Two Years Later

November 2009: 242 lbs. (Highest Weight Ever!)

August 2010: 198 lbs. (Onederland ~NEVER to be in the 200s again!)

November 2010: 179 lbs. (1 year ~ 63 pounds lost)

June 2011: 146 (I'm NORMAL ~ BMI)

September 2011: 141 lbs. (reached GOAL ~ 101 pounds gone)

November 2011: 147 lbs. (2 years ~ 95 pounds lost)

I know it's been a while since I checked in but I couldn't let this day go by without mention. Today marks two years since I got laid off from my soul sucking, miserable job and the beginning of my body and soul transformation. What a long strange trip it's been.

After 11 years of hard time at the same law firm I was blindsided, shocked and hurt to get a pink slip but it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. Who knew getting laid off would be the sweetest blessing. Fortunately, I was lucky to be in a position to be able to survive on an unemployment check for 22 months while I focused on getting healthy.

I knew I had to take advantage of my time off so I joined a gym immediately and spent at least an hour a day, at least 5 days a week working up a sweat. I went to the gym like it was my job and it was the best job I ever had.

I started off huffing and puffing on the elliptical on Level 1 and struggled to hang on for an hour. I always avoided the machines near the mirrored wall and wore big, baggy t-shirts and sweatpants. After about six months I started mixing in some circuit training with weights and some treadmill work. After the first year I tried a few classes and got turned on to cardio kickboxing where I looked forward to getting my ass kicked twice a week while I continued the cardio work the other 3 days.

I didn't do any extreme dieting. I ate what I wanted in moderation. I ate cake and cookies, ice cream and carbs, nothing was off limits. The more I worked out the more I wanted to eat better so I didn't negate all the hard work I did at the gym. I started craving green monsters instead of crap. I stopped feeling the need to binge and stuff my feelings down and started eating normal sized portions. I wasn't stressed and miserable all the time so I wasn't stuffing myself trying to numb the pain.

Slowly by surely the weight came off. I didn't let myself get hung up on the numbers, I just kept working up a sweat and not eating like a crazy person. Some weeks I gained but I didn't let those gains mess with my head like they had in the past. I knew if I continued working out regularly and eating relatively healthy 90% of the time I would continue to see results. I didn't lose fast but I lost consistently and I think that is the key to keeping it off. Slow and steady has been my motto and I'm still working it.

Unfortunately after 22 months the unemployment checks stopped and I was forced to go back to the daily grind. I'm going crazy trying to figure out how to juggle a crazy work schedule, find time to workout and have some sort of social life.

I did reach my goal of losing 101 pounds but I was only there for a day, ironically it was my first day back at work (9/19/11). On the bright side I've been maintaining a 95+- weight loss since June, almost 5 months of straddling the "normal" BMI line, just under 150 pounds. I haven't been able to get to the gym more than twice a week if I'm lucky and I'm chained to a computer for the better part of 7.5 hours a day but somehow I'm managing to maintain.

My head is spinning out of control, I can't breathe, and I can't focus on what's important because I'm too busy focusing on other people's stuff. I feel like I'm losing myself again because I'm too busy working crazy hours that I don't have time to take care of myself and I miss it. I never thought I would say this but I miss the gym, I miss kickboxing and I miss my stress-free days.

Work totally sucks! I'm stressed out, working crazy hours and have no time to do anything. I barely have time to take care of the basics, you know, laundry, food shopping, cooking, cleaning, sleeping. It's only been two months but I'm already thinking about looking for another job because I just can't handle this kind of stress anymore. I need a paycheck but I just don't want to do this anymore. Thanks for coming to my pity party.

With all that said, I think I'm still better off than I was two years ago. I am so thankful to have had those 22 months but it's so depressing to go right back to the grind. I've come too far to lose myself again. I'm hanging on by a thread but I'm fighting to hang on.

How do you do it? How do you juggle work, family and friends and still have time to hit the gym? Inquiring minds want to know.

Rock on My Friends!

101 Days of Summer Finale

Time flies even faster when the weather is warm or scorching hot and humid. Those were the quickest 101 days of the year, huh? Hard to believe Labor Day is tomorrow. Before we know it there will be Halloween candy to tempt us, and then the big feasting holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, will be right around the corner. Then we'll be making those New Year's resolutions/goals again. Will yours be the same as every other year? Are you in a better place than you were last year? What do you need to do to make positive changes and reach those goals? Let's make the most of the remaining days of 2011. We're not getting any younger, you know.

So, here's my final stats for the 2011 101 Days of Summer Challenge:

WEIGH IN

6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 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.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.
8/26/11 Weigh In: 149.0 lbs.
9/2/11 Weigh In: 147.3 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Total Loss: 2.2 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (9/2/11): 147.3 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.7 lbs.

I was relieved to see a loss this week after three straight weeks of gaining. Even though I still haven't reached my goal of losing a total of 101 pounds I am slowly making my way to the finish line at my usual lightening turtle speed. As much as I want to see that goal number on the scale I'm pretty content where I am now. Losing another 6.3 pounds isn't going to make too much of a difference in how I feel but I'm still striving to get there.

HYDRATION

I've been staying sufficiently hydrated but haven't been paying much attention to how many ounces I'm taking in.

EXERCISE

Have I mentioned how much I love cardio kickboxing? I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be able to make these classes when I go back to work in a couple of weeks. The gym where I take the classes is a 20 minute walk from my new office so I would need a good 2 hours to get there, change, take the class, shower and walk back. The other gym I go to will be less convenient too so I'm going to have to do some research and find a new place to sweat. Lots of changes on the horizon but, as we all know, everything changes and we need to learn how to embrace the changes, good and bad.

DO NOT QUIT

I've come too far to ever give up. Quitting is NOT an option!

KEEP BLOGGING

I don't plan on going anywhere although I have been giving some thought to starting a fresh new blog once I hit maintenance.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Rah, Rah, Shish, Boom, Bah!!! I may not have been the best cheerleader but I'm always cheering you on in spirit.

C25K

I still haven't gotten past Week 4, Day 1 of the C25K program but I'm not so hesitant about running anymore. I'm going to complete this program one of these days.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I still haven't reached my goal but I know I'll get there, slow and steady. I only have a little over 6 pounds to lose to reach my goal and it is statistically possible I could do it before I go back to work on the 19th *fingers crossed* It would certainly tie up my time off with a neat little bow. I'm extremely proud of all that I was able to accomplish while hanging out in the unemployment line. Now I need to find a way to make it all work while working.

Thanks to Biz for organizing the 101 Days of Summer Challenge again and a big thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me on this journey. We are in this together and we will reach whatever goals we set as long as we never give up trying.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Peace Out!

Final Slimmer this Summer Update and Last Week of 101 Days of Summer Challenge

What? It can't be. What do you mean it's the final weigh in for the Slimmer this Summer Challenge? Where did the summer go? Didn't we just celebrate Memorial Day? How can it be over already? Who turned the clocks on fast forward. It seems like just yesterday we were making all our summer plans and now Labor Day is next weekend.

I may not have the most exciting numbers to report but I feel like I made some good progress over the summer. I didn't reach my goal of 101 pounds lost and I didn't show much of a loss on the scale but there are other factors and lessons learned that are just as important. Just because the StS challenge is over doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. I'm going to continue to fight for my good health and I hope you are too.

Here's my stats for the week:

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.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.
8/26/11 Weigh In: 149.0 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 0.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 2.2 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/26/11): 149 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.0 lbs.

That is certainly NOT how I wanted to finish off the Slimmer this Summer Challenge but it is what it is. I had my third straight week of gains but it's not the first time that's happened, it's not the end of the world and I'm definitely not giving up. I'm not happy about crossing over my "do not cross" line in the sand (150 pounds) early in the week but I'm glad I was able to work it back off before weighing in. Sure, it would have been nice to get to my goal during the challenge but I know I will get there and it will happen exactly when it is supposed to happen.

HYDRATION

I've been slacking a bit on my water consumption the past few days. I'm not dehydrated but I could be drinking more. I find it's so much harder for me to get my water in on the weekends when I'm not at the gym. I actually had a cocktail Saturday night while sitting out at the bon fire enjoying the calm before the storm.

EXERCISE

I got in some intense workouts this week including my regular cardio kickboxing classes, three days of sweating on the elliptical and some good long walks here and there.

DO NOT QUIT

I will never stop fighting this battle until I have evicted every last one of the unwanted pounds I've been lugging around for way too long. Even after I get to my goal weight I know that the fight is not really over. It will never be over. I know I will have to keep fighting for my health and not let any of my old bad habits sneak back into my daily life. I will not suffer through regaining ever again. I refuse to regain. Quitting is NOT an option!

KEEP BLOGGING

My last post about Feeding Your Faith was my 400th post after 4 years of blogging. It's exciting to actually show some progress since I spent the first two years bitching, moaning and crying about my weight but not putting in the effort to actually make any progress. I'm still here and I don't plan on going anywhere. I'm going to need all the help I can get on the next leg of this weight loss journey - maintenance.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

I've been doing my best to get around and comment but haven't done as much as I wanted to do. I wish we could all give ourselves the support and encouragement we give to others so easily. The next time you leave an encouraging comment on another blog, turn it around and tell yourself the same thing.

C25K

I didn't make any progress on the C25K program this week but I feel better about being able to run now that my knee isn't screaming at me every time I do.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I still haven't reached my goal but I know I'll get there, slow and steady.

THANK YOU!!! Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It really is an amazing supportive community we have here and I'm so lucky to have you all in my corner.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Peace out!

Challenges Update

Can you believe we are in the home stretch of the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer challenges? It's sad that we lost a few challengers along with way, some are still in it but struggling and some are showing us how it's done. Wherever you happen to be on your journey, today, right now, is a new day and a new chance to get on or continue on the path you want to be.

I'd love to be able to finish out the challenge strong by reaching my goal so I can finally throw my arms up in the air in victory like Rocky after he makes it to the top of those stairs. I can already hear the Eye of the Tiger music. I was anticipating reaching my goal of 101 pounds lost by the end of the challenges but that may be just out of reach at this point, not impossible, but highly unlikely given the lack of progress the past couple of weeks. I'm a bit disappointed but I know I'll get there eventually as long as I keep doing the right things and staying true to my motto ~ SLOW and STEADY ....

I had another rough week but that's just part of life, right? Everyone has stumbling blocks and obstacles they need to get over or work around and mine are relatively minuscule compared to what some others are dealing with so I'm not going to complain (too much). Life doesn't stop throwing things at you and there will never be a perfect time to get healthy, it's never easy. I know I have to make the best decisions I can every single day no matter what is going on in the world around me.

I made up for last week's missed workouts by joining my sister in law at her fancy smancy gym on Monday for a double workout consisting of a Body Flex class and a Belly Dancing class. I'm pretty sure I burned more calories laughing at myself trying to belly dance than the actual workout. I'm not the most coordinated or graceful gazelle in the herd so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. I felt like I was trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time. It was HYSTERICAL! I got my ass kicked at TaeBox on Tuesday and Thursday and hit the elliptical for sixty minute sessions on Wednesday and Friday in addition to the usual walks.

Last week I mentioned I had breakfast for dinner a couple of times (pancakes and french toast) and I wanted to clarify it wasn't the food itself because I have no problem eating pancakes and french toast occasionally for breakfast on the weekends but having it for dinner prevented me from getting my usual doses of protein and vegetables. I also notice when I eat lots of white carbs and simple sugars it sets off cravings for more. I prefer eating those types of food early in the day so I have a chance to burn it off during the day.

Anyway, without further ado, here's my challenge stats:

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.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 0.9 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 2.6 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/19/11): 148.6 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.4 lbs.

Yup, another week, another gain. As much as I want to reach my goal, I'm not too upset about these fluctuations because I have been maintaining a 90+ pound loss and staying under my line in the sand of 150 pounds. I think my body is very comfortable in this range. I'm wearing sizes 4s, 6s and 8s, I feel healthy and strong and I'm just not going to make myself crazy trying to get to a specific number on the scale because that's where all the trouble started almost 30 years ago. It will happen when it happens. The most important lesson I've learned over the past 21+ months is that it's not all about the numbers, it's about the healthy habits I've made a part of my life.

HYDRATION

This month marks THREE YEARS since I gave up Diet Coke. I still find it hard to believe I don't even crave it anymore. I used to have Diet Coke with my coffee for breakfast and would drink three or four additional glasses every single day. Now I generally drink only coffee, tea and water (and an occasional cocktail). I'm still getting at least 64+ ounces of water a day and more if I'm working out in the heat so I'm saying hydrated.

EXERCISE

As I mentioned, I tried a couple of new classes (Body Flex and Belly Dancing) and got in some good sweaty workouts this week. It's crazy to think that getting in my workouts is the "easy" part of my healthy living plan. I'm sure it won't be so easy when I go back to work but I'll find a way to fit it in because it's a very important part of healthy living.

DO NOT QUIT

Quitting is NOT an option! I'm all in.

KEEP BLOGGING

Hi, I'm still here!

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching, especially you!

C25K

No C25K progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

Today is not the day but I'll get there eventually.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Peace out!

Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update

I had a rough week. The weather has been dreary and so have I. I'm not sure what it is. I don't know whether it's just allergies, a cold or what but I don't feel right. Maybe I'm making myself sick just thinking about having to go back to work soon. When I filed my unemployment claim this morning it said after this week's claim I don't have any remaining benefits. Yikes! Oh well, I had a good run. I made good use of my time off. I've lost over 90 pounds. I accomplished something.

I guess I really need to get my ass in gear and get serious about finding a job now. Nothing like waiting 'til the last possible moment, huh? I'm glad I was able to take advantage of every single dollar of my benefits and every single day I had to get my life back. I know I should be ready to go back to work after all this time but I'm nervous about it for lots of reasons. I'm sure it will be fine once I get back into the swing of things but I'm scared. Change is scary but if we don't change we don't grow, right? I have to keep reminding myself change is good.

Because I wasn't feeling so hot my workouts weren't as good as they usually are. I didn't even get a workout in on Friday because I got up late after a long sleepless night and spent over three hours at the salon getting my hair done. It takes a long time to cover the evidence of my 40something years. The good part is my hair looks fabulous. Too bad I can't work the magic and it only looks great for a couple of days because I don't have the patience to spend the time on it.

In addition to slacking on workouts, I had breakfast for dinner twice this week (pancakes and french toast) and there was a night out that included a couple of volcano bowls and sodium packed chinese food so I didn't expect to be any closer to my goal this week and I was right.

Here's the evidence of the consequences of my actions:

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.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.5 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/12/11): 147.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.3 lbs.

Yup, that's a 2.2 pound gain for the week. It's certainly not the direction I want to be going in but I know why and that is half the battle. I know it's just a blip in the screen and I will get to my goal eventually. I'm still fighting the fight and I have faith I will make it to my goal soon (sooner if I cut out the cocktails and pancakes but that's all part of life, right?).

HYDRATION

I haven't been tracking how many ounces of water I'm drinking but instead have been trying to determine my level of hydration by the color test. When my pee gets to be a very pale yellow, almost clear, I know I've had enough water for the day. There are so many different studies about how much we should drink and I recently read a new one that says you should take your weight and divide it by 2 and that is how many ounces of water you should be drinking. It sounds like a good rule of thumb but I'm liking the color method.

EXERCISE

I got a few good workouts in at the beginning of the week but things kind of fizzled out by the end of the week. I got some ellipitcalling, kickboxing, and walking in but no running this week.

DO NOT QUIT

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

KEEP BLOGGING

Oh yeah, I'm still here.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Still trying to get around to everyone and spread the love. I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching!

C25K

No progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

Today is not the day but it will be here soon enough, I just know it.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update

We finally got some relief from the sweltering heat and humidity last week. Ahhhh...it feels so good to be able to breathe again. I was starting to feel like a caged animal being trapped in the recycled air-conditioned rooms. It was so cool and beautiful out I decided to skip the gym for an outdoor workout last week. More on that to follow.

We are only a few short weeks away from Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer and the official end to these summer challenges. How is everyone doing? Are you closer to your goals now than you were in June? Are you making progress? holding steady? or need a jump start?

Here are my most recent stats:

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.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 4.0 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.7 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/5/11): 145.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.5 lbs.

Another .2 pounds gone! It's not much but it's going in the right direction so I'm happy with it.

HYDRATION

Still not paying much attention to my water consumption but I'm sure I'm getting enough.

EXERCISE

Ellipitcalling, kickboxing, walking and RUNNING! Yes, running! Well, not what runners would consider running but running for me.

DO NOT QUIT

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

KEEP BLOGGING

Hi! I'm still here.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Still working my way around, spreading the love and trying to encourage everyone to march to the beat of their own drum. Keep marching!

C25K

I RAN! OUTSIDE! Last Wednesday when the heat wave broke I decided to skip the gym and take my workout to the beach. My knee was feeling better so I thought I would pick up the C25K program where I left off. I completed Week 4, Day 1 of the program which included FIVE WHOLE MINUTES of running. I think it was the first time I ran outside since I was a kid and it felt amazing, weird but amazing. What a difference it is running outside than feeling like a hampster on a wheel trudging along on the dreadmill at the gym. It was great to be outside and RUNNING. I was a little giddy and thought about running like a crazy kid ala Phoebe on Friends but I held back from making a complete fool of myself. I still don't think I'll ever consider myself to be a "runner" but I'm glad to be making some progress on the C25K program after being sidelined for so long.

GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY

I'm not there yet but I'm two tenths of a pound closer to my goal. I know lots of people would be totally frustrated with such slow progress but the slow and steady plan is working for me so I'm sticking with it. I know I will get there no matter how long it takes and I will have learned the lessons I need to learn to keep it off this time.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Speedy Turtle Out!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

101 Days of Summer and Slimmer this Summer Challenge Update

It's officially summer here in New England but it certainly hasn't felt like it the past few days. It's been cool, rainy and dreary but I'm sure the heat and humidity will be back soon. They always say if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute, it will change.

Here's the stats on my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges progress:

WEIGH IN

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 2.0 lbs.

Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 3.7 lbs.

Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.5 lbs.

I weighed exactly the same today as I did last week so no progress on the weight loss front. There were a few days of eating out, including a father's day dinner, so I'm pretty sure those extra calories are the reason why. No worries, staying the same is better than a gain, right. I'm hoping to see a nice drop next week or the week after, or the week after...it will happen. Still just 6.5 lbs. away from goal. Oh, so close.

HYDRATION

Getting 100 ounces of water down every single day has been really hard. Other than a couple of cups of coffee or tea, water is the only other beverage I drink but still find it difficult to get it all down. I've worked up to 4 days this past week so there is still room for progress. I still drank a significant amount of water the other three days (at least 60-70 ounces) but didn't quite make the goal of 100 ounces. The good news is I haven't hit any hazards on my numerous nighttime visits to the bathroom.

EXERCISE

I've been working up a good sweat with hour long elliptical sessions, long walks and kickboxing. I used my sturdy new knee brace at kickboxing Tuesday and it seemed to help. The brace was sweaty and gross when I peeled it off but if it prevents me from injuring myself it is totally worth having to wash it every day.

DO NOT QUIT

I'm in this fight for life. There is no way I'm ever going to give up.

KEEP BLOGGING

Hi, I'm still here!

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

I've been trying to get around to everyone's blogs but there are so many challengers and so few hours in the day. If we haven't met yet, I'll be knocking on your blog door soon.

C25K

I haven't been able to make any progress on this goal since the knee is just not up to running. Someday....

GET TO GOAL ~ FINALLY!

I'm not there YET but I'm close enough to see the finish line although there really is no end to this journey. The battle will continue since I know how hard maintaining a weight loss can be.

START MAINTENANCE

Maintenance is where I always slipped up in the past but I think I've learned enough this time around to get it right and not backslide again.

Have you been making progress towards your goals? Have you tried anything new or had any mental breakthroughs? Tell me. I want to hear all about it.

Stay strong, be cool and rock on!

Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update

We are still a few days away from the official start to summer but I'm already in summertime mode. I actually bought a bathing suit tankini top last week and didn't even cringe when I tried in on. How's that for progress? Not sure there will be any photographic evidence of said bathing suit but it's a SIZE 8!

I was so excited to find a few fellow mavericks out there who agree with me that not all rules are for everyone. As I was reading a blog post entitled "How do I lose weight and eat whatever I want?" by a new blog friend, KLA, I was thinking "Yes," "I agree," "Amen!," "Exactly," "I know," and then I got to the part where she referred to my post about Breaking the Rules. I love when great minds think alike. I really think once we stop fighting with ourselves because we aren't cruising along with ease, dealing with setbacks, aren't perfect or can't lose weight as quickly as others we are able to find what works for us individually. We are all unique and need to tailor our healthy habits to our lifestyle.

So, here's the stats on my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges goals:

1. Stay hydrated:

As you can see from my Small Change Challenge post I did a little better this week staying hydrated. I actually got a little more than the 100 ounces in yesterday. I do need to try to drink more earlier in the day so I'm not up all night navigating the hazards to get to the bathroom.

2. Weigh in weekly:

Challenge Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2
Current Weight: 147.5
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 3.7

3. Stick to your exercise goals:

It's hard to believe that this is the easiest of goals for me. I've been hitting the gym for 60 minutes elliptical sessions, went to TaeBox twice this week and got lots of walking miles in. I'm still having some issues with my knee so I've been very careful not to aggravate it and had to modify some of the moves at kickboxing but I'm working around it and it's feeling a bit better now. I even went and got a better knee brace to wear to class to keep the knee more stable. Let's hope it heals quickly so I can get back to those high kicks.

4. DO NOT QUIT:

Quitting is not allowed. Even when I reach my goal I will still have to be vigilant about my food and exercise habits. I know how easy bad habits can sneak back into my life and drag me back down off the wagon. I don't ever want to see those lost pounds again. I fought hard to melt them off and destroy them and I will not allow them to come back.

5. Keep blogging:

Hi, I'm still here!

6. Encourage others:

It's been so much fun meeting so many new bloggers. Some are new to blogging and some have been around for a while but are new to me. I'm still working on getting around to meet everyone but there are not enough hours in the day. If I haven't stopped by your neck of the net yet, please be patient, I'll be by to visit soon.

1. Get to goal FINALLY!

I'm getting closer and closer every single day. I still need to pinch myself sometimes when I think of how far I've come after struggling for SO long.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 2.0 lbs.

Starting Weight 11/2009: 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.5 lbs.

I only have 6.5 more pounds to melt off 'til I reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. My Wii bitch tells me I'm back in the OVERWEIGHT BMI range after seeing it drop into the NORMAL range for a minute but I'm right there on the line and will get back to *normal* in my typical slow and steady fashion.

2. WATER:

I'm doing better and better getting enough water down but there is still lots of room for improvement.

3. C25K

This goal is still on hold due to the ol' knee injury. One of these days I'm going to make it through this program.

4. Start Maintenance

Not yet but I'll be there soon ....

Hope you are all making good progress on reaching your summer challenge goals. I look forward to hearing all about your tips and tricks to this weight loss game and what's working for you. I'm always interested to find new ways to make this journey easier or more fun.

Have a great weekend! Rock on and stay cool!

Late 101 Days of Summer Challenge Update

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date.... Ooops, looks like I missed the deadline. I don't know what is it with me these days. Not working and not having a schedule has taken a toll on my organizational skills. I wasn't sure what day I was supposed to update for Biz's 101 Days of Summer Challenge so I missed the deadline. I think I'm going to combine my updates for the Slimmer this Summer Challenge and the 101 Days of Summer Challenge since my goals are similar and it will be easier for me to remember to actually do it. Better late than never, right?

Here's how I did on my 101 Days of Summer Challenge Goals:

1. Get to goal FINALLY!

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2010 Starting Weight: 215 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2010 End Weight: 198 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2010 Total Loss: 17 lbs.

101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (6/10/11): 148.2 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.3 lbs.

Starting Weight 11/2009: 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/10/11): 148.2
Total Loss: 93.8 lbs.

I only have 7.2 pounds 'til I reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. Don't you think it would be fitting to reach my goal of 101 pounds lost during the 101 Days of Summer Challenge?

I actually dropped into a NORMAL BMI for a few seconds yesterday but jumped back up to OVERWEIGHT today. I didn't feel the difference and don't really care about the stupid BMI chart but it was fun to hear my Wii tell me I was NORMAL after listening to it tell me I was OBESE and OVERWEIGHT for so long. I should have waited 'til I was firmly planted in normal BMI territory before celebrating but I know I'll get back down and stay in the Normal range soon. If I've learned one thing over the past year and a half it's that my weight can fluctuate wildly from one day to the next but it doesn't necessarily mean I gained or lost actual fat, it's just what the stupid scale says at that particular moment.

2. WATER:

Most days I was able to choke down around 60-70 ounces so I didn't succeed in reaching those 100 ounces. I only drank 100 ounces of water on the two days last week that were over 90 degrees and humid. I've been keeping my water bottle filled and by my side but I have to remember to actually drink it.

3. C25K

I got in a few good sessions of the C25K last week and then tweaked my knee (again) at TaeBox on Tuesday so I have been sticking with the elliptical to keep the pressure of these ol' knees. I hope to be able to start Week 4 of the C25K program sometime this week if the knee stops acting up.

4. Start Maintenance

Not yet ....

It's dreary and rainy today so I doubt I'll get out for a walk. Hope the sun is shining where you are and you are enjoying the weekend. I'm off to check out how everyone else is doing as long as my internet connection doesn't crap out again.

Stay Cool....

Slimmer this Summer Challenge Update

It's summer in the city with temps in the 90s, crazy humidity and lots and lots of pollen. Not only am I dripping with sweat as soon as I dry off from the shower but my eyes are puffy and my nose is raw from sneezing constantly, it's not pretty. Thankfully this weekend the temps are supposed to drop into the sweet 60s. Ahhhh....

So, not only did I fail to mention that Mir a/k/a the Princess Dieter, was one of the masterminds behind the Slimmer this Summer ("StS") challenge along with Debbi, apparently I didn't pay close attention to all the rules. Ooops. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they won't kick me out for breaking a few of them. What can I say, I'm a bad girl that has issues with authority, likes to buck the system and likes to make my own rules as long as I'm not breaking any laws, well, maybe a few of the stupid laws.

These are the rules that the StS Challenge "require" and my reasons for breaking some of them. Oh, and if breaking the rules wasn't bad enough, I also need to redefine some of my initial goals because I decided not to take the job so some of my goals just don't apply right now.

1. Track food and water:

Over the years and the numerous diets I've been on I've tried my hand at tracking my food in a paper notebook, on SparkPeople, on my FitBit, on Twitter, in a Word document and a few other random places but it always made me feel like I was going to confession or I'm being judged. Of course, I know the only person doing the judging is me but I've always been my harshest critic so it can get pretty bad. Objection! Sustained! What were you thinking eating that? How could you eat so much of that? I know tracking is a great way to, well, track but it just doesn't work for me. I obsess and beat myself up over the things I shouldn't have eaten instead of just enjoying them and moving on. I've come this far without tracking so I'm not going to force myself to do it.

I have been keeping track of my water consumption and I'm definitely not getting enough. Drinking 100 ounces a day was the only goal I set for the Small Change Challenge and I didn't do very well the first week. I've only been getting around 60-70 ounces a day but the heat and humidity the past few days have been a great incentive to stay hydrated so I did chug all 100 ounces the past 2 days.

2. Keep calories around 1200-1400 a day/10K or less per week:

Counting calories, like tracking food, drives me nuts. How am I supposed to calculate everything? How many calories are in 3 french fries? How much milk did the girl at Dunkin Donuts put in my coffee? Am I estimating too high or too low? Should I round up or round down? Was that one serving or two? Who the hell knows? I've never been able to count calories or points but I can count how many scoops of ice cream there are in a large compared to the kiddie size so I just shoot for reasonable portions and make the best choices I can at any given moment.

3. Stay hydrated:

I am definitely working on this one. 60-70 ounces a day isn't bad but I'm going to concentrate on reaching that 100 ounces consistently.

4. Weigh in weekly:

When the challenge started on the 6th I weighed in at 151.2 and today I weighed in at 148.2 which would be a 3 pound loss. WooHoo! Wait, not so fast...my official weigh-in days have always been Friday and my weight on Friday the 3rd was 147.9 which means I gained .3 this week. I'm going to keep using my Friday weigh-ins for this challenge so I had a slight gain the first week. Looks like I'm going to need to kick it up a notch. If I learned anything over the past year and a half it's that my body weight can fluctuate wildly from one day to the next so I'm not worried about a .3 gain. I'm doing what I need to do so I know the results will come eventually.

5. Stick to your exercise goals:

Since I didn't go back to work this will be easier to stick to because I have the time to continue to workout on my regular schedule. I tweaked my knee (again) at TaeBox on Tuesday but was able to workout for an hour on the elliptical Wednesday and Thursday and today I went to Tabata. I also got a few miles of walking in almost everyday so I'm sticking to my exercise goals.

6. DO NOT QUIT:

I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! If I didn't give up after years of struggling and gaining I'm certainly not going to give up now. I'm so close to my goal I can almost taste it. Quitting is just not an option.

7. Keep blogging:

Hi, I'm here!

8. Encourage others:

I've been trying to get around to everyone's blog and comment but between spotty internet connections and blog reading from my phone that sometimes makes it impossible to comment, I haven't been able to get to everyone yet but I will. I'm so happy to have some new visitors here too. It's always fun to meet new friends and make new connections.

So, what do you think? Can I stay in the challenge even though I'm not following ALL the rules? Aren't some rules meant to be broken? Are you a rule breaker?

Hope you all have a great weekend! Stay cool.

It's Party Time!

Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for a place to go
Where they play the right music
Getting in the swing
You come to look for a king ...

Eh, screw looking for a king, who needs a king when you're dancing in ONEDERLAND?

Happy Friday everyone! It's finally time to dust off those dancing shoes and get this Onederland party started!

Thank you all for coming. I'd like to welcome you to the Onederland Ballroom! We're here to celebrate my big milestone of finally breaking through into the 100s. I still have a long way to go to reach my weight loss goal but I'm almost at the 1/2 way point and soon will be merely overweight instead of obese. I'm not sure if I'll ever reach "normal" as far as those BMI charts go but I've always thought normal is overrated anyway.

As you know, I hit the onederland milestone on August 27th and have been dancing around it for a month now. My weight tends to bounce up and down a few pounds each week so I wanted to be firmly planted in onederland soil before I went ahead with the big onederland celebration. I did creep up over the line last Monday but weighed in at 193.6 today so I'm pretty confident any weight fluctuations will not cross the dreaded 200 line again.

So get out on the dance floor and get your groove on, boogie down, and rock it out. Help yourself to a cocktail and some of the delicious calorie-free food and then get out on the dance floor and do the happy onederland dance with me.

I'm not sure I would have been able to do it without all the support I've received from YOU. You have no idea how much I value each and every comment I get. I'd like to show my appreciation by giving away some door prizes:

• Sportline pedometer to track those 10,000 steps a day we should all be getting
• The Complete Beck Diet for Life book
• A silver Green Bottle to remind you to drink your water
• The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD
• and a few other special surprise prizes

You don't need to link, tweet or FB anything, no hoops to jump through, just leave a comment and let me know your favorite dance song. If you want to add your best healthy living advice, you'll get a bonus entry. Your odds are winning are pretty good since I usually only have a handful of comments so be sure to let me know if you have a prize preference. I know lots of people take the weekend off from blogging so I'm going to keep the party going until next Friday when I'll pick the winners.

Since I'm out of work and funds are limited I can't be shelling out big bucks for postage so with apologies to my non-USA readers, prizes will only be shipped to addresses in the continental United States.

Thanks for coming to my Onederland Party! I'm not sure I would have made it here without all your support. I love each and every one of you for encouraging me and picking me up when I was down. It was a long and winding road but I finally made it out of the 200s and I'm so happy to be here in Onederland.

Now get out on the dance floor and DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
See that girl
Watch that scene
Diggin' the dancing queen

Feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
See that girl
Watch that scene
Diggin' the dancing queens!

Losing Streak Ends

I knew it was bound to happen eventually because all streaks must come to an end. I've showed a loss or maintained for the last seven weigh ins but today's showed a 0.4 pound gain from last week. I can't say I'm surprised. It was a really stressful week with the local primary election on Tuesday so I missed a few workouts and have been eating out more than usual so I'm glad it was only a 0.4 pound gain.


I've been able to stay in onederland but just barely which is why I haven't sent out invitations to the big onederland dance yet. I want to make sure I'm firmly planted in onederland soil before I go and make a big deal out of it. I've been hovering around that 200 pound line too long and it's stressing me out. I have to get as far away from that line as possible so I'm going to kick it up a notch so I don't have to worry about leaving onederland ever again. I like it here and don't ever want to leave.

I don't plan on doing anything too crazy or different, just increasing the intensity of my workouts and keeping my snacks and treats to a minimum so I can plant my roots in this fertile onederland soil. It's so much better here than on the other side of that line, I never want to leave it again.

It's fall here in the northeast so I'm looking forward to getting out and enjoying the crisp fall air and maybe taking some foliage photos. I hope you all have a great weekend. Anything exciting going on in your neck of the woods?

Dancin' Shoes and Challenges Update

I've got my dancin' shoes on and I'm ready to boogie down. I'm so excited to finally break through into the 100s.




As the summer days are winding down we're in the home stretch of these challenges.

101 Days of Summer Challenge and Summer Challenge 2010:

Primary Goal: Lose 20 pounds

Challenge Starting Weight: 215
Week 1: 212.3 (-2.7)
Week 2: 211.6 (-0.7)
Week 3: 211.6 (-0.0)
Week 4: 207.9 (-3.7)
Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)
Week 6: 209.2 (+1.3)
Week 7: 207.2 (-2.0)
Week 8: 206.4 (-0.8)
Week 9: 207.0 (+0.6)
Week 10: 206.1 (-0.9)
Week 11: 202.2 (-3.9)
Week 12: 201.3 (-0.9)
Week 13: 200.2 (-1.1)
Week 14: 198.9 (-1.3)

I'm down 16.1 pounds since the start of these challenges and very close to reaching my primary challenge goal of losing 20 pounds. I need to check when the official end to these challenges are and see if I can step it up a notch to reach that 20 pound loss mark. Even if I don't hit that number, I'm happy with my progress.

I missed a couple of days at the gym this week because I've been without wheels since B needed to use my truck to go to work since his little bug got totalled. I live close enough to walk to the gym but we've had some crazy weather (torrential rain and high winds) and I used that as an excuse not to go out of the house on Monday. I did check out a new gym with a friend on Tuesday and got a Super Tuesday 100 minute cardio session in to make up for lazing around on Monday. I actually took a bus and a train in the pouring rain to get to the gym on Wednesday. How's that for dedication and determination?

I've been slacking on the weights and C25K training but I'm giving myself an A+ in the healthy eating, HFCS avoidance and water guzzling.

Waisting Away in the Heat - End of Summer Challenge

August 1st: 207.2
August 6th: 202.2
August 13th: 201.3
August 20th: 200.2
August 27th: 198.9
Total Loss: 8.3 lbs.

This challenge ends on Tuesday, August 31st so I'll be doing another weigh in then. Hopefully I can stay under the 200 pound mark 'til then.

So, how's my competition doing? Making progress, I hope.

I'm crazy busy this weekend with my sister's wedding so the Onederland dance and door prizes post will have to wait another day or two. We've waited this long, another couple of days won't matter too much.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Rock on, Challengers.

Knock Knock ....

"Knock, Knock"
"Who's there?"
"Alice"
"Alice Who?"
"ALICE IN ONEDERLAND!!!"

Yes, that's right, you can call me "ALICE" because I finally made it to Onederland!!!!!!

It's time to dust off those dancin' shoes I've been tripping over for weeks (months, years, decades).

I'll be back with all the details and challenge update after I hit the gym and get my gear together for my sister's rehearsal dinner tonight and wedding tomorrow.

I hope you'll be able make it to the dance to celebrate this BIG milestone with me. Come on, dancin' is the best way to have fun and burn calories at the same time. Oh, and there will be some door prizes too.

See you at the dance.

Love,
Alice (a/k/a MB)

Challenges

Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a good week. It's time for my update on the Summer Challenge 2010 and the 101 Days of Summer Challenge.

As you know, I've been having a little pity party for myself today because I'm getting cut off from unemployment and I'm scared of going back to work, not having time to go to the gym, getting totally stressed out, and falling right back into my bad habits of stress eating and collapsing on the couch after a long day at the office. The good news is I haven't started stuffing chocolate down my throat to make me feel better because, you know, it never actually makes me feel better, just fatter and I don't need that.

So, here are my combined goals for both challenges and my progress update for this week:

1. Lose an additional 20 pounds by the end of summer/continue to lose an average of 2 pounds per week (13 weeks x 2 lbs. per week = 26 pounds)

Challenge Starting Weight: 215
Week 1: 212.3 (-2.7)
Week 2: 211.6 (-0.7)
Week 3: 211.6 (-0.0)
Week 4: 207.9 (-3.7)

Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)

I spent the entire week working off the 6 pounds (actually 6.6 pounds) I managed to gain last weekend as you can see from my Wii graph above. I'm not really sure how I managed to gain over 6 pounds in only two days but apparently gaining weight quickly is just one of my many talents. I didn't make any progress on the scale since last week but I'm determined to get closer to "onederland" next week. I'm going to be extra careful not to snack and overindulge this weekend. We have a BBQ with the ATV club on Saturday and my nephew's graduation party on Sunday so it will be a challenge but I'm all for the challenges these days.

2. Continue to hit the gym HARD every day I'm in the city and not in VT/continue to hit the gym at least 4 days per week (60 minutes cardio and weight training)/get off the elliptical once in a while and start hitting the weights at least 2x per week

- I went to the gym every day this week and worked out for a minimum of 60 minutes. I made it into the weight room twice too so I'm doing better with that. I even walked to the gym one day because B took my truck to work since his car was in the shop. It's only about 3 miles but it was a good walk and better than having to get on the dreadmill at the gym.

3. Increase cardio to 99+ minutes at least once a month (Tuesday challenge)

- I did 110 minutes on the elliptical and 22 minutes on the dreadmill Monday for a 132 minute cardio session (and it wasn't even a Tuesday). I couldn't wait 'til Tuesday after seeing the 6.6 pound gain on the scale Monday.

4. Start the C25K program already

- I'm still working on Week 1 of the C25K but hope to move to week 2 of the program next week. I don't want to move up until I can do the running parts without feeling like my lungs are going to explode or my legs are going to give out. I'm making progress.

5. Get some sort of physical activity on the weekends while away at camp/hike, bike, walk or jog at least one day each weekend

- I didn't get much activity in last weekend other than a little swimming Sunday afternoon but I plan on going for a hike or taking a walk down to the lake (3 miles) at some point this weekend.

6. Limit my nighttime snacking ritual

- I wish I didn't crave something sweet after dinner and throughout the night but I'm getting good at limiting the amount of snacking and eating healthier stuff.

7. consume more veggies, more fruit and more water

- Still loving my Green Monster Smoothies when I get home from the gym. I've been filling my dinner plate up with extra veggies this week so I think I've got the fruit and veggies covered. Some days are better than others with the water consumption.

8. eat less processed crap and avoid anything with HFCS

- I'm happy to report that I haven't had any junk food this week. I'm still working diligently to avoid the nasty HFCS that seems to be in EVERYTHING. I'm doing my best to avoid it if at all possible.

This week wasn't a complete success but given the news about my unemployment being cut off I'm just happy I haven't fallen face first into a batch of brownies or a pint of Ben & Jerry's.

I hope you all had a good week. What's up for the weekend? Anything exciting? Stay cool and enjoy the weekend!