Thursday, May 31, 2012

For every positive, there is some negative

It's that time again, changing out the winter clothes for the summer ones.  It's been in the 80s around here lately, so I have a feeling it's not going to go back to the cooler temps anytime soon.  Ugh.

Going through the clothes means checking to see what fits.  Most years it had been to see what I outgrew.  This year it's to see what isn't too big.  And that's what I've been working on today as I switch out my winter for summer clothes.

On one hand, it's awesome!  How great is it to realize every piece of clothing I own will either fit or be too big?  What I didn't reckon on was losing clothing I actually liked.  I tried on a bunch of skirts and lost a couple that I really liked.  Some were boring, but one specifically had sentimental value.  When I bought the skirt, it was one of the very first size 12 skirts I had ever bought...in 2006.  Then I gained weight and couldn't wear it.  And now?  I've gone past it.  I've lost enough weight and toned enough that the skirt that I have fond memories of no longer fits. 

In the scheme of things, it's really not that big a deal.  I will donate it to charity and someone who is in need will have a needed piece of clothing.  But, with the positives of weight loss, there is also a little negative.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Featured anyBODY

 credit: Photo Brian Stetler

I am excited to share that I have the honor of being the very first featured anyBODY runner on For The Love Of The Run.  A few months ago I saw a post asking for volunteers to share their running stories and I figured why not?  I don't think of myself as the typical runner, I'm not thin, fast, or any other adjective you use to describe a runner.  And I thought if my story could help someone see that running doesn't involve any preconceived notions, what the heck?

So, I posted I'd be willing to share and received a questionnaire to fill out and a request for a photograph to go along with the profile.  Everything was honky dory until the very bottom of that questionnaire.  Then I saw it asked for my weight.  Eep!  You want WHAT?!?!?!  I didn't consider not sharing my story because of it, but I did pause about filling that part out.  Then I figured, eh.  I'm not going to just go around telling people how much I weigh for the fun of it, but if it helps someone see they can run too, then...

Well, yesterday my profile went live!  Woohoo!  I'm very excited by this.  I want to thank Tina over at For The Love Of The Run for letting me share my story.  Hopefully, people who are afraid to run might happen upon it and realize that running isn't just for people who are fit or in shape.  Everyone had to start somewhere.  No one can magically run a marathon on their first try.  It takes training and heart ache and sore feet.  Day 1 may be disappointing, but just getting out there and running will make you feel so much better about yourself.  And that feeling of accomplishment will carry over.  You will carry yourself different, you will begin to have confidence in your decisions, and you will know that you can do ANYTHING.

Go check me out!  Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear your reaction.  And if you want to share your story too, let Tina know!

Monday, May 28, 2012


The heat is here.   No lie.  The temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic have risen above my comfort level.  I do not like the heat.  Never have.  I've always been an air-conditioning kinda gal in the summer.  Strange that the best job I had before college was a camp counselor for four years.  LOL!

I hate running in the heat.  I really do.  Bring on the cold weather.  Bring on the cold gear, gloves, hats, scarves, and jackets.  But, it's summer now and those are now packed away waiting for the fall/winter. 

I have to get over the heat and get out on the roads.  Seriously.  I have to get over my hate of the heat and run.  I have several races planned out for the summer - three to be exact, well four if you count September.  The Baltimore Women's Classic (June 24th), the Sunset Stretch 5k (July 28th), and the Harrisburg Senators Family Fun Run 5k (August 11th).  Oh and if we're counting September the Sasquatch Trail Run (September 15th).

I must acknowledge that my eight PR streak is going to end.  I do not run well in the summer.  I run much slower than usual.  But, I will run.  I will get my butt out on the roads and get the miles in.  They will be slow miles, but they will count.  Slow miles are still miles.


Friday, May 25, 2012

A little planning goes a long way


It is hard to believe, but summer is almost here. Woohoo!  And it is time to get the calendar out and get all the fun stuff we want to do this summer down on paper (yes, paper. I keep a paper calendar.)  And we have some goooood stuff on it!




Brother's of the Sun Tour ~ Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney


Boating



LAS VEGAS!



And training will start for this

The summer of 2012 is going to be FUN!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

A Quote I Need to Remember

It's not who you are that holds you back,
it's who you think you're not.
~ Unknown

I saw this quote a few weeks ago and it resonated with me big time.  I have spent years wanting to lose weight and be thin, but constantly sabotaging my efforts time after time.  I did it yesterday.  Ugh.   I say I want to lose weight, I say I'm going to finally do it this time, I say I'm going to exercise, I say I'm going to eat right, I say I'm not going to let anything stop me.  And then I do.  A bad day at work.  Eating out with friends.  Weather looks overcast.  Any number of things stop me from doing what I say I'm going to.

This quote made me realize it's not just who I am, it's that I don't think of myself as the thin, active person I keep saying I want to be.  I think of myself as the person who is 75 pounds overweight who walked out of college in 1998.  I don't think of myself as active, even though I run, bike, take fencing lessons, and work with a trainer.  It's really a mindset and I have the wrong one.

This is how I want to see myself in the end.

Yea, I know it's a trick of the glass, but this is what I want to look like when I hit my goal weight.  that's hubby next to me.  :-)

So, what I need to start doing is thinking like the person I want to be and not the person I have been.  It's going to take some time, but I think a new mindset is what I need. I need think react to stimuli the way I would when I am at my goal weight, not respond to stimuli the way I do now.  This is going to be a major mental hurdle and I don't think I'm going to get it right straight away, but I think it will get me to my goal.  The more you practice something, the better you get.  Here's to keeping my goal forefront in mind.
 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

When are you "in shape?"

I've never been a thin girl.  Well...maybe when I was two or three, but as long as I can remember I've been overweight and not all that "in shape."  Here's a photo of me from a college dance, not sure what year, but I'm thinking 1997.


Yea.  In college I did nothing.  Nothing athletic that is.  Sure, I went to class, I was on the radio board, had a radio show with my roommate, worked on the newspaper, had a couple internships, and hung out with my friends.  But, healthy eating?  Sports or at least intramurals?  Nope.  What was that?  LOL!  I didn't gain the Freshman 15.  I gained the College Experience 35.  Yea.  35 pounds.  Sadly, I didn't really notice it until the end of my college career when my size moved towards the 22 range.  I could accept going from an 18 to a 20, but for some reason the 22 was a tipping point. 

After I finished my last semester in December 1998, I decided to go to Weight Watchers to lose the weight.  And that's when I found out I gained 35 pounds in 4 years.  I was floored and vowed to NEVER.EVER. be that weight again (SPOILER: I have never been that weight again.) 

I hate exercise.  Still am not a huge fan, but I know I can't lose the weight without it.  And so, over the last 12ish years, I have worked the WW program and worked out.  Before it would be going to the gym and working out on the treadmill, bike, or taking a class (when I was losing weight before getting married).  Right before hubby and I married we joined a new gym and I used the treadmill, bike, and elliptical.  Before we married in 2001, I lost 45 pounds and weighed less than I did entering college.


Then for years I yo-yoed up and down.  After getting married, I gained a bunch of the weight back (but never getting as high as I was after college.).  Usually I would gain about 20-25 pounds back, get mad and go back to WW to lose it.  By the time we moved to Central PA in 2004, I had lost 55 pounds since Jan. 1999.  And then I gained that 25 pounds back.  Ugh.

In 2008, my friend asked me to be in her wedding.  I was a little surprised, but honored.  Then some personal things happened and the wedding moved to Vegas and only one attendant.  No worries.  I was excited to be going to Vegas for a wedding!  I decided to lose 30 pounds before going; I had 6 months.  And I got close.  I got 25 pounds before hitting Sin City, which isn't awful.  And I tried to keep going.

 Yea, not the best photo....

But, I will say this wedding and trip really made me focus more on eating healthy and exercising.  I had started running a little bit in 2007, but 2009 was the year I ran my first 5k (Baltimore Women's Classic).  I started running longer distances.  I didn't always eat the healthiest, but I ran more.  I really do believe this is was tipping point of realizing I didn't want to be fat.  I wanted to be in shape and healthy.

So, over the next couple of years I started running longer distances, which helped me lose weight.  Then in 2011, I ran my first half marathon.  I didn't do too much in terms for changing my diet, which explains why I didn't lose the weight I thought I would.  LOL!


I signed up to run another half marathon the following fall and between the two I had lost 20 pounds.  I thought I would do soooo much better.  I thought the weight would be the key. 

Best I could do.  No real photos of me from the race.

But, when I finished the Philly Half, I felt really bad.  My stomach was killing me and my body was just screaming.  I knew that if I were to do this again, I needed to be in "better shape."  Which boggled my mind in a sense since I had now run two half marathons.  Doesn't that mean I'm "in shape?"
So, in January of 2012 we joined the YMCA.  I made a commitment to lose the last 20 pounds I needed to reach my goal.  I made a commitment to "get in shape."  I hit the gym 2-3 times a week, kept running on Saturday mornings, attended group classes, and signed up for personal training.  And what happened?  I ran the Shamrock Half Marathon in March 2012 feeling the best I have ever felt.  No stomach issues, no pain.  I felt like I could have ran a few more miles when I hit the finish line!

And now I'm thinking I'm "in shape."  But, am I?  When does a person reach being "in shape?"  Is there a certain amount of weights one can lift?  A certain distance they can run?  A certain weight they must achieve?  What is the elusive definition of "in shape?" 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Gold's Gym Weight-Loss Tracker

I hit the Wal-Mart this afternoon for a few things.  I like going to Wal-Mart.  I know it's silly, but there is just anything and everything you could ever.possibly.need.  I love wandering the aisles, seeing what's available, wondering who buys some of the stuff they sell (mainly in the clothing section).  I actually went to pick up assorted nuts (they have THE BEST can of them!), foundation, possibly a new purse and kitty litter.  I ended up with the nuts and foundation, no litter or purse.

I also picked up the Gold's Gym Weight-Loss Tracker.  I try to track what I eat and my exercise, but lately I've had a hard time.  I saw this hanging in the sporting good section and starting flipping through it.  And I liked it.  It reminded me of the WW ones they give you at meetings.  Of all the things at a WW meeting, I think I miss that the most.  The pre-designed pages, lots of stuff to fill in the blanks.  I like seeing it all neatly in front of me.  So, I bought it.

Here is what the pages inside look like

Two page spread.  I like the spiral notebook concept and all the boxes!

 One day.  I already wrote today's date in.

Inside, there are pages on sample breakfast, lunches, and dinners.  There are workout routines with a kettleball and resistance bands.  And a page to keep track of your measurements weekly.  I like all this.  Since the month of May basically has kept me at the same weight as the months of March and April, hopefully this will be just the "gadget" to get me back on track and excited about losing those last 15 pounds!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

YMCA Armed Forces 5k

Yesterday, hubby and I ran the 11th Annual Armed Forces Day 5k in Harrisburg.  A few months ago we had thought to go on vacation to Williamsburg, VA for a few days and saw a an Armed Forces race down there.  We thought we would add that to our vacation, then ended up not going.  So, when I saw this race through the YMCA, I decided I wanted to run it.

I ran this race in memory of my dad and grandfather, both of whom were in the military.  My dad served in the Army during the Korean conflict, then the Coast Guard.  My Grandfather served in the Air Force during WWII in Great Britain.  Both have passed on and I thought it would be a great way to honor their service.

The race started at 8:00 a.m., so we left the house at 7:00 a.m. to get to City Island and pick up our packet.  There was no early packet pick-up, all day of.  We arrived, parked the car, then headed over to the Harrisburg Senators ball park for packet pick-up (Double A farm team of the Washington Nationals).  We got our bags, bibs, and t-shirt and had time to take it all back to the car.  Afterwards, we came back to the stadium to get in line for the start.  Here's where I think they fell down on the job.  They lined us all up on a narrow lane to start the race running around City Island.  The first thing I noticed was they did not have anyone sing/play the National Anthem.  Ummm...this is a race in honor of Armed Forces day, how are we not singing/playing the National Anthem?  Then, without warning, a horn went off and the race started.  Everyone near me (including myself) were confused.  There was no warning and honestly, no start line.  And with no chip timing...

But, off we went around City Island and then across the pedestrian bridge to Harrisburg.  It's a familiar course to anyone who runs races in Harrisburg, but I liked that we started with a loop around the island before heading over to the mainland.  I felt good as we ran up until about three quarters into the first mile, then I felt like crap.  I hit the bathroom twice at home and when hubby hit up the port-a-potty before the race, I was fine.  Then three-quarters into mile 1, I had to use the bathroom.  Ugh.  And since this was a 5k, no bathrooms on the course.  Bah.  And throughout the race my stomach felt worse and worse. 

I kept running though.  I decided to run the whole thing, no walk breaks.  Which would be the first time in about a year that I did that.  I ran up the first hill and around the pretty garden and headed back.  Back down the hill, then about midway between the two bridges I literally felt like I was going to be sick.  And I stopped to walk.  Slightly disappointed in myself, but I thought I was going to be sick.  So I walked for about a minute thirty.  Then decided I would reach the finish line quicker if I started up again even if it was slower than I would normally go. 

But then something odd happened.  I got a fast song on the Nano and sped up a tad.  Not much, but a little.  Then I decided to run up the final hill before heading back over the pedestrian bridge to the finish line.  After getting up the hill I started running faster.  I passed two people on my way and then kicked it.  I sprinted to the finish line.  I ran faster the last tenth of a mile faster than I've ever run.  Even hubby said he's never seen me run that fast!

And I crossed the "finish line" (again, no real line).  The time on the clock when I finished was somewhere in the 37s, but I know that's not all that accurate.  I am going with my Garmin instead.  I know I had about a 20 second lag time before hitting the "start line" and I didn't stop Garmin at the exact "finish line," so I'm calling this a 36:40 finish.  Honestly, it's probably more than that, but since I don't know where the official lines were I think this is a fair compromise. 

Which means, I set another PR.  :-)  My last 5k race was a 36:43, so Armed Forces 5k was about 3 seconds faster.  Woohoo!  This is PR number 8 in a row.  Crazy!

Here's a couple photos from yesterday!

Chris in front of the pedestrian bridge
I wore a Coast Guard t-shirt to honor my dad.

 Hubby and I after the race

A funny (to me) after the race story.  We usually hit DD after a long run or race, but since we don't pass any on the way to the house from Harrisburg, we stopped a local donut place called Maple Donuts instead.  We each got our donuts, but their coffee isn't the greatest, so we went next door to McDonald's for coffee.  And then, we proceeded to drink our McDonald's coffee and eat our Maple Donuts at the picnic tables outside McDonald's.  LOL!  I kept thinking a Mickey D's employee was going to come yell at us for eating someone else's food at their table, but nothing.  I'll be honest, when DD isn't available for iced coffee, McDonald's has a nice alternative.  And they have a sugar-free vanilla syrup which is pretty good.

Did you race this weekend?  How did you do?

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Low-Carb Update



My two days of low-carbs are done.  I'm not sure what to think yet.  I stuck to the menu I laid out the other day.  Ate the same breakfast and lunch both days, which was fine.  The eggs and sausage kept me full til lunch and with my active job (really!  Paging at an archives is pretty active most days.), I wasn't hungry throughout the morning.  Lunch was fine.  I really enjoy eating my assorted nuts at lunch (I'm addicted to the Wal-Mart brand, even their almonds are good!).  Dinner worked out fine.  Hubby isn't into just tuna (without a mix-in), but I'm ok with it.  Had half a can of green beans both nights with some butter, salt, and Cajun seasoning.  Awesome!

But, I don't think this low-carb thing is for me.  I came home from the gym last night (30 minutes incline treadmill, 35 minutes interval bike, 15 minutes elliptical, along with some planks and sit-ups) and needed carbs.  I did fine until after dinner, then I needed something.  I ended up with chocolate - the very bottom of the bunny above and some Hershey Kisses.  Oh, and a few pieces of salt water taffy.

The low-carb thing is very restricting.  It seemed like all I could eat was meat and nuts.  I'm not sure how people do this.  And I can totally see how people complain about it during the first few weeks.  I couldn't even have my morning banana!  So, we'll see.  I'm not sure if I'll do it again next week or not.  I think I need a day or two away from it to see.  I may incorporate more of the concepts into my diet without going all-out, but I don't know if days of carb-free are for me.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Trying something new


A couple weeks ago I mentioned I wanted to lose 10 pounds by the end of June.  Then I went on a nice eating binge which probably implies it won't be happening.  Frustrating is an understatement, but it's all my fault.  I know that.  I accept that.

So, the other day I read an article about how doing low-carb/Atkin's-like two days a week can be all it takes to get your metabolism moving.  I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of the whole no-carb/low-carb craze because it encourages people to eat too much food with a high fat content.  I know, I know I eat lots of food with a high fat content, but it also cuts out fruits.  Not cool in my book.

But, I thought about it and decided an Atkin's like approach two days a week, while still staying within the WW points system may be just the thing I need to get back in gear.  I'm not going to be perfect because I have no desire to go out and buy a bunch of food to do it perfectly, but I have a plan.

Breakfast - eggs with sausage and coffee
Lunch - salad with nuts and a cheese stick
Dinner - (Tuesday) tuna, still debating side dish; (Wednesday) burger, no roll, with cheese, side dish still pending

I've looked up a bit of what the induction phase of Atkin's is and wow.  I can see why people lose weight!  The amount of food you are "allowed" to eat is so limiting!  That's why I'm having issues with the side dishes on Tuesday and Wednesday's dinner.  What the heck do I make?

I'll let you know how it goes.  If it goes well, I may add this into the rotation to help get these last 15 pounds off!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Weekly Photos

Here we are again....Saturday.  I've got some good photos for you this week! 

Sunday, May 6, 2012
Hubby and I hit Atlantic City Sunday for a few days.  We took advantage of a Living Social deal and the fact that I don't work on Mondays and Tuesdays to enjoy a little R&R.  For our money, this was our room.  Not bad for $99 a night, along with $20 food credit, $10 gambling credit, and two tickets to a show (which we did not take advantage of).

Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, we decided to walk the boardwalk for a bit.  We headed to the newest casino on the boardwalk Revel.  It's very modern and sleek from the outside.  As we were walking in we heard a woman say she was completely not impressed.  Uh oh.  But, I have no idea what would impress her because Revel is a really nice casino!  It reminded us a lot of Las Vegas, which AC usually does not.  This is a lighting fixture near the Guapos food truck that is set up with tables and string lights.  We didn't gamble or eat there, just wandered around, but it was really nice.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012
We stayed at Resorts, a 1920s themed casino for the first time.  We usually go to Harrah's, but that's in the winter and we go because of their pool.  This photo is from the lobby area where the elevators for the tower we stayed in was.  Gorgeous!  I want this room in my house!  I tried to convince hubby to steal the furniture for our house, but he didn't think the three pieces would fit in my Mazda.  Humph!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Apparently, nothing to see here.  Totally forgot to take one.  Oops!

Thursday, May 10, 2012
Isn't grass exciting?  This grass is from my side lawn.  It's really long.  Our mower needed some repair work done and it took longer than anticipated to get it back.  We kept thinking it would be back any day, and then it wasn't.  So, the grass was probably about 6" tall.  We called the lawn guy we sometimes use and he came out today to cut it.  I no longer feel like a redneck.  LOL!

I didn't realize my last two of the week were of greenery.  LOL!  I work in Harrisburg, PA (you may have heard of it.  They have been in the news due to the city going bankrupt.)  Anyway, this is the entrance to where I work.  It's actually really pretty.  The trees were pink earlier in the spring, but now are just trees with pretty flowers.  Not a bad place to work. 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The State of the Sport of Running

Have you seen this article?  It is a review of the State of Running in 2012 done by Running USA.  My favorite part of the article so far is this quote:

Early in women’s running, there was no such category as women’s running apparel. In fact, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the running bra was invented, based on the prototype of two male jockstraps being sewn together. The idea was to provide women with more support and less chafing during their runs (this product was initially called the “jockbra”, and later, earned the official name Jogbra).
I'm finding it interesting and informative.  Check it out.  Apparently, women outran men in 2011!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

5 Miles

Hubby and I took advantage of a Living Social deal this past weekend.  We spent a couple days in Atlantic City at Resorts Casino.  I'll have more photos and stories, but for now, this morning I got my butt up and ran 5 miles on the boardwalk.  I ran from Resorts in Atlantic City to the Ventnor, NJ sign (which is the next town over).  Not bad for having no desire to run when I woke up.  None.  Zip.  Zilch. Nada.  I took the above photo before I headed out.  I am proud to say I did not get run over by any of the rickshaws.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Over the last few months of running, cardio kickboxing, and my trainer I've realized I've gone down a size.  A few months ago I got a new pair of gray pants from Kohl's in a 12.  I figured it was anomaly.  You know how it is, no manufacturer can stay consistent with their sizing.  I just figured it was a perfect example.

Yesterday, hubby and I hit Old Navy because I was hoping for a pair or two of capris or Bermuda shorts for the summer.  I found some Bermuda shorts at a price I was willing to pay.  The black pair I wanted to try on was not available in a 14, but the brown ones were, so I grabbed a 14 in the brown and a 12 in the black.  In the dressing room, I tried on the 12s first to get the disappointment out of the way.  And then...oddly enough...they fit.  The 12s fit.  I was very surprised.  Especially when I held the 14s up to the 12s and I saw the amount of material difference between the two sizes.  It was shocking.

So, I have no idea if Old Navy pants run large or what, but I'm pretending they run normal.  It makes me feel better to think that...

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Photos of the week

I have been having a hard time getting back into the whole photography thing.  Seems like I have lots going on and it's been put on the back burner.  So, I've decided to try to take a photo a day this month.  It doesn't have to be perfect, but it has to be something I see.  So, without further adieu...

Tuesday, May 1
We are season ticket holders for the York Revolution (2010 and 2011 Atlantic League Champions thankyouverymuch) and opening day was Tuesday.  This is Corey Thurman with the first pitch.  He has been with the Revs for a few years now, has made York his home, and is just an all-around nice guy.  Sadly, he didn't make it out of the third inning, which is odd for him.  And the Revs went on to lose Tuesday night's home opener. 

Wednesday, May 2
Love this sign!  I belong to the YMCA in Harrisburg, of which there is an East Shore and a West Shore branch.  This sign is at the East Shore branch in the ladies locker room.  Which is fabulous if you're a woman, not so much if you're a guy.  LOL!

Thursday, May 3
Cute little kitty in the window.  I walk about half a mile to work and a half a mile back.  I always check the windows of the homes along the way to see if there are any cute pets.  Usually it is kitties, but sometimes there are big ole dogs just sitting on the back of sofas looking out.  This cute little kitty was sitting directly across from my car when I got to work Thursday afternoon.  You can even kinda see my car in the window.  She wasn't there when I came back to my car.

Friday, May 4
Friday nights the hubby and I now go to the West Shore YMCA to get our fencing on.  LOL!  This is the front entrance to that YMCA.  It's so very modern looking and sleek.  Very different from the East Shore YMCA, which is in downtown Harrisburg.  But, it's very nice and I love that we have two YMCA's to chose from when we work out.

Saturday, May 5
Saturday mornings are our time to get a long run in.  Though this week I had to rearrange my schedule and didn't get a long run in.  I got in a 1.5 mile run in and a 30 minute trainer session in at the above YMCA.  Normally I meet with him on Monday nights, but we're going to be away, so I scheduled it for Saturday.  After our Saturday morning workout sessions we head to Dunkin' Donuts since we've Earned Our Donuts.  There is always a medium Blueberry Coffee, then a breakfast sandwich and a donut.  Yesterday's donut was a chocolate cherry.  It was ok, but not great. 

And there we have it.  The first week in May in pictures.  Tune in next week for more photos!


Friday, May 4, 2012

Owie

I tend to be clumsy.  I bruise easily and find all sorts of little cuts on me, usually without knowing how they happened.  Today, I injured my index finger.  I know how I did it.  I was using a paper cutter to (obviously) cut some paper.  I got my finger a little too close to the blade and there it went.  It was painful.  I am not looking forward to showering or taking the nail polish off that finger. 

Tonight, we have fencing and tomorrow I have a trainer session... I don't think this is going to go well...

Thursday, May 3, 2012

A little off kilter

Yesterday I visited the YMCA for a workout.  I jumped on the scale, as I usually do and sadly was up 2 pounds since Monday.  Yea, yea, I know it was all salt gain (Tuesday: chili and chips for dinner, soft pretzel at the Revolution's home opener. Wednesday lunch: BLT, pickle, bag of chips [single serving]), but it messed with me mentally.  I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and 45 minutes on the bike.  Not too bad.

Then I went home for dinner.  And it was all downhill from there.  I had a nice turkey and cheese sandwich.  Nothing bad about it honestly.  But, I had Sun Chips...from the bag.  No serving size, just dig the hand in and eat.  Then afterwards I had a couple cookies from France.  Yes, they were from France.  A friend of ours sent them to us as a gift.  They are similar to shortbread, but a little more flaky.  So yummy.... That would have been fine if I hadn't thought I needed chocolate.  I then proceeded to eat more small little chocolate candies than any human needs.  And just to continue our food from other countries, I ate chocolate from Ireland.  Yes, Ireland.  My sister-in-law brought hubby back a big box of chocolate from her year in Ireland and I had a few pieces, along with a small Santa chocolate from Germany.  The German Santa was courtesy of my first college roommate.  Hmmm...I'm starting to think a good portion of my snack food is from other countries...If you're from another country and want to share your chocolate, feel free to contact me.  I'm more than happy to snack on it...

The whole eating crap thing was frustrating.  And today wasn't that much better.  Well, breakfast and lunch were perfectly fine actually.  It was dinner that got me.  Bah!  So it's back to the drawing board.  I've got to get myself back on track.

I did do something fun tonight.  I'll share that in the next few days....I'm all excited about it and can't wait to share!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012


 Time to review those goals again.  How did April go?


1. Lose 5 poundsWell, this was again a failure.  More so than last month.  I gained .2 pounds in April.  Ah well.  I knew it was coming.  I didn't follow my plan for the first 15 days of the month and then decided the goal for the rest of the month was to just get back to where I was at the end of March.  Missed it by .2 pounds.  Onward and downward!

2. Run 25 miles. Got it!  Barely... I ran 2.5 miles on April 30th to get me to 25.4 miles for the month of April.  The two 10ks I ran this month really helped because I was slacking on the weekday runs.  I don't know why.  It seems like I need a big race goal, i.e. a half marathon, to get me running more consistently.  The positive is I still got those 25 miles in even if it was at the very last minute.

3. Bike 40 miles.  Oops.  Missed this goal for the month.  Ended up with 26ish miles.  We haven't gone outside on a ride yet, still using the stationary bike either at home or at the gym.  First month this year I haven't met the biking goal.  Which is funny since I hadn't planned on even starting the biking goal until April.  Well, here's to a better May!

4. More photography.  Took the camera to the Orioles Opening Day and the Phillies Opening Day. But other than that, I haven't done the best job...Though I did take a bunch of really cute pics of the kitties the other day.  Maybe I need to do a challenge for the month of May with my camera.  A photo a day?  Hmmm...

5. The big picture.  This hasn't been an issue lately.  Maybe I've gotten it in my head so well that it's natural now?  Not sure.  But, I am getting better at not letting the little things get to me.  Working hard on enjoying life as it plays out.  I'm guessing that's why I'm not stressing the above weight loss fails and the bike fail.  I have confidence it will happen.  Stressing out over it not being accomplished now will do me no good.  Focus on the positive and it will happen.  And you can read all about how here.