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.

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.

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.

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.

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 #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.

 

 

Mileage Update #4

Mileage update:

Monthly mileage goal: 105 miles

Monthly mileage as of 2/11: 55.73 miles

Yearly mileage goal: 1250 miles

Yearly mileage as of 2/11: 202.71 miles

16.21% complete

Total mileage recorded to date (1/1/12-2/11/14): 1952.72 miles

Running streak goal: 500 days

Running streak: day 114

This week's mileage:

Wednesday- 2 mile walk, 1.67 mile interval run

Thursday- 1.34 mile walk, 2.11 mile interval run

Friday- 2.04 mile walk, 1.24 mile interval run

Saturday- 6.2 mile interval run

Sunday- 12.06 mile interval run

Monday- 1.32 mile walk, 2.05 mile walk, 1.11 mile interval run

Tuesday- 1.35 mile walk, 2.05 mile walk, 1.14 mile interval run

Pictures from this week:

This was a great week! I PR'd my 10K time on my virtual run for Meg's miles. I finished my last long distance training run before my next race. I spent a lot of time with Isabel this past weekend. And I've stuck with my workout challenge for a total of 8 days.

I've been having a difficult time with my energy levels these past few days and instead of making it through the entire workout from beginning to end with no breaks I've been taking a break between cycles. Nothing crazy, but enough to make me feel guilty. I shouldn't feel guilty though and it's only myself judging me. I am finishing the workout and I need to be proud of that.

In an attempt to work on my energy I'm going to start taking a multi vitamin. I probably should have been taking one all along, but here I am. I find a daily multi vitamin that has added energy, so I'm going to start taking that every morning. Hopefully it helps and I can finish this challenge strong. I am feeling better already and really enjoying it and can see subtle changes, so I am not giving up. Plus, I really want that massage!!

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.