Making (small) But Better Choices

The cardiologist called to follow up on the Brave Husband's stress test.  He did fine with that.  Just hypertension and high cholesterol which were trying to get under control with diet and exercise.  The doc recommended that we cut salt out of his diet entirely.  Lawry's Garlic Salt and Lemon Pepper are my two biggest staples... so I thought now what?!  Mrs. Dash makes some (pricier) but healthier options as they have no MSG, low to no sodium and are all natural.  So we bought their garlic and herb and lemon pepper seasonings and cooked with them for the first time tonight!  Guess what?!  I could hardly tell the difference!
The doc also said we should switch to low sodium no added salt... in every option possible for example chicken stock... I make my own stock so that wont be an issue... I'll just use Mrs. Dash when doing that now too.

Another change we made... I cook with Olive Oil but rather than continue using the bottle and pouring it into my pan while cooking, I'll be using the Misto ... we found it while out shopping yesterday.  You just put your olive oil in, pump and spray!  Puts a good fine mist of olive oil on your pan or food with out doing too much!  Love it!

In the non-food category... another change were making... is in where we download our music!  We use itunes, and usually purchase our downloads from them for our ipods.  But I just discovered that our public library offers 3 free music downloads per week per library card via their website and Freegal Music.  They've got all the latest hits, like Adele and Pitbull... for FREE!  :)  Can't beat that!  And since Jeff and I each have our own cards, we get 6 downloads per week!  Tonight I added Kelly Clarkson's What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger, and Pitbul's Give Me Everything and International Love!
I am so excited about this... we can keep current with out forking out a bunch of money all the time!  Check out your local library and see if they offer Freegal or suggest that they get it, it's a great thing!

On the work out front... I would say I probably did around 3 miles today...give or take, walking and running both!  It was a rough day for running, I was tired and sore from beginning to end... never achieved 'the runner's high' ... probably a bit rusty coming off of Spring Break here... but we ate well all day, drank nothing but water, and I'm just gonna muscle through it!

Tomorrows the last day of vacation and we'll spend it in the city, 6 miles or more on the Lake Shore tomorrow, I can't wait... I love the energy in the city of Chicago!  Night y'all!

"Stupid Is As Stupid Does"

This morning "I Was Runnin"... 4 miles in total.   I should have run this:

Because, last night, we took the kiddos to the Chicago Children's Museum and then to Bubba Gump on Navy Pier for Dinner.  This is what I ate:

 And THIS is what I drank... a Coronarita!

SO sinful, and SO good!!!  Not in the diet plan, but hey... sometimes you just have to say 'screw the diet'  for one meal, no!?  "My Mama Says" ... all things in moderation!  Okay, okay... enough with the Forrest Gump one liners!

We had a fun night in the city, the kids loved the museum and eating out!  It's been a real nice staycation this week while Dad's off of work!
On the way outta town we stopped at the Tribune building to visit Marilyn before they take her down this Spring.

Teacher, teacher I declare... I see Marilyn's underwear!!

Sorry, couldn't resist... Last Forrest Gump one liner... pinky swear.  

You Change... Just Like The Weather...

.... and the weather, you know will always change....

Don't ask me why I am quoting country songs here... I haven't listened to country music since I moved away from California at 19 years old.

But, it's true... the weather will always be changing... and therefore so will our plans!

Why, you might ask am I not on Lake shore right now putting in my 6 miles?

Well, because even though it's sunny, it's like 40 degrees on the lake front... a little too cold for the kids!

It's ok, honestly it might have been a bit much to try to pack in 6 miles, a zoo and a museum all in one day with a 6, 4 and 2 year old.  So, we'll break it up!  Today, Navy Pier, Bubba Gump and the Children's Museum.  All have fun things to do indoors... and Sunday, when we should be back in the 80's we'll do Lincoln Park Zoo, Lake Shore and maybe even the Magnificent Mile for some window shopping and a quick view of Marilyn's underpants before they take her down... if they haven't already?!

So, I'm off to get the kids and myself dressed for a fun (albeit chilly) evening in the city!
See you all tomorrow, where I will be putting in a real run!

The Napping House

A while back, my sister Christine sent the kids a copy of Audrey Woods book, The Napping House.

If you've never read the story... it's cute... about the sleeping mouse, atop the sleeping cat, atop the sleeping dog, atop the sleeping child, atop the sleeping Granny... who are all awoken in the end by a biting flea!

It came to mind today as it felt like there was a heavy spell cast upon my house... turning it into a napping house!  And this sleepy Mommy had three sleepy children, and one sleepy cat (minus the fleas) all in bed with her for most of the day!  Dad picked up the slack by cooking (a delicious) dinner tonight, a much appreciated break for me!  And we ended the night with a family outing to Yumz... our favorite frozen yogurt shop for dessert!

It was a nice lazy day of nothing! :)

Tomorrow however, will be a full, fun day of maybe too much on the agenda... so I suppose it's good we've taken a couple days to rest!

Tomorrow, we will be heading into Chicago to go to Lincoln Park Zoo and walk Lake Shore to Navy Pier.  We'll have dinner at Bubba Gump (Run Forest Ruuuuun... sorry couldn't resist a good run pun)... and visit the Children's Museum.  Total walking distance will be approximately 6 miles!

On a side note, can I just tell you how bad I miss carbs!?!?!

Holy smack what I wouldn't do for some pasta, chips or potatoes....mmmmmm.  I can hardly look at Pinterest these days with out my eye directly darting to the pictures/recipes involving carbs and/or pasta!
I may have to cave tomorrow and allow myself some shrimp linguine at Bubba's... with a cold beer!
Mmmmmm.....

Napping, shrimp linguine and beer!!???  Someone slap me quick and get me back on track!

What do you think?  Is it best to stay firm and strict when it comes to weight loss... or better to indulge occasionally in moderation?

Eating Our Way Healthy

So, 28 days ago we caught a cold... then it turned into walking pneumonia.  The kids and I finished our antibiotics days ago... and we all still sound like crap!  We're a lot better then we were... but this annoying cough still lingers.
Overnight, the temperature here dropped by nearly 30 degrees... so I thought what better way to spend the colder day then by cooking, smelling and finally... enjoying some home made chicken soup!

We just had a whole chicken for dinner the other night, in which all we ate were the two legs and breasts.  So rather than waste the rest... I threw it in the big pot of water and boiled it for a few hours with some garlic, onion, salt and pepper a couple bay leaves... carrots and celery.  No rice, noodles or potatoes in this batch!  Most of it will be broth, so I'll take a good portion of the broth and freeze it for future cooking for all things that call for stock.

And the remainder will be eaten tonight for dinner as soup.  Bon Appetito!

A good, homebody recovery day!

Shopping Can Be Quite The Workout!

Especially when it's at IKEA and Nordstrom Rack!

Before heading home and back to reality today, I stopped to do some shopping on the way!
I couldn't very well return home with nothing in hand for the kids now could I?!  :)

I bought some new sports bras, running socks and running shorts... and got some books and candy for the kids!  Shoes and cigars for the Brave Husband... then headed over to IKEA to pick up some book shelves I have been meaning to get.  IKEA can be quite the workout!

I missed my kids so stink'n much!  I cried halfway there as I left!

Especially Sissy!  I swear she learned 5 new words over night!
They had a great time with Dad and I got a much needed break... but man was it good to feel those little arms around my neck again and hear their loud "MOM!" as I came in the door!  :)

And for the first time, in a very long time... I was excited to read bedtime stories, sing songs and tuck in... because I wasn't over tired from caring for them all day long!

Thanks to the Brave Husband for the much needed break and a big ol' pat on the back for taking such good care of my babies... AND losing a total of 10 pounds now!  Woot!

A Big, Beautiful Day!

It was a gorgeous day out today!  Downright HOT at moments... the trail was long... and at times confusing... but I was relieved to find that only a short part of it is in water, rocky or grassy... for the most part, it's all dirt path which is ideal!  Flat, smooth and easy on the joints!

I only ran about a mile of it, and took my time walking the other 9 miles... stopping to eat, drink and take pictures!  It was packed with people bike riding, riding horses, running, walking... I loved it!

"Big Bertha" the big hill on the 9th mile is a lot less big and a lot more long... don't get me wrong, it's rough and will kick butt no doubt... but it's more long then steep.

I have a lot less anxiety now about the race because, well... even though I walked most of it, I've already completed it.  And now I know what to expect and what to prepare for!

It was a really great day!  Much needed R&R... I'm so sore!!  My left knee kills and my right foot hurts crazy... I'm beginning to question that it's plantar fasciitis and I think I might need to get in for xray!  Always something... ended the day with motrin, a hot bath a not so great meal for me (chicken wings) and my book!  A perfect day!  And the kids got to go to the park, and to Daddy's restaurant for lunch, and then to see Lorax!  They had a great day with Dad too!  I'm sure I'm missing them a lot more than they are missing me!

In the race I have to run over the top of this waterfall... I tried it today and it wasn't very easy... very slippery and you will be left with heavy wet shoes for the rest of the 6 mile race :/

Charting The Course...

Believe it or not, I've been having quite a bit of anxiety about this race.  It's probably just my fear of failure creeping in... but I've been feeling kind of anxious and nervous... hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew!  I've been also experiencing some fear of never being able to lose the weight!  I know I'm plateauing right now... and hopefully it will pick back up soon... but I can't help but worry... what if it doesn't?!

I've had a couple of bad dreams about the race itself.  Getting lost on the course... hurt, or just passing out from exhaustion on "Big Bertha!"  (the big hill on the 9th mile).  I think a lot of my fear is just of the unknown.  What's the terrain like, what do I need to ready myself for?  How big is "Big Bertha" exactly...!?  I have no idea, because I've never been to Waterfall Glen.

So since the Brave Husband is on vacation for the next week... I'm going to take the opportunity to leave him with the kids and go check this thing out!  I'm going to walk/jog the course... (walk more than jog, I'm sure)  and take some pictures to get a better idea of what to expect!

It's an hour away, so I may stay in the area and do it again on Monday before coming back... not sure yet.  But I'm looking forward to the break to get out there and feel it out... and grateful to the Brave Husband for holding down the fort while I'm away!

I'm nervous to leave my babies overnight.  Only other time I've ever left them was for my girlfriends wedding and the first day I left my oldest ended up in the hospital with a seizure.  But at least this time, I'm only maybe 50 miles away verses 2000.  And it's only one night!  Besides getting a run in, I'm looking forward to sleeping in and reading up on my book for book club!

Gonna get some sleep now, tomorrow is going to be a very long day!

Hanging Out In Plateau-sville...

Today is the latest I've ever waited in the day... to blog.

And that's because, for the first time... I'm really not sure what to write about?!

Today wasn't a bad day... busy mostly, housework and stuff... I am so, SO sore!  Wow!
I still managed to pull off some light cardio and circuit training.

But if I'm being perfectly honest... I'm really, having to remind myself now that it's not JUST about weight loss... but about living healthier, having more energy and feeling good!

Because I think I've plateaued, already!?  And I was really hoping to lose more weight before reaching this point... but here I am.  Not losing, not gaining... just breaking even no matter how hard I try!

No change in weight... no change in measurements.  Hmmmmm..... I do see a change in general though and I feel a ton better, so I'm trying not to worry about it and really trying to stick to it!
THIS is when it gets challenging!

I saw a post on Pinterest earlier (Pinterest is my internet addiction) it made me feel better, something along the lines of muscle weighing more than fat and looking better weighing more...
here it is:

So tonight, for dinner... I felt like I was cheating!
But I wasn't... granted, I did have 3 grams of carbs from whole wheat tortilla's and some healthy fats from avocado... but I don't care!  It was good healthy food.. and oh so delicious!

I sauteed up some chicken breast... made some home made guacamole and some home made cowboy caviar... put it all together in a whole wheat, low carb tortilla and voila!  Nummalicious!
I'm going to need to start thinking outside the diet box, I'm getting bored with the same ol', same ol'... tonight was a real treat!

I Will Not Stop!!

So circuit training kicked my butt!  Thanks Dr. Matt.  Seriously, I ache in places I didn't know existed!
He tells me it will get easier... I can't wait for that!  Then Joy reminds me not to sit still... or it hurts worse... so what do I do, I keep on moving!

This is a super huge deal... I just ran 5 miles... with out stopping once!

I know that doesn't seem like a super huge deal... but for me, I haven't done it in probably 14 years?!
It took me an hour... not too bad... averaging 12 minute miles.  I know by a runner's standards that's like snail pace slow.... but I don't care, cause I DIDN'T STOP AND WALK!!!!  :)  This is huge for me!  I wanted to, many times.

Here's a bit of what I thought about while running:

I could hear that little voice in my head saying... just walk for one song... you're recovering from walking pneumonia... you deserve a break you've gone 3.5 miles already that's the equivalent of a 5K with out walking... that's good enough....  NOPE!!!  You defeating voice in my head, go away!

So I pushed on.  It's gorgeous out now, downright hot!  Bugs are out... I ate a few... they just flew into my mouth... extra protein!!  I will not stop!
I had a lot of junk to cough up from my lungs, and limited air... I will not stop!
There is sweat dripping in my eye, agh it stings!.... I will not stop!
My knee hurts.... ease up, but I will not stop!
UGH.... this hill sucks donkey balls!  I will not stop!
I want to drink a gallon of water, swish and spit, I will not stop!
That squirl, that is drag racing me... just won!  I don't care.... I will not stop!
I am hot and tired and my calf hurts!  I wanna stretch and walk!  Do it after 5... I will not stop!

It was a bit like hanging with my kids at bedtime... that inner voice!  I want one more story, I have to pee.... but I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, I'm scared, I'm not tired, I'm hot.... UGH!  JUST GO TO SLEEP!

And then.... IT happened!

Anyone who has ever run more than a couple miles knows what IT is!

That moment where suddenly, all the pain and discomfort is gone!  The fat is no longer bouncing, it's numb to you... you don't feel it!  Suddenly, you feel ease... like you're floating or flying and you can literally feel those happy little endorphins being spilled out into your body!

OH my goodness!  I think it's this very outer body experience that got me addicted to distance running as a kid even!  Oh how I've missed that feeling!  Amazing!  I've never done drugs, but I imagine it's a lot like something chemical that makes you feel invencible!!

I got home... and literally fell to the ground... then proceeded to drink that gallon of water I was fantasizing about during my run.  My husband said, upon one look at me... "Oh my GAWD, are you ok!?  You look like you are not well... like you're wearing a red mask!  I've never seen you like this!"
I was kinda scary looking...  but never felt better!   Because, I did not stop!

Enter... Circuit Training!

So, while I've lost 3 inches in my waist line I continue to have this round, hard little baby bump looking thing.  I would guess I'm oh.... 4 to 5 months along?!  Only I'm NOT pregnant!  I'm thinking that having 3 babies has done something to those inner obliques and outer whatever muscles that are going to require much more than running and eating right to fix!

I've been fortunate in the past,  until I've had kids... I've honestly never had a belly fat issue.  I never had to do anything beyond running and eating right to be thin.  This is all new for me.

I read something while researching how to break through plateaus about how I should be incorporating some 'Circuit Training' into my off days of running.  Ummmm, what in the heck is Circuit?!

Ironically, right after this I start receiving emails and texts from my friends who have been kind enough to read my blog, asking if I am, and suggesting that I incorporate this circuit stuff!  (thanks to Mike, Matt, Rob and Joy) ;)

I have to admit, I am clueless!  So thanks to you, my friends that have a clue for clueing me in!

Big ol' Thank You goes out to my friend Dr. Matt for taking the time to say... "what have you got laying around the house?"  Ummmm, a big exercise ball, some resistance bands, light hand weights... elliptical, bunch of stairs... 3 kinda heavy kids, a cat!?  I don't know!?!?  Anythings fair game, right!?
I bought all these things with good intentions, but until now they've not gotten much use.

So, Dr. Matt went above and beyond and took the time to send me a circuit training routine, complete with links on how to 'do' each thing on the list, right in my own home!  Thanks Dr. Matt!  :)  You Rock!

Check it out:

Work out 1

Do each exercise back to back with no rest.  When you have gone through all of the exercises that is “1 circuit.”  You will do 3 total circuits with rest between each one.  Start with the low end of the repetitions  and add more as you feel stronger.  Try to do this 3 times per week along with your running

Warm up 5 min on elliptical machine

• Push ups to dumbbell rows with weights  (6-12) 
• start with “girl push-ups” ie balance on knees not toes
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpB-ad8ezFE
• Dumbbell lunges (5-10 each leg)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AftaVRDdat0
• Curls to shoulder press on the exercise ball (6-12)
• Do these sitting on the exercise ball
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdzDTgIR6Q8
• Resistance band Tricep extension (6-12)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgjdM9hBm6E
• Dumbbell squat to shoulder press (6-12)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87xtinde5y4
• Mountain climbers (6-12 each leg)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvE6N0pw7fc
• Sit ups on exercise ball (10-20)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBrOFqheZao

Short Rest… then repeat again 2 more times!

So I'm off to do just that! :)

Save $ On Gas & Slim Your @$$!

I'm sure we've all seen the recent hike in gas prices lately, right?

I think my last fill up, on my mini van cost me around $80.  It used to be $60.... two cars in our family, filling up twice a month... that's an additional $80 to the bottom line of unbudgeted expense. 

Yesterday, I found myself trying to make a choice while the boys were in school... I needed to go to the grocery store, needed to go to the library and also needed to return a movie to Redbox.  So should I go for my run, or run my errands?! 
DUH!?  (lightbulb)  RUN my errands!?!?

What if we all started literally, running when we run our errands!?

I'm a big fan of killing two birds with one stone, but this is three birds with one stone!  Sign me up!
Now I can get my errands done, get my mileage and training done AND save on the cost of gas per month!
No brainer!

I'm lucky that most of my errands are with in 1 to 5 miles of my house.  And now that the weather is cooperative... I think I will start walking the boys to and from school, there's a few miles right there.  Library once a week, a few more miles... grocery stores, maybe once a day so I can split up my grocery run into manageable amounts... a couple more miles... you get the point!

But I am thrilled at the idea of saving on gas, and slimming my @$$... and getting errands run, all at the same time!

Did I get a few weird looks in my running shorts, running shoes, with my jogging stroller in the produce aisle, ya sure .... whatever.  Maybe I'll start a new trend!  Bring your own bags AND your own germ free cart! ;)
(an addage only other germaphobes like myself would appreciate)

So yesterday was a good day!  Productive, good 5 miles in... quality time with the kids, errands run, homework done ... OH!  And speaking of homework, look what I found coming home in my oldest son's school folder... be still my heart!  :)

We ended the day with a healthy, home cooked meal!  Why can't every day be like today!?

Cheers To That...

So I've taken the last couple days off from the whole eating right and training thing... and I was really looking forward to whoopin it up for St. Paddy's Day!

Friday, kids party by day... Mom's party by night!
My girlfriend brought over pizza and I had to announce upon my 3rd piece that I needed quiet while my mouth had to climax!  OK, a bit racey... but it's a blog about a race, no!?  Just kidding...
I washed that pizza down with about 3 light beers!  And they too, were orgasmic!

Saturday, the brave husband and I shared some wings, potato skins and you guessed it more (green) beer!  Lots of green beer with a couple of shots of tequila (Coffee Patron & splash of Bailey's)  they were nummalicious!

We were hungry at 2am when we were done drinking like fish so we had to make a run for the border to try out the new Dorito Tacos!  They were salty, but good and hit the spot!
Needless to say, the mantra "my stomach is not a wastebasket and I will keep the garbage out" did not compute this weekend.  It was no holds barred!

This morning, Sunday... I quickly realized WHY again, I no longer drink like I'm in my 20's!
Because I am NOT in my 20's!  Yikes!
And, I realized how quickly my body got used to healthy food and was no longer accepting of this crap I put in it!  Indigestion, cramps, acid, bloating, gas pain... seriously!?

I found myself craving green vegetables and granola today... and it was the best I felt eating them again!
According to the scale my 2 days of "WOOHOO!" have also brought with it 2 extra pounds!  Fantastic!

Was it worth it... honestly, not really.
Will it kill me or set me back entirely... heck no!

I learned a lot!  For me it's now not just about feeling better, being healthier, losing weight and getting stronger.  It's about giving my body what it wants and needs.  I just didn't realize that what it needs is also what I want?!  Dieting will be so much easier now I think.  I'll just remember how crappy I felt this last weekend the next time I get the urge to stray.

So I'm back.  And my lungs are getting clear... still taking medicine but feeling better every day!
I've got the new toy, so no excuses about not being able to get out there... it's about to get real up in here folks!  About to get real!  Cheers to that! ;)

A New Toy!

So, while I would prefer to go running alone... I've had to get real and realize that if I'm going to train for a 10 miler, I'm going to need to be able to run a lot more often then I'm currently able to with my husband's schedule.
The best time for me to go running is between 12-2 while my boys are in school.... but I still have little Sis.
So I decided to search craigslist for a jogging stroller.  I have had and sold a jogging stroller in the past.  I hated it because the front wheel was fixed and I had to push down on the handle bars to lift the front wheel and turn it, while running.... a pain in the butt, or shoulders more specifically!
So the first thing I was looking for in my search was a front wheel that swivels!
The second thing I was looking for was price!  I really didn't want to drop a lot of money on yet another stroller... for my 3rd child.  I think I have been through a total of 6 strollers?!   I don't plan on having more children so this would only need to get me through for the next year or so.
I just happened to find one I liked for only $50... added bonus, it has a built in speaker system for your Ipod/MP3 player... so I don't have to run with earphones in and not hear my daughter if she needs something.  She gets to listen to the music too!  Or, play her own on the toy and steering wheel attached to the tray!  Another bonus in case she gets bored!  The stroller is by Jeep.  It's a nice smooth ride and I am absolutely thrilled!
I felt for Janet, the woman I bought it from... as she loaded it into the back of my mini van I could just see the heart ache in her eyes.  Years of memories.... it is so hard!  I relate and empathize as I too have had trouble parting with some of the more prized items I've had for my kids!  I hope she is at peace with it knowing how much I appreciate it and will continue to love and use it ... adding on to those wonderful memories she's already built in!
I love Craigslist... said it before but I say it again!  You can find some of the coolest things, for the best prices and meet nice people along the way!  Here's a shot (sorry it's dark) of the new ride and sissy enjoying it in a short video....

Lose Pounds... Then Inches

If you missed my post yesterday I was going to be taking a few days off from training until my lungs are good and clear.  However, eating right continues (with the exception of St. Paddy's day, of course) and there are plenty of things I can do to help me reach my goal even if running isn't in the cards for the moment.  Such as... a pedicure!

Okay, okay, so nice toes and feet don't necessarily help in my training, but it sure makes it easier to take pictures such as this one with out cropping out the ugly toes!

Rock'n the green for St. Paddy's Day! :)

You'll notice the scale hasn't moved a whole lot... I'm at 178 now... still going down but not as quickly.
I was hoping I could lose more than 12 pounds before plateauing and I hope I'm just slowing and not plateauing... but either way... I'm not giving up!
I googled a bunch of different ways to break through plateaus before I read a very common sense response about how just because you're not seeing the scale move doesn't mean you're not making progress.  This is why we measure!  Because as our body loses fat and gains muscle... we may even gain weight, but get skinnier losing inches.  So I decided to pull the measuring tape out and see for myself.

When I started my waist below the belly button was 41"... today, it is 38!

I have lost 3 inches to my midsection and honestly I can tell by the way I am fitting in my clothes better!

Other than getting my toes in shape I am also going tonight to pick up a jogging stroller I found on Craigslist.  It's becoming clear to me that my ideal time to run is while the boys are in school in the middle of the day... and since I have lil' sis with me, this is the best I can do!

Over the weekend I plan on giving the ol' Ipod an overhaul!  Time to update!
I'm wondering, what tunes make you move?  I need suggestions.....

80 degrees today, I wish I were running!!! :)  Enjoy the beautiful day!!

I'll Be Back!!

So today I wake up and realize it's been 16 days since I got sick and I really don't feel like I'm improving!?
Each time I feel a little better, I go for a run and feel like I regress.  So I go to the Doctor and it's as I suspected, because I've had it before... walking pneumonia.  Ugh!  Well, that explains a lot, but still sucks!

So I'm on some antibiotics now and believe it or not I feel better than I was with my first dose!
I told the Doc all about my new weight loss training program that I'm on and she asked that I give it a rest for a couple days until the medicine is really kick'n in.   I wish I would have gone in last week when I suspected this might be the case, now I just feel like I've lost more time!  Frustrating... but, at least I'll be well in time for our Sham-Rock and Roll Party Friday!

So I'm going to take the next couple days off.  I'll still be eating right... just not training.
Not sure if I'll have much to write about then, as I'll just be cleaning the house and getting ready for the kids party!  So if you don't hear from me for a few days... don't count me out!

I'm down, but I'm not out!  In the words of the meat head governor from California,
"I'll Be Back!"

Ewe, just ewe.

The Brave Husband Weighs In!

Today is sort of craptastic!  The sun said, "why bother get'n outta bed?" and when the Sun doesn't get out of bed... it makes it really difficult for me to get out of bed also!  Negative Nelly... I am definitely affected by this midwest weather, and this California girl had no idea how good she had it growing up in such a sunny place!

So instead of focusing on the craptastic weather and the mood that has followed suit... I'll write about yesterday.  When the sun was shinning and it was a balmy 64 degrees out!  I was all set to go for my run, but the kids really wanted to go with me!  I was thinking of running 3 to 5 miles and wasn't sure they would be able to keep up.
But, the brave husband was off of work and since he is on this get healthy quest with me,... I decided to pull his butt up and out also!  One tandem stroller, one brave husband, 3 kids excited to come out of hibernation and a packed lunch later... and we were off!
I ran, Jeff power walked and pushed sis in the stroller, and the boys ran with me... the entire way.... and were in front of me, the entire way!  The boys, who I was concerned would not be able to keep up!?  Ya, I couldn't keep up with them!!

We stopped at a neighborhood park to play, enjoy some lunch (mmm, cold chicken breast)... and then we headed back.
Jeff took some pictures of the boys and I running... which only confirmed to me further my earlier prediction... which is I look nothing like what I imagine I look like in my head while running, and a lot more like a fat kid that loves cake!  Kind of discouraging when I've been working so hard and feeling so good seeing the scale move, to see a picture... they're worth a thousand words right!?  Ya, well, let's just say, there are no words.... other than "is that what I really look like?"  Oh my.  He took quite a few, and there is only one, I can kind of consider posting... and that's because it's so far away that you can't see all my chub.... although if you double click on it, you might get a better view... ewe.

And below is a shot of us after running up the high sledding hill by our house... it kicked my fat butt!

As a special treat, we decided to try out this new frozen yogurt shop that just moved into our neighborhood.  I'm thinking about moving in general, to Yumz!  Boy does it live up to it's name!  It's all the deliciousness we heard it would be and more!  Fat free, full of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, Vitamin B-5, Vitamin B-12, protein and it's packed with Probiotics!
But what really has me sold, is the taste!  Holy SMACK!  It's soft serve ice cream!  I would never know the difference!  I had Peanut Butter with a scoop of reeces pieces, not the best idea... but I couldn't resist and figured I deserved a treat!  It was divine!  Especially after having nothing but egg whites, chicken breast, tuna, salad and cottage cheese for the last 2 weeks straight!  So we made an agreement that we'd treat ourselves to Yumz for every 10 pounds we lose!  Let me tell you, that is some motivation!!

Yumz is Delissshhhhhhous... as my sissy would say! ;)

So I promised you the weigh in for the Brave Husband today, and he bravely stepped on the scale!

This is what he got:

Woot, woot!  Applause to the Brave Husband... he's lost 6 pounds!  Hey that's what I lost at my first weigh in too!
Not fair, if you'd seen some of the stuff he got eat!  :) But that's how it goes, Men can just lose it!
We women, we hang onto our baggage don't we!?  Ugh....

Congratulations Jeff... you're 6 pounds less!  Just 30 to go!!  Keep up the good work!!

Just remember, you do not want your son's and daughter to be Dad-less when they're 14, 16 and 18... which is how old they'd be when you have your first heart attack like the cardiologist said.
I'm with ya, my cholesterol is genetic, but dangerously high... higher than Jeff's.  So we do it for ourselves, we do it for each other,.... but most importantly we do it for them!
Those sweet little faces who need us so much!

So EGG-cited!

Did you remember to Spring Forward this morning!?

Just to give you an idea of how far behind I am, two of the clocks in my house were never set back in the Fall and are now on time again....

I'm starting to realize that I'm going to need to be cooking and prepping food ALL the time!  I can no longer eat whatever my kids are having because let's face it, chicken nuggets, pizza, mac n cheese, and spaghetti... are not Fat Girl Friendly!
BUT, in order to get the most use out of the food I'm making, I'm trying to incorporate our meals.  So maybe I'm only eating the egg whites... I add the yolks I'm not eating to the kids bowl of egg whites and yolks, and we all had eggs.  But while they had theirs with hash browns, I had a half a cup of non fat cottage cheese with a strawberry on top!  We poked holes in the top and bottom of the eggs and blew the insides out... (do you think that could qualify for cardio?  I was pretty winded!) then the kids got to decorate their eggs with stickers.  (Sissy just smashed hers... she's 2, that's what 2's do).  :)

This is what I've been eating... well this and this:

Chicken Breasts.  Sauteed in Lemon Juice, Lemon Pepper and Garlic Salt.

I had a really bad craving for something sweet and creamy last night, a spoonful of peanut butter hit the spot!

I'm taking pictures of the scale 

(and every time I do I think to myself I must get a pedicure so I don't have to crop out my feet!)  

By the time I get the pics loaded, they're dated.  

Today I'm at 179.... this was taken yesterday.  I'm averaging a pound a day!

Jeff has his weigh in tomorrow, you remember... the Brave Husband?  You didn't think I'd let him off the hook with some nudie pictures did ya!?  ;)  Nope, he's weighing in tomorrow!  Between you and me, I'm a little bit nervous for him.  He's been eating some questionable things... but I'm trying to be supportive and not harp on him too much.  I realize he is not a healthy eater, at all!  So this will be much more challenging for him than I.  However, I say that... but you know how men are.  They can drop weight like nothing!  He'll probably lose more than me faster than me, with very little effort.  Men!  :)

Seeing as he's off today and we have 64 degrees.... sun shining... I can breathe again...I'm gonna get my booty on a REAL run!  Have a great 'Spring' Forward!

10 Pounds Down! (40 to go)

Stepped on the scale this morning and I'm now at 180!  Yeeehaaa!
I'm enjoying it while it lasts!  I know the pounds melt off quick and I'll hit a plateau after the first 15 to 20... but hey!  10 pounds less is 10 pounds less!  I'm excited!
And not to be TMI here, but I also received my monthly visit from "Aunt Flow" and I still feel skinnier than ever!  That being said, cramps are making me want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head!

This is one of those days where a little encouragement would go a long way!

I've already slipped and allowed myself a coke this morning with my Atkins bar.  I never said I would quit coke, I just didn't want it until now.  Once this case is gone though, I'm not buying any more!  I can't have it in the house!  Some might wonder, why not just drink diet?  Well, the fake sugar/poison freaks me out more than being fat, sugar or calories!

Anyhow, all is not lost!  The day is ahead of me... and I intend on eating right the rest of the day... and moving my butt even if it's just cleaning the house!  Trust me, it needs it and it is a work out in itself!

We're having 25 people over on Friday for a Sham-Rock and Roll Dance Party, Woot, woot!!  I'm just gonna put this out here right now, St. Paddy's day... is my free pass day!  I have got to cut lose and have some fun at this party!  I will eat something sweet and something with carbs!  And the next day, the babysitter is coming... so you can bet your buttermilk I'll be drinking some green beer!  Jeff and I agreed to this before we started this whole thing, but I just realized last night I failed to inform you all.  Because let's face it, sometimes you just have to cut lose and enjoy life or else what's the point, right?!

For Christmas Santa brought me Pole Dancing classes!  No, I have no intentions of being a stripper or starting a new profession.... but a while back I took a free class and let me tell you!  My entire body was sore for a week!  It's an intense, all body (fun) workout!  I'm recruiting a couple girlfriends to go with me... so that should be fun!  :)   I'm just hoping it goes how I imagine... which is something like this:

and not like this:

and on that note, have a great day! :)

Lose Weight, Lose Baggage!!

You ever notice how the two are connected?

When we start unpacking, giving back or just plain ol' get'n rid of the 'emotional' baggage that does or  does not belong to us... suddenly the physical baggage starts disappearing too!
With out getting into too much gory detail and making this something other than a weight loss, race training blog... course I was interested in the changes in my mood and perspectives as well!?  So maybe it's all more cohesive than even I realized.

What I can tell you, is that from about 2007 until the present time, with about one year reprieve in the middle... my life has been pretty tumultuous!  There's no one reason, but rather a big platter full of reasons why I feel I have accumulated.

Accumulated extra weight and extra clutter!!  This is something only the closest of the closest people to me are aware of... or, were aware of... before I published it here on this public forum.  But this is good, this is part of the process for me!  Coming clean, cleaning up and clearing out all the freak'n baggage!

With the birth of my 2nd child, my oldest was 19 months and I had literally just weaned him off the breast and put another babe on.  I wasn't the typical postpartum case... for me, I didn't realize it was happening.... the onset was much later than normal... like 6 months later.  I never did get treated for it.
I was too afraid to take pills while nursing, and in general really.  By the time I started to feel somewhat human again, I found out I was pregnant with my third.

Luckily this time, there was a few more months between them so I was able to wean my middle child mid pregnancy.  Then my daughter was born, and here we go again.   The depression was there, BAM!  Instantly.  To add to it, I struggled with Mastitis ... repeatedly.  I felt like I was in bed all day, every day with an infant attached to me while I struggled with no energy and fevers.  This is where it would have paid off to have any kind of family closer to us than 2000 miles away, as my husband works sun up to sun down.
Anyhow, the dishes: perpetually piled... laundry:  Piled so high my kids were jumping and playing in it!  Scrub a toilet, what?!  Pick up toys, huh!?  My goal each day was just to get through the day with each child being fed and watered in clothes that were clean.  This alone was daunting!!
My house, had begun to look like a scene out of Hoarders but with out all the bugs and filth and maybe one pile less of clutter!  Scary stuff!  I am STILL trying to work my way out of the disorganized chaos that has become our home!
The shame and the guilt compound and manifest, and you beat any and all of the energy you might have had out of yourself until it's this perpetual cycle of negativity.

I'm not sure what exactly sparked my decision to finally make a change!  I have tried, wanted to many times ... to get a grip on my life and make the positive changes necessary.  But for some reason,
you're just not ready... until you're ready!

All I can tell you is I'm done.  Done feeling weak, tired, sad, lonely, angry or just anything that brings me and my kids down!  Enough is enough!

Suddenly now that I'm getting stronger, getting healthier and taking better care of myself... I am finally able and ready to clean out the emotional in addition to the physical 'baggage'.   It took me a good 5 plus years to arrive here with all this, so I imagine it'll be a process to sort it out!  But I'm already feeling worlds better!

I've lost 6 pounds in one week and an inch from my lower belly, half inch from my waist!
Jeans I couldn't zip and button a few weeks ago went on with ease today, and proceeded to slip down all day long!  Success.  OH but I long to pull that old tub of clothes out of my basement crawl space and slip on a pair of size 8's... I'd be happy with 8's!  I realize I'll probably never be a 4-6 again, my hips are forever changed and spread, but 8 would be great!  FYI, I'm currently wearing a 12.

I had a sip of green tea today and went back to my water because it tasted too sweet.  This coming from a habitual soda drinker!  Better yet my kids are ASKING for water now!  This from habitual juice drinkers!  I had another Atkins bar and my multi vitamin for breakfast, and salmon steak for Linner.  I also ate 5 pieces of steamed broccoli.  Yum!  Gone are the days when I scarf up the kids leftovers and let it go to my waist instead of letting it go to waste!  And gone are the days when I Accumulate to Compensate  (I capitalize those two things because I feel they are important).  For now on, it's pull your Big Girl Panties up and Deal with IT, days!!

6 Pounds Down, 44 To Go!!

So I'm not sure if you've heard about the recent solar flares?  Pretty wild!  I know it's kind of a scary thing... messes up technology and what not.... but honestly, this small one I feel was just God's way of saying "GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO ENJOY THE HEAT!"  :)
So, we did!

Yesterday was gorgeous!  We had a high of 58!  It was really windy, but not bad enough to keep us in!
I paused in the morning, before getting dressed.  Instead of grabbing jeans.... I opted for a track suit.  And instead of my easy slip on clogs... I opted to sit down and lace up some athletic shoes.  I wore them all day.
Here's what I realized.  If I "Dress for Success" it goes a long way in helping me reach it!  I had an extra bounce in my step from the shoes... reminding me constantly through out my day of my goal.  So instead of bending from the waist to grab that thing off the floor... I would bend from the knees instead.  Instead of standing around waiting for my second child to get out of school.... they get out 5 minutes apart, my middle child and I ran laps around the basketball courts.  I would guess we put a good 400 meters in,  I would know for sure once I figure out how to use this fancy new pedometer watch.  He's faster than me, by the way... my 4 year old.
When we got home.... we played outside for nearly 2 hours!  While I couldn't really 'run' with 3 kids in tow, I sure got a lot of exercise anyhow!  Running up and down the street pulling little sis in the wagon.  Brothers followed on their bikes.  I would guess another 1400 meters... so a little over a mile.  Not a big deal... but beats doing nothing at all.  AND, my kids were THRILLED to have happy, energetic, plays-with-us Mom, instead of fat-lazy-sit-on-her-butt  and watch from a chair Mom!  The neighborhood kids (and Mom's) appreciated it too since I was pretty much playing (and supervising) with their kids as well.
I'm still recovering from this nasty cold... so it was good not to push it but still do something!

For lunch I ate one of my oldest and most favorite dishes.  If my sister, Christine or my oldest best friend Joy are reading this, they'll testify that this has been one of our most favorite meals since we were kids!
The positives are that it is quick, cheap and easy to make.  It is also very healthy and boasts 11 grams of Protein!
The negatives are that it includes salt, just not the same with out it... which can make you swell and the lemon juice can take the enamel off your teeth if you have too much.  Also, it's not a good idea to eat too much of the Tuna, because of the mercury.

So here it is:  Iceberg lettuce, one can of tuna in water, drained on top the lettuce... sprinkle with lemon juice and salt to taste!  Have at it!  Delish!  This will never work for my husband however, he hates tuna!

For breakfast I had an Atkins bar.  It was... ok.  Filled me up, surprisingly.  16 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat.  I didn't read much else, told you I have a hard time caring about this stuff... and I certainly don't want to become a maniac about counting calories... but somewhere in the middle around AWARE is good for me!
For dinner, I made the kids lasagna and pumpkin pie for dessert... I picked the cheese and pasta off and just ate the meat and sauce.  No pie for mama!  I wasn't really hungry, maybe my stomach shrunk with this cold, food isn't as fun when you can't taste it so it's been easy to start the diet part while sick!
I also started taking a multi vitamin again, and it made a real difference in my mid day (3pm) slump!
I've been caffeine free for 3 days!  Drinking TONS of water, and so thirsty!  I noticed I'm sweating a lot too, and urinating often.  I think it's the excess urea from all the protein.

I weighed myself last night for the first time in a week, and I'm down 6 pounds!  184!  That's nearly a pound a day!  Never thought I'd be excited about being 184... but it's 6 pounds closer to my goal!
Can I getta WOOP, WOOP!!  :)

(sorry it's sideways I couldn't get it to stay flipped.)

Be the Change You Wish To See In the World -Gandhi

Seeing as this is a weightloss journey,  I should clarify what I mean by be the change you wish to see in the world...  I don't mean I wish to see the world lose weight!  If that's your goal then yes!
But what I am referencing is positivity!  A smile, a positive outlook, etc....

I have battled the Negative Nellies off and on my whole life!  And I am one of those people that if I feel something.. you know it... even if I don't want you to.  And then I wonder why those around me are negative?!  DUH!  I'm getting back what I put out there!  Here's what I've learned about positive and negative energy:

It takes 2 seconds to make someone else grouchy and negative, lose hope or focus... just like you!  No time at all.  It's very easy to convince some one to be negative.  I have no idea why that is... but that is my experience.
Positive Energy is trickier.
You can put it out there... but it doesn't manifest so quickly as the negative.  In fact usually your met with more negative in return.  People are drawn to positive but they don't trust it!  They don't understand it... so there much more skeptical!  That's why Misery Loves Company!
In order to truly spread your Positive Energy around, in particular when you're a Negative Nelly like I can be a lot!  You must first earn peoples trust that you are not going to drag them down 5 minutes later, right?
They're look'n at you sideways like.... mhmmm, I've got your number!

Then, you need to show them that you're honestly happy and feeling real positive energy.  It's not fake.  It's not a phony front.  It's real.  While being relatable and humble right?!  Otherwise you're just a freak with all that positive mojo!
BUT!  If you can get through the first few days and maintain that smile and that same positive demeanor I promise you, it'll start coming back 10 fold!
Positive Energy is just as contagious and the Negative.... it just takes a little longer to spread!  Be patient and don't give up!

Yesterday Jeff!
Today, Kris!  My dear friend.  This girl has been through so much this year.  Her Mom just recovered from her 2nd battle with Ovarian Cancer (thank GOD!)  Then her Dad has a heart attack!  I don't know how she is as fun, and positive and light hearted as she is at heart!  This has really tested her, but she has come back strong and she is an inspiration to me!
She says I've inspired her to want to do the same... lose some weight, get healthy, have more energy.
I'm sure it's been a combination of everything she's been through with her parents too... but I can honestly say, this blog has already served it's purpose!  Two people in my immediate circle are on board and I can't tell you how much that means to me!
Please go visit Kris here: http://wherestheskinnymama.blogspot.com/  And give her a big WOOT, WOOT- Get it Girrrrrrrl! :)

One of my other goals in starting this whole adventure was to earn the respect of my children.
My youngest two just love me cause I'm Mom!  They're easy for now....but my oldest is 7 going on 40!
I'm not kidding you this kid has an intellect that rivals my own!  Just born that way, quiet and wise this one!  He makes many observations!  Such as, Dad is interesting and cool because he goes to work everyday, and he is the boss of the whole restaurant....  he is so cool!
Mom, not so cool.
She is like, hmmm, well... Mom!?  She doesn't really DO anything cool!

I know that your instinct here is to say, "No Mel, I'm sure he doesn't feel that way!"  No, he does.
It's cool.  I've accepted it!  But I'm not making peace with it!

So I did the final, FINAL step in committing myself to my goal.

I told my kids!

That's it!  Done!  Come hell or high water, I'll be get'n 'er done now!

My oldest was most interested, so many questions!  WHAT?  Being the first one!  Yep, your Mom is gonna start running again.... before you were born, I was a runner.  Ok, right there you lose them!  You did NOT exist before I did!  No way!
Where is it?  Can I come?  Are you racing REAL people?  What do you win?  When is it?  Ya, but what do you get if you don't get a medal?  (a t-shirt... which is all I'm expecting)  Can we race with you??
YA!  CAN WE RACE????  Kids are SO much easier to get on your band wagon, let me tell you!
As a matter of fact kids, you can race!  While I'm running my race, they will be holding activities for kids... such as races, for different age groups.... kiddie races!  You should have seen my boys faces!
They are SO excited!  They have been "practicing' running and racing each other ever since!

I can't tell you how proud I am, that my kids are not only interested in me for a change or something I can do... in addition to hearing about how they're going to grow up and be a restaurant manager like Dad, I'm also hearing about how much they love healthy foods and want to run in races, like Mom!

My oldest requests celery and cut tomatoes for school snack now and he is being the change his teacher wishes to see in the classroom.  She stopped me yesterday to tell me that all the kids were very interested in his snack choices and suddenly there's been an influx of healthy eaters in her classroom!
That's my boy! ;)

I'm one proud Mama!  I'm completely humbled and even still, amazed that the same old adage that has always been true, is still alive and well today!  We must be the change we wish to see in the world!

Sure, there are strengths in numbers... but there is power in one!  YOU are a powerful, effective, creative and influential person... all on your own!  Not just with titles or paychecks or what we've learned is influential.... but most importantly with your character, how you live your life and how you touch the lives of others!

Your 2nd Worst Critics

I don't think I'm gonna win a popularity contest with this post, but it's a subject worth mentioning.
If you're anything like me (or my Dad) that's who I get it from... you're a Dreamer.   Full of ideas, thoughts, aspirations, inventions... you name it!  I can remember quite vividly my father, gazing out the kitchen window over the top of his paper while drinking his coffee in the morning... one foot up resting on his knee.  You could see it in his eyes and almost hear the wheels turning.... then out it would come "I think I'm gonna put a pool in" or "I think I'm gonna buy a horse"  or "I think I'm gonna build a miniature truck around a go cart"  whatever it might be... 9 times out of 10.... it never happened... the truck go cart did, so did the horse... but the pool did not.  Anyhow, all this to say... It's all his fault I'm the way I am! ;)  Love you Dad!  (and I rather love being a dreamer too!) :)

Seriously, when I announced to my Mom and my Husband that I was signed up to run this race, and I am going to shoot for losing 50 pounds by eating right along the way.  OH and I think I might keep a daily blog to tie my love of writing and running together, why not.... well let's just say the reaction was... not something to write home (or on your blog) about.  So of course I'm about to. :)
 I asked my husband after my first entry, did you get a chance to read my blog.... nagh.  2nd entry?  Nagh.... finally by the 3rd I had to ask what gives?!
His reply, and I quote: "Why should I read it you're not gonna do it anyway."
Ouch!

With my track record I suppose it should be understood... but the truth hurts!
Then I go to my Mom, she loves me!  Mom, did you read my blog.... what did you think?
"You're crazy!  Why would you want to run 10 miles and post your body pictures on the internet..."   she didn't get it either and between you and me, I think she too was probably thinking, ya... I'll believe it when I see it!  She's tuned in now, because she does love my writing style even if she doesn't love running!  Thanks Mom!  ;)  Love you!

To redeem my husband a bit here... he had an appointment with the cardiologist for some chest pain yesterday.  He too is over weight and has high cholesterol, but the chest pains are new.  We figured he's 38 this year... may be worth a look see.  Turns out he has Hypertension.  And the cardiologist must have given him a good 'listen here, boy' cause he came home and was suddenly reading my blog... and asking lots of questions... like, "can I do it too?"  So what does her own worst critic say to her 2nd worst critic?
Sure!  BUT, you have to take the humiliating BIG picture before shots and post them on the blog too!  :)  Revenge is sweet and he's a good sport.... so I must warn you that the next portion of the blog may not be suitable for children and contains some nudity.

Enter, the Brave Husband:
He's 5'8"
236 pounds, goal weight is 200
and I didn't get a chance to wrap the measuring tape around him, but the only place he's big is in his belly and his waste is a 40-41.

(applause to the brave Husband)

So the moral of the story goes something like this.  The people were closest to, for better or worse... know us the best!  Our strengths, our weakness's ... and they love us and support us (eventually) anyhow!  It just might take some extra hard work and dedication before you get their attention... if you're a dreamer who doesn't finish things like I am!

So to my 2nd Worst Critics, the 1st being myself of course... because no one can resist some good self deprecation... Thank you for loving me for my strengths and my weaknesses and motivating me... even if it's just by getting out there and proving you wrong so I can say... "neener neener neener, I told you so!"  :)

"Don't Ever Give Up!"