Moving, Slowly

Well, things are, as I say, moving slowly. I think I am trying to adjust to the new me and that is keeping me from forging ahead with incredible amounts of weight loss each week. My body is getting used to itself being almost 50 pounds lighter. Emotionally, this has been tough, because I "want it now", but it's going to continue to take some time and I just need to deal with that.

Additionally, the entire family has been sick for the past few days, myself included. This slows down any progress I can make by working out, but I'll just have to be patient and take care of my body. I seem to have recovered pretty quickly, so I am trying to protect myself from any further reinfection. Sorry kids...

The one thing I could do to keep my motivation going during this slow and now sick time was cleaning house. I went through everything I own in the closet and got rid of over half of it because it was just too big. It had been getting to the point that it was comical seeing me wear these clothes that fit me fine before, but are now just cinched up and terribly baggy on me. I really need to pick up some new clothes, but finances are dictating that it isn't an option right now. Hopefully things clear up with that soon. Anyways, it was a great motivation to try on all those clothes and see them fall right off and have to get rid of them. These are clothes I used to "sausage" into really, really tightly before and now they just fall off!

So, my advice this post, is if you're in a rut with your workout and weight loss, find something to do that can otherwise motivate you, like purging out "fat" clothes or picking up some new "skinny" clothes. This can do wonders for your motivation. Have a great day!

Miles and Miles

What a week it's been. I haven't written for a while, because I have been so incredibly busy between working out, working, and doing things around the house. I have been wanting to write here since Tuesday morning, but it just hasn't come together til now.

I am very, very excited and proud to say that I reached my goal of swimming 1 mile in my workout. I did it for the first time on Tuesday and again today. It was challenging and I pushed really hard to get there. Woo hoo! Last week I swam a 400 for the first time on Thursday and again on Saturday, just to make sure I really could. Trish and I started out trying for the mile on Tuesday and hit it. Today was another mile in preparation for the 500 continuous that I'll be trying next Thursday. That should be interesting. So yay for me, I did it.

That and someone complimented me on my hair at the gym Wednesday morning. This may seem silly to mention, but in a way, what I do with my hair while working out is a personal sign that I am a warrior. I'm there on a mission and I don't care what I look like or what anybody thinks about it. Self confidence building here... Anyways, my hair has gotten quite long (for me), but not long enough to be in a true ponytail or anything. So, I put it up in a samurai style ponytail right on top of my head. (This way I can still wear my headphones and they're in the right spot and don't fall back off my head.) So, this lady told me that my hair rocks, and she wishes she could do that. I just said, "Hey, it's all about working out and losing weight, so I don't care about what my hair looks like, so long as it isn't getting sweaty and stuck to my face." Her reply was, "You go girl!", and that was a pretty cool start to my day that day.

A Killer Compliment

Good morning. As I struggle through the professional portion of my day, I am recalling fondly the events of this morning. First off, it was a celebratory swimming session today. I have resolved to stay at 1400 yards or greater from here on out with swimming. I spoke to Trish about this. I don't want to hit a plateau with swimming. Right now it is really tough to be swimming. I have a lot of demands on my time and it's tough to get up at 5:30, in the winter, when it's below freezing and go swim in the dark. I want to continue to be challenged as I first was when I started this whole swimming gig. If I'm challenged, then I'm not bored, and not losing steam and motivation in those cold dark mornings. Anyways, I talked to Trish, and we're going to start working more on endurance and getting in a lot of yardage in preparation for my triathlon. Today's test was a test of endurance and pacing myself. The challenge was to swim 400 yards continuously, allowing 4 "bonus" rests of 20 seconds anywhere I felt I needed it. I ended up pacing myself very nicely, although initially it felt slow, and was able to finish the 400 and use only 3 of the bonus rests, so that was pretty awesome. We're going to keep working on it next week and get me to a 500 (continuous) and maybe an 800 (continuous) by March.

Afterwards, I was warming up in the hot tub and decided to make small talk with a guy I see every day at the gym, on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the hot tub. He's kindof a big guy, in the same way I'm a big girl, and is always working out. We talked about what we're doing and what we've accomplished at this point. And that's when he delivered the killer compliment. He said that whatever I'm doing must be working because I "move like a fit person". Well, that was enough to make my morning. So thanks again to Mike, and I hope you have a great day too.

So on that note, give compliments. You might just make someone's day. :o)

A Few New Records

Yesterday I set out to break the funk. Ever since I have been sick with the cold a few weeks back, I just haven't felt myself in the pool. You know how sometimes when you fall out of habit of something, it's hard to get back? Well, this was the case for me. I had fallen out of habit of working hard in the pool, initially because I couldn't and then later because I was afraid to. Well, I was determined to challenge myself and see if I was up to it. I took the new workout from Trish that was a total of 1450 yards, 150 more than my longest workout so far. I completed it, in under an hour! Not only that, it included 2 sprints after the main set. I beat my best of 23 seconds with a 22 seconds and then a 21 seconds. I was rocket propelled through the water. At the end of that workout, I was very proud and happy to sit in the hot tub and warm up, loosen up and relax.

This morning, I got a late start out to the gym and found myself with not enough time for my new workout. I almost gave up because I was being inflexible and feeling like if I didn't do what I planned on, the whole thing would be a failure. But, I flipped the coin and thought, "I wonder if I can run 2 miles in the time I have left, and do the weights after work?" And that's what I did. I'm on my way to the gym now to do weights, and it felt great to run this morning.

So, todays community service is this:
1. Set aside some time and get a serious plan and challenge yourself when you've been down for a bit. Likely you will meet the challenge and end up feeling great about it and get yourself out of the slump you're in.
2. Do what you can do. Don't consider a change in plans or a smaller workout a failure. Something is better than nothing.

Half Way There

I didn't really expect to be at this point already, but here I am. I have lost half of my total weight loss goal of 88 pounds. As of this morning, I am at 44 total pounds lost from when I started. This is pretty awesome! I started a new workout with my personal trainer, Sharon, on Thursday. I scheduled it just at the right time to when my body gets used to a routine and isn't challenged anymore, then I shake it up. Should be fun as there's lots in this workout for my legs, butt, abs and obliques.

I am a Warrior!

Before my day gets off to a crazy start as usual, I wanted to take a moment to jot down my thoughts from the gym this morning. During a rest period in between sets, I reached down to put my hands on my hips for a rest and, my hips WEREN'T THERE! I mean they weren't where I am used to them being! This was a great motivator 1/3 into my workout. I stood there for a minute, probably looking like a total dork, putting my hands on my hips for a minute, taking them off and putting them back. Wow! I am really starting to notice the change in me. I have been fighting hard for months now. And while the numbers show it, and people have been noticing it, for the first time, I am really noticing it. I have been fighting the good fight with valiant effort. I am a warrior! And I will succeed!

Community Service

Seems like I always do my thinking in the shower. So this morning, like the great thinker I am, after a great swimming workout and in the shower, I began to think about the community I have been building and becoming a part of when it comes to weight loss. And I have so much appreciation for the folks out there that I learn from or simply can relate to because they publicize either on their blog or podcast, what have you, their struggles and successes. Dave O, Heather, Scott, Beth, Adam, and many, many others who are escaping me at the moment: THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO! I think part of this journey for me has been enabling me to reach out more, and I try to do that by way of emails, blog comments, podcast reviews and so on. This lets these people know that their efforts are reaching people and its making an impact. I have noticed that I am becoming more intertwined into others webpages, podcasts and blogs. And as a "community service" I am open to questions and comments about weight loss, diet and exercise, as over this time, I have learned quite a bit. I just don't have the time to post it as others do, but I'll try to incorporate more of that as time goes on. It's amazing what one learns about the body, mind and spirit through this process. And, thinking to myself in the shower, "Why keep it all to myself?"

So, todays tidbit is this: To make your workout routine easier to adjust to and stick with, PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE. I always pack my lunch, water and vitamins as well as get the materials needed to make my breakfast out and ready. I'll lay out my workout clothes and accessories and pack my gym bag with my work clothes, towel and toiletries. Having little things like your own towel and toiletries make the shower at the gym nicer. I also have my cell, wallet and things nearby for quick access. So when I get up, I can grab everything and go! Works for me...

Back on Track

Well, I started out this week with a reduced intensity workout and gradually increased it up to full intensity by the end of the week. I got back on the regular eating plan. It felt good to be back to a normal schedule. By Friday, I was back in full swing and loving it. I found I had actually missed running before my weight workout and lifting and so on.

The gym was not as terribly crowded as I had expected, in the morning. Tuesday morning I was still recovering from the cold and wanting the extra sleep, so I didn't get up and go swimming at 5:30. But, not wanting to miss it entirely, I went after work. That was BUSY. It's funny, the old schoolers in the gym scoff at the newbies, that they're getting in the way and they aren't really going to stick with working out and they are getting in the way. Anyways, that night was busy. But, starting Wednesday, I was back to my regular morning routine. And it wasn't busy! Thursday was much of the same. There were a few more people than in November and December, but not very many at all. I guess getting up that early to exercise just isn't for everyone.

So, my hard work has paid off and I have lost the extra pounds I gained between Christmas and New Year's plus 1. I'm down to 227, and as I think I mentioned, I bought for the first time in many, many years, size 20 jeans. Woo Hoo! It's only downhill from here.

Thanks to all the people who keep me motivated when I struggle including but not limited to: Lori, Nathan, Sienan, Mom, Dad, Andrew, Dixie, Shawn and Michelle, Dave O, Scott Smith, Heather on NetLoss, Trish, Sharon, Bev, Conkey, Carlos, Ron, James, my various family members spread out everywhere, my neighbors, my coworkers and so on. And for Matt at work, I have news for you buddy: Fitness does ROCK!

Recovering

Well, it has been 8 days since I first started feeling under the weather and I am excited to say that this cold is almost completely out the door. Woo Hoo! I was disappointed to come down with the cold in the first place, because that has been a workout showstopper for me in the past. But this time I didn't want that to happen.

I researched by Googling "working out while sick" and found that if you pass what is known as the "neck check", you're good to go on a reduced intensity workout. The neck check basically stipulates that if all your symptoms are above the neck, ie. headache, mildly sore throat, stuffy nose and so on, you are good to work out. It's when you have a fever and other "below the neck" symptoms that you really want to take some time off to recouperate. So, I worked out last Tuesday morning before I started feeling sick. I took a few days off and didn't go back to the workout until Saturday, where I did a half workout. Again I took a few days off and went in yesterday for a 3/4 swim and was back at it today with a 3/4 weights workout. Tomorrow I'll be back on my regular schedule.

I can't help but notice how working out makes me feel so much better. First off, I am over my cold in a week?!? That didn't used to happen before; try two weeks, minimum. Secondly, I just feel better overall. Working out just energizes and jump starts me like nothing else. I have a much better day when it includes a workout. My eating is back on target and I look forward to some more progress on my weight loss goal soon.

Check me out!

Hey, I got recognized for recognizing my masters swim coach, Trish! I've talked about her in my blog before; she's the bomb and I totally dig how she is so good at challenging me and teaching me. Check out the following link to see me in the Moments of Magic section of the El Dorado Hills Sports Club monthly newsletter, which got me a free month's worth of dues: Cool!

http://www.eldoradohillssc.com/st_media/pdf/edh_200701.pdf

Goals for 2007

I have spent some time thinking over what I want to accomplish in the next year. As we know, I am on a quest to lose weight and get healthy. I want to do this for the following reasons:
 1. to feel better about myself
 2. to live healthier and longer
 3. to accomplish something that requires great discipline and long  term effort
 4. to get back to my hidden athletic nature :o)
 5. to have fun along the way

My goal I set last year was to lose all of my extra weight and try to get down to a generally healthy weight for my size of 180 pounds. That meant a weight loss of 88 pounds from the time I started this quest. Last year I lost a net of 37 pounds, so this year I'll need to work on losing 51 pounds. I have had great progress and successes, but there is still work to be done. In order to make this manageable and less intimidating, I have broken it down into two mini goals that compromise the larger goal. I am going to push myself to get this done by my birthday this year, when I will compete in my first triathlon, which is where the following dates come in. If I don't hit that date, it's ok. I will continue to push on as 2007 is my year and I will reach the goal weight of 180 pounds this year!

1st Goal: Lose 31 pounds by April 15, 2007. This keeps my progress moving, but at a slightly slower pace than I had this year. It allows more time to reach the goal because as I get healthier, the weight loss will begin to slow down.

2nd Goal: Lose 20 pounds by July 14, 2007. This again allows more time for the progress from the previous goal as I get healthier.

Trigger Identification

Happy New Year to everyone. I am looking forward to the successes of meeting the challenges I will lay out for myself in this coming year. Last year I did extremely well with managing myself, my behavior when it comes to food and exercise and working towards my goals. I lost 40 pounds in just over 3 1/2 months! I was excited to go and buy a couple new pairs of jeans and found that I had gone down 3 sizes from a 26 to a 20! Wow! I can't remember the last time I bought jeans in that size, seriously. It was an awesome treat!

My last week of 2006 didn't happen as I planned, and I did gain 3 pounds. But it's nothing I can't bounce back from. This wasn't a total disappointment though. Importantly, I learned some triggers for my poor eating and exercising habits. I am still building up the emotional maturity to be strong enough to overcome these triggers, but I'll get there. Here is what I learned:

Trigger 1: Sugar Cookies with frosting: These are made in our house every year for Santa and let me tell you, Santa enjoys eating them. Once these were made, I had one and then two and then a few. This was the segway into nibbing on other not-so-healthy foods and eventually eating entire snacks and extra snacks that were not-so-good. I think by next year I'll have to have built the emotional strength to control my response to this trigger or remove it from the equation and get something different for Santa. I'll work on this.

Trigger 2: Company: This may not be so much family as it is just company over in general. I have spent a large part of my time in the last 3 months in a cocoon of sorts with my homelife, exercise and work. I did this unintentionally at first, just adjusting to my new routines but then as time wore on, intentionally to protect myself, from myself. I realized that many of the relationships, gatherings and events in my life were centered around eating poorly and doing nothing in terms of physical activitiy. And the worst part is, I was orchestrating much of this. I really feel that right now, I am redefining who I am, which will redefine my relationships with the people I know and love and also redefine the types of events, gatherings and activities I choose to be a part of in coming times. Company has historically meant more food than normal, poorer food than I usually eat and less time for activity among many other things. Again, I do not have the emotional maturity to fully withstand the pressure of company at this time, so I need to work on this also.

Trigger 3: Being sick: On the 26th, I started coming down with a cold. I still have it today, but I feel I have managed it very well and it's on the way out. There are many things to say here. First, this is a success of my diet and exercise, I believe, because this is the first time this season I've been sick, this one is on the way out already and did not become a sinus infection. That is much improved over previous years, where I was sick more often, for longer and was seriously prone to sinus infections every time. So I am improving my health and my immune system. But, when I am sick, I am a wimp. I eat and drink to sooth the discomfort. I didn't do this with good foods, although more good foods than previous years. I have to figure out a better way to cope with the discomfort. I also want to do more to boost my immune system to keep myself from getting sick again. After researching working out while sick, I worked out on Saturday for the first time since the 26th, doing a 50% intensity workout. As I had read, it felt great to move, cleared my head for a while and didn't make me sicker due to exertion as I had feared. I'll be heading out to work out again shortly. So, while this is a trigger, it has also been a lesson and an accomplishment of sorts.

So, for the last week of the year, I had thoughts of losing beyond my goal of 40 pounds, but in reality, I gained back 3. I also registered for a 5K for last night, which I did not think it wise to attend while on the mend from this cold. And I rang in the new year on the couch, using Kleenex and drinking Zicam. But, it was only 1 week in a long line of many other successful weeks and as I said, I'll bounce back from it. And smarter now that I've discovered a few of my triggers that I can start to formulate plans of attack against. I am going to hammer out my goals for 2007 today and post them shortly.