Why I Keep Going

Why do I keep running?

Hello! There's nothing like running to burn off the fat from the many bags of fries I used to eat!

Sexual performance. Enough said.

I always feel better after a run.
(My feet may hurt, but my mind is so clear and refreshed!)

And of course, there's you, my readers and followers!
Your words of love and support really keep me going.
Thank you!

There are approximately 33 days until my "final" weigh-in.
Sometimes I ask myself, "Why the deadline?."
The answer always seems to be because I'm a planner, and I thrive on deadlines.
So far this strategy has been working for me.
I just hope I CAN make this deadline.

Today's Food and Activities

P90X yoga (only 1 hour though)

core work

legs

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 orange

2 corn tortillas, 2 slices ham deli, 1/4 fat free cheddar cheese

7 almonds

grilled salmon with sauteed green beans and garlic

Have a happy and healthy day!

Fun Run Even at 5:30 a.m.

Last Saturday, I had an awesome unplanned run with my friend, G. She's a friend from high school I recently got in touch with again. Don't you just love FaceBook? She's super nice, and she is an awesome runner. She recently finished a half marathon in San Diego in the beginning of the month. She's actually the one who inspired and encouraged me to run a half marathon. As you know, I'm not going to be able to make that dream come true unless I get surgery on both feet. We ran for 3 miles while she tracked our pace with her Garmin Forerunner. I loved it! I really wish that I had one, but I don't really see how I can justify the expense (starts at $300). I'm not going to be running more than six miles after my 10K in August. Anywhere I run I can map out on mapmyrun.com. Have you tried that site yet? It's awesome. You can map out your run according to how far you want to go anywhere in the U.S. We ran at 5:30 a.m. Why so early? It's because it's so frieking hot during the day! It was a beautiful morning- 70's. I ran 7 miles the day before, and my knees were feeling it before the run. Guess what though! My feet didn't hurt! We ran downhill for 1.5 miles and then back uphill for another 1.5 miles. It was probably 4% grade. It was a really tough hill. Even she was huffing and puffing, and she's totally fit and lean. I was so proud of myself that I didn't let that little voice get the best of me. All it kept telling me was, "You need a break. Just quit." I really hate that voice.

What voices do you hear when you're trying something new or really working out hard?

That hill nearly killed me, but I didn't quit. Like Lance Armstrong said, "Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever."

Today's Food and Activities
3 mile run
upper body with weights
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk
7 almonds
2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices turkey deli, basil, tomatoes
grilled pork and veggies, 1/2 cup brown rice
1 orange

Have a happy and healthy day!

Homeopathic Remedy

Last week, I saw an osteopathic doctor. Along with accupuncture and micro-current therapy, he gave me a homeopathic remedy I take twice a day. It's called Ruta. I wanted to know more about it, so I did some research. I found the following info on answers.com.

"In homeopathic medicine, ruta is used as a first-aid remedy. It is used to treat strains and sprains, injuries of the cartilage and tendons around the joints, injuries to tissues lying over the bone, injuries of the periosteum, and sciatica. Ruta is often used for pain and stiffness in the hands, wrists, feet, and legs."

It sounds like my new doctor knows what he's talking about. I ran 7 miles almost pain-free on Friday. I say it was almost "pain-free" because there was a little pain around mile 4. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being no pain and 10 being like labor pains), it was a 3. Not bad after one treatment with the new doc.

I weighed myself on Saturday, and I lost 0 pounds. It must have been the birthday cake, teriyaki chicken, ribs, and white rice from the twins' birthday party. Or maybe it was the 2 slices of greasy pizza I ate just a couple of days before. Oh well. This stinks, but I know I will eventually lose the last 6 pounds. This week will be easy for me as far as eating better because I only see one bad eating session. It's on Tuesday night when I go out with my mom and sisters just before we see a midnight showing of "Eclipse." Oh yes, I am a true fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. I read all four books in a week. I got my mom and sisters hooked on all the books even though they're absolutely not readers at all.

Today's Food and Activities
3 mile run
core work
legs
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk
7 almonds
2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices turkey deli, basil, tomatoes
Dinner out with mom and sisters & small dessert!

Have a happy and healthy day!

Cutting Back

So I'll never run across a finish line after running a half marathon (13.1 miles).

So I'll never run my dream of 10 miles once a week.

So what.

So this.

I've lost 37 pounds since January.

I've run 8 miles without stopping.

I fit into those tiny little running shorts in a "small!"

I used to wear a size 14, and now I'm a size 6.

I can go without dessert on a daily basis.

I enjoy eating veggies every day.

My family is eating better because of the choices I've made.

Finally, I can chase my twin toddlers around without being out of breath!

Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement.

The past couple of days were pretty tough for me to face.

To be honest, I broke down and had 2 slices of pizza last night.

I figured that I really haven't cheated since I started this journey last January.

The slices were good, and I was over it quickly.

I have no guilt.

I don't know how Saturday's weigh-in is going to go.

My feet were pain-free yesterday.

Today was supposed to be 9 miles.

I'm not going to do it.

I have come far in this journey to give up.

Yes, it would be easy to just give up right now.

I'm going to continue running, but it will be shorter distances.

I plan to run 3 miles three times a week and run 6 miles on Fridays until my 10K race in August.

After the race, I will continue to run 3 miles three times a week and do a long run of 5 miles on Fridays.

I think my feet can handle that, and my body will continue to lose weight and/or maintain health.

I also plan on continuing my weight training and core work.

Friday's Food and Activities

6 mile run

legs

core work

Latte Gu Gel (before run)

Latte Gu Gel (during run)

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread

1 apple

grilled chicken, steamed veggies

Saturday's Food and Activities

upper body

stretch

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread

1 apple

Eat what I want for dinner!

Sunday's Food and Activities

rest day

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 turkey slices, basil, tomatoes

teriyaki chicken, brown rice, veggies

I hope you have a happy and healthy weekend!

49 days and counting until my stepkids leave! LOL!

Crushed

There was no more putting it off.

Yesterday I saw a new doctor for my Morton's Neuroma.

He is an osteopathic doctor.

Morton's Neuroma is basically a benign tumor at the nerve between your toe bones.

I have them in two places on both feet most likely from

*wearing heels and/or non-supportive shoes

*wearing flip flops

*using an elliptical machine (way too much)

*working out like a mad woman

*being on my feet a lot (I used to teach, and now I run around with the twins.)

*running, running, running

I got two shots on both feet last March, and they helped.

However, I need to continously get these shots if I want to stay active.

Can you say, "espensive?"

My toes feel like they're literally on fire after running about four miles.

First they're numb, and then they hurt a lot.

On a scale of 1-10, it's definitely 7-8.

Ouch.

So on to the doc visit...

He asked some great questions about my feet.

Here goes the conversaton.

Doc:  Why are you here today?

Me:  I have Morton's Neuroma on both feet and on two places.

Doc:  When does it hurt?

Me:  When I get to 4 miles running and every once in a while during the day.

Doc:  When did this start?

Me:  March of this year.

Doc:  Is there something else you could do for exercise? Like swimming? Running is really hard on your feet.

Me:  I really love running. I'm not a good swimmer at all.

Doc:  How much are you running? Maybe you shouldn't run more than 4 miles.

Me:  I'm actually training for a half marathon in November.

Doc:  (slightly laughing) I don't think so. You shouldn't be doing something that causes so much pain.

It's your body's way of telling you to stop.

Me: (almost in tears) I was afraid you were going to say that.

I got some accupuncture on my feet and also a microcurrent treatment.

I'll let you know how it all works out.

Well... I think my hopes and dreams of running and finishing a half marathon are gone.

That dream is probably gone for good unless I get surgery to cut out the neuromas from my nerves.

That means the doctor would also have to cut off the nerves.

There's a possibility of permanent numbness to the areas affected.

Even with that surgery there is no guarantee.

I've been doing some research on it, and sometimes there are even worse problems when they cut the nerve.

I signed up and paid for my 10K in August a while ago.

There's no way I'm going to miss it.

I also have a friend who is doing it with me.

I'm so completely crushed by this news.

I've worked so hard to get to this point.

The longest run (last week on Wed.) I've done so far is 8 miles.

I've never even dreamed of running that far.

To be honest, the last half of those 8 miles was run in excruciating pain.

My toes hurt even hours after that run.

The pain was crippling.

I have no choice but to give up my dream of the half marathon, or I will risk some serious nerve damage.

I'm going to follow the doc's advice and run shorter distances.

I will see if I can run 5 miles for my long runs without pain.

I know I can run 3 without pain.

Maybe those will be my short runs 3 days a week.

Today's Food and Activities

30 minute stationary bike

30 minute walk

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices thin turkey deli, basil, tomatoes

7 almonds

grilled chicken and veggies

Thank you for your kind comments, love, and support.

I hope you're having a happy and healthy day.

Some Relief

This is what I did this past weekend-

only... I didn't actually use my fingers.

I have this special gift...

I can block out unwanted "noise" without having to literally plug my ears.

When do I use this special gift?

I use it when

*I anticipate major whining and complaining from my stepdaughter.

*my mother-in-law wants to talk about the stepkids and/or their monster of a mother.

*whenever I anticipate my husband coming up with another wonderful idea to spend time together as a family (including his stepkids). Mind you I'm the one who has to spend the most time with them in the summer. Sometimes I NEED a break.

Yesterday went pretty well.

I was finally able to vent about this past weekend to my mom and sisters.

I tried to get out of the house last Saturday night, but my husband demanded that I stay and play a board game with him, his kids, and his parents.

He said he wanted to cut the "tension." He must have

been referring to the tiny blowout we had in front of his parents.

I didn't care if it did happen in front of them.

He wanted to embarass me about being so controlling by telling his nine year old daughter to stop sitting in my toddler twins' chairs. I couldn't let him do that.

I don't back down anymore.

I don't sit and take crap from anyone anymore.

I know this sounds harsh, but he sometimes treats me like his mother.

I clean up after him.

I take care of HIS kids (my stepkids).

I do all the laundry.

I do all the cooking.

I do all the cleaning.

I did everything for the twins' bday party.

I'm going to do everything for HIS daughter's birthday party.

I allowed him to take away some of my rights as a wife.

I can't do that anymore.

I love him, but I also have learned to love myself and respect myself.

It's also my duty to protect my children.

I told him that if the twins are about to get hurt or may get hurt from the actions of HIS children that I would definitely do something about it.

My stepson is moderately mentally retarded.

He is almost 13, but he has the mental capacity of a 5 year old.

I don't leave him with the twins- ever.

He lacks common sense, and in the past has done a few things that could've really hurt them when they were just infants.

My stepdaughter is defiant.

My husband has told me that she doesn't do what I ask her to do because I'm "always telling her what to do."

Well... I finally asked him why she doesn't do what he asks her to do when he's always so nice to her.

He didn't have an answer for me.

I know I'm rambling.

I guess I just needed to get this out.

I do somehow feel better.

This is my journey.

It's honest.

It's ugly.

It's funny.

It's even sometimes inspired.

Today's Food and Activities

stretch

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 2 slices ham, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread

7 almonds

grilled chicken and veggies

1 apple

Have a happy and healthy day!

Dig Deep

I had to dig deep for motivation to get out of bed, get dressed, get on the treadmill, and run 4.5 miles this morning at 6:30 a.m.

Why?

I know exactly why.

I got very little sleep this weekend because of the twins' bday party preparations.

I got very little sleep this weekend because of late-night conversations.

My in-laws stayed at my house from Friday afternoon until Monday.

One of my stepkids was a total nightmare- we're talking major attitude,

talking back, disobeying me and hubby, and crocodile tears when she didn't get her way.

My mother-in-law is such a sucker for her antics. Me and my

hubby got into it after the bday party on Saturday in front of his parents, but he realized how much of a brat she was being by Sunday and reprimanded her in front of his mother.

On top of all this I think I caught my hubby's cold.

My breathing was a little stressed.

All in all I had an okay run.

I struggled, but I didn't quit.

I actually ran a little more than 4.5- totally accidental because I put the towel over the treadmill's controls and forgot what time I started running.

Saturday was an awesome day.

I weighed myself, and it said that I lost 1 pound.

I'm sooo happy and relieved!

I think my weigh-ins are going to go well for now because I increase my running miles every week.

I was just thinking as I drove home from the clubhouse after my struggled run that I used to struggle running for 2 minutes.

I've really come a long way, and I need to remember that.

I need to appreciate how much better I have become physically.

I bet you've become better at many things (physically and mentally) since you started your journey to health. I hope you appreciate your successes and remember them when you have to dig deep.

Have a happy and healthy day!

In the Words of...

"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come."~Michael Jordan

Let's put in the work!

Saturday's Food and Activities

4.5 mile run

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, basil

Eat what I want for dinner and dessert!

Sunday's Food and Activities

rest day

4.5 mile run

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, basil

7 almonds

grilled pork, veggies

I weigh myself on Saturday, and I'll post the results on Monday.

I hope you have a happy and healthy weekend!

Thank you to my readers and followers for your sweet and kind words of encouragement.

I couldn't do it without you!

Cross Training

I think it's time to dust off my bike.

I haven't ridden my bike for almost 7 years, and I've been getting up early enough to ride my bike before it gets too hot.

There are some runners who are against cross training.

They believe the only thing that will make them run better and faster is "running."

There are some runners who believe cross training makes them even better runners.

I'm not sure what to believe just yet, since I only started running last February.

I decided to do it and see if I notice any improvements in my running.

Cross training is any exercise that's not running

cycling

sports

swimming

 walking

stair climbing

elliptical machines

I've been walking for the past couple of weeks as part of my cross training,

and I feel like it has been helping.

I do feel more stable and stronger as a runner.

I also have been riding the stationary bike.

I don't enjoy it as much, since my butt aches for a couple of days afterwards.

Today's Food and Activities

3 mile run

legs

abs

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil

Vanilla Bean Gu

7 almonds!

grilled chicken and veggies

1 cup magos

Have a happy and healthy day

Clean House

Oh my gosh! My posts are totally later than I'm used to!

I've been so busy this week just trying to get my house cleaned,

finish laundry,

take care of the twins,

take care of stepchild,

and grocery shop for the twins' bday party

that I keep forgetting to post early in the morning.

So here it goes.

I've been running awesome.

I've been running so awesome that I've been hungry.

I've been more hungry than I care to admit.

Last night I slept at 1 a.m. because I was watching "Valentine's Day."

It was cute, but I wouldn't watch it again.

I kept myself from snacking or eating extra food (food not planned).

I just kept thinking about the progress I've been making

and the current picture that I posted on this blog.

I didn't lose weight by snacking or eating extra.

I lost it by working out, running, lifting weights, AND eating well.

That seemed to help me.

I went to bed feeling good about resisting my cravings for junk.

Tonight I'm craving again.

The only thing I can think of is that Saturday is less than 48 hours away.

I can eat what I want then.

Today's Food and Activities

upper body with weights

1 hour walk with double stroller

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

1 cup mangos

1 multigrain english muffin, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices turkey deli, basil

lemongrass coconut chicken, brown rice, grilled veggies

1 bag light popcorn

1 WW cookies and cream ice cream bar

I know I'll have to start eating a little more as I increase my running miles.

I've been experimenting on the weekends, and I've been successful at not being hungry and still losing weight.

I hope you had a happy and healthy day!

Use It or Lose It

I'm trying to develop a new way of thinking.

"Use it or lose it."

To me, this means that I get myself active and stay active while using my body the way it's meant to be used.

If I don't, then I literally lose it.

I lose all rights to a healthy heart.

I lose all rights to a good pair of efficient lungs.

I lose all rights to muscles that keep me going.

This doesn't happen overnight.

This takes a lifetime.

Today's Food and Activities

8 mile run (a first)

Tri-Berry Gu (before run)

Tri-Berry Gu (during run)

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, 6 slices turkey, 1 TBS BB spread, basil, tomatoes

1 cup mangos

7 almonds

grilled chicken with veggies

Leg Work

Some of you asked what kind of leg work I've been doing, and I thought this post might be helpful.
I used to do the "old school" leg exercises before I started reading my running book.
I've since learned that although I was doing good work, I wasn't doing the right work for my running.
Some of the leg work that I've learned to do may seem funny, but they really do work in strengthening my legs and stabilizing me as I run.
So much of the impact your body takes is absorbed by the quadriceps, so leg work (the right kind) is important. Gosh, there's so much to learn, and I've only just begun!

Here are a few exercises that I've learned. I'm sorry I don't have pics this time.

The Pendelum (10 reps each leg)
1. Stand on one leg with your shoulder blades drawn back and core braced.
2. Lift one leg straight up behind you while reaching to your toes with the opposite arm. Keep your hips level. This is super hard for me because I have bad balance, but I can tell it's working when I run.

Toe Raise (10 reps each foot)
1. Stand with hands on hips and shoulders drawn back.
2. Raise your right toes off the floor while keeping your heel on the ground and hold for five seconds.
It's silly, but this strengthens your shins and prevents shin splints!

Prone Drive (15 reps each leg)
1. Lie flat on your back with braced abs and a neutral spine, and lift both feet off the floor so your knees are bent at 90 degrees and your calves are parallel to the floor. Then, keeping one leg stable, extend your other leg forward as though you were driving off it during a run.
2. Tap your heel on the ground for an instant, then return to the start. Alternate legs for 15 reps on each side.  This lengthens your hip flexors without moving your pelvis.

These exercises are from Runner's World:  Complete Guide to Running.

These are just examples of what I'm doing. Please make sure you're physically ready and check with a doctor before doing any of these exercises. Okay.. now there's the disclaimer. LOL.

Just a side note:  I also still do lunges and squats. Those are great for runners too!

Today's Food and Activities
Stretch
Upper body with weights
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk
7 almonds
1 cup mango
1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey, basil, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread
7 almonds
Kashi Lemongrass Chicken
1 WW Cookies and Cream ice cream bar

Have a happy and healthy day!

Seven, You're Going Down!

Last Saturday, I weighed myself, and my friend the scale (this week anyway), said I lost 1 pound.

Yay! Woohoo!

I am now 127 pounds.

Seven lovely fat pounds to lose.

I've got this.

I had an awesome weekend.

I spent all day Saturday at my mom's with the twins- a nice

break from the stepkids.

My 7 mile run on Friday was amazing, uplifting, and envigorating.

Yes, running is very physical.

Running is also so very mental.

I think I've learned how to "shut off" the pains on my legs, feet, and lungs in my mind.

Today's Food and Activities

4.5 mile run

legs

abs

1 multigrain toast with 1 TBS honey

green tea with Splenda

1 cup Kashi Crunch, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, 1 TBS BB spread, basil, tomatoes

7 almonds

1 cup white chicken chili

1 apple

Have a happy and healthy day!

Core Work for Runners

Yay! It's Friday!

That means it's time for my long run!

Today I'm tackling 7 miles.

I can hardly believe it myself.

I have to eat some carbs before I go, and eat a package of Gu along the way.

Today's Gu is... chocolate!

I've been reading my wonderful running book, The Complete Guide to Running, and I'm learning so much.

I've read from some of your comments that some of you are trying out running for the first time or trying it again, so I thought some of this info would help you out.

I've been doing some great ab/core work from P90X for about two months now, and I do feel and see a difference with my core.

However, as I do some research about core work for runners, I've learned that I'm not strengthening the right types of abs.

Runners need to engage different core muscles to help keep from getting injured and to run faster.

Here are three that I've learned so far.

the plank

Hold it for a minute repeat ten times. This is wonderful for stabilizing muscles.

the side plank

Whoa! This one is super hard, but gets those obliques! To make them even harder: Get off of your forearms and do it with your hand.

the pelvic thrust

A little funny, but it gets your booty rock hard! Do 10-12 of these and hold for 10 seconds.

Well... I hope you enjoy these workouts.

Mat work is hard, but it works.

Today's Food and Activities

7 mile run

legs

core work

2 slices multigrain toast with 1 TBS honey

Chocolate Gu

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, turkey slices, 1 TBS BB spread, tomatoes, basil

Kashi Red Curry Chicken with grilled veggies

1 apple

Saturday

stretch

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, turkey slices, 1 TBS BB spread, tomatoes, basil

Eat whatever I want for dinner and dessert!

Sunday

rest day
1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, turkey slices, 1 TBS BB spread, tomatoes, basil

grilled chicken with grilled veggies

1 apple

I weigh myself tomorrow, and I've decided that I won't be too upset if I haven't lost weight this week.

I know the last 8 pounds will come off eventually.

I just have to stay focused on my training and eating well.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Oh... Now I Do Like It

So last night I missed the monthly "Girls' Night Out."

It was actually a game night.

My husband had to go to a meeting for that camp-out he's going to with HIS son.

It really sucks.

I really needed to be out.

No one understands the place I'm in.

Whoa is me... ugh... okay.

I'm done.

I'll just have to make a couple of fun trips on Saturday.

Maybe a trip to the craft store?

Maybe a trip to a frozen yogurt place?

We'll see.

Today's Food and Activities

30 minute walk

30 minute bike ride

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

2 slices multigrain bread, 6 slices turkey deli,

grilled pork and onions, 1/2 cup brown rice, grilled veggies

1 apple

Yesterday's run was uplifting.

I really can't believe that I started running by walking.

Crazy, but true.

I hope those of you who have never liked running is willing to try it again.

It has really been a "God-send" to me, my life, and my weight loss.

What activities have you disliked in the past but now enjoy in your weight loss journey?

Thanks for sticking with me!

Journey to Positivity

I've been reading through my recent posts, and I apologize.

I know they haven't been the most positive blogger.

You expected "honest" though, right?

I know for sure that I have the most supportive readers and followers out there in "Blog Land."

You read me vent and vent and vent.

You read on and on about my whining about my summers.

Guess what.

I'm done.

I'm so done complaining about my situation with the stepkids.

Last night I had the best sleep ever within the last four nights.

The twins slept through the night.

I was sooo glad.

I woke up renewed and rested.

I was ready to attack my short run- 3 miles.

I went to the clubhouse, and that's what I did.

I even ran the last mile in 10 minutes.

Some of you are probably thinking, "That's not very fast."

That's okay. It was fast for this formerly "non-runner" as of last February!

Sometimes I feel a little guilty that I'm running such a short distance, but I have to remember that it's all part of the training schedule.

Now I run 4 miles twice a week, 3 miles once, and a long run (this Friday is 7 miles).

I'm super excited to run today and even the 7 miles on Friday.

I have to remind myself to be positive, and things will work out fine.

Thanks, Miss Haneefa!

You have such a great attitude about everything.

Today's Food and Activities

4 mile run (a little escape... phew!)

legs

ab work

1 multigrain toast with 1 TBS honey

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

10 almonds

1 multigrain english muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, basil, 1 TBS BB spread

7 almonds

6 oz. grilled salmon, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup green beans

1 apple

Thanks for sticking with me!

Summer= Heat and Stress

This is me.

 This is me at the end of my rope... and summer has only begun.

My husband's kids are here for the summer.

Only 67 more days to go.

Ick.

I have to stay focused.

Focus on

running

weight training

being the best mom I can be for my twins

being the best wife I can be for my husband

(even if that means putting up with his kids).

Running has really been a blessing in my life.

Running is an escape when I'm

stressed

upset

or

when I need to make a decision about something.

Today's Food and Activities

3 mile run

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup milk

7 almonds

2 slices multigrain bread, 6 slices turkey deli, 1 TBS BB spread, tomatoes, basil

7 almonds

1 baked chicken breast, peas, carrots, 1/2 cup quinoa

1 orange

Thanks for sticking by me!

Muscle= Water, Fat= No Water

Last week I confided in a friend (who also runs) how frustrated I was last week when I ran so much, lifted weights, ate clean, and did hula for hours without losing any weight at all.

She told me that I would have to wait probably two weeks to see a weight difference because I'm gaining muscle from the weight training and running that I've been doing.

She also told me that you retain water as you gain muscle.

Huh?

No one ever told me that.

Does everyone know about this but me?

She said that muscles consist of lots of water, and fat has no water.

It made sense to me, but I wasn't totally convinced.

I waited patiently (running 16 miles, working with weights, eating clean, and core work), and I weighed myself on Saturday.

I lost one pound!

Yay for me!

To those of you who are losing more than this a week (like me when I first started this journey), let me tell you... this is HUGE for me.

Now it's really "on" for these last 8 pounds.

I totally hit a "wall" last Saturday.

It seems that my friend was definitely right.

I'm going to keep on working and fighting this fight.

Thank you for sticking by me.

Today's Activities and Food

4 mile run

legs

abs

1 whole wheat toast, 1 TBS honey

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, basil, BB spread

7 almonds

1 roasted chicken breast, peas, carrots, 1/2 cup quinoa

Give a little love to yourself today.

Don't Stop! Make it Hot!

Keep going.
Forget about the other times when you quit.
Don't look back.
Look ahead of you.
Look at those who have come before you.
Look within yourself and reach for the strength to go on.

To all my readers and followers,

Thank You.

Friday's Activities and Food
6 mile run (a first)
abs
3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 cup nonfat milk
7 almonds
2 slices whole wheat bread, 6 slices turkey, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil
7 almonds
Thai green curry with chicken, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, red and green bell peppers

Saturday's Activities and Food
stretch
upper body with weights
3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 cup nonfat milk
7 almonds
2 slices whole wheat bread, 6 slices turkey, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil
7 almonds
pepperoni pizza slice, caesar salad

Sunday's Activities and Food
rest day
3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 cup nonfat milk
7 almonds
2 slices whole wheat bread, 6 slices turkey, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil
7 almonds
turkey sloppy joe's

At the Track

Last night I went with my friend "B" (who is an awesome runner and pro, by the way)

to her gym to run in the indoor track.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I loved it!

I would join this gym and pay the stinkin' monthly fee only to run on it for 6 months out of the year.

Six months because it's WAY too hot to run outside in the summer

and WAY too cold to run outside most of winter.

I ran 4 miles and enjoyed the "high."

She is a much faster runner than me.

She has been running for a few years, and let me tell you she has the legs to prove it.

She has a 6 month old baby, and she's a great role model for those new mommies out there who want to get fit.

I admire her and her love for the sport.

Maybe one day I could be as inspirational to others as she is to me.

Today's Food and Activities

30 minutes on stationary bike

30 minute walk on treadmill

(cross training day)

upper body with free weights

3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain eng. muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil

7 almonds

grilled chicken breast and veggies

Love yourself a little more today!

Our Own Worst Enemies

We can be our own worst enemies.

We can be our worst critic.

We can analyze and criticize everything we do.

We can analyze and criticize everything we DON'T do.

I'll be the first to admit my "type A" personality.

I specialize in criticizing and analyzing my activities or inactivity in the past.

I dwell on my mistakes and unfortunate things that happen that I don't even have control over.

In the past I ate to suppress feelings of

failure

sadness

loneliness

stress.

I have to confess that I've contemplated giving up altogether on this journey.

This sounds ridiculous now that I'm typing it, but it's true.

All because of a "zero loss."

That's not very intelligent on my part.

I've gone this far only to turn back.

I can't. I won't.

This fight has only begun.

Today I promise to love myself more.

I will eat to fuel my body, so that it can perform at its best- the way it was meant to perform.

I will run because I love to.

I will open my eyes and see how far I have come.

I will open my eyes and look to the future.

A future full of

happiness

and

health.

If you've been down and feeling like me,

make this promise with me.

Love yourself a little more each day.

Today I am thankful for this journey and how far I have come.

Food and Activities

4 mile run

legs

abs

3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 cup nonfat milk

7 almonds

1 multigrain muffin, 6 slices turkey deli, tomatoes, 1 TBS BB spread, basil

2 slices of multigrain toast with 1 TBS honey

1/2 cup pad thai with 4 oz. chicken breast, bean sprouts, 1 egg fried in Pam

1 orange

Disappointed

Please forgive me for missing Monday's post.
The truth is...
I spent Memorial Day with my twins and hubby going up to the mountains for a relaxing dinner.
We also went up for some scenic drives.
We also went swimming at the pool.
It was relaxing and fun at the same time.
Let's call it our "last harrah" before his kids come for the summer.

I'm not looking forward to this summer except for spending some fun times at the pool with the twins and running my first 10k.

His kids stress me out.

Another reason that I didn't post yesterday (if I'm being honest) is that I didn't lose.
I didn't lose any weight
even though I ran 12 miles last week.
I danced 2-3 hours five days.
I worked on legs and upper body with free weights.
I worked on abs 3 days.

Why is that?

Here is what I came up with.

I may not be eating enough for all the activity I did.
I may not have been drinking enough water.
I've been sick.- congested, coughing.
I didn't get enough sleep.
I've cut down on medications to help me with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

I just don't know.
I'm so sick of these last 9 pounds.
Really?
Is it that hard to get rid of these last few pounds?
I guess I've been spoiled since January that I've been losing every week.
I guess it was inevitable that I would hit another wall.
I remember hitting a wall a few weeks back when I only lost half a pound.
This stinks.

What should I do?
Well... I'm changing my 10k/Half Marathon training a bit.

Food
I'm going to eat more lean protein than carbs every day.
I won't eat breakfast before my short runs, but I'll drink some Gatorade during.
I'll eat breakfast after my short runs.
I'll eat a small carb breakfast (2 toasts with 1 TBS honey) before my long runs on Fridays.
No more white rice for me. It tastes good, but I have to really cut it out due to the fact that it turns quickly into sugar when consumed. I need to watch my sugar!
On "indulging" days... I need to control it! I can't give in to EVERY craving.
Drink MORE water. This won't be so hard. It's getting hot!

Activity
I'm going back to running 4 times a week- 3 short runs and 1 long run on Fridays.
SLEEP. SLEEP. SLEEP. I seriously need 8 hours of sleep every night to recover and lose weight.
That means I need to be in bed no later than 10:00 p.m. EVERY night. That seems reasonable, so I don't know why I haven't been doing it.
I'm going to give myself another 2 weeks to see if I can lose weight, and if not, I'm going to speak to my doctor and let him know that I want to go back to my original doses of medications without having to go back on Crestor. I don't want to do this, but maybe my body really needs to be on these two meds to help with my PCOS.
Eat more veggies!

I'm sorry for this post.
I know it's a lot to read.
However, it is my journey. It is honest. I can't lie to you.
Thank you for your kind words and loving support.

On a side note, our hula and tahitian performances went great!
Everyone had a great time, and I was really impressed that all the girls (even me) learned the three dances so quickly.

Love you all.
I'll see you here tomorrow.

Food and Activities for Today
2 mile run (short run)
upper body with free weights
3/4 cup Cheerios, 1/2 nonfat milk
7 almonds
2 slices multigrain toast, 6 slices turkey, 1/4 cup nonfat cheddar, 1 TBS BB spread
1 cup orange slices
6 oz. chicken breast with Thai red curry, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers
1/2 cup quinoa (no more white rice for me)