 179.8, the same exact weight as last week.

This morning I step on the scale and it's up to 182.

I'm not worried or concerned or annoyed or frustrated. In fact I'm just happy. I'm happy that I had a wonderful birthday that I enjoyed and that I didn't go completely overboard. I had soup and salad for dinner and enjoyed a small pieces of cake. Nothing over the top or crazy. Just apparently a lot of sodium.

I'm sure it will all even itself out and I'll be back in no time. I mean, a 2.2 pound gain in one day is a little much to all be a true gain. Either way, it is what it is and there's nothing I can do about it now other than work on staying within my calories this next week and to continue to make the best choices for me as well as to up the workouts. I've been slacking and need to get back to it, if for no other reason it makes me feel fantastic and I miss those endorphins. I am definitely still trying to find that balance with all or nothing when it comes to workouts. Hoping to figure that out soon. 

Last weeks goals:

1. Track. You probably won't believe this, but I have tracked every single thing every single day this week. I went over on calories five of the seven days, but I tracked. And, to be honest, it wasn't an awful week. I mean, obviously it would be better if I hadn't gone over so many days, but the point of tracking is to track it all. And I did. 

2. Water. I drank at least 6 glasses of water 6/7 days this past week. I am getting much better about it and am feeling better too. I plan to keep going in order to make it the full 7 days a week. 

3. Clean out closet and dresser. I did not get to this goal this week but plan to soon because I have been doing a little online shopping this past week and need to clear out the old to make way for the new. I have purchased more business attire items because I want to be taken professionally. I can't keep doing the jeans and a t-shirt thing.

4. Work on training schedule. I also did not work on this either. I have looked into Jeff Galloway's training plan a little more and do plan on using this, but I need to sit down and realistically write it out so that it is on the calendar for Patrick to see so that he is aware of what days I'm going to need to be focused on training and will need extra help (mentally, emotionally, physically, etc).

5. Enjoy my birthday dinner. Definitely succeeded in this! I decided to go to Chili's and even though I was planning on splurging (slightly) and getting the margarita chicken with rice and black beans, I ended up going with the soup and salad because I was still so full from having Chipotle for lunch. It was delicious and I really enjoyed it!

Workout schedule:

March 21st - March 27th

Friday 3/21: 2-3 mile interval run completed (3.10 miles)

Saturday 3/22: 8 mile interval run completed (8.14 miles)

Sunday 3/23: minimum 1 mile interval run completed (1.05 miles), cross train completed (15 minutes stationary bike)

Monday 3/24: arm workout did not complete, 2-3 mile interval run completed (3.09 mile interval run)

Tuesday 3/25: 30 day shred did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed (1.51 mile interval run)

Wednesday 3/26: arm workout did not complete, 2-3 mile interval run completed (2.52 mile interval run), Ripped in 30 completed (warm up and circuit 1)

Thursday 3/27: 30 day shred did not complete, minimum 1 mile interval run completed (1.09 mile interval run)

This weeks goals:

1. Track.

2. Water.

3. Clean out closet and dresser.

4. Make April training schedule.

5. Stick to workout schedule for coming week.

Workout schedule:

March 28th - April 3rd

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

Saturday 3/29: 5 mile training run, cross training

Sunday 3/30: minimum 1 mile interval run, cross training

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

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

Wednesday 4/2: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Thursday 4/3:  strength training DVD, minimum 1 mile interval run

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 #14

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

+/-: 0
Total +/-:  -7.8

I am a little surprised that I maintained. In a good way. I had almost a full week of not tracking and I can feel it. I am not sure what happened to make me fall off the wagon so hard as I watched it drive away leaving me behind in the dust. I'm not sure what took me so long to the wagon wasn't coming around for me, that I needed to get up, dust myself off and find the wagon. Nobody can do it for me.

It took something happening to make me decide to commit again, and to commit 100%. For a while now I've been tracking very little each day. Some days it's just my coffee, some days I track through lunch, very rarely do I track the whole day (and even then, once I complete my entry for the day I don't go back and track more if I continue eating).. Needless to say, it's no wonder I've been gaining. 

Add that to the lack of working out and it's just a combination for disaster.

But on Thursday I forgot to go in and log my coffee. I forgot to go in and log anything. One of the things I like about My Fitness Pal is that it tracks the number of days you've tracked in a row. Thursday would have been day 90. But, since I forgot to log in, yesterday was day 1. 

Last Weeks Goals:

1. Track: see above. I'm using this as a kick in the pants to start actually tracking. My goal was 365 days in a row, now it's 365 days in a row of actually tracking my food, not just logging in. It's not a difficult task.

2. Follow workout schedule: no strength training or cross training this week.
3. Do not go overboard at birthdays: we celebrated Patrick's birthday at Red Robin. I had soup & salad and ate a cupcake that I made. Isabel picked Outback Steakhouse for her birthday dinner. I had salmon & carrots. I indulged in appetizers too, but did not feel as though I over did it. Isabel's party is today. The plan is to keep myself busy so that I don't eat all the things. Pizza, pasta salad, fruit, carrots and an entire dessert table. I've got this!

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

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. did not complete

This weeks goals:
1. Track
2. Follow workout schedule
3. Clean out closet of any clothes I no longer fit into or feel good in

Workout schedule:
March 16th - March 22nd
Sunday: streak
Monday: streak, strength training
Tuesday: streak
Wednesday: streak. strength training
Thursday: streak, cross training
Friday: streak
Saturday: 8 miles

Here's to a great week. I really think I can do it this week. I think I am going to be able to stick to it. I want to see results and the only way that can happen is if I work the plan. 

Mileage Update #8

(I'm a little behind schedule this week...)

Mileage update:

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 3/11: 47.48 miles

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 3/11: 315.23 miles

25.21% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-3/11/14): 2066.39 miles

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: 142 day

This week's mileage: 31.72 mile week

Wednesday- 1.34 mile walk, 2.06 mile walk, 2.41 mile interval run

Thursday- 2.38 mile interval run

Friday- 1.02 mile interval run

Saturday- 1.31 mile interval run

Sunday- 13.22 mile interval run

Monday- 1.34 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run

Tuesday- 1.32 mile walk, 2.05 mile walk, 1.23 mile interval run

Pictures from this week: (sorry if there are repeats!)