I survived Halloween

whew - glad it's over. I didn't over eat. I didn't binge on candy. I had one bowl of chili (made with ground venison instead of beef) and one slice of apple pie (made by my mil with no sugar). Then when we got home I allowed myself, 1 piece of candy from the kids' haul. A mini Reeses's Peanut Butter cup. Just one. I made 14 dozen chocolate cupcakes today and didn't eat a single one (for our church's harvestfest).

I love running!

People are going to get so sick of hearing me blather on about running. It is just so amazing to see my efforts pay off. Yesterday I went back over my previous posts on my blog. A month ago, I never would have thought that I would be really training for a 5K and an eventual half-marathon and a future marathon. A month ago, my mind was full of whiny excuses of why I couldn't run. But today, I did Day 1 of Week 5 - WEEK FIVE!!! I guess those endorphins are zooming around in me right now cause whew-weeeeee I feel good.

1. What makes this weight loss effort different than any previous attempts?
I suppose at this point of my weight loss journey it is different because I have a new focus besides just losing weight. Now, I have the goal to strengthen my body and increase my endurance. I finally have some real encouragement from my husband. When I first started trying to lose weight, one of his most memorable comments was "I'm surprised you've managed to stick with it". Gee thanks. I think he realized right away how bad that sounded. This time, he is pleased and proud right there with me for every minute that I've run. I have found an exercise that energizes me instead of bringing me down and making me feel a failure. I'm sure there will be set backs, but I hope I'm learning lessons now that will enable me to just push on through.

Physically, I am amazed. My knees no longer hurt. My thighs felt a little rough going up the incline but it was temporary. My back is still bothering me, but ironically, as long as I keep moving, it is just a small ache. It is when sit in one spot (you know - on the couch in front of the tv) that it locks up. I have degenerative bone disease in one foot. 8 yrs ago, I could barely walk on that foot. I was supposed to have surgery on it, but I chose physical therapy instead, which worked. As long as I take care of my feet, they are fine. One of my excuses for why I couldn't run, was my bad feet. I laugh now because it is soooooo a non-issue.

Lastly, tonight I took a moment on the run to enjoy nature. Fall really is my favorite season and tonight was wonderful. Cool air, crinkly leaves, the wind blowing through the trees. It was all good. I think I spent a quarter of a mile just giving thanks to the Lord for enabling me to enjoy his blessings.

C25K to half-marathan!

Maybe this is too early, but I think I might keep going after I finish the C25K and start training for a half-marathon. I know I don't want to get to a 5K and then not have a goal. I don't want to quit after having worked so hard to get to a 5K, so I really think I'll have to set another goal to keep myself motivated. So my plan right now is to continue the C25K, then once that is complete, then I'll start the half-marathon training, which is a 10 week plan. While weight loss is a goal, it isn't my only goal. I'm done with thinking I can't do something because I'm fat, or injured or old, or blah blah blah!

I have 5 more weeks (out of 9) of the C25K and I found a 10 week training schedule for the half-marathon. My next step will be to sign up for the Go St. Louis run on April 11th.

Weigh In

Today I weighed-in at 199.9. Last week had me even worse, so bad that I didn't even record it. I saw that 2 and blanked it out. I'm down but I hope this has been a lesson for me. I need to get back to recording my food and see what is messing me up.

On the bright side, I started Week 4 Day 1 yesterday. It was cold and wet - a constant drizzle. I borrowed one of my husband's caps and wore a sweatshirt. The cold and wet weather turned out to be perfect running weather. I'm already very careful about foot placement when I run (because I'm a KLUTZ), so the wet leaves weren't a problem. The problem happened in that I put some rice in the microwave before I set out to run. Nobody else was home. When I finished the run, I walked in to a smokey house. Needless to say, it is a good thing the house didn't catch on fire. And I need a new microwave.

Back to the run. It was hard but do-able. This week had a 3 min run, 5 min run, 3 min run and a last 5 min run, so 16 minutes run time in all.

Day 1 Week 3 of C25K

Yep, I did it. I did it a day early too. I decided to take advantage of the good weather and just go for it. I need to invest in some good shoes before too long. Today's run added up to 9 minutes of running! That sure beats week 1.

Good luck everybody and don't give up!

C25K works!

Way back in February '09 when I started my journey to lose weight and become healthier, I knew I wanted to run. But at 225 pounds I didn't think it would be safe. I have problems with my feet, and occassionally my knees and back. I used Livestrong (Daily Plate) to count my calories and I did walk but not as much as I should have. Still I lost 30 pounds - until May when I hit a brick wall. Since then I've been maintaining (give or take 5 pounds).

So 2 weeks ago, I just bit bullet and walked out my front door and started the C25K program. I have an iPhone and downloaded a C25K app that works with my iPod playlist running in the background. That first week was a killer. No way was I able to do the full 60 seconds jogging sessions. It was hard, I pushed myself and got through them but admit I had to walk during a few of them or start walking early. Week 2 had me running past the 60 seconds and then some, but since the intervals increased to 90 seconds I couldn't do them all. I had some success the 2nd day and ran the full intervals except for 1 that I lost my focus on 8 seconds short (silly earbud problem but I gotta have my music). Then today - YA-HOO!! Today was Day 3 of Week 2. I ran every single second of the jogging sessions. I could have run MORE! My back has been killing me since yesterday but amazingly running doesn't bother my back a bit. The sprint home (just for fun) did bother my knee, so maybe I should save the sprinting for daylight hours. It might help if I can see where I'm placing my feet.

So, Tuesday I start Day 1 of Week 3. The running session increases to 3 minutes. I'd like to start tomorrow (Monday) but I will let my knee heal a little first. It is just that I feel like I can do it and just want to test myself and really see what I can do. I've been reading on a C25K website about runners who make it all the way through the program with great success and then stop. I don't want that to be me. I want to make it to a 5K and then start working on going farther. Maybe someday I'll actually run in a half marathan or a whole marathan.

Tuesday Weigh-In

199.7! It is so far up that I just want to hide my head. I'm using my second free pass and am going to hope that the improvements in my running will see a loss soon.

Challenge Points - 1295

My new running partner

My 11 yr old daughter Becca ran with me today. Little stinker did a lot of giggling as she skipped on out ahead of me. Good news is today was Day 1 of Week 2 was hard but mostly manageable. The jogging increased to 90 second intervals and I managed to do most of them. That frustrating incline killed me on one of them. But I'm pleased that I was able to do as much as I did.

Sunday

We spent the afternoon at my husband's aunt's house. It was nice visiting with everybody. The food was weird, so I stuck with the brocolli/cauliflower salad and drank water.

Need running advice

Okay - so I've completed week 1 (day 3) of the C25K program. Day 3 should have been easier but I had to deal with the cold wet weather. My ears really began to hurt, especially the earbuds I used were causing pain. Any suggestions on either ear covers or should I get new ear buds? What do people wear when they run in the cold/wet weather? I wore sweats and a sweatshirt. The temp was in the 40s. Ironically, my loop has one annoying long incline which isn't really steep, it's just long and wouldn't you know every running session timed to be at that incline. So while my legs didn't hurt as much as they did on the 2 previous runs, they didn't cooperate as well. I think it was the cold weather - and running into the wind really stinks also. Plus there were wet leaves, pine needles and acorns. I was very nervous and afraid of injuring myself. So, on Thursday, my employer said he would provide me with a YMCA membership, so I'll be able to run the inside track. I'm excited and hope having a flat safe surface will keep me motivated - and the free nursery while I run will be nice. Hopefully, he'll get that set up next week.

C25K Day 2 oops

I just completed Day 2! After completing it, I then realized I was supposed to skip a day in between runs. Oh well. I do feel good - in a painful way. Today, instead of focusing on making it to the next tree, or the next trashcan, I focused on the music and even caught myself dancing a long and managed to run the entire 60 second sessions - all except one session that just timed itself to start at the beginning of the incline. My legs wobbled and said no way. So, I walked, skipped, jogged, walked my way through the incline. When the cooldown was finished, I was still on my street but several houses down. So I turned around and SPRINTED my way home. I felt great.

No more excuses

I did it. I just completed Day 1 of the C25K program. OUCH. Because of the rain, I couldn't do it this morning and had thought I'd do it tonight when my husband came home from karate. Then I wondered what other excuse I'd have to NOT do it today. So, without thinking about it another second, I got dressed and headed out the door. It was hard, I had to stop running a few seconds early most of the run sessions but I didn't quit. I kept up the "I'll keep going till I get to that next tree or stop sign" and then I would say "ok, keep going till that next trash can or the white truck, etc.". One of the few run sessions I managed to zone out and run the entire 60 seconds, so obviously I need to try doing that again. I also kept Jillian's voice (from Biggest Loser) yelling in my head to keep going and not quit.

Rain Delay

Well, I woke up to run this morning but it was pouring down rain. We have a busy day planned so I plan on running tonight (unless I manage to squeeze it in earlier). I realize why I like the tracking point challenges. It is because I get to make charts! :-D

Weigh-in this morning was another disappointment. 197.3 which is UP again. I'm using my first free pass.

I RAN!!!

I feel GREAT! I've been wanting to run, but had that fear saying "I can't do it". Plus, I wasn't looking forward to the neighbors seeing me fail. After lunch, the kids and I headed out the door. The toddler in his stroller, the 8 yr old on her scooter and the 11 yr old on her bike. Halfway around our loop, the 11 yr old was way far ahead and I just decided to go for it. I ran about 6 house lengths, and while I know that isn't a huge distance, the only reason I quit was because the 8 yr old was at that point 6 house lengths behind me and I wanted her to catch up. The toddler thought it was great. I can't WAIT to do it again. We finished off the loop (with the scooter hanging off the stroller) and came in for nap. Tomorrow morning, I plan on getting outside before my husband leaves for work. I'm going to try the Couch to 5K plan where you alternate walking and running.

Monday = dog farts

Our dog disappeared yesterday but was happily returned to his this morning. I got about 4 hrs of broken sleep last night. I kept invisioning some freak had stolen him and sold him to a medical lab. Thankfully, he was just enjoying a mini-vacation at a neighbor's home, one street over. My 2 year old has been petting him and playing with his tale for the last 20 minutes and didn't seem to mind when the dog farted. Which reminded me why I keep kicking him outside in the first place.

I'm tired, the house is a wreck from the weekend. The girls are working on their school work, but I hope we will be able to get out for a walk soon. I need to wake up and breathe some fresh fall air.

A little late but I thought I should do it anyway

Week 4 Challenge Survey
1. Do you feel your eating habits that ended you into this challenge are a direct result of habits formed during childhood?

I remember the night our mother told us she was getting divorced. My sister Nancy and I sat next to her eating chocolate chips right out of the bag. It's been one type of comfort food or another after that.

2. Tell me about your living situation. Are you married? Kids? In College? What is your life like OUTSIDE of weightloss?

Married, 3 kids, SAHM/homeschooling, I work at a karate studio (the office part, although I can and have broken boards with my feet). I seem to spend a lot of time driving people places.

3. If you were given a magic wand that you could use one time to do one thing, what would you use it for?

Give my home a complete extreme makeover. We have too much junk and too small of a house. I could use one more bedroom really.

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year? Least favorite?

The cooler days, the clear crisp air, the leaves turning and the wind are all my favorites. My least favorite would be the rain that makes the leaves piles of muck.

5. You have a day off, no responsibilities, so what will you do with it?

I'd sleep and read all day long.

6. What is YOUR sin food?

Reese's peanut butter cups - the minis

7. Your in a foul mood, what lifts you out of it?

Laughing with my husband.

8. Your in a good mood, what keeps you there?

Enjoying the moments with my family.

9. What is one of your biggest struggles right now?

Exercise and water intake. I will literally be so busy all day and then realize I hadn't drank a single drop all day.

10. Your motivation is running low, where do you find your refill?

Watching The Biggest Loser helps.

11. Your in house support (meaning the people in your life that you see face to face) is beginning to dictate your weightloss journey by telling you your too heavy, or your getting too thin, but your not where you want to be. What do you do? How do you handle it?

Hasn't happened yet, although my husband one time got snarky and got on my laptop and brought up my Livestrong page and turned the computer to face me as I was just starting to eat a bowl of icecream (although it was Edy's frozen yogurt). I did explain that I had calories budgeted for my treat. Otherwise, he has been supportive.

12. List me your favorite:color:smell:activity with your child:Activity with your girlfriends/ guy buddies:way to relax:

Color: lavender/blue
Smell: the smell when you first walk into your house and the crockpot has been cooking dinner all day.
Activity with my kids: zoo
Activity with girlfriends: hanging around and talking
Relax: a book and a bed!

13. Where do you honestly see yourself at the end of this challenge?

I had hoped to be 30 pounds lighter but at this point I don't see it happening unless I really get off this plateau. So honestly, a 15 pound loss seems more realistic.

14. What are your goals AFTER Gag?

After GAG, I still plan on staying on my weight loss journey. I started this last February and want to lose a total of 100-110 pounds. I've lost 30 so far and while maintaining is okay, I still want to lose this excess pounds.

15. How do you think GAG is going so far? What would you like to see done differently? (I must be asking for torture! LOL)

I think GAG is ok, but I did better when the point challenge involved me drinking and moving. I don't have as much computer time as necessary for some of the other challenges.

16. Tell me all about your "typical" autumn weekend? Special activities that arise as well?

So far, we drove 2 hrs away to visit my husband's great-aunt out in the country. We spent hours in her backyard and taking pictures in front of a 100 yr old tree. We also hike in a nearby state park.

17. Is there one person in your life, who you hope your weightloss journey inspires?

I hope it inspires my children to not make the same bad eating habits. Right now they all eat fairly healthy, they eat their veggies and they don't overeat. I do know that I inspired a friend to start eating healthier and tracking his food and he's lost about 10 pounds already.

18. How did you find GAG, and what made you committ to join?

My sister Nancy told me about it. We are losing weight together and she knew I needed more motivation.

19. If you could nominate one BIGGEST INSPIRATION out of all your Team Gaggers, who would you nominate?

Of course my sister Nancy is the BEST inspiration of all. Not only has she committed to lose weight (she's already lost 60 pounds!), but with her new attitude and meal planning her husband has lost around 60 pounds, her oldest son has lost weight and her two older daughters have also lost weight. The teens/tween all have hit the point of just maintaining and look fabulous. Their entire family have a new healthier LIFESTYLE, not just a diet. We were able to visit recently, and to witness the whole family have healthier bodies and attitudes is very uplifting. I'm very happy for them all.

20. Please, tell me about you. What are your dreams? What are your desires for your life? What sparks the passion inside of you about your life? What goals do you have that seem impossible?

Dreams: family unity, enjoying each other and maintaining close bonds.
Life desires: raise my children in the Lord
Passion: I love to give to others
Mission impossible: getting my sister Nancy to move her family back to Missouri where they belong before her children set down their roots there and then none of them will come back here! waaaaaa!!