Bargain Hunter: $20 Finds on Floral

I get pretty lucky sometimes.

The new house will require a lot of things. There are the big items like materials to finish the basement such as carpet, doors and millwork. That's the big stuff and I will leave that to Jud's department. and he's pretty good at finding bargains.

It's the little things for me. The ones that make the house a home. But I will have to be pretty frugal and that's where I will have to use my knack at finding the bargains will come in.

Today, I spent a little over $20 at the thrift store to find some nice decor for the house. I specifically, if not patiently, waited for today to visit my favorite thrift store. It's "knick-knacks" day and all decorative items and baskets would be on sale.

It paid off because I scored some nice silk florals and greens along with a wood vase and red ceramic urn I have been coveting for some time. Thank goodness they were still there. The wood vase was pretty. It was 4-sided and laid with 1"x1" bark in a checkerboard pattern. Not bad for about $4 in materials.

The red urn was in awesome condition and I wanted ivy trailing down the opening. I found some gold foiled floral pieces for accent and landed a nice 6' ivy swag with clear little crystal berries.

Not a bad day's work. Slowly but surely, I'll decorate our house and I'd like to do it with as much bargains as I can find.

Feeling the Pinch

The reality of the weight loss process is that I am not perfect. The best I can do is to be as mindful as I can be for the most part.

I fell off the wagon in my diet journal for a number of days. Ditto on the videos. Still, I was mindful of my food intake and that has to be worth something. In retrospect, this still has been a good week and I am not going to beat myself up on my lapse.

I do feel like I had so much to do that "triage" was how I dealt with everything. I would have loved to feel a little bit of calm but that was apparently not in the cards.

Between the stress and anxiety of having to do my first Zumba class at Curves, keeping up with my modest design work for which I am close to burning bridges, a crazy parent who apparently has delusions of grandeur, tight finances, and plantar fasciitis pain, I feel like I am mentally stretched thin which, of course, transfers to physical fatigue. I am tired.

Did I say that I am also a mom? Happy Mother's Day!

Week 7 Day 3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 179.8

Today was an all-out Zumba day. I choreo'd and practiced my 30 minute mix for Curves and went to a one-hour zumba class with the girls in Sugar City. On top of the circuit, I put in a whole lot of steps and burned a ton of calories.

Fuel Your Muscles Video: "We need energy in order to function. A balanced intake of carbs, fats and proteins are needed to fuel muscle. Consume protein before or after a workout. It is the building block for new muscle."

Week 7 Day 7 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 178

So...it's Mother's Day and I sure hope to make it a good productive one!

Celebrations Video: "Don't derail your goals and diet. Choose a special treat in small measures and enjoy it."

Week 7 Day 6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ ... haven't a clue!

I did not get a chance to get my weigh-in done this morning in my rush to get ready for the craft fair. On the plus side,  I didn't pig out and actually had a rather healthy flounder on greens for a very modest $5.

No workout either but we did go for a nice long walk tonight after dinner.

Another Cue: Portion Sizes Video: "You don't need more."

Week 7 Day 5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 177.6

Walked to the club with Phyllis, did a circuit, and walked back home. It was an awesome sunny day and it felt good to get a good workout in.

Sizing Up Your Portions Video: "Restaurant portions have really distorted our view of what true portions are."

Week 7 Day 4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 177.6

I actually weighed in at 178.8 but when I got to the club and did my CC coaching after MY first Zumba class. I loved it and I am SO glad the ladies enjoyed it as well.

Vitamin intake is a bit of challenge in the morning. Between the amount of pills I take and the big glass of water I gulp down, it always seem to feel like I am going to drown in water. It also tends to make me less hungry for breakfast which isn't such a great side-effect if I want to eat breakfast.

Using Exchanges Video: "Don't forget free veggies."

Week 6 Day 6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 180.4

I am SORE! That Bar Method class yesterday was awesome and definitely worth adding to the regimen but not twice a week. I think an every other week routine would work to engage those muscles that I normally don't focus on as much! WOUCH!

Refocus, Recommit Video: "This is a process. When faced with a cue, recommit to your goals."

Week 6 Day 5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 179.6

Worked the Bar Method today with Julie. Good lord! What a workout!

Cues in the Pantry Video: "Mindless easting (?)...keep healthy foods handy."

Week 6 Day 4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 179.6

It's a Thursday. 'Nuf said.

Navigate your Cues Video: "The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again expecting a different result."

Week 6 Day 3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 180.6

I am still tired from the trip but I am recovering. Worked today but the workout seemed to have disappeared but I forgive myself.

Making Sense of Food Labels Video: "Consume less than 300mg of cholesterol daily. Excess sodium contributes to high cholesterol so consume less than 2000mg daily. An average calorie intake is about 2000."

Week 6 Day 2 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @182.6

Bath to 1200 calories today just to make sure. It will be a busy catch-up day so we'll see just how far I get. It's a cool 44º F out there and it looks like "warm dress" is the order of the day.

Since I did my run yesterday, I will work a club circuit and do zumba tonight! Unfortunately, it's too damn windy to ride my bike.

Shopping Smart Video: "The perimeter of the grocery store offers the healthiest items."

Week 6 Day 1 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 181.4

I traveled back today and though I am already missing that distinctive Illinois air, I am looking forward to getting home. As much as I enjoyed my trip, getting my training in, and seeing wonderful old friends, this body just wants to be back in a normal routine and my own bed.

I did one last run in Geneva, exploring another path on Mill Creek that Holly told me about. I love the area! I wish I could transplant those extensive paths to Teton Valley. It was a misty cool morning for a run but I thoroughly enjoyed it. By the last mile of my jog/walk cycle, I felt like my muscles were well-greased and I was getting the gait right.

I wish...I wish...but I'll be back. In the meantime, I have to stay the course. I have a good 15 pounds to go!

24 Hour Living Video: "Get in the present and stop worrying about the future."

Week 5 (CHICAGO) on Curves Complete

Tuesday:

AM Weigh In 180.4. Videos NONE. Sorry, but I am not going to backtrack and watch them. It's all I can do to sort out my week in review.

I ran in the morning around Bolingbrook–an altogether pleasant run that included a half hour at the Curves in town. I had even made it fun to walk from my car about 20 minutes to McCormick Place. I left early to meet Holly at her club for some water aerobics and met her group for a rewarding workout.

Dinner served at TGIF! A side salad with panko breaded chicken breast, cheese tortellini and mozza-tomato "salad"which was noted to be at about 600 calories so I will round that out to about 700c.

Wednesday:

AM Weigh In 181.4. Videos NONE. Not sure that I have the rest of the week figured out but I need to get back on the diet wagon. Today was a lax day. I decided not to return the trade show since it totally SUCKED! Not that I was really all that keen on it to begin with but what I did see was not particularly impressive so I hung out with Holly instead.

I had breaded chicken on a muffin for breakfast, followed by a mid-day stop at Starbucks for coffee and a "protein box" but did swing into Portillo's to pick up a chicken sandwich and fries. I only ate half the fries and a few bites of the sandwich. What a roundabout day! we dropped off the van at June's house only to find ourselves back there, picking up the van again after we had dinner at Gen Hoe in Geneva.

I feel so grateful for such wonderful friends but I definitely have  not mastered the science of travel eating.

Thursday:

AM Weigh In NONE. Videos NONE. Not a bad day if you don't count the raging headache I had in the morning. I had a protein shake and Clif PB Crunch bar in the morning, a mid-day lunch run, and a Luna Protein bar for a mid-afternoon snack. I left Curves Camp early to join Holly at her club for Aqua Aerobics and and Aqua Stretch. Dinner was leftover Chinese from her favorite place, Gen Hoe, in Geneva. We decided the cabbage in the egg rolls (yum!) was a bit of a bloater though...

Friday:

AM Weigh In NONE. Videos NONE. Forgot to weigh in. Oh well...moved on.

A long Friday schedule included Curves Club Camp, brainstorming with Cat, and a trip up to LaCrosse for Zumba training in the morning.

Let's see...how did my day go? I trained/worked out at the club in Elgin followed by another long day sitting but it did seem to go a little faster. Maybe having Cat there helped. I had my Luna Protein Bar, and PB/strawberry sandwich, and my protein shake. Lunch was with Cat at an interesting Chinese/Thai restaurant in downtown Elgin with chicken and veggies. There was an interesting salad there with chinese sausage. I wonder if Cat can remember if it had some kind of sauce on it because it was pretty good, actually. Travel snacks a disappointing order of cheese taquitos and sweet potato fries from a local restaurant paired with my equally disappointing leftover chicken sandwich from two days before. Dinner was not much better at the Best Western's restaurant. The chicken baked chicken breast had been under the lamp for a while, the cod was so-so, and the salad with cottage cheese was nothing to brag about. The only thing delightful was to arrive and find out that the hotel was situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Saturday:

AM Weigh In NONE. Videos NONE.

Didn't have an opportunity to weigh in today since I was at Zumba training.  I was only had latte in the and a sausage muffin in the morning. The rest of the day was a combo of protein shakes and bars plus my leftover cashews. I left training and headed for BK for a pre-drive dinner of chicken wrap, single stacker, and value fries with my diet coke. Fatigue was constantly at my heels so I had to take frequent breaks and snack stops–coffee, cookie, and a bag of sweet peppers.

Zumba (Basic 1) licensing was definitely worthwhile and I think that the ZIN certification is a good investment. It is still a bit confusing but I think I can sort it out. It does make me worry that I may be a better student than a teacher. Still, I have a lot of excitement for it and the possibilities it opens are very appealing. At $30 a month to maintain my ZIN membership, the next step would be how to push through my plans to teach both inside and outside of Curves to make it worthwhile.

Sunday:

AM Weigh In 181.4. Videos NONE. Not too bad for a week's worth of fun in Chicago and I am ending the week with a day of rest to visit with friends. It likely saved me that I spent Saturday in Zumba training that kept the calorie burn at a high level to make up for the madness.

Celebration day. I enjoyed my visit and reliving the the old days in my head. It was definitely a high calorie day so I need to tone that back down to my normal moderate eating cycle. Still, Portillo's was a pretty darn good place to eat. I think I may have packed in close to 3000 calories today.

Latte in the morning. Sausage McGriddle and Hashbrowns in the late morning. Portillos Lunch with 1/2 portion of my Beef and Cheddar on a Croissant along with Fries and Side of Cheese. Maybe it was a mistake to eat Tawn's Chicago Dog but it was definitely good. A mid-afternoon kiwi and line smoothie from my Maui Wowi friend. I think I will finish out the night with some French Baguette and my favorite brie.

So glad this diet week is over. It was definitely a challenge but–oh how delish!

SLC to ORD

When asked how the flight was, my response was tepid. Actually, the term I used was "uneventful" which, to me, is a good thing.

I have never been a comfortable flyer. I certainly appreciate the speed with which I reach my destination but I usually start out with a prayer to make sure that I get there. Today was no exception though I enjoyed a rarely seen perk.

The seat beside me was empty and I had the kind of legroom that I normally don’t have the luxury of paying for so I was able to find a little more humor in the experience. When the captain announced that we were cleared for take-off, I wanted to jump up and say, “Wait! I’m in the wrong flight!” I was even able to muster some bravado by taking my seatbelt off to get up and grab my backpack from the overhead compartment a couple of seats ahead before the seat-belt sign was off.

This good karma has been with me for a few days now and I am hoping it holds. The universe seems to be in alignment and I am wondering if I should buy a lottery ticket. After all, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for some fortuitous moments that have led me to this point. Through the generosity of my friend and employer, I am able to attend my convention, training for her, and get certified as a Zumba instructor this week. Through the kindness and love of my high school classmate. I have a place to stay during my trip and I get to see old friends for the first time since I left Illinois over 20 years ago. Let’s not forget the young man who asked that I exchange seats with his wife on this flight so they can be together, thus bringing me closer to the front of the cabin.

It certainly felt like a first class flight without the first class price. If only the food was free.

Week 5 Day 1 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 181

It's a travel day. I had a late night packing followed by an early morning to take the shuttle to the airport. I have to keep mindful and stay the course!!!

Prayer Video: "Prioritize your day with faith. Begin your day with prayer and start each day with gratitude.

Week 4 Day 7 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 182.

It's D-Day! Jud and I did the Bates Road Loop with our bikes and I really enjoyed that. It was about an 18 mile ride and definitely a butt chafer for poor Jud. I feel pretty good though so I am happy.

Tips to Burn Body Fat Video: "Feed muscle and starve fat through strength training and consuming more protein. Research shows that taking calcium burns significantly more fat."

Week 4 Day 6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 182

It is yard sale day! What a great way to start my first day of a new year–yeah!!! After having put together some things to sell well into the night, I came to our group sale with a respectable amount of stuff and came away with about $130 in cash. That will help pay for the trip this week.

Tips to Increase Steps Video: "Walking is a low impact (so is bike riding) cardiovascular acivity. Walk! Walk! Walk! Walk!"

Week 4 Day 5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 182

Was that just a tiny bump on the road? No biggie! I went for the Bar Method class this morning and it certainly was a workout! It was a great alternative considering that I have only had an opportunity to do my running program once this week because of stupid plantar fasciitis issues. I still got my bike out for rides but I think it's time to kick it up a notch and do one solid ride this weekend.

Simple Weigh Loss Tips Video: "Breakfast is your most important meal; switch your afternoon snack to a PM snack, stay hydrated; sleep well!"

Week 4 Day 4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 181.6

Good golly...what DID I do today? On the plus side, I worked out and got myself measured. I have lost some inches–yeah! The unfriendly scale at the club called me fat at 183 but I'm taking none of that. When I returned home, I re-weighed myself and I am still at 181 so that that you mean liar!

Mindfulness Video: "'A Beginner's Mind' is about selective hearing and understanding everything very closely."

Week 4 Day 3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 182.4

The day wasn't really all that bad. I went to the chiro for an adjustment and addressed my plantar fasciitis issue. I will not be running or walking for the next 5 days. I wonder if she sees Zumba as a walking activity because I am doing it tomorrow and I don't want to miss it. I was able to do my workout but biking was not an option. I didn't have enough time.

On the plus side, it just seems that the universe is aligned for me today. Dare I hope that it is likewise the same tomorrow? It looks like I will be heading to Chicago next week. I will have back to back events that I will be dealing with and thanks to Cat's generous help, I will be able to get there and accomplish what I need to do at KBIS and Curves Club Camp PLUS Zumba Certification.

Self Talk Video: "Change the way you think. Find your own true healthy voice through positive self-coaching."

Week 4 Day 2 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183.2

Today is a run day. I am so grateful.

Well, okay. Maybe grateful is not the word but it feels good to have done it. I am starting up C25K on Week 1. Apparently, I was on the wrong program all this time but–not matter. I still make progress. I walk to work in an hour and Zumba is set for tonight.

Attitude Video: "What's your attitude of gratitude? A healthy attitude balances reality and optimism. Consciously choose to stop putting negatives things in your mind. Consciously choose to start putting positive things in your mind. Consciously choose to avoid negative people. Consciously choose to speak to yourself in a supportive way."

Week 4 Day 1 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183.2

I just didn't feel like I got much of a workout today even though I did my circuit and rode my bike. Then again, maybe there's something to be said about resting your body completely that enables you to feel like you can do well on the next session.

Your Process Video: "I am in the midst of the process for change. Stay the course."

Week 3 Day 7 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183.2

I walked/jogged and rode my bike yesterday. Maybe it wasn't such a good thing because my muscles feel a bit stiff today. On the other hand, it's done and I (mentally) feel pretty good about the effort I made. I did realize that I was never on the C25K program–duh!. I was wondering why I was only putting in about 1.5 miles daily. Now that I know how to manage my app a  little better (I wish the damn thing had instructions!), I am now able to switch to the proper training program. The question is if I am ready.

Choosing Healthy Video: "Consume 25 grams or more of fiber daily."

Week 3 Day 6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @182.4

It's cold again. I'll be wearing my Darth Vader look today just to keep the cold from seeping in while I ride. To be honest, it seems to be the only way to make the stupid bike helmet look good on me.

I have another big day today. I wish I hadn't quite pushed myself yesterday. I have a feeling that may affect what I do today. Two Mega Days in a row isn't giving me enough time to rest my muscles.

Junkfood: The Aftermath Video: "What is the cost to benefit to eating for pleasure rather than to fuel your body?"

Week 3 Day 5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183

Slow and steady wins the race. I just have to keep the pace slow and the momentum steady both in food and exercise. My goal is to reach 181 by this time next week.

There are snow flurries outside. Idaho spring days just suck sometimes. If it doesn't get any worse, I suppose I could live with it. I just have to dress warm for biking and running.

TODAY IS FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!

Energy Sustaining Meals Video: "Portioned Whole Cabs BALANCED with PFF (Protein, Fiber, Fat)."

Week 3 Day 4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183

Teeth ache combined with muscle aches...I just can't seem to win some days. I went to the dentist and got some relief at first. It was enough to keep my mind off my teeth issues to finish out Zumba, a circuit workout and a run but I am SOOO pissed that the C25K app stopped during my run so it didn't recognize that I had completed Day 2. I have to do this again to get to the Day 3 session if I want to complete Week 4 by Sunday. Ugh!!!

Healthy Carbohydrates Video: "Refined grains actually spike or drop your blood sugar more than whole grains."

Week 3 Day 3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 184.4

I got a bike ride in, even if it was a short one, and I did go in for a circuit workout.

Other than that, it was a "meh" day but I was mindful of what I ate. Thank goodness for baking days because I don't seem to focus on food on these days.

Dieting Myths Video: "Curves offers the most researched weight method available...a method that feeds muscle, starves fat and includes exercise and support. We have the only exit strategy for maintenance diet on the Phase III of the Curves Complete program."

Week 3 Day 2 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 185

I think that delicious hamburger I had on Saturday got the best of me. HoM read 184, 185.6 so I'm taking the middle road.

I ran today. It was W4D1 of C25K and laughed when I heard her cue me to run a mile. Holy crap! Needless to say, I didn't run a solid mile. I definitely had to jog and walk my pace which turned it into an 18 minute mile. But that's okay because I still made some headway in listening to my body. Slow and steady wins the race. I have to remember that! I know that it would make such a big difference if I didn't have this extra 20 pounds of weight on me. After about a hundred yards on each run cycle, my ankles feel every bit of the 185 pounds it's carrying.  I want to try a different way of running my mile the next time though to see if it makes a difference and ease the pressure on my hips.

Optimism Video: "Optimism is a life skill. Accept reality as it is and reset our expectations to meet the challenges with an eye towards the positive."

From Couch to 5K to Tough Mudder - First Month's Reflections

To be fair, I am not actually starting out from the couch.

I have been committed to a steady circuit workout routine for a good year now along with my Curves Complete program since January as I enter my third week of the diet plan tomorrow. But the running part came about several weeks ago–a tiny but determined seed in my head that wanted to grow.

Tough Mudder certainly played a strong part in that decision. Despite the fact that my orthopedic surgeon once warned me that I needed to stop running if I didn't want to ever see him again, I decided embrace the boredom of pounding the pavement again in preparation for that event.

Not that I was much of a runner to begin with because it was boring activity but I schlepped through it anyways, running about two miles three times a week on my treadmill. I will admit it was a more palatable endeavor when I headed south to Las Vegas where the elevation was a lot kinder to my joints and lungs than where I am now at over 6200'.

Having decided to fire up these leg engines again, it did mean easing back into it if I didn't want to risk hurting myself or quitting out of distaste so I decided to try the C25K plan and found to my pleasant surprise that, hey, there's an app for that. So I downloaded  it and I am now pushing through my fourth week of the program encouraged along by the mellow music on Pandora's "Adele" station as it focused me and tuned everything else out. And when I'm not doing that, I'm walking or riding my bike in sync with those same motivating rythms distracting my mind and my muscles.

I'd like to think I'm making progress. I still have a ways to go but I do feel stronger and the intensity of my workouts seem to be more bearable with each repeated effort. I expect to increase the level of difficulty on my training in the next 6 months and I am really looking forward to it even though a nagging, whining voice inside me is honestly not looking forward to it so I just fight to tamp it down.

In keeping with my all-or-nothing behavior, I chose Tough Mudder as my raison d'être and so far, my madness is apparently something that not too many people I know share. Even my supportive husband has told me that he can think of "better ways to kill himself."

Nevertheless, he, along with all my friends and club rats, are giving me their thumbs up. So I stay the course knowing that I have a wealth of support around me. As of today, I have 180 days to go and it just seems to be that everything is falling into place and my universe is in alignment.

Encouraging indeed.

Week 3 Day 1 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 185

I'm officially on PHASE II. It's a Monday. I put in about 40 minutes total on a biking today along my circuit workout. Tomorrow, I am doing a Mega Day just in case the coming bad weather sidelines me. It can be done. It will be done.

Habits Video: "A habit takes about a month to acquire."

Week 2 Day 7 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 185.2

I'm okay with that. My muscles are a tad sore from my mega workout yesterday. The 16 mile bike ride was well worth the effort! I rewarded myself with a fantastic bacon cheeseburger and sauteed onions so I am not sorry for it.

Today, I will make good on my last day of C25K training and I really wouldn't mind going for another scenic bike ride but we'll see. It is Easter and maybe I'll just go for a relaxing day before I bump back down to PHASE II tomorrow.

Increasing Metabolism Video: "Strength training builds lean muscle mass increasing metabolism."

Week 2 Day 6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 184.4

Today is a beautiful day! I have a circuit workout followed by a 16 mile bike ride. Looking forward to enjoying this day.

Finding the Time Video: "Make time, PERIOD."

Week 2 Day 5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 184

Actually, HoM is telling me on several occasions that she prefers 183.2. However, After having tested her capabilities with that of Susie's at the club which read out at 184.4, I will take the middle ground.

It's snowing (ahhhh Spring, you fickle bitch!) so I am going to wait for it to taper off or stop altogether before I head out there for my run. It's supposed to be "nicer" tomorrow so I hope that is the case so as not to ruin my plans for the Huckleberry Shake Ride.

I got some chiro work done yesterday but my shoulder seems to still be tight. Aaarrrgggghhhhh!!!! My leg muscles are a bit stiff still from yesterday's run but blood is flowing through so it's getting better. I'll need to do my loosening exercises before I head out the door.

Curves Smart Video: "Tough Love on the circuit means 30 seconds of high intensity, good form and technique and full range of motion."

Week 2 Day 4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 183.4

My HealthoMeter scale is flattering me this morning with a new set of numbers. My first two readouts were 181.3 followed by a couple of 183.4 and a couple of 182.4. I'll take the larger number just to be safe but I'm curious of the dramatic drop. Is it the TM workout days? Or is the HoM just asleep?

I have been struggling of late keeping snacks as part of the meal plan and had wondered if it was even necessary or needed. I have done well being calorie-mindful during the three main meals but eating five times a day can be a chore. But with the increased activity and workout routine I am putting myself through daily, it is really time for me to utilize those snacks to keep my energy and metabolism levels up.

Time Saving Meal Tips Video: "Plan ahead for success. Keep snacks handy in portioned containers. Prepare larger meals for leftovers the next day."

Week 2 Day 3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 185.0

Well, it's going down anyways. It read 185.8 at the club when I came in for my coaching session but I am alright with it. These scales tend to not match up and it was done in the afternoon, not too long after my lunch. I think that I would prefer an AM coaching session instead. Cat calculated the fat pounds I lost on this last round of CC which turned out to be 14 pounds of fat! Woohoo!!!!

I am going back to 1500 calories this week and shift down to Phase II for a month. The game plan is to keep it solid for April and switch to a 2000 calorie Phase III diet in May before going back down to Phase II again in May with a goal to lose 5 pounds this month, ride the hi/lo wave in May and lose another 5 pounds in June to meet the first half goal of my 180 Day Challenge.

That's a pretty concrete goal and I just need to keep the momentum with my workout format...which can be a bit crazy like today. I rode my bike into town and dropped it off at the bike shop for a loving tune-up. I did an hour on the circuit with the usual matwork and put in a little time on my chi-running loosening excercises before I got down to my W3D1 of C25K training. I can't wait to get to the point when running doesn't kick my ass so much.

ABCs of Weight Loss Video: "You don't have to be afraid of the scale. Knowledge is power but don't get emotionally involved with the weight on that scale."

Week 2 Day 2 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 185.4

Dare I trust that number. It is really annoying. The day was busy from the get-go and I didn't get to do my workout–neither C25K or circuit. I did ride my bike to work in the afternoon so that was a plus in my favor. I only put in 1400 calories today though so thank God for small favors.

I'm putting in for the 180 Day Challenge at Curves so that will help to keep me focused too.

Curves Community Video: "Success breeds success and being a part of this Curves community will encourage accountability."

Week 2 Day 1 on Curves Complete *SMART GOAL*

AM Weigh In @ 186.2

Eye on the Prize! Tough Mudder is just 6 months away! This will be my 180 Challenge starting this week (though it doesn't officially start until the 14th) but that puts me at 6 months and in good time to wrap up my challenge before heading to TMLV.

Even with the rich post-dinner sweets I had of 1/2c ice cream and 1 small portion of bread pudding with vanilla topping, I still didn't make it over 1800 calories. I got my workout done but no didn't get to run or ride my bike so tomorrow, I will put a lot of focus on the bike, my C25K, and Curves+Zumba.

Self Assessment: I found that taking a day off my workouts helps me on my matwork and cicruit...hmmm...there's something to be said about letting the muscles recover after all. I felt like the pushups were easier today. Let's see how I fare tomorrow.

SMART GOALS
(S) Specific - I want to be physically ready or TM-Las Vegas, October 6
(M) Measured - I want to be at 165 with a little less jiggle on the belly fat by October 6
(A) Achievable - 20 pounds in 6 months altogether with greater muscle mass than today
(R) Written - Here it is!
(T) Timed - CC Round 2: next 10 pounds and CC Round 3: FINAL 10 pounds! before TMLV!

Week 12/1 Day 83/7 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.4

I liked the first reading better at 185.4. I swear that this damn scale only knows a few specific numbers because it seems to bounce around these few particular digits.

Aside from being April Fool's Day, it is the last day of what was my 12-week CC program. So what did I do today? I think that it definitely qualified as a slacker day...though I didn't NOT do anything. I just didn't go out for a bike ride or run. I blame it on the gloomy weather and I'm sticking to it. Let's see how the (second) week of my second round on CC fares. I will stay at PH3 for another week and see how that goes then see if I'm ready to move back into PH1 or PH2.

Self assessment: These new custom orthos are definitely more comfortable. The high arch contour doesn't really bother me and I don't really notice it. Taping the left knee on both the IT band and around the patella seems to be helping as well. The weird part is the slight pain seems to have shifted to the right leg with a little more impact on the medial knee on both sides. It's like the damn pain has a mind of its own and will move on to areas that I haven't fixed. There is some soreness on the top of the right foot as well which leads me to think that I am pounding down a little too heavily on my right leg on my runs?

Supplements Video: "Calcium helps to burn fat while dieting and build strong bones." It may be also time to take some joint supplements again along with Omega-3.

Week 12/1 Day 83/6 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 186.4

In the overall scheme of things, I am doing well. On the other hand, I could always do better. I had a hefty breakfast of biscuits and gravy and it is sitting on my belly like a weight of bricks. I need to get my workout gear on as soon as my food is reasonably digested in there and head out to the club...on foot.

That should put my calorie budget down to 1400 for the remainder of the day if I really do want to maintain Phase 3 from here on. I hate seeing that scale go up but I have to trust that PH3 is going to do right by me. For now, my low weight is 185 and my high weight is 188. I just have to keep that in mind.

Yes, I did go to the club and spent almost 3 hours total on a mixed workout. I rode my bike to town (about 2.2 miles) and worked out at Curves for an hour. I increased the number of machines by two on CurveSmart with the plan to increase the circuit by two machines per month until I am doing three laps by the end of September. Then I went on my C25K training run, then rode my bike home again. I feel pretty damn good!

Food Diary & Behavior Video: "Call out the behavior and empower yourself. Put yourself first."

Self Analysis

When it comes down to it, I am weak.

Not to say that I couldn't change. I can. Not to say that I didn't try. I did. But for all my talk about growing some chest hair, and having more balls than a man, I cower like the best of them.

Then again, deep inside, a man is probably a coward so why the hell am I trying to emulate one. I have spent way too much time trying to fit into this mold that others say I ought to be that I have to wonder, "What the fuck am I thinking?"

The irony is that those whom I have tried to aspire to turned out to be hypocritical dick-brains and I need to be a little bit more on the level with my stronger (female) identity and let her shine through. At one point or another, I have been called high-maintenance, bitch, manipulative, and–my personal favorite–self-centered.

Next time I hear a guy throw those words at me, I just need to say, thank you.

Week 12/1 Day 82/5 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 186.4

Had my chiro work on me again this morning. Stiff but not too bad. I have worked out 4 days this week and debating if I ought to take a break from Curves today or tomorrow. Hmmm.....

Self Assessment: these new custom orthos feel better. It does not make my feet slide forward in the Brooks. I can definitely feel the arch but I seemed to run well on them yesterday. I'm supposed to break them gradually but I don't really feel like doing that.

Now that I have gotten Curves Complete fired up again, I am just going to post total calorie intakes. On what would have been my last week of my 12-week program, I am slow to bring the calories back up to what it ought to be on Phase 3 which I am unofficially on now so I guess that I don't feel too bad that it has taken me nearly a week to get to 2000 calories. I put in 2100+ calories today. In retrospect, I need to probably take in more calories in the morning and lunch instead of packing it in at night. It seems to be a downer for the following morning's weigh-in. I also may need to scale back on my inactive days but I could be wrong. This particular scale does lie.

Food Diary Video: "Food diary keepers lose twice as much weight than those who don't."

Week 12/1 Day 81/4 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 185.4

I keep forgetting that I still need to balance exercise. I do feel some ache post-workout and I can still feel it when I wake up in the morning. Am I pushing too hard though? I have to remember to ease back into an active recovery period on every other day following a hard workout day to help delayed onset muscle soreness. I found an interesting article in Scientific American that talks about DOMS and why it occurs. Too bad the idea that lactic acid causes temporary weight gain doesn't stick though...at least from most of what I have read so far.

I got my new orthotics yesterday afternoon and as usual, I ignored my PT's recommendation to gradually ease into them. Still, I didn't feel any discomfort on my arches when I got out of bed this morning so that's saying something. Now I only hope that it doesn't cause my feet to slide forward when I do my C25K training today.

Breakfast: Latte, 1 egg, 1/2 sausage, cheese large ww bread - 400c
Snack: Protein Shake - 200c
Lunch:  Tukey and cheese on ww bread - 400c
Snack: Cinnamon applesauce bread - 100c
Dinner: Sonoran Hot Dog - 600c *late dinner*

"Circuit Training" Video: "Focus on the positive benefits of this program will help you stick to it and CURVES is efficient fitness that is quick and fun!"

Absence of Feeling

We had our chocolate lab, Sadie, put down today. She had been losing weight for some time–her appetite and energy seemed to be dimming to the point that she was having difficulty getting up and using her legs. It seemed that the inevitable was just around the corner and when she finally lost her ability to control her bowel movement, we knew that there were no other options.

Jud announced his intent last night. It was disheartening to see my Annika heartbroken over the whole thing. She was so attached to that dog that she would spend her money on treats and toys for the ole' girl. On the other hand, I really couldn't summon any real deep emotion. I was sad, of course, but it wasn't that gut-wrenching loss that I have seen and heard about.

Today, I saw our family pet for the last time. She was so weak that I had to assume she was in pain even though she didn't show it. I wasn't sure what I was expecting to see but pragmatic resignation in her eyes was not one of them. People would have been more expressive exhibiting clearly features of pain, sadness. fear or even joy.

With Sadie, I felt no great sense of tragedy. She looked at me as I looked at her, in that final moment when I left the house this afternoon, and I simply said goodbye–giving her one last pat on her head before standing up and walking away. With my back to her, I don't really know what she had done but I don't doubt that she likely gave me a cursory glance before she turned her head to rest it on her paws once again.

There was no barking. No mewling. A person would have done so much more in the throes of their death hoping for one more chance to take the stage. Sadie, as she had been for so long, the easy-going dog who rarely barked or made a fuss, left our home for the vet's office with the quiet dignity and aplomb of one who knew her time had come.

And I was not there to see it because I was on my way home from errands and a workout at the club as if it were another day except that I knew it was to be Sadie's last day with us. But I think of her now, sleeping peacefully, protected from the hard winter soil around her wrapped in one of Anni's fleece blankets that they often share.

I don't mourn you the way others do for their pets but you are still a part of our family. You have been faithful and generous even when we sometimes have not. You have given us the best of what you could offer. You shared your love and affection. I shall miss you, my Sadie-girl.

Week 12/1 Day 80/3 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 185.6

I weighed in 3 times, back to back: 186.6 on the first read, 185.6 on the second, and 184.5 on the third. Funny how the weight goes down this time because most of the time, it goes up for me. I think this scale is messing with my mind.

There's no rhyme or reason to the see-saw weight from day to day other than the possibility that I don't do well with maintaining weight on my less active days which is not a good thing if that is the case because that means my metabolism sucks.

Still, that seems unlikely because I have been active every day for the most part in the past few weeks with either a Curves Workout, or a C25K training run, or both. We will have to see what this week continues to bring with the added calories.

Knowledge to Change Video: "Life is difficult, now quit whining and move on."

I went into town by way of bike, picked up my orthotics, worked out at Curves and rode back home. Another satisfying day. I know I'm supposed to break in my orthos gradually but as usual I fast-forwarded the effort. We'll see how it feels tomorrow.

Breakfast: Latte, ww bread slice, egg, 1/2 sausage, cheese - 350c
Snack: Turkey with cheese sandwich on ww bread - 400c
Lunch: Protein Shake & cheese brioche - 500c
Snack: Protein Shake - 200c
Dinner: 2 Homemade chicken pizzas - 400c
Snack: Almonds 100c

Week 12/1 Day 79/2 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187

Gorgeous day for a run to Curves! It is a bit colder but what the heck. I have started CC again but set it up on Phase 3. I guess it is worth re-listening to keep me motivated! After all, I have another 25 pounds more to go before the Tough Mudder challenge!

Getting Started Video: "Great things require great effort...my burden will become my blessing...be patient."

I did my C25K run/walk training, worked out at Curves and stayed for Zumba. It certainly was a productive afternoon! I got my 10k steps on this round! My IT band seems to acting up now so I had better get the roller and the ice.

Breakfast: Latte, ww bread slice, 1/2 sausage, 1 egg, cheese sprinkles - 350c
Snack: 2 Homemade pizza slices - 400c
Lunch: Banana and cheese - 300c
Snack: Protein shake and homemade cinnamon bread - 300c
Dinner: Roast, Potatoes and Rice - 600c

Week 12/1 Day 78/1 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 186.6

Here goes Phase 3 at 2000-2500 calories! Oh boy...I did work out in the morning at the club but didn't get a chance to run when the snow storm blew in...sucks!

Self assessment: I was already feeling the ache on my heels (more so on the right) last night and I was feeling it still this morning. I can only guess that I am putting more pressure down on my right side compounded with a heel-strike gait. I really think that those loosening and stretching exercises really do help me before a run. It's a little more effort and time but well worth it.

Breakfast: Lattem ww bread, 1/2 Sausage, 1 egg, cheese - 350c
Snack: None
Lunch: Spaghetti & Meatballs: 600c
Snack: Turkey on whole wheat sandwich with cheese: 400c
Dinner: 3 Homemade pizzas and a donut 800c

Week 11 Day 77 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.8

I've got to jeep my eye on the prize and that is to hit a solid 185 before the next week is through! It would technically be my official 12th week if I hadn't been bumped off and Spring Break had not arrived but I can still make it happen!

Self-assessment: I wore my Brooks all day yesterday using only the factory insert. I woke up with a little tenderness and pain on my heels and arches. Could that be due to the fact that I did not wear my orthos (or even Superfeet) or the fatigue of a heel-strike gait on my run/walk or both? Today, I changed out the inserts for my orthos and wore the Brooks for my morning run/walk cycle and spent a regular day of chores around the house with them. I noticed that my feet tend to slide forward on them. It seemed to not be as noticeable as my run progressed but it did make me wonder if the rigid heel and arch mold of each insert is making my feet tilt forward. Then again maybe that is not such a bad thing if it minimizes heel-strike. I also started to feel a little ache on my right shins so I had to make a conscious effort to lean forward, relax the knees and hips. This is something I will need to talk to Mike about when I get me new pair of orthotics. I'll try the Brooks again tomorrow with the Superfeet inserts and see if it makes a difference. As for just walking around on them, the shoes and inserts seem to do just fine together.

Breakfast: Bacon, egg, rice - 400c
Snack: None
Lunch: Turkey/bacon with cheese on whole wheat sandwich - 400c
Snack: Chocolate Protein Shake - 200c
Dinner: Spaghetti & Meatballs - 500c
Snack: Cinnamon Bread - 100c

Week 11 Day 76 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.2

It's a constant see-saw. I need to break that 185 and get to a consistent pattern!!!!!

I did my walk/run cycle to the club and then worked out. I actually did pretty well on the running part despite of a glitch so I'm feeling pretty good about my workout day.

Went to IF and stopped at a Chinese restaurant for an early dinner. Unfortuantely, as with most of these kids of places, there's an inherent danger to an MSG overdose regardless of how healthy it may seem. Calorie-wise, I think I did well but I am pretty sure that there was plenty of that crap in it.

Breakfast: Latte, WW bread, 1 egg, sausage, cheese - 350c
Snack: None (workout)
Lunch: Turkey and cheese on whole wheat sandwich - 400c
Snack: Protein Shake - 200c
Dinner: Evergreen Chinese Dinner - 600c
Snack: 1 Reeses Cup - 100c

Week 11 Day 75 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 185.8

It actually started out as 186.6 and went up to 187.7 when I weighed in about a half hour later (grrrrr) but then I hopped right back on the scale and that was my final number. Go figure.

It will be a total rush today and cause me to get in trouble if I let it so...deep breathing...

I was able to get most of what was on my schedule done–except for one appointment that I couldn't quite put into priority with everything that I felt I needed to get done today. But I most certainly did not want to give up the opportunity to ride my bike into town and get my workout in for the day and that felt really good to me. If I hadn't, I don't think I would have felt as comfortable with what I accomplished today. 

I ended my 12-week Curves Complete cycle one week early. Going into Spring Break was going to be problematic and the fact that I was somehow bumped off the CC system pretty much decided it for me. I'll use the last week to get a headstart into Phase III of Curves Complete with a high weight of 188 and a low of 185. According to Tiffany and Catie, my performance, especially in the last month was quite positive with an overall 13 pound weight loss, 19" of total inches lost and 5% body fat reduction. I have moved from borderline "poor to very poor" and moved up along the "poor to fair" margin. I think that my highlight is a reduction to my bust size by over 1" and that's saying something because I have not been able to shake that fat off the chest for a year.

Breakfast: WW bread slice, 1 egg, 1/2 sausage, cheeze sprink - 350c
Snack: None (workout)
Lunch: Subway 6" Chicken Sub & Harvest Chips - 600c
Snack: None (dr appointments)
Dinner: Ka-Nom Jean - 400c
Dinner: 1 Slice Homemade Pizza - 200c

I FEEL AWESOME!

Week 11 Day 74 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187.6

Well, that sucks...what's with this number?

Mammogram and insulin resistance test are finally over. I made it for the last bit of Zumba and a full circuit at the club. I am so glad I did not stop at O'Rourkes and went straight to Curves. I did not get any food in me until after 12:30 so I really had to curb it. I am glad that I was able to restrain myself to a slice of Tony's Pizza and my diet pepsi. I am really listening to my body! I walked around the grocery and held myself back before going up to one of the counters.

WAY TO GO, PEN!!!!

Breakfast - None (Insulin Resistance Test Fasting)
Snack - None (Insulin Resistance Test Fasting)
Lunch - Thin Crust Sausage Pizza - 600c
Snack - Cheese - 200c
Dinner - Deli Breaded Chicken Breast and Wing, Potato Wedges - 600c

Week 11 Day 73 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187.8

I am really hating that number!

I worked again today and rode my bike to and from work twice. I managed to NOT get my workout in so that wasn't such a great move on my part. Thank goodness for being determined about riding my bike today. It was a long day but I was glad to get that out of the way. As usual, being around the ladies really makes me feel good.

Self Assessment: slight ache along the patella/knee cap. am looking forward to the new ortho inserts. I wonder if it will feel better than the ones I have now. I will have to try the Brooks with the orthos again on the next run. I came home late at about 8:30 and so it was a late dinner. I was having serious hunger issues by about midnight but I have to hold off until my blood tests are done in the morning.

Breakfast - Latte, 1/2 of Cocoa Grove WW bagel, sausage, egg, cheddar - 350c
Snack - None
Lunch, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - 500c
Snack - Protein Shake - 200c
Dinner - Cheesy Hamburger Casserole - 600c

Week 11 Day 72 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187.8

I'm not sure what the deal is with the see-saw effect on the weight but I am choosing to ignore it.

I put in about 16k steps between working at the club, walking home and back to work, zumba, and a ridiculous amount of stretches that still isn't making me any less sore. Maybe I should look at it from the perspective of a total fiasco if I hadn't altogether bothered with any stretching at all.

I am not able to get into Curves Complete today though I am not sure why. In the meantime, I will have to just log my food intake here.

350 calorie breakfast - Whole wheal slice with 1/2 sausage patty, 1 egg, cheddar sprinkles
600 calorie lunch - Breaded fish, Corned Beef Hash, Rice
600 calorie dinner - Turkey, cheese on whole wheat bread, chips

Self assessment: I did a slow walk/jog pace with a few short sprints towards the end of my mid-day walk to home. The Red Superfeet was uncomfortable. It felt like I didn't have as much room on the toe box (though I suppose trimming the insert may solve that problem) and that that it was a bit high along my arches so I removed them and replaced them with just the regular factory inserts on the way back to the club after lunch. My feet didn't feel pinched on the widest part but I did notice that I was stepping off more on my left big toe which made me worry that my pronation was not being corrected with this insert. I was holding up a little better (and farther) on my slow jog too but I was starting to ache along my right ankle. I adjusted my gait, leaning forward, and that seemed to relieve the stress and reduce my heel-strike tendency.

I was shocked but I was actually able to do the splits this afternoon.

Week 11 Day 71 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.8

Phase Three of Curves Complete is really not that far away. Two more weeks before I am finished with this round and I move on...well...at least for a month or two before I start the program all over again so I can continue to lose the weight. They say that the third time's the charm so maybe I can reach my wedding day weight of 160 pounds.

That is certainly a better weight to carry with me into the Tough Mudder challenge.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that it went from about 50º yesterday to a steady downfall of snow. There's about 5" of snow on the deck. I guess I will be doing my walking in this crap this afternoon.

....it just doesn't want to cooperate. I decided to take the car instead and worked out at the club, I'll have to make up for this tomorrow.

Mind Over Matter

The tough thing about making a commitment is the possibility of failure. Case in point, I am very close to that no-turning-back moment with the Tough Mudder in October. I have half the money to pay for the early bird race fee due by the end of the month.

I have never done this and yet, I am going for it. But the decision isn't without its hazards. Since making it "public" via Facebook two weeks ago, I have been watching videos and reading as much as I can about this challenge that I feared the risk of hazing myself out of it. Whatever it is that has caused my workout buddies at Curves to reject my invite to join "Team Pen" has apparently not affected me.

Knock on wood. In a decidedly freakish way, my fascination for this upcoming event leans heavily towards excitement than shit-scared fear. Maybe it just hasn't hit me yet. I don't know. I do know that I am eager to use the Tough Mudder Enlisted badge on my Facebook page.

I admit that this is not something unusual for me. Years of therapy has apparently done little for my all or nothing attitude and my somewhat obsessive-compulsive tendencies to go from 0 to 60 in...well...0. I could have set myself a lesser goal–a 5k perhaps? Baby steps. Small, realistic goals.

Not so for me. Years back, I attended a stained glass workshop and while everyone was content to build a palm-sized sun-catcher for their first project, I was creating 24" stained glass piece from a pattern that I created myself based on an image I saw in a newspaper.

Why? It appealed to me and I wanted it.

When I got married, a family friend offered to help teach me how to make a hand-quilted wall hanging, I chose the log-cabin design. When I took an intermediate-level sewing class in college, I made temple dress using a rather complicated pattern that I pieced together from various other patterns. I tried my hand at whatever it was that appealed to me and wanted it enough to see it done–seldom thinking about my minimal, if not outright lack of, experience.

The Tough Mudder mantra I keep hearing on every official TM video is, "You can do this! You can do anything that you put your mind and heart into!" Well, it certainly flipped that reckless switch inside me the first time I heard it because here I am today.

It's cold out there today. It just stopped snowing. That still, small voice in my head beckons me. It doesn't matter. I'm going out there for a run. I am in training. This is nothing.

I am a Tough Mudder, after all.

Week 10 Day 70 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh In @ 187.6

It doesn't help when I eat late so I imagine that the bump in weight had something to do with that and sleep was not kind to me last night. I usually spend a few minutes on the laptop or reading and it seems enough to trigger droopy lids. I do believe that I just need to get my running clothes on and just be ready to walk or run–maybe go out twice today.

Holy crap...did I really buy donuts last night at the grocery store?

It's the little things that kill you. In my case, it's those luscious round delicacies with holes in the middle–glazed or covered with chocolate. I wouldn't call it a vice. If it were, I would be in serious trouble. But every now and then, I do get a craving for the flavor. It was buyers remorse when I brought it home so I left it in the trunk of the car. It was late and I would save it for the following day.

Fast forward to now. It's just a little after 3pm. I did well with our normal Sunday breakfast. I had some carrots for lunch (our fat-heavy breakfast typically keeps me full through mid-afternoon). It snowed rather heavily at around 11 and so I wasn't able to go for my run until an hour ago and I am so glad I did. I came home and felt great. Before I could dwell too much on it, I fixed myself a chocolate protein shake kicked up a notch with a serving of Hershey's syrup. The cold water and ice definitely made it an enjoyable post run drink while I ice my knees.

Self-assessment: I'm still trying to figure out the Android app for C25K and it seems that it doesn't like being put on sleep mode. Still, I did my walk/run cycle for over 30 minutes covering about 1-1/2 miles of asphalt. After the program stopped cueing me, I decided to just integrate 3x rotation of jog/walk  cycle. Followed by the same rotation of a sprint walk cycle. Odd but it seems that my legs don't feel the fatigue as badly as I do on a jog. Likewise, I am still trying to also figure out the Brooks. I wore the runners with my orthotics today combined with my acrylic Curves socks I picked up from the club yesterday. It was starting to pinch a bit on top of my foot (retinaculum?) so I loosened the laces. But already, I was already feeling that my foot seemed to be sliding forward inside the shoes. I don't recall feeling this when I wore the runners with just the factory inserts. I didn't feel the pinching on the widest part of my (wider) right foot so that was a plus. Towards the last jog set, my achilles tendons started to act up along with my shins on the right side so I had to force myself to relax: hips, legs, knees. I try to visualize a relaxed position when I am out there and it seems to be working. Tomorrow, I'll try the shoes with my Superfeet and see if I get any better results.

Week 10 Day 69 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.2

Worked this morning so I rode my bike to town. I really don't mind it at all...just don't care for the cross wind. I didn't really do much else other than that and I am finding that my muscles aren't as limber as a result.

Hey, unsweetened tea can be counted as water! Of course, splenda is a must-o for me!

Week 10 Day 68 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187.7

Hmmm...a pound increase? Maybe.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer–the four horsemen of the apocalypse. I would like to think that I am nipping all of them in the bud. I went in for blood work today in preparation for my annual physical on Monday. With any luck, I have managed to bring my cholesterol down from last year.

Self assessment: the new Brooks Addiction 9 feels great. The Merrell Coolmax socks feel more comfortable too and I wonder if it's because they have more cushion than the thin cotton athletic socks I have now. I was told to start using synthetic socks and it just may have some merit to it. I know that my SmartWool socks seem better on my feet and they don't make my feet sweat as much. I tried the Brooks with and without synthetic socks. Likewise, I tried them with and without my orthotics. I have to run on them today without the ortho inserts and see how my feet fares. It will likely require a break-in period but I am glad that my slightly wider, right foot doesn't feel as pinched in this pair.

Week 10 Day 67 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.8

I had my CC coaching yesterday afternoon and the scale showed a pound higher but it was to be expected–I still lost 1.5 pounds overall in one week. I was shocked to find that I was actually eating BELOW the recommended caloric intake. I thought I was actually going most of the time. I did my first full day (1) of C25K which wasn't bad at all but my glutes do pinch a bit and I am guessing that my form got  bit skewed towards the last part of my walk/run cycle.

Self assessment: I stretched before and after my run and workout. Except for the glutes, my joints don't feel pain, the lateral side of my knees don't feel pinched or inflamed. It does still feel that way on lateral movements or sudden twists outwards. Shoulder don't feel as bad as it had been when I first went to Kate but it is still (unfortunately) there though significantly improved. I am guessing my hands went numb last night just because I slept on it.

My new running shoes arrive today. I am very excited to see what improvements it will provide me since it's specifically designed to address my pronation. It's a level down from the Ariel that I really want but I want to try this first (it was less expensive AND on sale) before I splurge on a $130 shoe. I guess my days of buying cheap sneakers are done if I don't want to continue ruining my knees and ankles.

Week 10 Day 66 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 186.8

Holy cow but I had a massive hamstring cramp on BOTH legs last night in bed! I have to really keep in mind to drink lots of water and add electrolytes to my intake. My legs feel a bit achy but I have no noticeable pain in my joints which is a good thing considering that I rode my bike for the first time this year, plus I worked and did a zumba session at the club yesterday. I have to say that the bike ride was a little less strenuous for me as it had been last year so I must be doing something right!

Onward and upward to Tough Mudder in October!

Week 10 Day 65 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 187.8

Actually, it came down to 187.2 when I went back to weigh a half-hour later but I think I will take the more conservative number.

Day 1 on C25K wasn't too bad...if I had finished it. I am not sure if the accelerometer or the program is calibrated correctly because I walked nearly a half hour and burned just a little over 50 calories and walked/jogged about 2/3 of a mile which does not seem to make sense to me from where I had started the program. I have made some adjustments today and we'll see how this android app fares.

I don't feel too sore, considering the activity from yesterday which is promising. Those stretches pre- and post-workout really DO help, thank goodness!

CC Tidbit: Reducing body fat by as little as 5% has been found to restore your insulin levels to normal if you are diabetic. With a history of diabetes in my family, I have to control my sugars to prevent T2 Diabetes.

Week 10 Day 64 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 188.4

I am holding steady under 190# and that feels REALLY good! With three weeks left into the CC program, I just may be able to get my weight down to my 175 pound goal weight with my increased activity and Tough Mudder Challenge preparation.

It costs an average of $1500 more for an overweight person on healthcare each year. Interesting little tidbit. I suspect that it costs a heck of a lot more than that with everything a person has to spend to maintain that level of poor health.

Still no sign of that stupid monthly ailment–not that I have ever welcomed it but it does help to give me a frame of reference. I am going in for the 9-week "Couch to 5K" program to get me back into running. That is a lot better than doing it on the fly. It's supposed to be snowing again this week but we'll see. It hasn't really stopped me from walking to town but then again, I haven't had to schlepp through a major storm either.

Week 9 Day 63 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 188.4

The weight is coming down again. Thank goodness for a lower calorie intake yesterday because I did jack-diddle. I really like the fact that when I am busy baking or cooking (which lasts a few hours toiling in the kitchen) keeps my mind off food. It is definitely a unique response given that I am near food.

I have been watching chi running videos on YouTube and it is very motivational for me in my quest to start running again. I would LOVE to be able to run without feeling like I am going to keel over on the first block because I have no lung capacity or my knees and ankles give out. I will likely never be a distance runner but I would like to go back to doing a 2-mile run 3x a week as I had done in the past and actually enjoy it.

Today, I announced to my FB peeps that I am doing the Tough Mudder challenge. The chance to back out gets slimmer and slimmer by the day and I still feel more excitement than fear when I look at those videos.

I NEED TO VISUALIZE LIVING MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST!

Week 9 Day 62 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In @ 189.4

Big jump from yesterday so I can only guess that it's the restaurant food that did me in. MSG anyone? On the other hand, I anticipate that my period should be starting Sunday or Monday which could be another cause for the spike.

So, I need to stay the course with my fitness regimen. I actually like walking to town and back. The orthotics on my walking shoes seems to be helping delay fatigue. I can't wait to gt my new runners!

MAKE THE CHOICE TO STAY ACTIVE CONSISTENTLY!

Week 9 Day 61 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In: 187

I am overweight but I don't get depressed and eat. My destructive tendencies tend to lean more along the lines of alienate people when I am depressed and I isolate myself. What a ridiculous mess I mentally play with myself.

I am a failure and therefore I don't want to talk to anyone. More specifically, I don't want to face my failure about what it is I feel I failed in so I don't want to talk to the people that are in any way associated with it.

Is that why I tend to do go overboard on other things...to compensate? It's a passive aggressive approach to deal by NOT dealing with my problems.

No wonder my anxiety levels are always spiking. But yes, physical activity does work to relieve that stress. The endorphins released create a euphoric mood which, interestingly enough, is another way for me to escape.

It's Friday! I am grateful to survive another week.

Week 9 Day 60 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In: 188.6

Zumba day today and I will walk to town and back. It really isn't so bad. It's a 4+ mile round trip exercise.This will get me my 10K steps in today and then some.

Choose to be active...JUST DO IT!

Week 9 Day 59 on Curves Complete

AM Weigh-In: 188.6.

So, today is a coaching day and weigh-in at the club. I would LOVE to see this weight stick for the rest of the day. I will work out but rest the legs again. I'll do my walk again tomorrow. I need to make my legs stronger though my IT band and lateral meniscus on both knees are going to be a challenge.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Week 9 Day 58 on Curves Complete

Morning Weigh-In: 188.6. It's a work day, I have a Zumba class, and I plan to walk home and back to Curves on the mid-day break. That should put me WELL past my 10K steps.

I have to keep reminding myself that two steps forward and one step back will STILL get me to where I'm going!

Week 9 Day 57 on Curves Complete

9am.

I saw along the way ... that it has been November that I last posted on this blog. How crazy is that?!? Well, maybe it's not too crazy considering how totally stretched thin I am thanks to my excessive habit of going from one thing to another. So, since I am already journaling for my 90-day Curves Complete program, now is a good a time as any to shift the journal to the blog!

As of last week, I lost 9 pounds and 4% body fat. I really need to stay true to myself and focus on a (relatively) narrow and straight path. My meanderings are costing me. I am doing so much that I am really not accomplishing anything useful at all so it is well past due that I work on establishing a strong routine.

It's a Monday. It's a new day. So far so good.

9pm.

Not a bad day but my step count is lagging. I only got about 6000 steps in today. It's not as easy to get those in when you're not working. I worked out today after our coaches meeting. I felt stiff from the weekend but loosened up on the second lap around the circuit.

I managed to steer clear of my brioche until after dinner and altogether, I am on track with my calorie intake for the day. I'm grateful for keeping busy. Certainly, it was enough to keep me from munching. It is odd that I have managed to cook and bake as often as I have and found myself actually being moderate about my food intake. That is a good balanced habit or self-control I surprisingly have and I would like to see continue as the family enjoys the home-made meals.