Yesterday was a good day because I ran my first 10k race. It's amazing what something like that makes you feel the next day. Usually the day of all you want to do after is celebrate then take a nap. LOL. I didn't get to nap yesterday and felt the grogginess but today after a good sleep I feel.... lighter for one. I feel...happy. I feel... refreshed. I think this is the reason why I continue to do this. It's something I forget every once in a while. LOL.
I will write a full race report soon but for now, it's Monday. Let's get to it!
Measurements:
Hips: 48.15 inches (-0.35 inches)
Waist: 44 inches (-1.25 inches)
Arm: 14.75 inches (-0.25 inches)
Thigh: 26.5 inches (same)
Calf: 16.75 inches (same)
I'm happy to see that my bloated middle is no longer so bloated. This little bit of progress and the light post-race euphoria I have right now is exactly what I needed to motivate me to keep going. It really is hard when you're stuck in a plateau or stuck in one mind set for too long. It also reminds me how important it is to have a support system to keep you moving when you're down in the dumps too. So thank you everyone who has supported me and given me nice comments either here or in facebook. LOL.
Achievement(s):
Water: I was able to finish my 64 oz water bottle about 5/7 times this week. On Friday and Sunday I didn't get to finish my water bottle. But the rest of the week I was drinking water so well I had to do the whole "Gotta pee!" dance every five minutes.
Calories: I didn't count this week but I should have because without meaning to I went out to eat about 4 times this week. 4! I ate a burrito on Monday, a huge burger and fries on Thursday, a tuna melt and more fries on Saturday and of course a pancake and omelet breakfast after the race on Sunday.
A lot of fries, a lot of cheese! It makes sense now why I had minor stomach trouble last night. I've been eating cheese sparingly for the last few months and now this. It was a little too much for my body to handle I think.
Strength Training: Very light training twice last week. My pilates kit finally came in with
2 soft weight balls
1 65 cm exercise ball (fun!)
2 resistance bands (light and medium resistance)
and 1 exercise cd.
I'm hoping to try it out this week. It should be fun.
Cardio: Not bad this week. I got some good stuff down.
Mon: -
Tues: 2 miles in 26 minutes
Wed: 2 miles in 26 minutes
Thurs: - (Belly dancing class got cancelled)
Fri: 3.8 miles in 50 minutes
Sat: 6 mile hike up a mountain
Sun: 10k race!
So my last bit of training and a good hike before the race yesterday. Not too shabby I think.
Goals:
My goals for this week are to try training for speed when I run. I'm looking up different ways to try and improve my speed. I'm tired of having slow results when I've been running the same distance for so long. I'm hoping that now that the weather is getting a little warmer I'll have more of a chance and more motivattion to get out there and do sprints. Let's see. Also I'm going to start counting calories again every other day. I don't want to do it every day because it gets boring and then I stop doing it. If I keep it to every other day and try my best to keep my calorie count down I think I'll be ok.
That's all for now. Let's have a great week!
love
-w0rld
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Julie & Julia Review
One good thing about injuring yourself (how did I injure myself? Check out yesterday's entry here ) is that you get a lot of time to read.
I've been reading, and getting inspired by, Julie & Julia by Julie Powell.
Yesterday I finished the book and decided I should write an entry about it since it's inspired a few posts already. You can check them out again here and here.
I can relate to this book in so many ways it's amazing. Julie & Julia is a non-fiction story about a woman named Julie who finds out she has PCOS (would you look at that, me too!). As she contemplates she realizes her life and career are in shambles (I definitely am working on the whole "What am I doing with my life?" theme right now too) and to top it off she's turning 30. (Ok, well I'm not there yet but hey 5 years isn't that long!).
So in order to get some sort of momentum in her life, or "creative outlet" with the help from her husband she decides to try to cook her way through Julia Child's cook book Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year. That's 524 recipes in 365 days and write a BLOG about it.
Now this book inspires me in different ways. One of course is using a project to allow yourself to grow. When I read the book I realized that it wasn't really about the cooking. It was about making goals and completing them. It was about going beyond what you think you CAN do and doing it. It was about how the project allowed her to grow as a person and reach her potential. It was about proving to herself that she was worth something and because she wrote a daily blog entry about what she learned she was able to work it out in writing and further develop her writing as well.
Now another thing that inspired me was her commitment to her blog. She quickly got a large support of what she liked to call "bleaders" and how their support helped her keep going. I know first hand how the support of bloggers can help me keep going and how important it is to comment on others entries to help them in return. I have mentioned before how my blogging has kind of slowed down and how my commitment to supporting other weight loss enthusiasts has waned as well. This book really brought to light how important it is to keep going.
Then there's the food. Now I don't think it would be a good idea for me to go through an old french cookbook layered with pounds of butter and etc or go to Italy to try out all their food either (that's a different book that is also inspiring though) but using food and cooking it to inspire relationships and creativity. Trying out new things and learning how to make new dishes seems like an important part of life period. I love food but when it comes to cooking it and spending time making a dish I'm horrible. This book has made me want to go out and CREATE something. Something that I KNOW exactly what went in to it and have the satisfaction that the explosion of flavor that's in my mouth was my own doing. It also reminded me that food can really bring people together. It also brought home the idea that the way to a man's heart is through their stomach. LOL. Mine too! LOL
Now the last thing that really stuck with me was learning that Julie Powell started everything after she left the gynecologists office after learning she has PCOS. I realized the second I read that line that MY journey, MY blog, and MY progress all started with the same thing. Being diagnosed with something is a big eye opener. Being diagnosed with the same thing was interesting. It was interesting to see how someone else who went through the same thing used that knowledge to light a fire in her butt just like it did me.
I also realized that I don't mention PCOS as much as I should. It's a big part of my life but I've gotten so accustomed to dealing with it that it's in the back burner most of the time. I think I'll write an entry about my progress in that soon.
But anyway Julie Powell's story helped me realize that I am not alone in this whole "I have to work on my life and get better" thing. Her self-deprecating humor, her repeated cursing, her insights and her analogies are fun to read. Her exaggeration when she can't do something, her honesty at her success or failures, her love of her husband and her raunchy mindset are fun to read and easy to relate to. She writes like a real person and doesn't seem to make herself seem like a cookie cutter person, or a martyr.
Overall I truly enjoyed the book. It made me conscious of how my weight loss efforts are not in vain, how blogging about it DOES help and how I have the potential of doing more with goals.
Do I recommend it. Sure. It's not about weight loss (She actually gained weight, but I mean who wouldn't?) but it's about a life change. And isn't that what this is all about too?
In the end I didn't think this book would be such a big deal, and even as I finish writing this entry I still don't, but then I realize that I just wrote a school report on it. LOL.
I'm glad this book was here to help me realize a lot of things.
Thank you for sharing your story Julie.
love
-w0rld
I've been reading, and getting inspired by, Julie & Julia by Julie Powell.
Yesterday I finished the book and decided I should write an entry about it since it's inspired a few posts already. You can check them out again here and here.
I can relate to this book in so many ways it's amazing. Julie & Julia is a non-fiction story about a woman named Julie who finds out she has PCOS (would you look at that, me too!). As she contemplates she realizes her life and career are in shambles (I definitely am working on the whole "What am I doing with my life?" theme right now too) and to top it off she's turning 30. (Ok, well I'm not there yet but hey 5 years isn't that long!).
So in order to get some sort of momentum in her life, or "creative outlet" with the help from her husband she decides to try to cook her way through Julia Child's cook book Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year. That's 524 recipes in 365 days and write a BLOG about it.
Now this book inspires me in different ways. One of course is using a project to allow yourself to grow. When I read the book I realized that it wasn't really about the cooking. It was about making goals and completing them. It was about going beyond what you think you CAN do and doing it. It was about how the project allowed her to grow as a person and reach her potential. It was about proving to herself that she was worth something and because she wrote a daily blog entry about what she learned she was able to work it out in writing and further develop her writing as well.
Now another thing that inspired me was her commitment to her blog. She quickly got a large support of what she liked to call "bleaders" and how their support helped her keep going. I know first hand how the support of bloggers can help me keep going and how important it is to comment on others entries to help them in return. I have mentioned before how my blogging has kind of slowed down and how my commitment to supporting other weight loss enthusiasts has waned as well. This book really brought to light how important it is to keep going.
Then there's the food. Now I don't think it would be a good idea for me to go through an old french cookbook layered with pounds of butter and etc or go to Italy to try out all their food either (that's a different book that is also inspiring though) but using food and cooking it to inspire relationships and creativity. Trying out new things and learning how to make new dishes seems like an important part of life period. I love food but when it comes to cooking it and spending time making a dish I'm horrible. This book has made me want to go out and CREATE something. Something that I KNOW exactly what went in to it and have the satisfaction that the explosion of flavor that's in my mouth was my own doing. It also reminded me that food can really bring people together. It also brought home the idea that the way to a man's heart is through their stomach. LOL. Mine too! LOL
Now the last thing that really stuck with me was learning that Julie Powell started everything after she left the gynecologists office after learning she has PCOS. I realized the second I read that line that MY journey, MY blog, and MY progress all started with the same thing. Being diagnosed with something is a big eye opener. Being diagnosed with the same thing was interesting. It was interesting to see how someone else who went through the same thing used that knowledge to light a fire in her butt just like it did me.
I also realized that I don't mention PCOS as much as I should. It's a big part of my life but I've gotten so accustomed to dealing with it that it's in the back burner most of the time. I think I'll write an entry about my progress in that soon.
But anyway Julie Powell's story helped me realize that I am not alone in this whole "I have to work on my life and get better" thing. Her self-deprecating humor, her repeated cursing, her insights and her analogies are fun to read. Her exaggeration when she can't do something, her honesty at her success or failures, her love of her husband and her raunchy mindset are fun to read and easy to relate to. She writes like a real person and doesn't seem to make herself seem like a cookie cutter person, or a martyr.
Overall I truly enjoyed the book. It made me conscious of how my weight loss efforts are not in vain, how blogging about it DOES help and how I have the potential of doing more with goals.
Do I recommend it. Sure. It's not about weight loss (She actually gained weight, but I mean who wouldn't?) but it's about a life change. And isn't that what this is all about too?
In the end I didn't think this book would be such a big deal, and even as I finish writing this entry I still don't, but then I realize that I just wrote a school report on it. LOL.
I'm glad this book was here to help me realize a lot of things.
Thank you for sharing your story Julie.
love
-w0rld
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Running 6.5 miles... and an injury.
Today was the day. I was finally going to be able to have the time, the motivation and the plan to run 6 miles non-stop as part of training for the 10k race I signed up for at the end of the month.
I waited a few hours in the morning, had breakfast, chatted, and used the facilities. I put on my new sports bra, old sports shirt, over shirt and slacks. I laced up my running shoes grabbed my phone and it's new arm band I got at Target a week or so ago. I set Pandora radio on "Club Music and was ready to go. My run on Wednesday helped me find a new loop that would take me around for 4.6 miles. All I had to do after that was do the 2 mile loop I've gotten used to and TA DA! I'd complete a 10k run! More than that actually.
It was a great plan. I'd run 6 miles before but I had to stop after the first 2 miles last time because I don't know about you but running makes me have to visit the little girls room like you can't believe. It's annoying, uncomfortable and a hassle. I'm learning to work around that body fluke. But anyway the first time I ran 6 miles a few weeks ago I had to do a potty break after 2 miles and then complete the next 4 miles. So I ran 6 miles but I had to stop.
This time I wasn't stopping. It was interesting because most of the run was going to be on pavement but there is an almost 2 mile stretch next to a highway. I found out that there is a horse trail parallel to the highway and I figured it would be a better, safer route to take than have to move to let cars pass every five minutes. It was good because I didn't have to worry about traffic but I am NOT used to trail running and although I've done some of that stretch once or twice before that horse trail always changes with weather and erosion so I had to be very careful of where and how I stepped.
After the two mile trail running stretch I headed back to camp down a curvy trail, made it back to my starting point and kept going. I was going to do another, smaller 2 mile loop to finish my 6+ miles.
I had to motivate myself to keep going on that last stretch but I did it. I finished my jog in 1hr and 28 minutes. Most of that time was spent either watching where I was stepping, day dreaming about cooking or enjoying the view of all the gorgeous ranch houses I passed along the way. But when I finally stopped and sat down, relieving my feet of my weight I was able to feel my feet and legs throbbing. Talk about pounding the pavement. A minute later I started feeling a piercing pain in my left arch. "Aaah sh**" was all I could say to that.
This wasn't the first time I'd felt a bit of pain in my left arch. I figured the last time that I stepped wrong during a hike and my foot had swelled up. I had iced it and elevated it and eventually the pain went away. So today when I felt my left arch hurt, and as the minutes continued the pain got stronger and stronger, I knew I was in trouble.
By the time I finished stretching, went back to the house and took off my shoes my left foot was in agony. My first instinct is to use 'arnica' and massage it. But I don't have 'arnica', don't even know what it's called in English, and my foot was in too much pain for me to want to touch it.
Eventually, after google-ing foot cramps, texting my mom, and feeling my foot out I left my room and hopped to the fridge where I knew we had ice packs. My roommates gave me suggestions and one of them handed me a book called Fix you Feet. I gratefully accepted everything, wobbled back to my room, elevated my foot, put on the ice pack and opened the Foot book to heel and arch pain.
Eventually after putting on and taking off the ice pack and stretching my foot to localize the pain I realized I was starving. I needed to get up to cook lunch and take some Advil. (I learned the hard way that you can't take Advil with an empty stomach so I NEEDED to eat something before I could indulge in pain killers.) So I wrapped my foot up and headed to the kitchen.
I heated up tomato soup, added garlic, garlic salt, oregano, baby spinach and slices of grilled chicken. I had to limp run to the smoke alarm to turn it off because apparently my kitchen doesn't appreciate the smell of smokey garlic cooking. I had to call the Fire department and tell them it was a false alarm, but finally I got to sit and eat.... and take Advil. LOL
Now I'm in bed with my wrapped foot slightly elevated and the pain killers are taking effect. In a few hours I'll inspect the damage and I might add a hot press.
I'm a little bummed I got hurt but I'm hoping that the foot will get better soon and that it mainly had to do with over exertion and lack of hydration on my part (I definitely didn't have any water on this run, and it was a warm sunny day too.)
Do I regret running this far. Not at all. I'm actually ecstatic that I was able to finish such a long run. This is the farthest I've ever run non-stop EVER! I know now that I have to take care of my feet if I'm planning on continuing this running regime. I really hope that by tomorrow my foot is better. I need to keep training to be ready for my 10k at the end of the month.
Wish me luck and remember to take care of your feet!
love
-w0rld
 |
| I got one of these suckers. |
It was a great plan. I'd run 6 miles before but I had to stop after the first 2 miles last time because I don't know about you but running makes me have to visit the little girls room like you can't believe. It's annoying, uncomfortable and a hassle. I'm learning to work around that body fluke. But anyway the first time I ran 6 miles a few weeks ago I had to do a potty break after 2 miles and then complete the next 4 miles. So I ran 6 miles but I had to stop. |
| Yeah, maybe one day right? LOL |
After the two mile trail running stretch I headed back to camp down a curvy trail, made it back to my starting point and kept going. I was going to do another, smaller 2 mile loop to finish my 6+ miles.
I had to motivate myself to keep going on that last stretch but I did it. I finished my jog in 1hr and 28 minutes. Most of that time was spent either watching where I was stepping, day dreaming about cooking or enjoying the view of all the gorgeous ranch houses I passed along the way. But when I finally stopped and sat down, relieving my feet of my weight I was able to feel my feet and legs throbbing. Talk about pounding the pavement. A minute later I started feeling a piercing pain in my left arch. "Aaah sh**" was all I could say to that.
 |
| Right about there, yes. |
By the time I finished stretching, went back to the house and took off my shoes my left foot was in agony. My first instinct is to use 'arnica' and massage it. But I don't have 'arnica', don't even know what it's called in English, and my foot was in too much pain for me to want to touch it.
Eventually, after google-ing foot cramps, texting my mom, and feeling my foot out I left my room and hopped to the fridge where I knew we had ice packs. My roommates gave me suggestions and one of them handed me a book called Fix you Feet. I gratefully accepted everything, wobbled back to my room, elevated my foot, put on the ice pack and opened the Foot book to heel and arch pain.
 |
| Gotta love it. |
I heated up tomato soup, added garlic, garlic salt, oregano, baby spinach and slices of grilled chicken. I had to limp run to the smoke alarm to turn it off because apparently my kitchen doesn't appreciate the smell of smokey garlic cooking. I had to call the Fire department and tell them it was a false alarm, but finally I got to sit and eat.... and take Advil. LOL
Now I'm in bed with my wrapped foot slightly elevated and the pain killers are taking effect. In a few hours I'll inspect the damage and I might add a hot press.
I'm a little bummed I got hurt but I'm hoping that the foot will get better soon and that it mainly had to do with over exertion and lack of hydration on my part (I definitely didn't have any water on this run, and it was a warm sunny day too.)
Do I regret running this far. Not at all. I'm actually ecstatic that I was able to finish such a long run. This is the farthest I've ever run non-stop EVER! I know now that I have to take care of my feet if I'm planning on continuing this running regime. I really hope that by tomorrow my foot is better. I need to keep training to be ready for my 10k at the end of the month.
Wish me luck and remember to take care of your feet!
love
-w0rld
Monday, March 5, 2012
March Weigh In!
It's a new month! I can't believe February is over. I admit last month was one of the hardest to stay up and motivated. The weather, injuries, laziness, and everything else really put up a fight.
I'm trying to find my rhythm again. But for now we have results so here goes.
March Weigh In: 218.4 lbs (-1 lbs)
One pound. One measly pound is the result I had for the month of February. You may think that this is nothing. That I simply maintained and didn't try my hardest. For me it just means that I didn't give up despite struggling. That although I wasn't as active or diet conscious as I could have been I was still able to lose SOMETHING.
After spending over two years trying to lose weight and using this blog to help me I'm learning that it is not as easy as it first seemed. Just control your food in take and stay active. Calories in vs. calories out. That's it right? It isn't.
In reality when I get to the technical parts of it yes, being more active and burning more calories than I consume is the formula. But learning what foods are better for me, learning how to not resort to food when I'm stressed or emotional, learning that just being active doesn't help when I don't mix it up or I don't enjoy the activity... all these facts are things I'm learning more and more as I continue my journey.
-----
I remember a blogger a while ago stated she wasn't the type of person that can just decide to stick to a program and steadily lose weight. That they were the type to yo-yo up and down and that they accepted that about themselves. I'm realizing more and more that I have a loooong way to go to reach my goal weight. Not because I CAN'T lose the weight but because I have a lot of other things I need to work on. Things like:
I need to work on my self-discipline when it comes to food.
I need to learn that food is going to be there later.
I need to learn about portion control and to choose what foods to eat and what foods to say no to.
With exercise I need to learn to commit to something that makes me happy. I can't force myself to do an activity I don't enjoy.
I need to learn to stop giving excuses in my life and simply just do it. It's a never ending inward struggle.
I need to learn to stop comparing myself to others. This is a BIG one. I currently live in a house of very active people. It's awesome but it also doesn't help because they have the ability to be more lenient with their food, eat the same amount of food I do and not have the same consequences. I can't act or eat like they do because my body is very different from theirs.
I realized I need to start spending more time giving my full attention to my food. Yesterday morning I made a great breakfast and spent time cooking it. After I actually sat down with pen and paper, looked through every nutrition fact and did the calorie counting by hand. It's easy to just go to a computer program and guesstimate kind of what I ate and substitute one thing for another because "it's the same shit right?" So I went in and added, subtracted, multiplied and divided until I got the most accurate account for my big breakfast. How much was it? It was 853 calories. That's right, 853 calories. I of course wasn't hungry until 3 or 4pm later that day but that number was amazing.
I just have to keep going. Just keep going. Work on getting better and make each day count. Waiting to do things "tomorrow" add up and before I know it I've lost a month here and 12 days there. That goes for this blog as well. I have so many ideas for entries for this blog but before I know it the week has passed and it's Monday again.
I refuse to give up! I deserve better than a gluttonous life!
At the same time I'm also guilty of waiting "until I lose the weight" to do things.
"I'll wear pretty clothes when I'll look nicer."
"I'll date when I'm not so hideous looking."
"I'll party when I can fit in to those pants."
"I'll go on a big adventure when I'm better."
"I don't want them to see me until I'm lighter."
By the rate of it I'll never live my life if I wait. I'll never gain confidence if my life depends on the scale or what I ate the day before. I'm soo tired of being afraid, of being self-conscious, of low self-esteem, of worrying about what others think or how I look next to others. I don't want to have my weight be a factor when I'm looking for a job or meeting someone new. I'm tired of feeling this way.
I want this journey to be fun. It's meant to be enlightening, challenging, and rewarding. I don't want to spend my time dreading or worrying or wondering if I'll ever make it. I'm trying to find my niche. I'm trying to find what works for me. This is a life change. It'll take time before I get it right. I'm willing to invest the time.
Are you?
I'll post again in a couple of days.
Happy March!
-w0rld
I'm trying to find my rhythm again. But for now we have results so here goes.
March Weigh In: 218.4 lbs (-1 lbs)
One pound. One measly pound is the result I had for the month of February. You may think that this is nothing. That I simply maintained and didn't try my hardest. For me it just means that I didn't give up despite struggling. That although I wasn't as active or diet conscious as I could have been I was still able to lose SOMETHING.
After spending over two years trying to lose weight and using this blog to help me I'm learning that it is not as easy as it first seemed. Just control your food in take and stay active. Calories in vs. calories out. That's it right? It isn't.
In reality when I get to the technical parts of it yes, being more active and burning more calories than I consume is the formula. But learning what foods are better for me, learning how to not resort to food when I'm stressed or emotional, learning that just being active doesn't help when I don't mix it up or I don't enjoy the activity... all these facts are things I'm learning more and more as I continue my journey.
-----
I remember a blogger a while ago stated she wasn't the type of person that can just decide to stick to a program and steadily lose weight. That they were the type to yo-yo up and down and that they accepted that about themselves. I'm realizing more and more that I have a loooong way to go to reach my goal weight. Not because I CAN'T lose the weight but because I have a lot of other things I need to work on. Things like:
I need to work on my self-discipline when it comes to food.
I need to learn that food is going to be there later.
I need to learn about portion control and to choose what foods to eat and what foods to say no to.
With exercise I need to learn to commit to something that makes me happy. I can't force myself to do an activity I don't enjoy.
I need to learn to stop giving excuses in my life and simply just do it. It's a never ending inward struggle.
I need to learn to stop comparing myself to others. This is a BIG one. I currently live in a house of very active people. It's awesome but it also doesn't help because they have the ability to be more lenient with their food, eat the same amount of food I do and not have the same consequences. I can't act or eat like they do because my body is very different from theirs.
I realized I need to start spending more time giving my full attention to my food. Yesterday morning I made a great breakfast and spent time cooking it. After I actually sat down with pen and paper, looked through every nutrition fact and did the calorie counting by hand. It's easy to just go to a computer program and guesstimate kind of what I ate and substitute one thing for another because "it's the same shit right?" So I went in and added, subtracted, multiplied and divided until I got the most accurate account for my big breakfast. How much was it? It was 853 calories. That's right, 853 calories. I of course wasn't hungry until 3 or 4pm later that day but that number was amazing.
I just have to keep going. Just keep going. Work on getting better and make each day count. Waiting to do things "tomorrow" add up and before I know it I've lost a month here and 12 days there. That goes for this blog as well. I have so many ideas for entries for this blog but before I know it the week has passed and it's Monday again.
I refuse to give up! I deserve better than a gluttonous life!
At the same time I'm also guilty of waiting "until I lose the weight" to do things.
"I'll wear pretty clothes when I'll look nicer."
"I'll date when I'm not so hideous looking."
"I'll party when I can fit in to those pants."
"I'll go on a big adventure when I'm better."
"I don't want them to see me until I'm lighter."
By the rate of it I'll never live my life if I wait. I'll never gain confidence if my life depends on the scale or what I ate the day before. I'm soo tired of being afraid, of being self-conscious, of low self-esteem, of worrying about what others think or how I look next to others. I don't want to have my weight be a factor when I'm looking for a job or meeting someone new. I'm tired of feeling this way.
I want this journey to be fun. It's meant to be enlightening, challenging, and rewarding. I don't want to spend my time dreading or worrying or wondering if I'll ever make it. I'm trying to find my niche. I'm trying to find what works for me. This is a life change. It'll take time before I get it right. I'm willing to invest the time.
Are you?
I'll post again in a couple of days.
Happy March!
-w0rld
Monday, February 13, 2012
Non-Weigh In/ An epic race and familiar faces
Good Morning and Happy Monday! I've had a long eventful week, and at the same time a very lazy week. My numbers show that pretty well this morning.
Measurements:
Hips: 48.75 inches (+0.25 inches)
Waist: 45.25 inches (+0.25 inches)
Arm: 14.75 inches (same)
Thigh: 26 inches (same)
Calf: 17 inches (+0.5 inches)
I am sadly not surprised at these numbers though I had hoped to maintain just a little more this week.
------------------------------------
Achievement(s): Last week was very lazy food and exercise wise and yet it was very eventful otherwise. My results show that.
Water: I drank over 50 oz of water about 4/7 days the rest of the time I drank enough but I found myself pretty dehydrated.
Calories: I stopped and re-started counting throughout the week, although I tried my best to stay away from grains and try more paleo friendly varieties. I'm trying to slowly wean myself and it's going.. well slowly.
Monday: 1690
Tuesday: 1950
Wednesday: ?
Thursday: 2038
Friday: 1958
Saturday: ?
Sunday: 1683
Although it may seem like I didn't do too badly, the type of food I was eating, and the little things I might have added the days I didn't count pretty much added up. Gotta be more accountable.
Strength Training: The main strength training I might have done is using my muscles on Monday when I finally climbed our climbing tower. It was an amazing day and I definitely felt some muscles I didn't even knew I had. Other than that, on Saturday I decided to walk over to our archery range and practice my form. Let's just say I need a lot of work but it's not bad. My arms however really felt the pull I was giving them. LOL
Cardio: Lazy, lazy week. Most of the cardio I ended up getting was part of work, and very little was on my own.
Monday: I climbed a 60 foot tower.
Tuesday: Short uphill hike
Wednesday: -
Thursday: 3 mile hike and 30 minutes of cardio dancing
Friday: 3.1 mile jog and 1.5 hours of dancing
Saturday: 1 mile hike
Sunday: 2 mile fast walk
On Monday and Tuesday I was still tight and sore from the epic hike I had the weekend before. It limited my activities tremendously. On Wednesday, although no longer sore I had grown accustomed to being lazy and didn't end up doing anything. On Thursday we ended up having our long hike we have with the kids and it felt great. On Friday I FINALLY got off my ass and decided to go for a jog. It was slow and unsteady but it was done and I was glad I did it.
On Saturday I was lazy again but got up long enough to accompany my co-worker to do some trail blazing. He would bring the big loppers and cut branches from an old hiking trail we have near our camp. My job would be to follow him and get rid of all those cut branches. After a while I developed a nice tossing form. We ended up staying out until about dusk and had to figure out how to get off the hill, without a trail, in the dark. Nice!
------------------------
On Sunday, oh Sunday, my co-workers had a race in Palm Springs. They were a relay team and it was awesome. I was not part of the relay team but I instantly assigned myself to be the cheerleader/ support group.
We got there right before 7 a.m. The start was there and there were tons and tons of people.
My co-worker who started the race was so fast I didn't get a chance to take a picture of him as he rode off so instead I took a picture of the giant troop of people going around the corner after the start. Crazy!
After the first relay tag exchange I suddenly see someone else zoom by that I recognize. "David, it's David!" An old family friend. I instantly call his wife and she's in Palm Springs too! Just around the corner from me. So I literally RUN to where she is and end up catching up with her as she helps the racers hydrate in one of the water stations.
After running around like crazy the race ends and my co-workers won in their division! We wait and lounge in the grass while we wait to receive their first place prize. Here the overall male winner and female winner of the half marathon shake hands. What amazing people!
Although I wasn't running in this race, just being around this event, and meeting people, cheering and running in to old friends (who are an inspiration themselves) really got me pumped up. I will never regret getting off my ass and allowing myself to enter this world. I really love it. I love how happy people seem despite how tired they are. I love seeing how active people are, how healthy people look and how they bring their families with them. I love looking at all the different ages, sizes, and types of people at these events. I get a kick of their outfits and love it when they run with their baby strollers. It's amazing.
Now I have to start training so I can join in the next race; which brings us to....
Goals: It's time to stop lazying around. I'm going to get stricter in my diet and start training for my 10k in March. I have never run that far. I want to start getting used to it and not kill myself during the race. When I talked to my old friend she reminded me of something, "It's not about the time or winning, it's about having fun and going for it." I completely agree. So I won't be worried about how fast or slow I am. I just want to run in this race and do a good job. I can do this! I have to start now... especially because I really want to do a half marathon in May. LOL
Have a great week!
love
-w0rld
Measurements:
Hips: 48.75 inches (+0.25 inches)
Waist: 45.25 inches (+0.25 inches)
Arm: 14.75 inches (same)
Thigh: 26 inches (same)
Calf: 17 inches (+0.5 inches)
I am sadly not surprised at these numbers though I had hoped to maintain just a little more this week.
------------------------------------
Achievement(s): Last week was very lazy food and exercise wise and yet it was very eventful otherwise. My results show that.
Water: I drank over 50 oz of water about 4/7 days the rest of the time I drank enough but I found myself pretty dehydrated.
Calories: I stopped and re-started counting throughout the week, although I tried my best to stay away from grains and try more paleo friendly varieties. I'm trying to slowly wean myself and it's going.. well slowly.
Monday: 1690
Tuesday: 1950
Wednesday: ?
Thursday: 2038
Friday: 1958
Saturday: ?
Sunday: 1683
Although it may seem like I didn't do too badly, the type of food I was eating, and the little things I might have added the days I didn't count pretty much added up. Gotta be more accountable.
Strength Training: The main strength training I might have done is using my muscles on Monday when I finally climbed our climbing tower. It was an amazing day and I definitely felt some muscles I didn't even knew I had. Other than that, on Saturday I decided to walk over to our archery range and practice my form. Let's just say I need a lot of work but it's not bad. My arms however really felt the pull I was giving them. LOL
Cardio: Lazy, lazy week. Most of the cardio I ended up getting was part of work, and very little was on my own.
Monday: I climbed a 60 foot tower.
Tuesday: Short uphill hike
Wednesday: -
Thursday: 3 mile hike and 30 minutes of cardio dancing
Friday: 3.1 mile jog and 1.5 hours of dancing
Saturday: 1 mile hike
Sunday: 2 mile fast walk
On Monday and Tuesday I was still tight and sore from the epic hike I had the weekend before. It limited my activities tremendously. On Wednesday, although no longer sore I had grown accustomed to being lazy and didn't end up doing anything. On Thursday we ended up having our long hike we have with the kids and it felt great. On Friday I FINALLY got off my ass and decided to go for a jog. It was slow and unsteady but it was done and I was glad I did it.
On Saturday I was lazy again but got up long enough to accompany my co-worker to do some trail blazing. He would bring the big loppers and cut branches from an old hiking trail we have near our camp. My job would be to follow him and get rid of all those cut branches. After a while I developed a nice tossing form. We ended up staying out until about dusk and had to figure out how to get off the hill, without a trail, in the dark. Nice!
------------------------
On Sunday, oh Sunday, my co-workers had a race in Palm Springs. They were a relay team and it was awesome. I was not part of the relay team but I instantly assigned myself to be the cheerleader/ support group.
We got there right before 7 a.m. The start was there and there were tons and tons of people.
My co-worker who started the race was so fast I didn't get a chance to take a picture of him as he rode off so instead I took a picture of the giant troop of people going around the corner after the start. Crazy!
After the first relay tag exchange I suddenly see someone else zoom by that I recognize. "David, it's David!" An old family friend. I instantly call his wife and she's in Palm Springs too! Just around the corner from me. So I literally RUN to where she is and end up catching up with her as she helps the racers hydrate in one of the water stations.
small world!
After running around like crazy the race ends and my co-workers won in their division! We wait and lounge in the grass while we wait to receive their first place prize. Here the overall male winner and female winner of the half marathon shake hands. What amazing people!
Although I wasn't running in this race, just being around this event, and meeting people, cheering and running in to old friends (who are an inspiration themselves) really got me pumped up. I will never regret getting off my ass and allowing myself to enter this world. I really love it. I love how happy people seem despite how tired they are. I love seeing how active people are, how healthy people look and how they bring their families with them. I love looking at all the different ages, sizes, and types of people at these events. I get a kick of their outfits and love it when they run with their baby strollers. It's amazing.
Now I have to start training so I can join in the next race; which brings us to....
Goals: It's time to stop lazying around. I'm going to get stricter in my diet and start training for my 10k in March. I have never run that far. I want to start getting used to it and not kill myself during the race. When I talked to my old friend she reminded me of something, "It's not about the time or winning, it's about having fun and going for it." I completely agree. So I won't be worried about how fast or slow I am. I just want to run in this race and do a good job. I can do this! I have to start now... especially because I really want to do a half marathon in May. LOL
Have a great week!
love
-w0rld
Saturday, January 7, 2012
I love running at night.
I love running at night. I didn't realize this until last night when I went for a slow jog around my neighborhood after dinner.
I've always jogged in the morning. It's been my thing where I wake up, stretch, moan and groan, put on my shoes and go outside. After a while, and after attempting to run first thing after waking up in the morning I realized it wasn't the greatest idea. (Runners might know what I'm talking about here but I'm not going to elaborate.) So a few times and especially recently I've tried running after work/dinner.
Because it's winter it gets dark early so by 5pm it's pitch black in the mountain and it gets chilly. This week has actually been amazing and the weather last night was around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at around 7pm. So I started my 2 mile loop. I had a headlamp with me, not because I needed it, but because I wanted to make sure motorists saw ME. I realized early that I could see just fine with the moon and the few lights of the neighboring houses. Because I live in such a beautiful area I can see the stars, there's hardly any traffic and it's quiet.
Now you may tell me, that's fine and dandy for you Elina but I live in a city. Well I started doing the same thing when I was home. In one of the major streets and over the highway bridge. I still liked it.
The main thing about it is that there are less distractions. Things are calmer, I can't see a lot of color and details and so my eyes don't wander. I can't tell where my next turn is going to be so I don't stress about when I'm going to get there and how slow I'm going. I just jog. I'll get there when I get there. It feels really good.
Last night really drove that home for me. It was my first time jogging that loop since coming back to work. I was worried, knowing how out of shape I am. But with my slow/steady pace it went great and literally before I knew it I was turning my last corner and finishing the last stretch no problem. Thirty minutes of exercise done in a snap. It felt great.
Now the problem is keeping it up. Keeping up my night routines after long days, or cold nights etc when I'm tired and cranky and all I want to do is put my comfy pants on and go to bed. I have to keep that in perspective.
For now I'm happy. I love running at night. Do you?
-w0rld
I've always jogged in the morning. It's been my thing where I wake up, stretch, moan and groan, put on my shoes and go outside. After a while, and after attempting to run first thing after waking up in the morning I realized it wasn't the greatest idea. (Runners might know what I'm talking about here but I'm not going to elaborate.) So a few times and especially recently I've tried running after work/dinner.
Because it's winter it gets dark early so by 5pm it's pitch black in the mountain and it gets chilly. This week has actually been amazing and the weather last night was around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at around 7pm. So I started my 2 mile loop. I had a headlamp with me, not because I needed it, but because I wanted to make sure motorists saw ME. I realized early that I could see just fine with the moon and the few lights of the neighboring houses. Because I live in such a beautiful area I can see the stars, there's hardly any traffic and it's quiet.
Now you may tell me, that's fine and dandy for you Elina but I live in a city. Well I started doing the same thing when I was home. In one of the major streets and over the highway bridge. I still liked it.
The main thing about it is that there are less distractions. Things are calmer, I can't see a lot of color and details and so my eyes don't wander. I can't tell where my next turn is going to be so I don't stress about when I'm going to get there and how slow I'm going. I just jog. I'll get there when I get there. It feels really good.
Last night really drove that home for me. It was my first time jogging that loop since coming back to work. I was worried, knowing how out of shape I am. But with my slow/steady pace it went great and literally before I knew it I was turning my last corner and finishing the last stretch no problem. Thirty minutes of exercise done in a snap. It felt great.
Now the problem is keeping it up. Keeping up my night routines after long days, or cold nights etc when I'm tired and cranky and all I want to do is put my comfy pants on and go to bed. I have to keep that in perspective.
For now I'm happy. I love running at night. Do you?
-w0rld
Friday, January 6, 2012
Back to Work!
It's Back to Work time! I mean that literally and figuratively since three days ago I returned to the mountain and instantly proceeded to start Winter/Spring training for the next season. I also mean it's "back to work" time because I'm in full swing with my new plan. (Which should be called my old plan renewed but alas I digress).
If you remember I've decided to go back to doing small streaks. Committing to an action whether it's drinking a certain amount of water for a week, counting calories for a week, or doing an exercise program for a week. I've started all three.
I started on Tuesday but in reality I started full swing on Wednesday when I returned to work. Now that I have a smartphone (oh snap Elina is up to date with technology? What is this world coming to?)
I downloaded this wonderful app called "My Fitness Pal". It's calorie counter is very impressive and has a much simpler system than the one in sparkpeople.com. That and I can carry it with me so I can easily add food I've eaten right there on the table.
I've so far kept my calories under 1500. The main reason it hasn't gone over is for the unfortunate fact that I've had some sort of food poisoning this week and apart from the stomach cramps and occasional dry heaving, the thought of food just wasn't very appealing.
I'm feeling much better now, though the occasional dull pain in my stomach reminds me not to go crazy when I do feel better.
As for water, I've mainly been keeping up my 50-64oz a day due in part again with my stomach problems. The cure for almost any ailment is hydration (in my opinion) so I've been downing water like a fiend! LOL
With exercise I've been following my You are Your Own Gym regimen I started in December. I started over since I kind of abandoned it during the holidays. I've also managed to jog one mile a couple of days ago (I didn't feel comfortable doing anymore when all I really wanted to do is find some pepto, curl up in a ball and fall asleep), and yesterday my co-workers and I went on a nice hike during our training.
Although the hike was at most 2 miles, the up and down trail and keeping up with the nice pace of my co-workers really helped get my heart pumping and my legs moving. It's times like these that I remember why I love hiking, love nature, and love my job. LOL
I've noticed so far that my face is less bloated, and although I haven't checked I don't feel as bloated in general. All is good.
Now I'll do a check in again on Monday; however, I will not be weighing in. I decided, at least for now, NO MORE WEEKLY WEIGH INS!
I've had enough time to know and notice that I let the scale choose my mood. Although I try not to, the number on the scale either defeats me or delights me. I don't want that number to chain me down from my achievements. So for now I will not step on the scale every week. I WILL do a MONTHLY weigh in though. Scale or no this is a weight loss journey and knowing where I am, at least monthly, is still important.
Off to breakfast!
love
-w0rld
If you remember I've decided to go back to doing small streaks. Committing to an action whether it's drinking a certain amount of water for a week, counting calories for a week, or doing an exercise program for a week. I've started all three.
I started on Tuesday but in reality I started full swing on Wednesday when I returned to work. Now that I have a smartphone (oh snap Elina is up to date with technology? What is this world coming to?)
My first attempt at taking a picture with my phone and attaching it to the inter-webs
I downloaded this wonderful app called "My Fitness Pal". It's calorie counter is very impressive and has a much simpler system than the one in sparkpeople.com. That and I can carry it with me so I can easily add food I've eaten right there on the table.
I've so far kept my calories under 1500. The main reason it hasn't gone over is for the unfortunate fact that I've had some sort of food poisoning this week and apart from the stomach cramps and occasional dry heaving, the thought of food just wasn't very appealing.
I'm feeling much better now, though the occasional dull pain in my stomach reminds me not to go crazy when I do feel better.
As for water, I've mainly been keeping up my 50-64oz a day due in part again with my stomach problems. The cure for almost any ailment is hydration (in my opinion) so I've been downing water like a fiend! LOL
With exercise I've been following my You are Your Own Gym regimen I started in December. I started over since I kind of abandoned it during the holidays. I've also managed to jog one mile a couple of days ago (I didn't feel comfortable doing anymore when all I really wanted to do is find some pepto, curl up in a ball and fall asleep), and yesterday my co-workers and I went on a nice hike during our training.
The view of Taquitz peak in the San Jacinto mts
Although the hike was at most 2 miles, the up and down trail and keeping up with the nice pace of my co-workers really helped get my heart pumping and my legs moving. It's times like these that I remember why I love hiking, love nature, and love my job. LOL
I've noticed so far that my face is less bloated, and although I haven't checked I don't feel as bloated in general. All is good.
Now I'll do a check in again on Monday; however, I will not be weighing in. I decided, at least for now, NO MORE WEEKLY WEIGH INS!
I've had enough time to know and notice that I let the scale choose my mood. Although I try not to, the number on the scale either defeats me or delights me. I don't want that number to chain me down from my achievements. So for now I will not step on the scale every week. I WILL do a MONTHLY weigh in though. Scale or no this is a weight loss journey and knowing where I am, at least monthly, is still important.
Off to breakfast!
love
-w0rld
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012 Weigh In and Plan
Hello Everyone! I hope everyone had a fantastic celebration ringing in the New Year. I had a nice time with my family. Now it's January 1st and it's time for celebrations to end and to get back to work.
I admit I've been almost completely off track this last week and a half. My few work outs here and there could not compensate for the amount of food (and the type of food) I have been consuming during the holidays. To add to that I've been completely idle, laying around the house, doing some spring cleaning, laying around some more. I've been feeling bloated and sick. So when I finally weighed myself early this morning the number on the scale didn't shock me that much (the evidence was in the mirror) but it didn't stop me from having a mini-break down and almost crying myself back to sleep as I intentionally hid back in to the covers.
Current Weight: 224.6 lbs ( +9.8 lbs in 12 days)
Binge eating doesn't begin to explain what I've been doing. But it never ceases to amaze me how I can gain such a large amount of weight in such little time. That means that I gained almost a pound a day. That's amazing. Horrible, yet truly amazing.
Well vacation and gluttony is over. In a couple of days I'm going to be heading back up the mountain and I already started my new plan and my new goals.
The Main Goal for the Year:
My main goal for this year (besides finally getting to goal weight and I'm not kidding this time) is being able to walk a marathon and (if possible) try a triathlon. That means training. That means commitment and signing up for races. That means getting on a bike (which I haven't done in years) and figuring that out again.
Well guess what I've already started! I signed up for a 5k! It's for the last weekend of January! Eeek! So I need to really start training more.
I started last week already. I probably ran 5k's every other day last week. I've been pretty slow. Since I hadn't really jogged since November I knew that was going to happen. I'm pretty confident that I'll be ok for this 5k.
From there I plan to save money and head back to Catalina Island this spring to finish the Trans Catalina trail. It's over 15 miles and it's pretty steep for most of it. So I'm also planning on hiking a ton to get prepared for the Trans Cat.
Now the main thing is food. It's always about the food. So I finally decided to buy The Paleo Diet book by Loren Cordain. I keep talking and mentioning that I want to work on my diet and Paleo has caught my attention for a long time now. Fortunately, thanks to a couple of wonderful people I've gotten more resources to learning about the diet and life changes.
To help me with my hiking I bought a local hiker guide book to get the most out of my wanderings:
and to keep me motivated I happily bought the awesome Sean Anderson's new book Transformation Road
I'm really excited about this book and hope to have a good read if not have a new inspirational tool.
I ordered all books to my address in the mountain and hopefully the books will be waiting for me when I get back to work.
Now how am I going to achieve all of this without burning out and giving up? Small steps and commitment.
The Small-yet-Big Goals
Looking back at my past successes it's always been the really small steps that have helped me out. Making small streaks and doing things where you go "a little farther" every day is what's helped me get this far. Discarding that is what's gotten me to re-gain.
So although I have these big plans I'm starting small. I'm going to focus on one thing at a time.
My first streak is going to be jogging/walking daily. I'm going to attempt to do that for a week.
Another streak is going to be finishing my 64 oz water bottle everyday. Whether I drink more water than that is fine but finishing that water bottle will be enough for now.
The last initial streak I'll try is eating less grains. If I can try to eat as little grains as possible for each meal for a week that will be enough for now.
A little goes a long way!
So that's it. I have high hopes for 2012. It all depends on how determined and disciplined I can be. This is it. I can do this! And I KNOW you can too.
Let's start the year off right.
love
-w0rld
I admit I've been almost completely off track this last week and a half. My few work outs here and there could not compensate for the amount of food (and the type of food) I have been consuming during the holidays. To add to that I've been completely idle, laying around the house, doing some spring cleaning, laying around some more. I've been feeling bloated and sick. So when I finally weighed myself early this morning the number on the scale didn't shock me that much (the evidence was in the mirror) but it didn't stop me from having a mini-break down and almost crying myself back to sleep as I intentionally hid back in to the covers.
Current Weight: 224.6 lbs ( +9.8 lbs in 12 days)
Binge eating doesn't begin to explain what I've been doing. But it never ceases to amaze me how I can gain such a large amount of weight in such little time. That means that I gained almost a pound a day. That's amazing. Horrible, yet truly amazing.
Well vacation and gluttony is over. In a couple of days I'm going to be heading back up the mountain and I already started my new plan and my new goals.
The Main Goal for the Year:
My main goal for this year (besides finally getting to goal weight and I'm not kidding this time) is being able to walk a marathon and (if possible) try a triathlon. That means training. That means commitment and signing up for races. That means getting on a bike (which I haven't done in years) and figuring that out again.
Well guess what I've already started! I signed up for a 5k! It's for the last weekend of January! Eeek! So I need to really start training more.
I started last week already. I probably ran 5k's every other day last week. I've been pretty slow. Since I hadn't really jogged since November I knew that was going to happen. I'm pretty confident that I'll be ok for this 5k.
From there I plan to save money and head back to Catalina Island this spring to finish the Trans Catalina trail. It's over 15 miles and it's pretty steep for most of it. So I'm also planning on hiking a ton to get prepared for the Trans Cat.
Now the main thing is food. It's always about the food. So I finally decided to buy The Paleo Diet book by Loren Cordain. I keep talking and mentioning that I want to work on my diet and Paleo has caught my attention for a long time now. Fortunately, thanks to a couple of wonderful people I've gotten more resources to learning about the diet and life changes.
To help me with my hiking I bought a local hiker guide book to get the most out of my wanderings:
and to keep me motivated I happily bought the awesome Sean Anderson's new book Transformation Road
I'm really excited about this book and hope to have a good read if not have a new inspirational tool.
I ordered all books to my address in the mountain and hopefully the books will be waiting for me when I get back to work.
Now how am I going to achieve all of this without burning out and giving up? Small steps and commitment.
The Small-yet-Big Goals
Looking back at my past successes it's always been the really small steps that have helped me out. Making small streaks and doing things where you go "a little farther" every day is what's helped me get this far. Discarding that is what's gotten me to re-gain.
So although I have these big plans I'm starting small. I'm going to focus on one thing at a time.
My first streak is going to be jogging/walking daily. I'm going to attempt to do that for a week.
Another streak is going to be finishing my 64 oz water bottle everyday. Whether I drink more water than that is fine but finishing that water bottle will be enough for now.
The last initial streak I'll try is eating less grains. If I can try to eat as little grains as possible for each meal for a week that will be enough for now.
A little goes a long way!
So that's it. I have high hopes for 2012. It all depends on how determined and disciplined I can be. This is it. I can do this! And I KNOW you can too.
Let's start the year off right.
love
-w0rld
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Second Blog-aversary: My Achievements
If you've been following my blog for a while you might remember that I claimed 2011 to be 'The Year of Risk Taking'. Last year was the 'Just Do It' year with great success. So how did I do this year? Let's find out.
Taking risks can be more than just about weight loss. I took this thing seriously when it came to my life. In January I had an "epiphany" as I like to call it. I decided that I wanted to move away from field biology and try my hand at Environmental Education. By the end of June this year I had taken a serious risk, quit my current field job, moved to an island and started working in Environmental Interpretation and I now work at a science camp for 5th and 6th graders.
This year I also decided to take a plunge in to something I usually ran away from: intimacy. Low self-esteem and self-worth can really screw a persons perspective on themselves. It's kind of like the whole saying, "How can you love others if you don't even love yourself?" Since I gained some confidence my relationships have taken a whole new level.
This year I've also tried to focus on my diet and tried different things. I attempted calorie counting, eating small portions/meals throughout the day, eating only when I'm hungry. I tried eating less carbs, eating less meat, juice fasting, and not doing anything on my diet and simply focus on exercise. All "diet" experiments came with mixed results and different levels of success in each.
With exercise my main risk and challenge was taking up jogging. I went from jog/walking to further jog stretches. I continued to the point of investing in running shoes (getting my gait measured and everything) and finally running in my first 5k race this November.
I hiked more than I have before. I've traveled a good deal within my state as well as having a couple of escapades whether or not I could afford it. LOL.
This year I was able to cross things off my Bucket List more than I have any year prior. Some of the items on the list were...
Drive a golf cart.
Learn how to use a bow and arrow.
Ride a horse.
Run a 5k.
...just to name a few.
So how do I feel?
I feel accomplished.
I feel stronger.
I feel more confident.
I feel.... good.
For the most part.
------------------------------------
But there are a lot more things I want to accomplish. This is just the start. There are a lot more goals I need to work on.
For 2012 I've decided to call it the year of "Going for the Goal". What does this mean?
It means that I will focus on working on specific goals to better myself. Now isn't this what I've been doing already? Yes, but this year I'm planning on taking it to the next level. I will not stop until I make that goal. And then I'll keep going to stay at that goal.
This year I will try my hardest to do the things I've been planning to do for YEARS. I will try my hardest to take those dancing classes I've been talking about for almost a decade. I will try to finally learn how to ride a motorcycle. I will try to move to the areas I've been dying to see and of course:
It's time to finally lose the weight and work on getting to my goal weight (175 lbs) by the end of 2012.
No more excuses. No more worrying what people think. No more stopping because of worrying about expenses. I'll make it work. I'll figure it out. I'll save. I'll sacrifice. I'll do what it takes.
This is the time to do it. I'm not getting any younger. (LOL). There is no one else to stop me but myself. Sure there is some unconscious sabotaging going on here and there but in the end it is my responsibility to resist, to ignore, to walk away from those temptations and those people.
My next post will be about the plans I have to start working toward that goal weight. I'm making a specific plan for the next couple of months to get me in to a good start for the rest of the year.
Have a good New Year everyone! Good luck on your goals, your challenges, your journey. I'll be checking in to see how everyone else is doing. LOL
love
-w0rld
Taking risks can be more than just about weight loss. I took this thing seriously when it came to my life. In January I had an "epiphany" as I like to call it. I decided that I wanted to move away from field biology and try my hand at Environmental Education. By the end of June this year I had taken a serious risk, quit my current field job, moved to an island and started working in Environmental Interpretation and I now work at a science camp for 5th and 6th graders.
This year I also decided to take a plunge in to something I usually ran away from: intimacy. Low self-esteem and self-worth can really screw a persons perspective on themselves. It's kind of like the whole saying, "How can you love others if you don't even love yourself?" Since I gained some confidence my relationships have taken a whole new level.
This year I've also tried to focus on my diet and tried different things. I attempted calorie counting, eating small portions/meals throughout the day, eating only when I'm hungry. I tried eating less carbs, eating less meat, juice fasting, and not doing anything on my diet and simply focus on exercise. All "diet" experiments came with mixed results and different levels of success in each.
With exercise my main risk and challenge was taking up jogging. I went from jog/walking to further jog stretches. I continued to the point of investing in running shoes (getting my gait measured and everything) and finally running in my first 5k race this November.
I hiked more than I have before. I've traveled a good deal within my state as well as having a couple of escapades whether or not I could afford it. LOL.
This year I was able to cross things off my Bucket List more than I have any year prior. Some of the items on the list were...
Drive a golf cart.
Learn how to use a bow and arrow.
Ride a horse.
Run a 5k.
...just to name a few.
So how do I feel?
I feel accomplished.
I feel stronger.
I feel more confident.
I feel.... good.
For the most part.
------------------------------------
But there are a lot more things I want to accomplish. This is just the start. There are a lot more goals I need to work on.
For 2012 I've decided to call it the year of "Going for the Goal". What does this mean?
It means that I will focus on working on specific goals to better myself. Now isn't this what I've been doing already? Yes, but this year I'm planning on taking it to the next level. I will not stop until I make that goal. And then I'll keep going to stay at that goal.
This year I will try my hardest to do the things I've been planning to do for YEARS. I will try my hardest to take those dancing classes I've been talking about for almost a decade. I will try to finally learn how to ride a motorcycle. I will try to move to the areas I've been dying to see and of course:
It's time to finally lose the weight and work on getting to my goal weight (175 lbs) by the end of 2012.
No more excuses. No more worrying what people think. No more stopping because of worrying about expenses. I'll make it work. I'll figure it out. I'll save. I'll sacrifice. I'll do what it takes.
This is the time to do it. I'm not getting any younger. (LOL). There is no one else to stop me but myself. Sure there is some unconscious sabotaging going on here and there but in the end it is my responsibility to resist, to ignore, to walk away from those temptations and those people.
My next post will be about the plans I have to start working toward that goal weight. I'm making a specific plan for the next couple of months to get me in to a good start for the rest of the year.
Have a good New Year everyone! Good luck on your goals, your challenges, your journey. I'll be checking in to see how everyone else is doing. LOL
love
-w0rld
Monday, December 5, 2011
So. Incredibly. Sore
As I mentioned in my last post I've started a new strength training routine following exercises from a book. Things seem to be going well but yesterday's "easy" exercises left me incredibly sore. To top that I decided to go on a hike with my co-worker. We ended up going up and down a canyon for 9 miles. Guess what that did to my legs. Yup! Sore!
My shoulders are sore from carrying a backpack.
My triceps are slightly sore from Seated Dips and Let Me Ups/Pull ups.
My upper abs are slightly sore from Pilates.
My glutes are sore from squats.
My inner thighs are incredibly sore from Romanian Dead Lifts.
My knees are sore from hiking up hill.
My feet are sore from hiking downhill.
My quads are sore from all of the above.
My calves are not sore but might as well be from the pain I get when I stretch my legs.
What does this mean?
Elina had a great weekend!
I just have to keep it up this week and not go on an eating binge or something crazy like that.
I'm going to take a break today and let my muscles relax. I'll continue my strength training routine tomorrow morning.
love
-w0rld
My shoulders are sore from carrying a backpack.
My triceps are slightly sore from Seated Dips and Let Me Ups/Pull ups.
My upper abs are slightly sore from Pilates.
My glutes are sore from squats.
My inner thighs are incredibly sore from Romanian Dead Lifts.
My knees are sore from hiking up hill.
My feet are sore from hiking downhill.
My quads are sore from all of the above.
My calves are not sore but might as well be from the pain I get when I stretch my legs.
What does this mean?
Elina had a great weekend!
I just have to keep it up this week and not go on an eating binge or something crazy like that.
I'm going to take a break today and let my muscles relax. I'll continue my strength training routine tomorrow morning.
love
-w0rld
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Reflections/Going home for Thanksgiving
It's that time of the season! Time to go home and celebrate a glutinous holiday. Am I ready?
I'm not sure really. But I did try something different this week. I (except for the days I was in charge of dinner) decided NOT to eat at the dining hall the entire week and instead eat my own food. You might think this was a wonderful idea.. and it could have been, but in reality I used it as an excuse to finish up all my packages of curry from Trader Joes, finish all my leftover veggies that were going bad and just finish everything before going home for the holidays. I honestly don't think I lost any weight this week (I'll weigh in tomorrow morning and assess the damage) but it proved that I CAN resist the greasy, thick and fake food from the kitchen.... for the most part.
And you know what? For the most part I feel good.
Now it's time for Thanksgiving. I'm going to be re-reading sections of Bethenny Frankels book about HOW to eat. It helped me A TON last year and I'm hoping to use that tool again this year.
I was having an insightful conversation with a friend of mine about really looking in to the reason why I haven't been able to lose weight this year. Physical limitations vs. psychological. The idea of unconsciously wanting to keep my weight in the fear that I'll lose my identity if I lose anymore. It's definitely possible.
I'm going to be working on that this week.. and although I can talk about these reflections in my CDCC check in tomorrow I wanted to give it its own post mainly because it's something worth noting.
Do I have the strength to resist food this holiday season? Can I finally push myself enough to get past my unconscious fears and return to ONEderland?
Do I have the strength and discipline?
The answer is yes, it's in there. Now do I have the drive to push myself to get there? That's the real question.
Good luck to all this week!
love
-w0rld
I'm not sure really. But I did try something different this week. I (except for the days I was in charge of dinner) decided NOT to eat at the dining hall the entire week and instead eat my own food. You might think this was a wonderful idea.. and it could have been, but in reality I used it as an excuse to finish up all my packages of curry from Trader Joes, finish all my leftover veggies that were going bad and just finish everything before going home for the holidays. I honestly don't think I lost any weight this week (I'll weigh in tomorrow morning and assess the damage) but it proved that I CAN resist the greasy, thick and fake food from the kitchen.... for the most part.
And you know what? For the most part I feel good.
Now it's time for Thanksgiving. I'm going to be re-reading sections of Bethenny Frankels book about HOW to eat. It helped me A TON last year and I'm hoping to use that tool again this year.
I was having an insightful conversation with a friend of mine about really looking in to the reason why I haven't been able to lose weight this year. Physical limitations vs. psychological. The idea of unconsciously wanting to keep my weight in the fear that I'll lose my identity if I lose anymore. It's definitely possible.
I'm going to be working on that this week.. and although I can talk about these reflections in my CDCC check in tomorrow I wanted to give it its own post mainly because it's something worth noting.
Do I have the strength to resist food this holiday season? Can I finally push myself enough to get past my unconscious fears and return to ONEderland?
Do I have the strength and discipline?
The answer is yes, it's in there. Now do I have the drive to push myself to get there? That's the real question.
Good luck to all this week!
love
-w0rld
Sunday, November 6, 2011
My First 5k!
I woke up yesterday morning at around 5 a.m. I wanted to get a quick walk/jog in before we even left the mountain to get my body moving and the juices flowing before race time.
It had snowed the night before (the first snow of the season!) and it was still pitch dark. I put on my layers and my new thick gloves on and started a power walk/trot. The stars were so gorgeous and the snow covered Jeffry pine trees looked so beautiful in the moon light I couldn't get over it. After a small loop around the horse pasture I came back and got ready for the race.
I told myself I was going to leave my bed hair for support.
Eventually the house woke up and by 6:30 a.m. we were driving down the mountain and to Palm Springs. The race started at 8:00 a.m. at the high school track and went around the block. We got there with plenty of time and checked in. I got my number, my bag of goodies and a T-shirt. My co-workers and I all went for a quick warm up jog right before the race and I still wasn't nervous. I was sure I would make it to the finish line. I just didn't know how long it was going to take me.
It had snowed the night before (the first snow of the season!) and it was still pitch dark. I put on my layers and my new thick gloves on and started a power walk/trot. The stars were so gorgeous and the snow covered Jeffry pine trees looked so beautiful in the moon light I couldn't get over it. After a small loop around the horse pasture I came back and got ready for the race.
I told myself I was going to leave my bed hair for support.
My bed hair. Yes I know, it looks like my regular hair. Nice right? LOL
Eventually the house woke up and by 6:30 a.m. we were driving down the mountain and to Palm Springs. The race started at 8:00 a.m. at the high school track and went around the block. We got there with plenty of time and checked in. I got my number, my bag of goodies and a T-shirt. My co-workers and I all went for a quick warm up jog right before the race and I still wasn't nervous. I was sure I would make it to the finish line. I just didn't know how long it was going to take me.
My co-workers (minus 1) right before the race. The mountains where I live in the background.
We lined up and I gave my camera to our boss who came with to support us. Once the gun was shot we were off and three out of the 5 of us were out of my eyesight before I could blink. I quickly realized there was no way I was going to catch up to any one of them and settled to my pace.
I can't remember exactly what song I had in my head but eventually I tried to keep time with a runner in front of me and came up with a "1, 2, 3, 4" pace.
Right around the 1 mile mark when I was finally getting a good pace going. :)
Soon that person slowed down and I passed them. By the time I'd finished the first major loop I suddenly realized I was repeating a mantra the whole time-Elina style;
"You-can-do-it. Oh-yeah. You-can-do-it. Al-right." Repeat. LOL
My pace picked up a little bit by the end and I finally passed the person I had been following for most of the race. In the last tiny stretch I gunned it and sprinted like CRAZY to the finish line.
Gunning it. The guy with the mic at the finish line even commented on it. "Whoa! Look at her go!" He he.
I finished the 5k race at 35 minutes 18 seconds. My best time EVER!
The whole way I had support. Our boss (who took all these pictures) met us at different intervals in the race and was able to catch a lot of our moments. By the time I got to the finish line my other co-workers were also at different ends of the track cheering me on and I never felt so grateful for support in my entire life. It was AWESOME~
The entire Pathfinder crew. My boss is the guy with the skirt. Gotta love it!
I finished the race, hugged everybody and posed for pictures. I was already ecstatic with my timing and finding out that one of my co-workers actually got 2nd out of ALL the racers. But it got better. I soon found out that in our age division not only did the two guys in my crew win 1st and 2nd place but us three girls won 1st, 2nd and 3rd (I was third.)!
So not only did we have a great time but we all got medals!
Over all it was one of the best experiences. I'm mainly excited about my time and I KNOW I can do better than that. I admit my eyes peeled in surprise at the timer as I zoomed by. I couldn't believe the time.
It was great. I will always remember the 5th of November, 2011
"Remember, remember the 5th of November..."
LOL
Have a great week every one!
love
-w0rld
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Hiking in the San Jacinto Mts/I signed up for a 5k!
Hello everyone,
It's been so busy all week and before I knew it it was the weekend and my weigh in/CDCC check in is tomorrow.
I wanted to update before checking in simply saying that this week has been better.
The week started off mediocre on food in take, water and lack of exercise but around Wednesday/Thursday I finally started to get my act together and started paying more attention to my food and tried to make time for some form of physical activity. It helped that, depending on the schedule, my job sometimes requires hikes and running around. Working with 5th and 6th graders can do that to you.
It really started Thursday night, after a minor mental breakdown (probably had to do with hormones or being a girl, I'm not sure) and complaining for weeks that I didn't want to jog at night because it's been so cold I finally bit my lip, put on some layers and my headlamp and did a quick jog around the camp. A total of 14 minutes makes me believe that I probably ran around 1 mile. It wasn't much but it was the push that I needed.
Yesterday was a big day. I ran around with kids in the morning, went hiking with co-workers in the afternoon, went jogging with a buddy in the evening (it was so nice of him to keep pace with me although I knew how slow my pace must have been for that running fiend.) and not only that but that night we went to karaoke and I probably danced for 2 hours straight. (What can I say, Michael Jackson and old classics do that to me. LOL)
My co-workers and I are supposed to be training for a 5k and I finally registered! It's official now, I'm running on my first race next weekend!
It's pretty awesome because this race is benefiting the Boys and Girls Club that actually started the Science Camp that I currently work for. It'll be a great opportunity to support the club as well as represent the camp, not to mention I get to finally fulfill my goal of running in a 5k! If you can't tell I'm VERY excited~ LOL
Today I went hiking again, trying out different trails from the ones my co-workers and I did last night. It was nice to move around and get acquainted with the trails, partly because I need to know them when I lead hikes for work but also because it's just damn gorgeous and I can't get enough of it.
I'll check in tomorrow with my Weigh In and more specifics on how things in the challenge are going.
Until next time!
It's been so busy all week and before I knew it it was the weekend and my weigh in/CDCC check in is tomorrow.
I wanted to update before checking in simply saying that this week has been better.
The week started off mediocre on food in take, water and lack of exercise but around Wednesday/Thursday I finally started to get my act together and started paying more attention to my food and tried to make time for some form of physical activity. It helped that, depending on the schedule, my job sometimes requires hikes and running around. Working with 5th and 6th graders can do that to you.
It really started Thursday night, after a minor mental breakdown (probably had to do with hormones or being a girl, I'm not sure) and complaining for weeks that I didn't want to jog at night because it's been so cold I finally bit my lip, put on some layers and my headlamp and did a quick jog around the camp. A total of 14 minutes makes me believe that I probably ran around 1 mile. It wasn't much but it was the push that I needed.
Yesterday was a big day. I ran around with kids in the morning, went hiking with co-workers in the afternoon, went jogging with a buddy in the evening (it was so nice of him to keep pace with me although I knew how slow my pace must have been for that running fiend.) and not only that but that night we went to karaoke and I probably danced for 2 hours straight. (What can I say, Michael Jackson and old classics do that to me. LOL)
What hiking around my "backyard" looks like. Gorgeous neh?
My co-workers and I are supposed to be training for a 5k and I finally registered! It's official now, I'm running on my first race next weekend!
It's pretty awesome because this race is benefiting the Boys and Girls Club that actually started the Science Camp that I currently work for. It'll be a great opportunity to support the club as well as represent the camp, not to mention I get to finally fulfill my goal of running in a 5k! If you can't tell I'm VERY excited~ LOL
Today I went hiking again, trying out different trails from the ones my co-workers and I did last night. It was nice to move around and get acquainted with the trails, partly because I need to know them when I lead hikes for work but also because it's just damn gorgeous and I can't get enough of it.
I'll check in tomorrow with my Weigh In and more specifics on how things in the challenge are going.
Until next time!
<3 w0rld
Thursday, September 22, 2011
How Yesterday Got Better.
So yesterday I wrote a post early in the day explaining how horrible I've been feeling the last few days and how hard it's been to get moving.
After I wrote that post I decided I needed to do something, Anything to feel some sort of accomplishment. After picking up the house, sweeping and washing dishes I decided I needed to do something more so I decided to make a list.
The first thing on the list was to finally mail my friend her charger which I kept forgetting to do, and then I was going to go to the grocery store to buy what I needed to make broccoli beef. While doing all this I wasn't feeling any better but I was doing Something and that was fine.
While I was looking up a broccoli beef recipe online (and cauliflower 'mac & cheese' yumm!) I got a call. I picked it up and it was the job I had interviewed for the day before. They had finally gotten a hold of my references and the second they finished doing that they called me to offer me the job.
What? A job? Me? And it starts next week? And it's in the field I've been hoping for? And it's two hours from my house so I can stay close to family? And it comes with housing? And I get actual weekends off this time??
I told the guy yes and thank you and I'll call him later so we can start talking about paperwork and details. I hang up and jump up and down with a little screech (I'm not a screamer so that's as far as I got. LOL). I updated my facebook status (yes, I know... lol) and went out to finish my errands.
I went to the post office and finally mailed my friend her package (I could hear the little box yelling "Alaska here I come!") I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of broccoli and cauliflower. Went home. Made the best broccoli beef I've ever tasted and had a cheese explosion with the faux mac & cheese.
I called the employer again and got all the details. Signed up for a CPR class, called up other places I needed before I head out next week and got it all done before 3p.m.
To top it off I had missed going walking with my mom in the morning so I told her if she wanted we could go walking after she finished work. I met up with her and we power walked the high school track while the football team practiced and the cheerleaders practiced cheering.
I talked to my mom about motivation for weight loss and we talked about how hard it is to change our habits. How much I've been struggling to lose weight the last month and she countered with having trouble losing weight the last 20 years. Touche' Mami. Touche'.
In the end as we walked we were pep talking each other and when we got back home I decided to try making banana nut muffins.. and then banana nut and zucchini muffins. Both batches needed sugar but turned out moist and fluffy. :)
At the end of the night I was tired, happy, and with a nearly complete crossed off 'To Do' list. But as 9pm rolled around I noticed that there was one thing I hadn't done yet... and that was swimming.
I promised myself I'd go swimming. I promised YOU, the blog reader I would go swimming. I didn't have an excuse (it's called 24 Hour Fitness for a reason) and after a little bit of inner whinning I got my swimsuit, my goggles and a towel and walked out the door.
I was surprised the gym was packed and the pool wasn't empty (why is 9:45 pm the perfect time to go to the gym on a Wednesday??) but I had a whole lane to myself.
I finished 30 back-and-forth laps and took a few minutes in the hot tub. When I got home I was exhausted but happy.
And the icing on the cake?
When I woke up this morning I felt good. I didn't feel bloated or lethargic. I woke up a little groggy but with energy. I woke up feeling skinny. I woke up feeling good.
Isn't it amazing how taking initiative and getting off your ass can help how you feel and what you do?
Have a great Thursday everyone and thank you for the kind words!
-w0rld
After I wrote that post I decided I needed to do something, Anything to feel some sort of accomplishment. After picking up the house, sweeping and washing dishes I decided I needed to do something more so I decided to make a list.
The first thing on the list was to finally mail my friend her charger which I kept forgetting to do, and then I was going to go to the grocery store to buy what I needed to make broccoli beef. While doing all this I wasn't feeling any better but I was doing Something and that was fine.
While I was looking up a broccoli beef recipe online (and cauliflower 'mac & cheese' yumm!) I got a call. I picked it up and it was the job I had interviewed for the day before. They had finally gotten a hold of my references and the second they finished doing that they called me to offer me the job.
What? A job? Me? And it starts next week? And it's in the field I've been hoping for? And it's two hours from my house so I can stay close to family? And it comes with housing? And I get actual weekends off this time??
I told the guy yes and thank you and I'll call him later so we can start talking about paperwork and details. I hang up and jump up and down with a little screech (I'm not a screamer so that's as far as I got. LOL). I updated my facebook status (yes, I know... lol) and went out to finish my errands.
I went to the post office and finally mailed my friend her package (I could hear the little box yelling "Alaska here I come!") I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of broccoli and cauliflower. Went home. Made the best broccoli beef I've ever tasted and had a cheese explosion with the faux mac & cheese.
I called the employer again and got all the details. Signed up for a CPR class, called up other places I needed before I head out next week and got it all done before 3p.m.
To top it off I had missed going walking with my mom in the morning so I told her if she wanted we could go walking after she finished work. I met up with her and we power walked the high school track while the football team practiced and the cheerleaders practiced cheering.
I talked to my mom about motivation for weight loss and we talked about how hard it is to change our habits. How much I've been struggling to lose weight the last month and she countered with having trouble losing weight the last 20 years. Touche' Mami. Touche'.
In the end as we walked we were pep talking each other and when we got back home I decided to try making banana nut muffins.. and then banana nut and zucchini muffins. Both batches needed sugar but turned out moist and fluffy. :)
At the end of the night I was tired, happy, and with a nearly complete crossed off 'To Do' list. But as 9pm rolled around I noticed that there was one thing I hadn't done yet... and that was swimming.
I promised myself I'd go swimming. I promised YOU, the blog reader I would go swimming. I didn't have an excuse (it's called 24 Hour Fitness for a reason) and after a little bit of inner whinning I got my swimsuit, my goggles and a towel and walked out the door.
I was surprised the gym was packed and the pool wasn't empty (why is 9:45 pm the perfect time to go to the gym on a Wednesday??) but I had a whole lane to myself.
I finished 30 back-and-forth laps and took a few minutes in the hot tub. When I got home I was exhausted but happy.
And the icing on the cake?
When I woke up this morning I felt good. I didn't feel bloated or lethargic. I woke up a little groggy but with energy. I woke up feeling skinny. I woke up feeling good.
Isn't it amazing how taking initiative and getting off your ass can help how you feel and what you do?
Have a great Thursday everyone and thank you for the kind words!
-w0rld
Friday, September 9, 2011
Jogging: A love/hate relationship
So it's been a heat wave this entire week and I'm still using it as an excuse to not go jogging. I've been feeling guilty and noticed that today wasn't as hot as the rest of the week. Seeing as the only exercise I did all week was a couple of dance work out videos and a walk with my mom, I figured I NEEDED to go outside.
Like last time the beginning of the jog was tough. I felt bloated and my calves felt tight. I struggled going uphill and to top it off my mp3 player (set on all songs P!NK woo!) decided to give me every slow song Pink has. Epic Fail.
But then I turned around at the top of the hill. Stretched, took a breather and kept going. The slow songs finally ended and the tempo picked up. My legs finally warmed up and the road back got easier. My pace sped up and I finally felt good.
Why is it that it takes me freaken' FOREVER to get off my ass. And yet I feel great once I finish? Despite the rough starts, and besides the occasional knee or hip pain. (Gotta work on that.)
I don't know what's up, but I'm glad I got out today.
Accomplished!
Challenge Weigh In and dress pics on Sunday!
love
-w0rld
Like last time the beginning of the jog was tough. I felt bloated and my calves felt tight. I struggled going uphill and to top it off my mp3 player (set on all songs P!NK woo!) decided to give me every slow song Pink has. Epic Fail.
But then I turned around at the top of the hill. Stretched, took a breather and kept going. The slow songs finally ended and the tempo picked up. My legs finally warmed up and the road back got easier. My pace sped up and I finally felt good.
Why is it that it takes me freaken' FOREVER to get off my ass. And yet I feel great once I finish? Despite the rough starts, and besides the occasional knee or hip pain. (Gotta work on that.)
I don't know what's up, but I'm glad I got out today.
Accomplished!
Challenge Weigh In and dress pics on Sunday!
love
-w0rld
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Breaking the "Hermit" mold.
Work is over. Yesterday we cleaned out and cleared out the house. I took everyone to the ferry and was left alone in Catalina for a few days. I decided to stay in Catalina for a few days just to be on my own and have some "me" time.
After I dropped off everyone I still had work to do. I went back and mopped the house, washed the car and laundered some sheets. Little errands we still needed to do but ran out of time together, so I decided to do it myself since I was going to be here.
Then I finished. Stared at the empty spotless house. I didn't know what to do with myself. So I moved all my stuff to the empty room and, after a second, did a second purge of the fridge.. getting rid of temptations.
That didn't take up nearly enough time.
So I sat down and went to netflix. After looking through the selection I found the first season of Ugly Betty
I've always been a fan of America Ferrera, and hell let's face it, I'm a complete sucker for an ugly duckling turned professional woman story, especially if she's latina, curvy, has glasses and bad hair. I mean, what else can I say! LOL
Thing is before I knew it it was dark outside, I was in episode 5 (each episode is about 45 minutes long eeek!), and I had unconsciously been eating my way through a loaf of sourdough bread. This reads old fat Elina all over it!
To make myself feel better, I switched the last episode to a beginners pilates video and attempted the moves. It didn't feel very much like a work out and more like advance stretching but meh at least I did something right?
This morning I woke up, made breakfast and before I knew it I was watching Ugly Betty again until maybe 11 a.m. I suddenly opened my eyes and CRACK! I had it.
I got up, and literally yelled at myself;
"What are you doing?! You're alone in a gorgeous house in the middle of CATALINA ISLAND and what are you doing? Stuffing yourself with toast and watching Ugling F***ing Betty! Get off your ass nina!"
So I did. I went to the cupboard, threw away the rest of the sourdough bread. Grabbed the keys to the Nissan X-terra I had to return to the office anyway and on the spot decided I was going to rent a bike in town.
I dropped off the car and the wonderful people at the office told me who to talk to at the Bike Shop so I could get a discount. Now the house is one mile from town so I was ready to walk down (it's downhill to get to town) but just as I started to walk one of the ladies from the office offered me a ride. I took it.
I got dropped off and went straight to the bike shop. I asked for an "islander discount" and got it. Hehehe. I also decided to try an electric bike and boy am I glad I did!
This island is full of hills. It reminds me of a compact San Francisco. I haven't ridden a bike in years so I was worried. I started riding it normal. But then came the first uphill climb and I didn't make it. I had to push it up the hill. That's when I experimented with the electric button. It's pretty much like having a motor! How awesome! So I decided to turn it on each time a new hill came up and used it to support my pedaling.
I made it up some awesome hills and saw some great views of town, not to mention I had a ton of fun riding down the hills and trying not to trip on a rock or something and send myself flying. LOL
After an hour of fun I returned the bike and decided to head back to the house to grab the golf cart and then get groceries. I admit my legs were a little tired and I was dreading walking up the hill, so I got the brilliant idea to take the trolley up!
Now as a guide to the city the whole summer, I had advised countless tourists to take the trolley up the hill if they didn't (or couldn't) walk up but had never taken the trolley myself. Since I saved money on my "islander discount" I decided to use my change on a trolley ride.
I giggled the whole way up calling myself a tourist in the town I've grown to think of as my "summer home". LOL
After I got back I felt so much better that I decided to take it up a notch and do something productive. So I decided to make a few due phone calls. Went to town got my groceries, looked up a couple of recipes and had a sensible lunch.
After that I felt it was "ok" to sit down and watch a little more Ugly Betty (yes I never learn) while I filled out paperwork and etc.
Right around dinner time I felt guilty again. So as I pre-heated the oven I decided that I was going to go jogging while I waited for my sweet potato to bake. I haven't been jogging in weeks I realized so I promised myself I would.
And I did. It was slow. It was hard. I actually got a pain on my side and tight calves like I did in high school when I didn't know what the hell I was doing. But I did it. I jogged down and up that hill. I finished it, just in time to check on the oven.
Now it's time for dinner. Baked salmon with sweet potato fries and possibly steamed spinach. And you know what guys? That felt so much better than sitting on my ass all day feeling sorry for myself and eating toast while watching another Ugly duckling reach for swan-ness.
I broke the old hermit mold that was trying to grow back around me. I now have to keep it up.
Keep it up.
love
-w0rld
After I dropped off everyone I still had work to do. I went back and mopped the house, washed the car and laundered some sheets. Little errands we still needed to do but ran out of time together, so I decided to do it myself since I was going to be here.
Then I finished. Stared at the empty spotless house. I didn't know what to do with myself. So I moved all my stuff to the empty room and, after a second, did a second purge of the fridge.. getting rid of temptations.
That didn't take up nearly enough time.
So I sat down and went to netflix. After looking through the selection I found the first season of Ugly Betty
I've always been a fan of America Ferrera, and hell let's face it, I'm a complete sucker for an ugly duckling turned professional woman story, especially if she's latina, curvy, has glasses and bad hair. I mean, what else can I say! LOL
Thing is before I knew it it was dark outside, I was in episode 5 (each episode is about 45 minutes long eeek!), and I had unconsciously been eating my way through a loaf of sourdough bread. This reads old fat Elina all over it!
To make myself feel better, I switched the last episode to a beginners pilates video and attempted the moves. It didn't feel very much like a work out and more like advance stretching but meh at least I did something right?
This morning I woke up, made breakfast and before I knew it I was watching Ugly Betty again until maybe 11 a.m. I suddenly opened my eyes and CRACK! I had it.
I got up, and literally yelled at myself;
"What are you doing?! You're alone in a gorgeous house in the middle of CATALINA ISLAND and what are you doing? Stuffing yourself with toast and watching Ugling F***ing Betty! Get off your ass nina!"
So I did. I went to the cupboard, threw away the rest of the sourdough bread. Grabbed the keys to the Nissan X-terra I had to return to the office anyway and on the spot decided I was going to rent a bike in town.
I dropped off the car and the wonderful people at the office told me who to talk to at the Bike Shop so I could get a discount. Now the house is one mile from town so I was ready to walk down (it's downhill to get to town) but just as I started to walk one of the ladies from the office offered me a ride. I took it.
I got dropped off and went straight to the bike shop. I asked for an "islander discount" and got it. Hehehe. I also decided to try an electric bike and boy am I glad I did!
This island is full of hills. It reminds me of a compact San Francisco. I haven't ridden a bike in years so I was worried. I started riding it normal. But then came the first uphill climb and I didn't make it. I had to push it up the hill. That's when I experimented with the electric button. It's pretty much like having a motor! How awesome! So I decided to turn it on each time a new hill came up and used it to support my pedaling.
I made it up some awesome hills and saw some great views of town, not to mention I had a ton of fun riding down the hills and trying not to trip on a rock or something and send myself flying. LOL
After an hour of fun I returned the bike and decided to head back to the house to grab the golf cart and then get groceries. I admit my legs were a little tired and I was dreading walking up the hill, so I got the brilliant idea to take the trolley up!
Now as a guide to the city the whole summer, I had advised countless tourists to take the trolley up the hill if they didn't (or couldn't) walk up but had never taken the trolley myself. Since I saved money on my "islander discount" I decided to use my change on a trolley ride.
I giggled the whole way up calling myself a tourist in the town I've grown to think of as my "summer home". LOL
After I got back I felt so much better that I decided to take it up a notch and do something productive. So I decided to make a few due phone calls. Went to town got my groceries, looked up a couple of recipes and had a sensible lunch.
After that I felt it was "ok" to sit down and watch a little more Ugly Betty (yes I never learn) while I filled out paperwork and etc.
Right around dinner time I felt guilty again. So as I pre-heated the oven I decided that I was going to go jogging while I waited for my sweet potato to bake. I haven't been jogging in weeks I realized so I promised myself I would.
And I did. It was slow. It was hard. I actually got a pain on my side and tight calves like I did in high school when I didn't know what the hell I was doing. But I did it. I jogged down and up that hill. I finished it, just in time to check on the oven.
Now it's time for dinner. Baked salmon with sweet potato fries and possibly steamed spinach. And you know what guys? That felt so much better than sitting on my ass all day feeling sorry for myself and eating toast while watching another Ugly duckling reach for swan-ness.
I broke the old hermit mold that was trying to grow back around me. I now have to keep it up.
Keep it up.
love
-w0rld
Monday, July 18, 2011
Weigh In: Pumping It!
Happy early morning Monday (at least early for me *yawn*). I woke up this morning and kept turning around to go back to sleep. However my weigh in anticipation couldn't wait. So I got up, almost killed myself stepping down from the ridiculously tall top bunk bed, waddled over to the restroom and weighed in.
Here it is.
Current Weight: 197.2 lbs (-5 lbs from last week) Woo!
Work Out Achievement(s): I was really hoping for a loss this week, especially since I hiked those long miles in the middle of the week and have been doing small hikes all weekend.
I haven't gone jogging since Monday and even that one turned in to a power walk/hike since I almost tripped and fell down a hill while attempting to jog this "easy" trail. Maybe I wimped out. But either way I survived and will hopefully bring out the running shoes this week.
Also, yesterday I tried kayaking for the first time! I didn't take any pictures during the trip
1. Because my camera isn't water proof and I didn't want to break it or lose it. And,
2. Because I was too busy figuring out how to turn the damn thing and go in the right direction I didn't have much time to take pictures anyway. LOL
It was an absolute blast regardless and in the end, when I got the hang of it I started really pumping it and gaining some speed. The fact that the return to the harbor was against the wind and I had to pump it might have had something to do with it but it was great. lol
Back from an awesome kayaking and snorkel trip. Tired but happy.
I stole this pic from the interwebs. This is an aerial view of Two Harbors, the small town on the west side of the island. This is where I went kayaking last night. Not too shabby eh? Oh and did I mention I live here for the summer? Awesomeness!!
In the end this week turned out to be very eventful and very athletic. I'm definitely feeling good.
----------------------
On another note I bought a book that another blogger mentioned/recommended. It's called You are your Own Gym by Mark Lauren
I've been contemplating (and I admit, complaining) for a while now about how I want to do more strength training but I want to do work outs that don't require any equipment, or a gym. Moving around every few months has made my 24 Hour Fitness membership useless and in reality I think it would be cool to learn work outs that you can do almost anywhere. (Like the grocery store, or the cinema. LOL just kidding). When I saw someone had found this book I instantly went to Amazon.com and bought it.
I just received it this week and I'm starting to read it. I'm so excited to start it! It would be great to get stronger, more agile and flexible. Having some nice looking arms and glutes won't hurt either.
----------------
On the food front I've been seriously considering trying out going Paleo. Again, through my blog reading I've seen a few people who are doing the Paleo diet and I'm intrigued. Further in my readings I realized that a friend of mine had also "gone Paleo" so I asked him about it too.
Looking at the type of food you eat, what you don't and what the benefits can be, I really think this is the right move for me. The thought of giving up bread and dairy scare the sh&* out of me since they're my favorite foods, but they've also been my downfall. I'm sure I can be strong enough to change my eating habits. Plus, I like the idea of leaving processed food behind.
So to slowly wean myself toward the idea I've been cooking and preparing food that are mostly protein and fruits and veggies. I think that it's already helping me (as evidence of the loss this week). It's also given me a new interest in cooking. Learning to cook new and exciting food that's good for me should be awesome!
If anyone out there recommends any sites or literature I should check out on the Paleo diet, throw it at me. I want to learn more!
----------------
Last but not least last week I ran out of soy milk. (Tragedy let me tell you!) The little grocery store in this island town didn't have any so I opted to try almond milk. I love the dark chocolate almond milk, and I figured, why not try the original.
Can I just say I LOVE it! I think I'm converted. Plus I hope it can be part of a Paleo lifestyle because this milk is amazing! I love almonds too so it's like a little party in my mouth every morning during my breakfast cereal time.
I'm so glad I finally tried it.
Me + Almond Milk = Yumm
Goal(s): For this weeks goals I'm going to:
1. Finish reading and start practicing some of the work outs in my new book.
2. Continue to try Paleo style meals and see where it takes me.
3. Return to jogging.
4. Try kayaking again.
5. Look at myself in the mirror once a day and give myself positive feedback.
Feeling blue does me no good in this weight loss business. This loss really pumped me up and added motivation I sorely needed. Let's hope I can make it count!
That is all for now kids!
love,
-w0rld
Here it is.
Current Weight: 197.2 lbs (-5 lbs from last week) Woo!
Work Out Achievement(s): I was really hoping for a loss this week, especially since I hiked those long miles in the middle of the week and have been doing small hikes all weekend.
I haven't gone jogging since Monday and even that one turned in to a power walk/hike since I almost tripped and fell down a hill while attempting to jog this "easy" trail. Maybe I wimped out. But either way I survived and will hopefully bring out the running shoes this week.
Also, yesterday I tried kayaking for the first time! I didn't take any pictures during the trip
1. Because my camera isn't water proof and I didn't want to break it or lose it. And,
2. Because I was too busy figuring out how to turn the damn thing and go in the right direction I didn't have much time to take pictures anyway. LOL
It was an absolute blast regardless and in the end, when I got the hang of it I started really pumping it and gaining some speed. The fact that the return to the harbor was against the wind and I had to pump it might have had something to do with it but it was great. lol
In the end this week turned out to be very eventful and very athletic. I'm definitely feeling good.
----------------------
On another note I bought a book that another blogger mentioned/recommended. It's called You are your Own Gym by Mark Lauren
I've been contemplating (and I admit, complaining) for a while now about how I want to do more strength training but I want to do work outs that don't require any equipment, or a gym. Moving around every few months has made my 24 Hour Fitness membership useless and in reality I think it would be cool to learn work outs that you can do almost anywhere. (Like the grocery store, or the cinema. LOL just kidding). When I saw someone had found this book I instantly went to Amazon.com and bought it.
I just received it this week and I'm starting to read it. I'm so excited to start it! It would be great to get stronger, more agile and flexible. Having some nice looking arms and glutes won't hurt either.
----------------
On the food front I've been seriously considering trying out going Paleo. Again, through my blog reading I've seen a few people who are doing the Paleo diet and I'm intrigued. Further in my readings I realized that a friend of mine had also "gone Paleo" so I asked him about it too.
Looking at the type of food you eat, what you don't and what the benefits can be, I really think this is the right move for me. The thought of giving up bread and dairy scare the sh&* out of me since they're my favorite foods, but they've also been my downfall. I'm sure I can be strong enough to change my eating habits. Plus, I like the idea of leaving processed food behind.
So to slowly wean myself toward the idea I've been cooking and preparing food that are mostly protein and fruits and veggies. I think that it's already helping me (as evidence of the loss this week). It's also given me a new interest in cooking. Learning to cook new and exciting food that's good for me should be awesome!
If anyone out there recommends any sites or literature I should check out on the Paleo diet, throw it at me. I want to learn more!
----------------
Last but not least last week I ran out of soy milk. (Tragedy let me tell you!) The little grocery store in this island town didn't have any so I opted to try almond milk. I love the dark chocolate almond milk, and I figured, why not try the original.
Can I just say I LOVE it! I think I'm converted. Plus I hope it can be part of a Paleo lifestyle because this milk is amazing! I love almonds too so it's like a little party in my mouth every morning during my breakfast cereal time.
I'm so glad I finally tried it.
Goal(s): For this weeks goals I'm going to:
1. Finish reading and start practicing some of the work outs in my new book.
2. Continue to try Paleo style meals and see where it takes me.
3. Return to jogging.
4. Try kayaking again.
5. Look at myself in the mirror once a day and give myself positive feedback.
Feeling blue does me no good in this weight loss business. This loss really pumped me up and added motivation I sorely needed. Let's hope I can make it count!
That is all for now kids!
love,
-w0rld
Thursday, June 30, 2011
I don't feel LOOK fat today!
This last week I've noticed that I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with my body. I see my reflection and more often than not I see a well shaped person rather than a round, fat, ugly person. Am I at the point where the scales are tiping and I'm closer to the "skinny" side of the spectrum than the fat one?
I don't know but even in recent pictures I don't think I look so bad. It's a great feeling.
Sure I have a long way to go still and if I look at myself in a different angle I can clearly see that. But for this week I don't feel fat. I don't think I look fat. This week I'm NOT fat.
So it is said, so it shall be! LOL
Even yesterday, when my crew and I had our day off and decided to go down a secluded beach:
Less than a mile hike down to the beach and you have a beautiful area all to your self!
I felt pretty comfortable walking around with my unitard swimsuit. I almost felt like I had a figure. One day I'll have a body where I'll feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit. For now I'll have fun with where I am now.
Yes it's good to work hard to reach goal, but don't forget to have fun in the journey!
Have a great and healthy body imaged day!
love
-w0rld
I don't know but even in recent pictures I don't think I look so bad. It's a great feeling.
Sure I have a long way to go still and if I look at myself in a different angle I can clearly see that. But for this week I don't feel fat. I don't think I look fat. This week I'm NOT fat.
So it is said, so it shall be! LOL
Even yesterday, when my crew and I had our day off and decided to go down a secluded beach:
I felt pretty comfortable walking around with my unitard swimsuit. I almost felt like I had a figure. One day I'll have a body where I'll feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit. For now I'll have fun with where I am now.
Have a great and healthy body imaged day!
love
-w0rld
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