Friday, July 29, 2011

101 Days of Summer and Slimmer this Summer Challenge Update

I can't believe it's the last weekend of July already! I know I say it all the time but I just can't believe how quickly time is flying. Don't blink, it will be Christmas before you know it.

Another week down so it's time to update my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges progress.

WEIGH IN

6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.

6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.5 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/29/11): 145.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.3 lbs.

YES! Another 2.2 pounds gone! I'm so close to my goal I can almost taste it.

One important thing I've learned by weighing myself almost every day over the past 20+ months is that my weight can fluctuate wildly over the course of a single week. As an example, last Friday I weighed in at 147.9, on Monday it was up to 150.1 (yikes!) and by today it was back down to 145.7. I used to throw in the towel when I came home from a weekend away and saw a big gain because I didn't understand how I could gain so much in just a couple of days after working so hard the prior week. The numbers are just numbers now. They are a guide but they certainly don't tell the whole story. Don't let the numbers freak you out, just keep doing the right things and have faith that being consistent with healthy eating and moving your ass will give you results.

HYDRATION

I haven't really been paying much attention to my water consumption but I think I've been getting enough.

EXERCISE

I'm shocked by how much I look forward to getting my ass kicked. My thighs and ass are killing me from yesterday's kickboxing class. I think it was the sumo squats that did it. Oh, it hurts so good. I keep thinking I should change things up in my exercise routine but for now two days of kickboxing, three days of ellipticalling and a few good long walks is doing the trick.

DO NOT QUIT

I'm ALL IN! Quitting is not an option!

KEEP BLOGGING

Hi! I'm still here.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

I've been trying to get around and shake my pom-poms, offer advice and encourage my fellow challengers around the blogsphere but there just isn't enough hours in the day to get around to everyone.

C25K

My knee has been feeling better but I don't want to push it too hard too fast so I've been holding off on getting back to the C25K program. I'm thinking about hitting the dreadmill sometime this week and see how it feels.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I'm getting closer and closer to my goal and look forward to starting the process of maintaining.

I'm still rocking the slow and steady plan and will get there when I get there. I'm speedy like turtle.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges

Another week is in the hot and steamy record books almost everywhere in the USA. This summer is flying by so fast it's making me a bit dizzy. I wish there were a way to make time slow down instead of whizzing by at the speed of light.

It's time again for another challenge update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:

WEIGH IN

6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.

6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.6 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.3 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/22/11): 147.9 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.1 lbs.

Even though I gained 1.5 pounds this week and it may seem like I'm not making much progress, I'm learning very important things about maintenance. I'm bouncing back and forth from "overweight" to "normal" BMI and as much as I look forward to getting to goal, I'm more focused on feeling comfortable in my skin. I'm in the range I want to stay at even though I still have 6.9 pounds to reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. I don't know when it will happen but I know I'll get there.

HYDRATION - Check! With the hot temperatures and high humidity, staying hydrated is actually a matter of life and death.

EXERCISE - Kickboxing, ellipticalling, walking, swimming - I'm doing it!

DO NOT QUIT - I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!

KEEP BLOGGING - Check!

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

My computer is in one of the rooms without air conditioning so I haven't been spending much time in there lately. I have been reading and trying to comment from my dumb-phone but it can be time consuming and frustrating to comment from there. The temps are supposed to be more comfortable this week and I actually shut the air conditioners off last night so I'm hoping to get around and shake my pom-poms or do some ass kicking around the blogsphere.

C25K - Still not happening due to my knee issues. Someday....

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I'm still not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.

It's not very exciting on the weight loss front around here but I'm still holding on to a 90+ pound weight loss and working toward my goal. Even though it's like watching grass grow or paint dry, I'm happy to be rocking the slow and steady plan....

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Challenges Update

Here we are smack dab in the middle of July, more than halfway through 2011 already. Time keeps ticking by faster and faster and before we know it the summer will be over.

It's been crazy hot and humid here in New England and there is no relief in sight with the forecast calling for a heatwave with temps in the 90s the whole week. I'm not a big fan of the heat and find myself daydreaming about snow and cooler temperatures when I feel sweat dripping down my back just standing still. I know most people think I'm crazy but the heat and humidity just sucks all the energy right out of me. Thank G-D for air conditioning.

It's that time again for another update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:

WEIGH IN

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.

No loss/no gain this week but I'm happy to be practicing maintenance. I'm totally rocking the slow and steady plan.

HYDRATION

It's so much easier to remember to drink water when it's so damn HOT. I can't seem to get enough water these days since I'm pouring sweat just walking outside.

EXERCISE

I've been getting my ass kicked at kickboxing twice a week (and loving it!), going for long walks late in the day and doing time on the elliptical at the gym regularly. I even got some swim time in the pool yesterday.

DO NOT QUIT

I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!

KEEP BLOGGING

I'm so thankful to be part of this blogging community. I am inspired every single day. Thank you!

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

I wish I had more time to comment and encourage everyone but I've been trying to limit my computer time and actually get out and live life instead of sitting in front of the screen reading and writing about it.

C25K

This goal is still on hold due to the wonky knee. Someday....

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I'm not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.

NSV!

I still can't believe it - I wore a pair of SIZE 4 shorts! SIZE 4! Really? I must be dreaming, right? Somebody pinch me. I don't care if it's just vanity sizing, the tag said SIZE 4. How is that possible? The last time I was at this weight I think I was squeezing into Size 10s. I think it goes to prove that the number on the scale doesn't represent the whole picture. The weight may have been the same but my body composition is totally different. I didn't think it was possible for me to ever squeeze into a Size 4. I think I have sticker (tag) shock. Is today's Size 4 equal to Size 10s from 10 years ago? I don't think I really want to know.

Well, it's time for me to get my ass to the gym and work on getting off these last few stubborn pounds and get to my goal. Slow and steady....

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Flying High

Up, Up and Away!



Wow! What an amazing birthday weekend celebration! Thank you all so much for the sweet birthday wishes. I have to say that 44 is feeling pretty damn good even though I don't feel like a 44 year old. When I turned 40 four years ago I felt so old but after losing 90+ pounds over the past 20 months I feel better and younger than I have in decades. I have so much energy and can't seem to sit still anymore.




I had a banner birthday weekend in Vermont with B and one of my best friends. It was like the party that didn't end. We had lots of good food including homemade birthday cupcakes, perfectly toasted marshmallows at the bon fire, hot wings, sweet corn on the cob, fresh blueberry pancakes, Ben & Jerry's Frozen Yogurt, etc. etc. I certainly indulged but didn't binge or feel overstuffed at any time. I fully expected to see a gain after all the extra indulgences but was pleasantly surprised to still be in the "normal" range and even reached a new low (145.7 lbs.) when I got back home.



We took a ride to Stowe on Saturday for Stoweflake's 25th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Although I didn't go up in a balloon I did get wings. My friend bought me the most beautiful real butterfly wing necklace. She said it's a representation of my metamorphosis. I am just learning how to spread my wings and fly again after being grounded for so long.


Do you have wings? Are you flying high or stuck in the muck? What will it take for you to spread your wings and fly? I hope you find them soon and join me up here, the view is spectacular. Come fly with me!



Party on!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Older and Wiser or Just Older?


Happy Birthday to ME! Where does the time go? I've been on this planet, living this life for the past 44 years. How did that happen? I don't feel 44. I feel better now than I did at 34 and even 24. Why did it take me so long to figure it out? I don't even feel like a grown up yet and still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. Am I missing something or is everyone else just faking it?





This picture was taken four years ago at my surprise 40th birthday party and although I was happy to celebrate the big milestone with my friends and family I did not want to pose for any pictures. I couldn't believe I was turning 40 and was still fat. I wasted the majority of my 20s and 30s riding the weight loss/gain roller coaster (mostly gaining) and I was desperate to get off. My birthday wish that year was the same wish I made every year ~ to get out of the fat suit and get in shape. What was I waiting for? Weight loss is even harder after 40 and time was not on my side.



I started this blog thinking it would keep me accountable and spur me on to weight loss success but it didn't really happen. I thought about losing weight, I talked about losing weight, I wrote about losing weight but I didn't actually put in the effort needed to do it. I continued to struggle for more than 2 years before everything finally fell into place when I lost my high stress job after 11 years. I started going to the gym like it was my job and very SLOWLY started to see progress. I don't know why it took me so long but better late than never, right? I'm still not at my goal but I'm thisclose.






Anyway, here's my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update:

WEIGH IN

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.

Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.

6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.

6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.

7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.

Current Weight (7/8/11): 146.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.

Happy Birthday to me! I'm normal again! BMI Normal that is. I saw "normal" for a few seconds about a month ago but my weight jumped back up into the "overweight" category almost immediately and I have been trying to get back down to normal for the past month. Losing 2 pounds this week and getting back to "normal" doesn't feel much different than last week but it's still nice to see. I'm still working the slow and steady plan.


HYDRATION

It's been hot and humid here in New England so I've been doing a good job of staying hydrated most days. I'm not trying to force myself to drink 100 ounces and think as long as I get the recommended 64 ounces I'm doing ok.

EXERCISE

I had to sacrifice a kickboxing class this week so I could get my hair done but it was worth it so I wouldn't have to walk around looking like I just turned 44. What would we ladies do without the magic of hair color?

DO NOT QUIT

This fight is for life. Quitting is not an option!

KEEP BLOGGING

Coming up on my 4 year blogaversary next month and I don't plan on going anywhere.



ENCOURAGE OTHERS



I've been having so much fun checking out my fellow challengers and all the new (to me) bloggers out there. I still haven't made it to everyone but I'm working on getting around to cheer everyone on to their goals.



C25K

Darn knee is still acting up so running is just not an option right now. C25K is still on hold. Someday....

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

Only 5.4 more pounds to go! Slowly but surely I'm getting there. Stay tuned.


They say you get a little older, you get a little wiser, right? No matter how old you are, don't waste another minute thinking about it because you can turn it all around today, right this minute. Don't wait. Do it now! You won't regret it.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Sizzling Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Update


Happy July 4th to my fellow Americans and a belated Happy Canada Day to my neighbors to the north. I hope everyone is celebrating their freedom by enjoying the weekend with friends, family, good food and fireworks.



We spent the weekend in Vermont working on the camp and didn't get much play time in but we got lots accomplished so it's all good. No BBQs or pool parties today either but we're planning on going for a bike ride tonight to get some frozen yogurt once it cools off a bit.

I'm a little late but here's my stats on the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:

WEIGH IN

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.1 lbs.

Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 2.8 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.6 lbs.

They aren't kidding when they say the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose. I gained 0.9 pounds this week but I'm not stressing out about it. I've been working out, I've been eating well and I'm pretty comfortable maintaining this 90+ pound weight loss. Of course I'd love to get to my goal of 101 pounds lost and really start focusing on maintaining but I'm looking at this as practice maintenance. As you can see from my weekly weigh-in numbers it has never been a straight downward line of losses week after week. I lose a little, I gain a little, I lose a little, lather, rinse, repeat. It's all part of the cycle and I'll always be a work in progress.

HYDRATION

There were a few days last week I managed to get over 100 ounces of water down but I generally get at least the recommended 64 ounces so I think I'm staying sufficiently hydrated. Days like today with temps in the 90s makes it easier to remember to drink cool water.]


EXERCISE

Have I mentioned how much I love kickboxing? I've been going twice a week for months now and look forward to getting my ass kicked each and every week. Last week during class the instructor picked up a 20 pound medicine ball and handed it to me and told me to hold it for a while. The moves are hard enough without being weighed down with an additional 20 pounds but I pushed through it. I thought I was going to collapse after about 10 minutes with the ball when the instructor finally remembered I was still holding on to it. After class she apologized for picking on me. I told her it was ok, I needed it. The days I don't have kickboxing I've been logging in my usual 60 minutes on the elliptical. Those elliptical sessions seem so much easier now even though I've increased the level to 9 compared to 0 when I first started.

DO NOT QUIT

This fight is for life so I will never quit. It's just not an option.


KEEP BLOGGING

My little blog here is almost 4 years old and I'm still here! It was rough going for the first couple of years with hardly any progress but I think I've made up for it the past 20 months or so.


ENCOURAGE OTHERS


I'm still trying to visit everyone participating in the challenges but it's summertime and I'm trying to limit the time I spend indoors in front of the computer screen. If I haven't been by to visit yet, I'll be there soon. In the meantime, I'm cheering you on in spirit.

C25K

My knee still isn't up for running so the C25K is still on hold. Someday....

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

Only 7.4 more pounds to lose 'til I get to my goal of 101 pounds lost. I have my eye on the finish line and can't wait to get there and start my journey of maintenance and healthy living for the rest of my life.


I'm getting ready to take a nice cool shower and then head out for some frozen yogurt.


Stay strong, be cool and rock on!