Giving Yourself A Break, Shouldn't Last Too Long...

For my Birthday/Christmas/New Year, I bought myself a Fitbit. Because I needed a kick in the pants. I mean...a BIG one!

I always take "time off" after my "last" half marathon of the season, to eat, drink, and be merry...usually it's just a few weeks, and I'm back to running and boot camp, like nothing ever happened.

I went to Florida after this last race, and then I pushed my time off so far that my gym trainer was actually texting me ideas to try to get me to come back to the gym. (I heart her!!)

Aside from a few random 3-4 mile runs, I had not worked out significantly for almost 3 months. Fitbit opened my eyes to my laziness! I also got off of my clean eating kick. And my pants had something nasty to say about that...it went something like...."bitch, you can't squeeze much more in here, can't you see that muffin top???"...)

It's NEVER easy to stay on a path of health and fitness. If it were, everyone would do it! My upside is that over that last few years instead of a "diet", or a set time of working out, I've finally decided that I have to eat well and be active to be happy. Not just with my weight, but in the way I feel when I do those things. I feel so much better when I run faster, or lift a bigger weight!

And now...it's just 137 days until my next half marathon.

Here's to the new year, and staying on a path that makes me happy

Change IS Good...

I got a new trainer at my gym for my boot camp classes. I don't much like change, but I'm trying to embrace it!

Our classes are more challenging, which after a year, we all needed! More faced paced, no fringe, non-stop, awesomeness! She even throws in some tabata classes here and there!

The best part, is that she is also a nutritionist. She gave us the option to submit food journals, for a "prize". She looks them over, and gives us suggestions on what to change. Of course, I jumped on board! I have been stagnant despite 2 a day work outs (runs and boot camp) because I wasn't tracking my food! (I workout all the time, I can eat what I want!!)

After 3 weeks of being back to journaling I'm down 5 pounds!

I'm most excited about the introduction of protein shakes after my workouts. After only one week I can already see my muscle definition!

One week until my 13.1 that I only took 4 weeks to train for. I'll be OK, but I won't be breaking any personal records!

Um, It's Cold...and I Took a Break!....

Freezing temperatures are not good for a frugal gal!! I enjoy keeping my bills cheap, I use the furnace and space heaters to keep my utilities well under $100 a month.

I have way better things to spend my money on!

We had the coldest temps in 20 years, they say. It was in the negatives, with a wind chill of -40 for two days. We had a week break, and then back into the single digits.  Everyone complained, and all the schools were shut down, and no one showed up to work, but through the ashes (ice chips), me and my Ford Fusion still made it through.

I also got back to the gym, and running again after a three week "vacation". (my boot camp instructor likes to say I was off for 4 months) The time off was kind of nice...instead of squats, weights, and cardio, I perfected the art of snuggling under a blanket with some cats, eating comfort foods, and gaining weight. But my clothes told me that this had to come to an end quick!

I paid the price of taking time off in the way of everything hurting, and not being the baddest ass in class. (which I HATE!)  I have also been having mean green juice, the last few days in an effort to flush out all of the crap and sugar I've been ingesting.

I came to the conclusion that green juice tastes best served in a wine glass with an orange wheel garnish! Presentation is everything!

By way of groupon I recruited a few coworkers to join boot camp with me. One girl came one time, and left to throw up half way through class..and refuses to return. It kind of reminded me that this class is not for everyone, and you have to want to improve and be the best. All of us "regulars" have been there, but we came back and got past that point. I mean, I don't know what people think I do in a boot camp class?? Aerobics? I mean, it's called boot camp for a reason! 

And here are my "kids" enjoying the cold weather...

I made new cushions for my cat beds to help keep them toasty...Fizzgig approves..

Mr. Magoo and his kitty brother, Pickachu discovered the best way to stay warm is to snuggle!

Fozzie likes to be on top!

These two don't know they are not related....

Stay warm out there, friends! And don't be like me and use it as a vacation from your fitness! 

Yes..I Hate Sports..But I've Made an Exception....

It's only a few days into the new year, and already I am well on my way for not only trying new things, but being spontaneous. The past couple of years I got so regimented, that I wouldn't stray from my plans, and in a sense, I got kind of boring.

Just on my birthday I had an invite to dinner before my get-together, and I just couldn't bring myself to go!

So, without my usual "week's notice rule" (I'm that annoying!)  I went cross country skiing with one of my bff's on a whim! I mean, we had a great snowfall (about 7") and I had a half day off of work to burn! Yes, it was freezing, but the sun was beautiful and it was such a great work out, once you get going, you keep pretty warm!

I have never had a better time outdoors! We laughed the entire time, from how ridiculous you look doing it, to how fun it was to catch a little speed!

Look at all of this untouched snow! It is just beautiful!

One of the best parts of the day was when I started zipping along thinking "this is just like the nordic track" and I was catching some speed.

Here I am, skiing along, pretty bad-ass!

And then here I am when I totally biffed it! On flat land. 

Here I am signaling that I'm Ok...you notice my bff didn't come to help, but rather got pictures.

Later, while trying to turn around I got my two ski's overlapped, and boom! I biffed it again while standing. We were laughing so hard about the fact that I honestly could not untangle my ski's and figure out how to stand back up, that my bff fell down in laughter!

One of the trails we took. Stuff like this makes you see the beauty in the snow!!

 The sun on the snow seems magical!

Snow covered trees!

The next day, despite my rigorous workouts, I found muscles that I didn't even know I had!

After skiing, we had hot toddies, (a first for me) and I tried sushi. Which I don't like. But I had an avocado roll, which I would totally have again! And saki...and I guess..who doesn't like saki? I didn't care for the fish smell of the joint, but I had fun nonetheless!

Now, we are buckeling down for a -40 wind chill here in NE Ohio. We get cold and snow, and the occasional subzero temp...but this is something none of us are use to!

Warm thoughts!

Pre-Race Jitters? I Got This...

I'm not the least bit worried about my upcoming half marathon in Virginia Beach in 16 days.

But that kind of worries me.

I haven't been putting miles in like I should be.

Especially outdoor miles.

But this ain't my first rodeo, it's my third. 

But what I'm doing differently this time is I'm more cross-trained. I do my boot camps, and my short runs (ok, mostly indoors...) but I'm not following a training schedule like I did with my last two half's.

People are trying to scare me. Trying to psyche me out.  Asking me all sorts of questions about being ready because I haven't been doing all the miles.

I have come to dismiss these people's worries because they have never run a half marathon before.

I mean, where is their licence in running? I know what to expect. I know it's hard. I know it will be painful.

But then, I have never been in business to be the fastest, my enjoyment of running a half comes from running the 13.1 consecutive miles and finishing.

It's about the experience of the race, the enjoyment of every mile run, and the (cute and sparkly starfish) medal I receive at the end.

In closing, don't let other people squash your dreams. No one knows your potential but you. People who could never accomplish what you can, will try to psyche you out.

Prove them wrong.

Press on.

Live your dream, and enjoy the feeling you have when you finally accomplish your goal!

For me, in the end...I get to spend a week with my sister, having quality time, and enjoying the sand and sun... and my running a half marathon is just the icing on the cake!

My Fitness Journey Video....

I've only been working on completing a video on my weight loss and starting to run,  for close to a year.

I have changed it so many times that I finally had to just ask myself if "self, do you think you are making the next Titanic, or a stupid youtube video".

 When I need inspiration, I love to look for inspiring weight loss, or fitness videos online. Knowing so many other people have made such changes in their own lives always inspires me to keep going.

So if I can inspire just one person, like so many have done for me, all the hours I spent making this less-than-stellar video will have been well spent.

Enjoying My 15 Minutes of "Fame"...

You may or may not remember that I won a major award at my gym for my physical excellence, and dedication to fitness. I was also the first ever winner, so it's kind of a big deal.

I got my awesome award, suitable for framing, and my picture with my trainer was posted on their facebook page. Ever since then, I've become kinda famous.

The trainers recognize me in all my classes as the winner for May. My boot camp instructor calls me "the people's champion" and "the one to beat" in all of his classes.

And then, random gym members recognize when I'm in the gym, and congratulate me too. It's kind of awesome!

I think it might be going to my head, because last Saturday leaving the gym I held the door open for two guys coming in, and one said "HEY!!! You're that fitness of the month winner!"

I replied with  "yes...that's ME! I'm kind of famous" as I waived my hands in the air.

My reign is coming to an end, and I'm frantic at the thought of someone else taking my place!

Somebody stop me....

I'll just continue to be the best that I can be, and keep collecting my little army guys. Soon, I hope to have an impressive army!

Vegan for Six Weeks...Should I Stay or Should I Go?....

After a 6 week trial of going vegan, I've learned...it's just not for me.

I didn't hate it. But I also didn't love it.

Was it hard? Yes!

Will I still continue to make choices that I feel good about? Yes!

I don't plan on dismissing all vegan foods. I have actually enjoyed all of the vegan meals I have had. I even tried more vegetables that I'd  never tried before, and I can certainly live with this stuff about 80%  of the time.

I will continue to strive to be vegan, but if I occasionally stray from the course, I am going to be OK with it. Going full speed ahead is a really hard way to go. I'll find what works for me, and until then, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

The past week after my 6 weeks was up I have been eating mainly vegetarian. (back to having dairy, and not watching for "whey proteins" in all my foods) Which, I can live with.

I put on about 10 lbs on this trial, and not for lack of workouts....but for lack of finding the right proteins that fill me up, and are cost effective. Most people lose weight when they go vegan. Not me. I'm the exception! I ate way more of the beans/legumes/vegan proteins than I should have...I tried to compare it to eating a chicken breast and the fact is they just have way more calories than chicken.

I can say with full gusto, that being a "clean eater" made me feel physically and mentally way better than being a vegan. And I think I'm headed back down that road.

I like my chicken, and I like my veggies. I have at the very least, found a local Amish chicken farm, and it costs a bit more to buy from them but the tiny bit of piece of mind I'll get from it will be enough for me.

In closing....Yes!! Vegan foods taste pretty great...amazing even...Everyone should try something vegan before dismissing it! But most of the delicious convenient proteins are "processed" and I'm just not a fan of it.

It's my personal preference. 

I'm really happy that I took the challenge, because my new most favorite thing to eat is a lentil burger! And, I learned that spinach is a great filler for any meal! I am also in love with tofutti cream cheese, which I also got a few coworkers to admit was delicious, and I plan to use this in place of cream cheese from here on out!

I will consider every non-animal product I consume as a success as I move forward.

And that is good enough for me.

Winning...But Not Like Charlie Sheen...

I wound up being boot camper of the month at my gym! This means I got this sweet award, and my picture was posted on facebook with my trainer. I also won a free class, and best of all...bragging rights.

Not only was I the best participant all month, I was the FIRST best all month, and I got to set the bar as to what the others have to achieve in order to win.

That's kind of bad-ass!

It's kind of fun to go to the gym and have people recognize you, and congratulate you...especially all the trainers that I've worked with.

I feel a pretty great sense of accomplishment. I haven't won a physical fitness award since I was in grade school. And I actually worked my ass off for this one, I didn't just show up like back then.

Feeling Like a Bad-Ass...

One of the reasons I love semi-private training is because you get so much personal attention, and motivation.

After winning my first "boot camp buddy of the day" award last week, the instructor used me as fuel for the other participants, saying I was "the one to watch, I'm the reigning champion". I felt the pressure, and it made me work harder. I took 3 more classes without winning a title....but then...

My second coveted toy soldier!

I won this time, because I took the class the night before, and the one the next day, and made it the whole class being strong, and not giving up. He doesn't know yet, that if it were offered every day...I'd be there.

Who knew a stupid toy soldier toy would make someone feel so awesome?

I also found a delicious "clean" vegan protein, thanks to Pinterest! I made lentil "burgers", and I'm in love with them! So much so, that I have to stop myself from eating too many! One is enough, they are filling with some veggies, but they are soooo goooood!

The flavor is very comparable to a good veggie burger, but home made, and you know what you put into them!

They do not taste as good after freezing them, as they do fresh, but you will have that I suppose.

Lentil burgers:
1C uncooked lentils
1C brown rice (not instant)
1.5C carrots finely grated (I shred them in the food processor)
1/2tsp garlic
1.5C Oatmeal (I used quick oats the first time, seemed to work fine)
1tsp salt
1 onion finely grated (I shred in the food processor with the carrots)

Cook rice and lentils in 4C water on low heat for 45min covered.

Mix with all other ingredients.

Let cool.

Make into 8 patties, brown over medium heat 6 minutes per side. Mine took longer than 6 minutes, so keep an eye on them.

The recipe said they are 130 cal each, but I find it hard to believe...so I am guessing them at about 200 each, they make hefty "burgers".

.

Even Small Accomplishments, are Great Ones!....

This whole vegan thing is pretty hard. Not just giving up meat and dairy, but all the things that contain meat and dairy that you never thought did!

For instance, I have one cheat meal a week, and I was so excited to go to Chipotle because I could get a vegetarian bowl, and have BEANS! But I found out the beans are cooked with bacon. I was very appreciative of the workers to point it out to me, but I was also disappointed. Because of my strenuous workout routine...I was really looking forward to some extra protein in my meal, so I got cheese. I felt like a quitter, but I am not going to dwell on it.

I have been hungry. Really, really hungry, and struggling with my calorie count, because the vegan proteins are so high in calories, and making up for it with fruits/veggies make me hungry just about every hour. I have to plan more snacks to help curb hunger pangs. Next week I'll be better prepared.

I'm also having a hard time being a "clean eater" and eating all the processed vegan proteins. Unless I have dried beans and legumes that I prepare myself, I am really at a loss for what else to eat that isn't "processed".  I have had all my nutrition dead on for so long, that now I have to branch out. A challenge.

 My first attempt at a vegan meal was whole grain pasta, with tofurky italian sausage ,spinach, tomato, and I melted tofutti garlic and chives cream cheese in my noodles. I used a small plate so it looked like more. This is only 3/4c noodles, and half of a tofurky link. Total score taste-wise, it tasted like the real deal..... but the calories, and processed food part, worried me. Turned out, my noodles contained egg whites....another loss. 

For dessert I had tofutti chocolate "ice cream" and a sliced strawberry. The ice cream was just the same taste-wise as real ice cream, and the same calorie wise too. The calories scared me. I'd been having Arctic Zero ice cream, which contains whey...so it is not vegan. The calories in that are amazing!

In the end, for a week, I accomplished a lot. I'll get there eventually. I'm going to allow myself the ability to fail from time to time, because I'm going to try to do this meal by meal. Small accomplishments! I may have had cheese this week, and egg whites in my noodles, but I didn't have an animal protein for 12 out of my 15 meals for this short amount of time. I consider that a win! 

In other news, I joined my gyms new bootcamp program, which is an hour of high energy athletic interval training. My first class, I was picked out of the 6 girls as "boot camp buddy of the day". (You pair up in two's)

When I was announced winner he said it was, because of my perfect, controlled form, and my refusal to give up. (the instructor spends a lot of 1:1 time with you in the smaller classes, and offers you "modifications" in case you are tired and I never took one single modification, I pushed thru)

Sure, my prize was just a small toy soldier. But I was recognized in front of the group and this little guy made me feel Strong! 

I'm going to take all my little accomplishments as they come.

A Vegan...Challenge...?

The interaction most people have with vegans, is bad. People telling you "what you are eating, and how you are the demise of the animal population".

And then I decided I want to try to be vegan. Gasp!!

I love animals more than people, yet I still eat some of them. But I don't like to be judge-y!

I was raised by a vegetarian,  my Momma grew up on a farm. Her stories were sad, but it never occurred to me, until me and my cousin were playing with two giant turkeys in our playhouse, and then...they were gone, and there were two huge turkey's on the dinner table for Thanksgiving. I was about 8, and that was the first time I refused to eat anything that I can remember.  I didn't eat meat for many years, but around adolescence, I started to eat it again.

The past 15 years or so, I've only eaten dairy, chicken, and turkey. With a once in a blue moon craving of a hamburger, or a Momma's meatloaf tossed in.

I've seen a billion sad documentaries about factory farming and I fast forwarded thru the horrible parts, even though, I knew deep down what really happens

This past weekend, I watched a lovely little documentary called "Vegucated". Which, by the name I thought would only be about the healthy side of being vegan.

Well, it still had the sad side of factory farming, and while I skipped most of the horrible parts,  I never in my 37 years thought about cows being forced to be pregnant constantly to produce milk, and having their babies taken away after birth, and the horrible lives they must live. I thought they just produced milk. Seeing their babies taken away from them was heartbreaking!

 I am so against puppy mills, having adopted a puppy mill stud, and seeing how traumatized he is..I can't imagine the fate of the Mother's. For me... factory farming is the same thing with farm animals. And if I don't support it with domestic pets I shouldn't support it any way.

It broke my heart to see those babies torn from their mothers, and I wanted to make a small change, if only with myself!

I don't expect to change anyone's point of view. That's not me.  I am one person, making one decision, and if statistics serve right, I alone can save 95 animals a year by being vegan. So why not try?

For 6 weeks, I am going to try to be strictly vegan. I am hoping that I can keep it up, or at least replace 50% of my chicken/turkey/dairy intake with vegan options , even if I decide being strict 100% of the time, isn't for me. I want to make at least a small change.

My biggest fear, is that most "vegan protein" options are processed. And I do not want to fall back into eating processed foods, so my challenge is even harder. Oh, and the fact that I am 100% in love with cheese. I am really going to miss....cheese more than I miss pizza. And sour cream. And cream cheese. And eggs. But I know, there are great alternatives, that I am going to try.

On a lighter note, my Mr. Magoo is loving my "vegan purge" as he is getting to partake in all the meats I still have in my house.

I smell chicken!!!

The Results are In...

They finally announced the winner of the 24 day fat loss challenge at my gym.

It wasn't me.

But oh, was I CLOSE!!! I was a half of a percent shy of winning a years free membership.

One half of a percent.

ONE HALF!!!!!!!

The winner:
Pounds lost: 9
Fat lost: 4%
BMI lost: 1.6%


Me:

Pounds lost: 5
Fat lost: 3.5%
BMI lost: 1%

I pushed myself the hardest I ever did, and ate 100% clean the entire challenge, and I couldn't have done even one more work out, or made my diet any better than it was.

I gained a lot of muscle, strength, and endurance that I am continuing to improve upon.

I don't feel defeated, but I'd have loved to save $600 bucks.

One Half??? Really?!!!

The Challenge is Over...But My Journey is Lifelong...

My 24 day challenge is over. My trainer was just as bummed as me today, she said she swears she will find a way for me to keep taking personal classes with her. She told me I did great, and I look great, and I am so going to miss her!

What I gained out of this short span of really kicking my own ass, is the reassurance that my limits really are all MENTAL. Your body will do whatever you tell it to do, as long as you tell it that it can.

Did I win? I won't know for another 24 days. The participants were staggered, and when I was at the gym yesterday (yes, I was at the gym on EASTER) someone new was just signing up.

Whether or not I win, my personal victory is priceless!

My results:

Pounds lost: 5
Fat lost: 3.5% (my goal was 2% to get back into the "average" fat range, so I beat my goal!!)
BMI lost: 1%
% of Body Weight Down: .3%
Inches: mainly in the arms the only ones worth mentioning, is half an inch per arm.
Pants: down a size, back to my fighting weight!

My most cherished accomplishments, are with the strength and endurance that I gained in just 24 days!

I can do 20 "girl push ups" all the way down, and up when I could barely do 10 half-assed ones 24 days ago.

I can hold a low plank for 2 minutes when at the start, I crapped out at 30 seconds.

I can run consistently for 30 minutes at a 6.5 pace, giving me an over 3 mile run in that time, when before that  a 6.5 speed was a "minute only" sprint.

I can lift 15 lb weights for my arm sets, when 8 lbs. use to be torture.

Perspective?

Yea, this was me....

There was a time when I was well on my way to 300 lbs. All I did was sleep. And eat. And wake up from sleep to eat and then go back to sleep.

And then I walked. Then I walked longer. Then I walked faster. Then I walked even faster still.  Then I jogged short distances, and then I joined a boot camp and finally stopped "working out to eat" so I lost more weight, and then I did 5k races, and then I ran 3 half marathons. The first medal made me want more. The sense of accomplishment, was intoxicating.

The more I challenged myself, the more I surprised myself. And then I got complacent, and stopped stepping up my game.

While I await the final results, I will do my best to keep up the intensity of what I learned from my trainer. I found a website It's called bodyrock.tv, and if you want results, you should check it out!

And I also downloaded a HIIT app to my phone and programmed all the classes I could remember so I could continue pushing myself to my limits.

I lost my mojo for a few months, but now I'm back! And I had forgotten how amazing it feels to achieve things you didn't think you could, because I thought I had reached a plateau, and instead of pushing thru, I stayed there and let it try to beat me.

Now, excuse me while I have two glasses of wine, and enjoy the Easter apple crisp my Momma made, that I waited until post weigh in to enjoy!

The Scale Can Really Be an Asshole...

Day 12 on this island...

I'm trying to win a year's membership at my gym. So I can use my saved membership fee, and sign up for semi-private training, which as part of the challenge, I get for free, and have been doing for the past 12 days.

I LOVE it! 

I have been taking 2 classes a day, and running in between them. I'm like a mother effing machine! So, much like when I dropped all my major ell bees, I'm living at the gym. They all know my name. It's my own personal "Cheers" and I am its "Norm".

I had my one on one consultation with my trainer last night, and the best thing that came out of it was she told me how much my fitness level has increased in just the few training sessions we've had. (I can totally notice too!!!) Going over my schedule, and my nutrition was the best, because she said I was doing everything right.

Me?! What an inspiration! 

I hit a plateau long ago, and adding the strength and endurance training will get me to my goal of losing 20-30lbs more. And being a faster, more efficient runner.

The only advice was to take a multi-vitamin, and add a protein shake post work out since I have the bulk of my calories during the day, before working out, and my body needs more at night to build muscle, and burn fat while I rest. I can do that!

So, imagine my horror when after 12 days of INTENSE training, and a superb consultation with my trainer, I was feeling on top of the world.....until I stepped on the scale, you know,  just to see what was going on ...what was going on was that I had gained 3lbs!

They told me not to do it. Not for 24 days! But I couldn't resist!

Yes, this is a fat loss challenge, not a weight loss challenge, and the goal is to build muscle and burn fat, but 3lbs in 12 days? I was appalled!

All the hard work is worth it though. I am learning when I am pushed to my limits, I can surpass them!!

Plus, my trainer told me I was an athlete.

"Psh, I'm no athlete, I still have weight to lose"

And she said my new most favorite phrase..

"Being an athlete isn't about what your body looks like, it's about what it can do"

Here is to the next 12 days on the challenge! Wish me luck!

I've Been Busy Being Awesome...

If there is one thing I am, it's determined. I have bumped back up to visiting the gym twice a day, most days, but steadily working out 6 days a week. I'm working on my distance run for my 15k that is fast approaching, trying to psych myself up for my underwear run in the snow, and I'm LOVING spinning class! It burns so many calories!

I even got one of my BFF's to join me for one class a week! Which makes it even better!

I kinda missed all the time I use to spend in the gym. Not because I like working out, but I do enjoy how amazing I feel from all the workouts, both mentaly and physicaly.

I've been so exhausted latley that I have hardly even watched TV. Unheard of! But for me, being exhausted and sore from workouts is way better than being tired and sore from being fat. (again).

I started making muscle soaks, and bath salt scrubs at home and adding delicious scented oils to them. I'm a regular Martha Stewart! I look forward to soaking away the pain, and smelling like a dream!

As a reward for being awesome for my re-dedication, I bought myself new things. I got a new writing desk for my laptop, and a ladder shelf. Both things I needed, and will need again one day since they aren't real furniture, they came in a box.

Balance...

I guess I have joined the ranks of so many people who have lost a lot of weight, only to put some back on.

I was in denial for a few months this fall, because I was training for a half marathon, and I allowed myself a lot more calories....but way more than I should have, mind you.

I am not a fan of the scale, like most people. But I finally had to face it!

The result?

I put back on 24 lbs of the 90+ lbs I lost altogether.

24lbs??? Unacceptable!

But, that's what happens when you go from eating "clean" and working out twice a day 5 times a week to eating "mostly" clean, and working out 3 days a week. You live and learn! Obviously, I have not yet found my life long balance routine, but I'm working on it! And I'll get there as long as I keep it as a priority.

So, the last 2 weeks I have gotten back on track. I've got my clean meals made and frozen, and I'm back to running every day, plus taking spinning classes. I'm down 7lbs, with 17 more to go.

Once you grasp the concept that you have to burn off 3,500 calories to lose a pound of weight...you can appreciate all the work it takes to lose weight. And you put in the work to get you there!!

I send positive energy to everyone who is trying to drop ell bee's this year!

It isn't easy, but it's certainly a personal accomplishment! Get it!!

It's My Birthday! (Almost)

My days have been blazing by, because yet another one of my little birdies at work has left the nest. (got a promotion) I'm very happy when my girls can move up, but I'm pretty sad for me. I'm stuck on secretary AND supervisor duty until I can find someone equally as fabulous to replace her.

I simply hate the interview process, besides counselings and reviews its my #1 most hated duty.

I had my Momma sleep over last weekend. Remember when you couldn't wait to get away from your Mom? It was so fun to have her over! We hung out in our jammies and watched movies! Then,  we spent 9 hours Christmas shopping. I'm nowhere near done. Shopping under pressure is hard.

I read "Bared to You" in one day. And started book two. I thought it was safe to start since book 3 comes out NYE, but looks like I'm going to be waiting to find out what happens with Gideon and Eva...

After almost 2 months off from daily running, (slacking) I started back at it full tilt, and I've finally tried SPINNING 3 days a week!! I love the team environment, which fuels my desire to push myself. Running and spinning in the same day makes Jill a tired girl, and I have been crashing very early!

I'll be doing a Christmas caroling run next week with a local running group. Dress festive, and sing carols while running through the neighborhoods. I'm pretty excited about this one, it's all fun, and no pressure!

I've been preparing for my 37th birthday party this weekend! (omg...I'm almost 40!!!)  I'm having the ladies over for another wine party, where we all bring our favorite wines, and cheeses, and then go tripping the light fantastic at my favorite dance club, and forget that we are entering mid-life.

Today, marks the one month anniversary of my legendary attendance of the Madonna concert! I'll never ever, get tired of reliving this memory!

How are your holiday plans coming along?

Mr. Magoo got a haircut for Christmas, and a new sweater.

 

Snuggles.

Sweetest Day Done Solo...

I guess you could call Sweetest day a made up holiday, that originated in my home state of Ohio. But who cares? It's real to Hallmark, so it's real to me!!

And after two years of single, I decided to take it very seriously.

Instead of focusing on my lack of a sweetie..and how all my friends are coupled up, I decided to be my own sweetie, and it turns out, I am the best sweetie I have ever had!!

I did fabulous things!

The day started early, with a nice run outdoors. I enjoyed the cool weather, the beautiful leaves, and time alone with my thoughts, all while working up a sweat!

I took Mr. Magoo to the Howl-o-Ween party at our dog park. He sniffed butts, and got his nails trimmed.

I bought myself flowers! I love flowers!

I bought myself a new entertainment center, the kind you get from a bonefide furniture store! (this will house my soon to be newly acquired 40" flat screen TV....eeek, technology!)

Thanks to my fuel perks, I got a full tank of gas for $31!

I got my second ever set of egyptian cotton sheets! And I bought all new pillows!

But the hilight of my day was that I had my very first ever, in 36 years, professional massage.....HEAVEN!!! As I lay in utter relaxation, I channeled my Dad and thought..."I wonder what the poor people are doing?" I see many more spa days in my future! Being pampered was pretty amazing!

I wound down the day by loungin around my clean house, and smelling  my favorite fall candle, pumpkin cheesecake. I ordered in chinese, because it is a definite no-no, and today was all about yes-yes!!

The rest of the evening will be spent cuddling under my favorite fuzzy blanket, sipping on champagne, and watching my favorite scarey movies!

These two brothers are invited to the snuggle party.
 

Being single is really pretty fabulous when you do all the things you most enjoy, and don't dwell on what you don't have!

These three kitty amigos say Happy Sweetest Day!

Food Addiction....

I talk alot about working out, and staying on track with workouts, and how I am able to stay committed to this aspect of weight loss, which is a struggle for me in itself....but I guess I don't touch much on the subject of food and what a huge role it plays for me in everyday life.


Food is a huge issue for me. You don't get to be over 250 lbs because you are lazy, and don't like to work out. It happens because of what you put into your body, and how much.

I am a food addict. Like any addiction, it is a day to day struggle. And it never goes away. Never!

In high school I managed my weight by throwing up my food. I ate whatever I wanted in huge amounts, and spent most of my time barfing. It's a horrible cycle, and it makes you feel disgusting. You lose control for those few moments of your own mind and body... and eat so much that you have to vomit to even feel functional again.

As a healthy adult, I limit what I keep in my home. I know my triggers. Carbs, sugar, and snack foods. I can only keep fresh foods at home.

I have the urge to over eat every day, and I still do from time to time, but now, I don't throw it up. Instead, I let myself sit with the discomfort of overeating so I will remember how horrible it feels. I know that I have to put in extra time at the gym to make up for it, and cut back calories until it is a healthy balance. Sometimes it takes 2 weeks to make up for all those extra calories, and it is soooo not worth it!!

No one is making me eat healthy. It is my choice. If I ate what my mind told me I wanted, I would have a body that I am not happy in.

Feeling good in my skin, and having more energy is more important to me than indulging every day in whatever my mind tells me that I want. I am in control of what I put into my body. My body is not in control of me!!!!

With that said...I have my moments. I indulge. I have things I know I shouldn't. I am not perfect. I spend a lot of time fantasizing about what I want to eat on cheat days.(which I try to limit to twice a month, every pay day... sometimes more, let's be honest...but as a rule, it is twice a month).

The only failure is not getting back on track! One bad day does not define your weight loss journey!!



I dropped 45lbs just by becoming active. But that can only get you so far. After a while, you are working out to eat. You are maintaining a weight, but it may not be your goal, something has to give!

So, I went to a "clean" diet, upped my workouts, and added in running...I ate nothing processed, and dropped another 65lbs. I remember being amazed the weeks I dropped 6lbs....it seemed so easy, after a lifetime of struggle! Starving, over-working out, diets, only to fail, and put on more weight than I'd lost.

I've been on "maintenance" for about a year. Breakfast is my biggest meal, meaning I have my carbs...an english muffin, or sometimes a bagel with my eggs and spinich. (when I have a bagel angels sing!!)

You don't just lose weight, and then go back to your old lifestyle. It is work. Every day. Keeping up with workouts to balance out the food intake. It's hard. If it were magic, we would all have hot bodies!! Struggle is not even the best word, I like to think of it as torture. But I don't convey that very often.

The bottom line...



Weight loss isn't easy. Eating healthy, is not easy. I think we all have a misconception that we will wake up one day and "get it" and be cured. The only thing you "get" is your goal. Keep your mind on that, and you will get there!

I don't think enough people are honest about what it takes to lose weight. I have never had a day where I woke up and decided that having 1200 calories was the best idea in the world. Or that I couldn't wait to go running, lift weights, or sometimes do two hour workouts.

So, if you are struggling with losing weight, I hear you! I have been doing it forever! I may have gotten the weight off, but I am still at war with my mind each and every day about what I need to do physically, and what I have to put into my body. Just remember, there are millions of other people in the world that would love to eat a box of ho-ho's or an entire pizza....but we choose not to.

You are not alone!