Weekend Danger Zone

TGIF! Who doesn't look forward to a of couple days off and some R&R? The problem with the weekend, for me, is the temptation to overeat, munch on junk food, down a few beers and/or totally blow off my workouts. Ugh!

This is especially true when I have company from out-of-town, attend a party or go out to eat with my family. My weekend cravings and failings get full blame for why the needle on my scale hasn't budged since September 26th!

How do I remedy this situation? First, I need to stop taking a break from my calorie consumption goal when I'm off the clock. I do manage to sneak in one workout during the weekend already. It's time to push for a second even if it means getting up before my family so they don't feel like I'm neglecting them.

I saw this really great article from EverydayHealth.com, "9 Eating Habits That Lead to Weight Gain." Check it out! I could identify with a lot of these habits, and while I've successfully curtailed some of the worst, it was an excellent reminder of other areas that need improvement.

Here's to a great weekend!

Abdominal Help Wanted

My husband ran upstairs last night when he heard me "making a lot noise." By the time he got there I was face down on the floor recovering from two sets of ten sit-ups. 20 is definitely unimpressive, but I am working on it. If you'll recall back in July I was unable to do even one measly sit-up so 20 is progress.

I know I need to keep working on strengthening my abdominal muscles, but I feel pretty unmotivated to do it. I enjoy all the running and biking, but sit-ups and planks are pretty hard for me right now. Like most, I tend to want to do the things that come easy. I need to "suck it up" as my high school gym teacher used to bellow during class.

Anybody have any great suggestions or new improved workouts for abs? I wonder if I should buy an ab belt or one of those fat jiggling machines like my aunt used to have in her basement. Ahhhh... the easy way out?

Are those ladies enjoying vodka greyhounds?

Vodka Greyhounds
1.75 oz. 80 proof vodka (96 calories)
5 oz. grapefruit juice (60 calories)

Pour vodka and grapefruit juice into a highball glass filled with ice, stir well and serve. (156 calories)

Take Time to Enjoy the Scenery

What a beautiful day! I know there are only a few more nice days before winter, and I definitely took advantage of it. I went for a bike ride even though my legs were tired from yesterday's run. I think it actually alleviated some of the muscle tightness along the back of my legs.

As I set out, I determined right away that I wasn't going to push in terms of speed. Since I'm working to increase my cycling mileage, I need to extend my routes. So, today I toured my area in hopes of finding and exploring new trails. I definitely do not want to be stuck circling the lake in Central Park 20 times to makeup 20 miles. Maybe this winter if that's the only area cleared of snow I'll have to settle, but hopefully, I have another couple months before that happens.

I should mention that my husband recently bought me some new cycling wear. I am so thankful! Today, I wore a thermal soft-shell under an outer wind/rain stopper jacket, and it was perfect. The material successfully wicked away the sweat keeping me chill-free for the ride's duration.

My tour took me north along a familiar route around Lake Owasso in Shoreview, down to Roseville's Central Park and around Bennett Lake. Then, I started making it up as I went along. I took Victoria Street to the Reservoir Woods trail and from there to McCarrons Lake. I happened upon Villa Park and cycled through it ending up at Dale Street, Finally I headed back home. In all, it was 16.1 miles. It took me an hour and a half to complete. For a nice leisurely ride, I managed to burn 1053 calories.

Here's a link to my route - Bike Route 10/6/12

I'm not a world class athlete in training. I'm on this journey to lose weight, improve my health and relieve stress. I need to remind myself of that more often and take time to enjoy the scenery.

I Can Run for Miles and Miles and Miles

Okay, so I'm a little sore in the back of my thighs. I figure it's punishment for pushing my body to its limit today. I actually managed to run 10.2 miles. As most of you reading my blog know, I am NOT a fast runner by any means. That 10.2 mile was 2:15:00 of pure loco motion.

Every year the nonpublic school my daughter attends holds a "marathon" to raise money for new computers, sporting equipment and other things deemed necessary to educate and enrich the lives of its students. When we left the house this morning I didn't intend on running a full 10 miles. The furthest distance I'd run up until today was a little over 6 miles.

When we arrived my daughter checked in receiving her punch card to track her laps. One lap around the lake is approximately one mile. I bumped into an old family friend I hadn't seen in some time. She was shocked at my appearance. I have to admit that I have been getting this reaction a lot over the past couple weeks, and it feels SOOO good! I've worked really hard since January, and while I see it paying off on the scale and my clothing size is shrinking, it's so rewarding to have my weight loss recognized by other people.

My daughter decided to roller blade this morning, and we agreed to meet in the playground area after the event. Since I'm all about safety she wore a helmet, knee pads and wrist guards. I wasn't worried about her getting hurt with all the protective gear in place, and honestly, she was looking forward to ditching mom and hanging out with her friends. There was a lot of adult supervision since other nonpublic schools were also using the lake and park today for their own marathons. I felt completely comfortable splitting up. After all, I would probably lap her every ten minutes. She's not a speed skater, by any means.

With everything all squared away, I took off noticing right away that I was one of the only people actually running. Most were walking while chatting with friends, drinking hot coffee or eating hot dogs. Oh, well. I just felt the need to get in a good workout so I wouldn't have to take away from my family's weekend time. Although, that coffee looked good especially since it was barely 40 degrees out.

The first mile started a bit slow. I'm having a little pain in my right hip. A couple days ago, I was running at night with my headlamp and tripped over a heave in the sidewalk nearly crashing and burning. Miraculously, I was able to stumble out of the fall, but I tweaked my hip. That was a six mile run, and my graceless trip happened about mile three. I was able to finish that run, but I've definitely been a little sore ever since. Today, I figured if I just stretched the leg out a bit the pain would subside, and I was right. After the second mile, I was feeling really good and stronger than ever.

As I started on the third mile, I decided it was time to push myself a little further. I've been considering training for a triathlon. I've done a few 5K runs combined with a 12-mile bike ride. Today, I just wanted to gain some running distance. In my head, I set the goal at ten miles, but I didn't share that with my daughter until I saw her hanging out at the rest area after my ninth mile. As I ran past, I told her, "Only .9 mile left, baby." She had taken her roller blades and safety gear off. Excitedly, she fell into step behind me and ran/walked that final mile, too.

There were a couple women punching lap tickets for the kids that stopped me afterwards to ask me how I managed to run for so long. I told them that when I began my journey in January of this year I could barely jog one minute. One of the women immediately interrupted with a knowing nod, "Oh, you had a gastric bypass didn't you?" She was quite surprised when I replied, "No, it's been a lot of running, biking, exercising and believe it or not good old fashioned calorie counting." I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the look on people's faces when I say that!

Tonight, as I sit by a warm fire writing this entry I feel so happy. Believe me as I walked to the car and my muscles started tightening along the back of my legs I wondered if I had lost all sense. By the way, my car seat has a butt heater, and that was a lifesaver. I also had a long, hot bath after we arrived home.

I was really hungry all day, but I watched my calorie intake. I didn't want to blow the entire 1300 calorie deficit created by the run. Besides, this morning before we left for the marathon I ate pumpkin donut holes. I really try not to eat high calorie, low nutrition food. However, I'm going to credit them for giving me an extra boost.

Overall, I feel awesome both physically and mentally. This was definitely a confidence boost, and I'm looking forward to testing my new improved self to see what else I can accomplish.

Four to 199

Just four more pounds before I meet a major milestone on my weight loss journey. The wait (or weight) is barely tolerable. After nearly ten months of earnest calorie counting and exercising I'm on the brink of breaking from the two hundreds. Oh, yeah! The curvy number 2 will no longer occupy the hundreds place on my bathroom scale.

At 199 my body mass index or BMI still falls inside the obese zone, but it's a heck of a lot lower than where I started. 90 pounds off and 49 left to go with 180 pounds as my next waypoint. At 180, I'll finally be overweight! Yes, believe it or not I'm actually amped to be overweight. At 5'6" my final destination is 150 pounds putting my BMI at the high end of the normal.

People definitely notice my weight loss now. Many ask how I managed to do it. Some come right out and ask if I underwent weight loss surgery. I personally think that's pretty rude. No, I did not have surgery!

It's been almost 10 months since I downloaded the Calorie Counter PRO by MyNetDiary app for my iPhone. By recording the calories consumed as well as any calories burned weight loss has really become a mathematical equation. I understand math. It's exacting with no room for errors or guesses.

I've managed this transformation because I am no longer relying on emotion and impulse to tell me when to eat and how much. Food is a source of energy, like gas for my car. When I stop at the gas station I can fill the tank, but it has a finite limit. Fuel in my vehicle's tank makes my engine go, and I can travel quite a while before having to refuel.


This analogy demonstrates my new view of food as fuel. First of all I use a fixed number of calories calculated to meet my body's daily need and allows me to lose about 2 pounds per week. I don't overfill the tank and exercise to burn off excess fuel if I do. Calories Eaten - Calories Burned via Exercise = 90 Pounds of Success.

I eat regular meals, and I never skip breakfast even if it's as simple as a cereal bar. Before, I often skipped breakfast and/or lunch eating only dinner. I never worried about portion size or considered food scores. Now, I really try to get the most bang for my calories and carefully consider my food choices. I try not to drink my calories! Let me make this clear. I love yummy food, and I prefer not to waste my calories on sugary sodas and fancy cocktails.

My job as a video editor is sedentary. My body was suffering from too little exercise. Once I gave myself permission to workout on a regular basis, it quickly became habit. I feel so much better not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. The rapid progress early on definitely kept me motivated. Today, I actually look forward to a 6 mile run or 12 mile bike ride. Exploring my neighborhood, city, parks and trails reduces stress and connects me to the world beyond my front door.

Although difficult at times, I've tried to stay positive. My journey is not a diet or exercise program. Instead, it's a lifestyle modification. That doesn't mean I never drink beer or eat pizza. It just means that 90% of the time I'm keeping close tabs on my intake.

Some reading this may struggle with his/her own weight or lack the motivation to exercise. My advice is to just start by doing something. It can be a walk around the block, throwing a baseball to your kid, not drinking that cola or choosing a banana over a brownie. Easy for me to say, right? Well, I've been 289 pounds, and I'm telling you I feel so much better! I never want to go back. Please, join me.

Well, Hello, Size 16!

I am back into a size 16 jean, and boy, has it been a while. It's fitting since today marks my 16th wedding anniversary, too. The last time I wore this size was in mid-1993. I had just graduated from college and met my husband. I can't believe it's taken my 19 years to get my rear in gear and lose my luggage! Why did I wait so long?

This morning, I worked out with a good friend of mine at a local playground. I'm going to give her the alias "Scully" since she's a medal winning member of the Minneapolis Rowing Club. I look forward to working out with Scully because she's so upbeat and supportive. By far my biggest backer Scully's been rooting for me since day one of my weight loss journey. We train together about once a week, and she is well aware of all my weak areas. Gulp.

Scully would be an awesome personal trainer if she ever decided to pursue a career in physical fitness. Committed to regular exercise and healthy eating the woman's clocked countless hours refining her form in the gym, on the water and on local bike paths and walking trails.

Deciding to concentrate more heavily on abs, Scully planned today's playground circuit ahead of time. If I am struggling at a station she always has an option prepared targeting the same area and never belittles me. Sit-ups with my feet uphill are still a definite no-go, but with my feet slightly downhill and a medicine ball involved my abs get the attention they deserve.

Scully taught me a fun little exercise called the "Joe Mauer." If you're a Major League Baseball fan, you know that catcher Joe is the "Baby Jesus" of the Minnesota Twins. Begin the exercise by standing erect, feet apart. Hold a medicine ball between both hands at chest level. Squat, then slowly lower ball between legs just past the knees. Finally, stand up while lifting ball over head. Repeat. I swear I can feel my thighs burn just thinking about a Joe Mauer. He-he-he!

We used a 10 pound medicine ball during our workout, and this was a first for me. I really liked it, and I am now in the market for one of my own. As we jogged to the park taking turns carrying the ball I couldn't help thinking that less than eight months ago I was carrying an equivalent of eight 10 pound medicine balls on my body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now that's heavy.

The Wear and Tear on My Family

Well, it's been a pretty good week for exercise and calorie counting. I've managed to get in a couple great workouts. Monday night I worked an hour on the elliptical, followed by 30 minutes on the recumbent bike plus 20 minutes for dumbbell work on my arms. Last night, I took a 12 mile bike ride, and tonight I managed to run 3.1 miles and bike a little over 6 miles. Yay!

I've been pushing pretty hard lately because I'm just a few pounds away from leaving the 200s behind me FOREVER. I'm creating a significant calorie deficit, but it's still not showing on the scale. I know I've hit another plateau, and that's why I'm upping my game with harder workouts, weight training and an increase in water consumption.

When I think back to where I began on this journey, I can't believe how far I've traveled in such a short amount of time. That doesn't mean I'm 100% satisfied with my progress, and I am definitely impatient to reach my destination. "How much further is it? How many more hours?" I feel like a little kid nagging my parents from the backseat during a long road trip.

Physically and emotionally I'm healthier. In fact, I never expected the dramatic impact an 80 pound weight loss would have on my attitude and outlook on life. I am regaining my confidence, recognizing my personal strength and am enjoying a strong sense of well-being.

My weight loss journey is rather tiresome to my immediate family. No one wants to hear about it anymore, and to be fair I've been warned the topic is hopelessly boring. Apparently talking about exercise is equivalent to discussing daily toiletry habits. Needless to say, I have very little support at home. It makes me sad, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel, yet.

My husband teases me about the running. He finds it ridiculous. I've found that while I'm not the fastest runner it does really help shed the pounds, and my leg muscles are now rock solid. Running is cheap, it makes me feel good and I'm actually starting to like it. Did I just say that? My high school physical education teacher would fall to the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter if he ever read that I actually LIKE running.

I have tried unsuccessfully to get my son, daughter and/or husband to go for a walk, ride bike or hike with me. Frankly, no one in this house is interested. I want to keep moving and losing, but I am beginning to feel really guilty about the time I'm spending exercising. Before I started my focus was always on my family, and my wants and needs usually took a backseat to everyone else's. Now, I take the time to exercise, blog and read. I feel healthier, but my family seems to be drifting apart. The wear and tear is showing.

Am I being selfish? They are content with trotting along the same path, and I'm straining at the bit. I want to run, swim, bike and play. Too busy with their iPads, computers, video games and tv shows I leave them behind. There's a definite disconnect, and it's time we all rewire.