Gym Time

I made it to the gym today! My gym, gym A. Mariyn's Christmas vacation is over and she is back in school. I decided last night that today would be a good day to start back at the gym. Why wait until Monday? That is only procrastinating the inevitable and allowing me to waste away longer.


I had all of our clothes laid out last night. I know I am NOT a morning person so it's just easier for us to get somewhere on time if I do this the night before. I got to the gym just before 8 am. Body Pump starts promptly at 8:30 and requires some set up. Plus, I knew the gym would be more crowded because of the kids went back to school and everyone wants to work on their resolutions.

I did body pump with less than my normal weights. I'm not trying to re-injure myself. I was a little nervous about going back. Is it to soon? What are people going to say? What do I tell them, I never actually WENT to the doctor. I don't want to look like a slacker or one of those people who are just there because it's a new year.

I felt welcome and at home. Even a little guilty for getting a temporary membership to Gym B. I missed seeing the regulars, I miss the classes and the routine. The Know Your Own Strength contest is back and I'm thinking about joining it. Not that I expect to win, because I don't but I did so well last year during the contest. I'd love to get those results again. I'm a competitive personality. Competition does me well. I have to wait until the last round to sign up though, I want to give myself a fair chance. I know I can do better when I'm totally healed.

Lunges, Push ups and planks are especially difficult for me right now. The are basic low impact floor exercises, I know but with my injury and the position of the ankle, it really hurt. Which tells me I am still several weeks out from running or any impact exercise.

Ahh... It feels so good to be back working out again.

Finally Friday

It's Friday already and I realize I haven't posted since I said I was back at it on Tuesday. That doesn't mean I fell off the wagon again though.

I've been busy busting my fat at the gym every day since. I'm trying to get back into my regular routine. It's wearing me out! Seriously, I've had to take a nap almost every day because after the adrenaline rush is gone, I'm just exhausted from all that hard work! I can't help but take a nap.

You would think that I could do all the same things I did before my injury with no problem jumping right back in. It really hasn't been **that** long.

My gym friend Laura told me this week that I am very dedicated and hardworking once I've chosen to do something. It's true, I've always felt this way about myself but it's feels different when someone else says it about you. Which got me to thinking about my journey...

I can seriously go months without slipping up, with out cheating on my diet, with out missing an opportunity to exercise. But I am an all or nothing type of person. You either get all of my efforts, or none. There really is no in between.

Since my injury, I haven't been able to exercise, so I didn't care what I ate. It's true I made some really bad choices that I wouldn't have made if I had been going to the gym. When I'm exercising, I really think about my food choices and if they are worth the hardworking and calorie burning I did at the gym. Most of the time, it keeps me inline with my eating.

When I'm not at the gym, I don't think like that. I can't explain why but the thought doesn't occur to me. Yeah I know I'm not making great choices and I'm not moving more. So I because I'm not exercising I think I'm not going to lose weight anyways because . . . Even though I know weight loss is primarily DIET and secondarily exercise. You can be fit and still be FAT or you can be skinny and be out of shape. It all depends on how frequently you exercise. I'm there, I know it. I can exercise many skinny people... Someday soon, I hope to just be fit.

So what does this all mean, to me? This all or nothing business? My eating habits have greatly improved since I started my journey. I eat until I'm no longer hungry, I do not eat until I'm stuffed or even until I'm "full". I can control my portions. I can enjoy snacks in moderation but I still struggle with sweets. In fact, I think sweets are my biggest hang up because once I get some in my system, my mind craves for more, more and more. It takes a lot of willpower and discipline to get back on track for me and sweets. Moderation by a dieters standards is virtually non-existent. I really need to refocus here, with my sweet intake. Am I ready to do it yet? To be honest, I don't know. Mentally I can want to be skinnier, I can want to eat better all the time but I really have to want it in order to do it. This journey has been so much more to be than becoming skinnier, it's becoming healthier, happier and more spiritual too.

This weeks exercise schedule:

Monday: Running/Walk 3 miles
Tuesday: Body Pump and Cycle
Wednesday: Cycle
Thursday: Body Pump and Cycle
Friday: Cycle (5:30 am)

I did planks once this week and will be doing more today and over the weekend. I want to get in the routine of cycle and abs on Weds with Running Weds night.

Oh and I got to talking to someone at the gym this morning about running, she invited me to go running with her and a group just outside of town they do hill training on the weekends. I'm excited and hope I can join.

Back in the Saddle Again

After my sidelining injury over two weeks ago, I went back to the gym today. It was so hard to convince myself to go. Yet felt so good just to be there. My ankle is still slightly swollen and slightly bruised but it no longer hurts. It just feels weak.

I've ran on it twice since the fall. Thanksgiving day and last night. Both times about 3 miles. My first half marathon is coming up soon, January 2nd and I need to be ready. It's only about 5 weeks away.

The Santa Monica - Venice Christmas Run is coming up even sooner on December 11th. I'm debating which run to sign up for the 10K which is a more challenging distance or the 5K that the rest of the family is doing. In all honesty, I'd really like to do both. My reasoning is I won't feel satisfied with just running a 5K as it's not challenging enough for me BUT Mariyn (and a lot of our family) is going to run it so I want to run it and support her. To run both would be really good training for my half marathon . . . as you can see, I'm torn.

Today, I did body pump and cycle. I haven't weighed in and I don't really want to. I didn't want to face the damage today and be a downer. I might weigh in tomorrow. One of my friends at the gym said I was looking thinner. I don't really think that is even possible. I was fairly active painting my house, working on projects and cleaning but I know I didn't make the best food choices and I know how important diet is.

Since my ankle was still weak and it's been 3 weeks since I've done any weight training, I didn't lift as heavy as I normally do. I still pushed myself though, in cycle I could feel my ankle was getting tired and worn out but not sore. Did I mention it felt so good to go back to my normal routine? I missed my workouts, my gym friend and I think they missed me. It's good to be back and besides being sidelined due to pain, I really think I needed the break to mentally re-charge it was a good break.

A lot of ladies at the gym are getting certified to become body pump instructors and cycle instructors. Part of me really wants to do this, but the other part of me doesn't. It's so expensive and just not practical (time or financially) for us right now with our investment coming along. One day, I'd love to do some sort of personal or group training for women who want to achieve their goals by completing events like triathlons or runs. I really think I'd love it and could be good at it... but I have to get more accomplishments under my belt too.

Tuesday Ramblings

I got my hair cut and styled yesterday. It felt so good. It was getting dry and stringy. I needed the cut. It felt good too.

A few of my friends from grad school got together for dinner. It was nice to get together we hadn't seen each other for a long time. I had my hair done, make up on and I got dressed. My friends were shocked at how much I've changed and kept commenting on how good I look. It felt good. Life is good.

I ate heavier than I had wanted to. Thankfully, Zumara and I went for a good run last night. Our bodies were sore and scratched but it felt good to get them moving again. 4.25 miles according to mapmyrun.com - Not bad at all! Hopefully, it undoes some of the damage from Halloween.

Weigh in today was great 185 lbs! 1 pound less than last week. :) I got up, did body pump and cycle. I was running a little bit late and took my breakfast (oatmeal) to the gym with me. I wanted to make sure I got a ticket to class today, yesterday I got there 10 minutes before the class started and it was already too full.

I struggled to get through body pump as my body is still a little sore. Cycle was great though - I feel so good now that I'm done. I need to get to cleaning today. I'm having people over for a Jewelry party on Thursday night and my house is a mess. So yeah... that's my goal for today!

I did back to back classes at the gym today body pump and cycle. Both were subs, the regular teacher quit last week, or so I hear. I missed class last week so I didn't hear the story for myself but what was repeated sounds a lot like gossip and drama.

I got a great workout in today. The sub that did body pump is a regular instructor (and coordinator) at another local fitness facility and really knows her stuff. I loaded my bar heavier than normal for squats and really worked it. I also went heavier on chest. Cycle was fun but only 4 members took the class today, really odd because normally there are 20 bikes and we have to show up extra early to get one. I got a good ride in though and it was nice not to be so crowded, odd but nice.

As I was leaving the gym, the manager spoke to me. He said he seen someone who looked a lot like me there and he had to do a double take. My sister and I do look a lot a like, but we look very different too. He asked which one of us is older, my sister is by 6 years and it's obvious. I think he was just trying to make small talk. He always talks to me when I'm alone at the gym. He goes out of his way to acknowledge me when I'm alone. It's awkward. My sister has a better rate than I do. She only pays $15 a month! Incredible, I know it's something through her work. So I decided to say something about it. He told me that because he likes me he would give me the same rate as my sister. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you would realize that this is the same person that has been flirtatious with me for months now. I'm a happily married woman and I tell my husband everything. But you know there is nothing wrong with saving me some money! I've been a member there for a long time and pay a lot to go each month, for myself and my kids. So I'm excited about that!

When I got back home, I made quesadillas for lunch with black bean salsa, using thin corn tortillas and queso fresco and mozzarella cheeses. They were good! Soon, it was time to do some research online and get Mariyn from school. Then the girls and I went to the library, I filled out papers for an LLC and mailed them off to the secretary of state! We're getting closer on our investment stuff and that is so exciting! Of course, while we were at the library the girls got books. Amelia had a huge tantrum and had to get carried out. Her behavior has been very challenging lately and I could really use prayers for patients with her.

When we got home from the library I had Amelia take a nap. I was frustrated with her. She was tired, I was tired and a nap fit us both nicely. When I awoke I could already feel the soreness setting in from today's workout. I love that!

Oh and did I mention, I'm still didn't have a voice today? I lost my voice Tuesday night. Monday I had a minor sore throat. Tuesday I felt fine but lost my voice around 8 pm. Yesterday I felt fine but with no voice. Today my voice is a little better but I have a cough and very low energy. I'm cough drops and using my inhaler. I have congestion but it seems to only be in my throat --- odd. I'm going to make some tea and hope I feel better tomorrow. I have a busy day ahead.

running body pump and yoga

Tuesday, I read my bible study, James 3:1-18, on taming the tongue. Something, I and probably many other people need to work on.

Yesterday, my husband and I got into an argument. How ironic when I read the bible study the night before. I was a lot more careful about choosing my words but I have a lot of room to grow. I had a really bad headache and was probably a bit grumpier than normal. It started out as a small disagreement, I was unhappy about a few things and needed to tell him how I felt. Quickly, it escalated and turned into a BIG argument.

After the kids went to bed, I went for a run. I was planning on running anyways but now was more reason to go running. I was planning on a short run, 3 mile or so but ended up running close to 5 miles! So much healthier to handle my emotions through exercise than through eating. I was still angry when I got home and so I went to bed.

Anyone who knows me, I have a hard time letting things go once they bother me. I usually have to have the last word and or prove my point. It's probably not my best characteristic. Naturally, going to bed angry means I am going to wake up angry and not get "over it" until a solution is found and an apology is made. I got up this morning, angry made the kids breakfast (and the husband too although I didn't talk to him) and got Mariyn off to school and Amelia and I off to the gym.

I did bodypump today. Still angry I had a difficult time concentrating but an easy time lifting the weights. I ended up bumping up my squat weights by 10 lbs. Now I'm squatting with 50lbs. The most of anyone I've seen in the class, other than one amazingly strong instructor. I've been wanting to bump my squat weight up for a while so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so. My body feels worn out, tired and sore. I didn't take my anger out on food today either.

Tonight, I went and did a yoga class. It was a much needed stress reliever and stretch. I could hear my hips and bones popping in the posses. Some of them hurt a little, others felt so good I could fall asleep. Even the ones that hurt were the feel good kind of hurt, the kind you feel when you know tension is leaving the body.

Something amazing happened in yoga. We were doing a pose in which we held our calf with both hands. For the first time, I can remember in my life my hands actually wrap around my entire calf! I was amazed I had to tell my friend. Even though you don't really socialize in yoga! Opps! ha ha

I really enjoyed yoga tonight. It was exactly what I needed. I train so much and so hard that my body can really take a beating. I know I need to incorporate more yoga/stretching in to my routine. It might not be the biggest calorie burner but flexibility and balance (key elements of yoga) are a big part of being fit and healthy.

Rich and I worked out our disagreement. All is good. We have an exciting opportunity we're investing in. I'm not allowed to speak of just yet but I think it's God's way of providing for us. It's stressful, especially because I am not good at keeping secrets and this opportunity has the potential of changing our lives. I'm excited, nervous and thankful all at the same time.

Happy Day

Ahh... so happy!
Amelia is better and I just got back from body pump at the gym. :D

I'm feeling so good! I debated on doing back to back classes with body pump and cycle like I normally do but decided against it. I'm going to go running tonight and when I didn't want to over do it this morning. A lot of people missed me at the gym. It's good to be back.

I'm really proud of myself and how far I've come on my fitness journey. There was a time when any little slip up in life would have knocked me off my routine and I wouldn't have felt successful. At the beginning of my journey, so much of my success was built on being routine and being able to go to the gym. I remember feeling defeated when incidents that happened at the gym (poor customer service, issues with the instructors, or I wasn't strong enough to do an exercise) or something came up and I didn't get to the gym. Now, I've gotten to a point where the gym does not determine my success. Yeah, it's a great tool to have and I still enjoy going BUT I realize there are so many ways to be active and healthy outside of the gym now. Most importantly, now I have the confidence, discipline and ability to actually do them. :D

Non Physical Goals

I've been thinking more and more about my goals. All of the goals I mentioned for the Hot 100 are physical /weight loss goals. I know that is my usual talk around here but I also have other goals too, that are not directly related to my personal fitness and weight loss.

Along with my Hot 100 goals and weekly weigh in, I am going to make a new small goal or challenge. It could be related to my physical or non physical goals. Just one more way to hold me accountable to the things I want to attain.

I really want to grow my relationship with Christ. Yeah I do a mom's bible study once a month but I don't feel it's enough. I need to learn more and nurish this relationship. I'd also like God to use me to encourage and empower others. I pray that whenever I tell my story people see that God is part of my journey and all the credit and glory should go to him.

In 2008, I finished my master's program. I earned my credential in school counseling but never officially earned my M.A. Why you might ask? I never finished my thesis. I have a lot of reasons I didn't finish - busy life, not a priority, lack of self confidence with my writting skills, and money. There must have been a lot of people out there like me who never really finished so this year, the university is offering a comprehensive exam as a final MA requirement. I have two chances to pass this exam (which is an essay). It's due in November and I haven't started yet. If I can dedicate as much time and effort to my exam as I do my health goals, then I'm sure I can get this done. Officially having my MA would really spruce up my resume and could open more opportunities.

With that said, I also have finanacial goals. I'd like more financial stability in our lives. I'm not working and my husband's job is unpredictable at best. I know God has a plan for us and it's a trial. We are hoping to become more financially independant and hope that opportunities fall into place. Prayers with this area are deeply appreciated.

Exercise today: Body Pump this morning, Zumba this evening.

I haven't done Zumba in a really long time but I went to be supportive of my friend. She an instructor and got to teach a few songs tonight. It was a fun time and I got to see people I haven't seen in a while. When the instructor said to squeeze your abs tonight, I heard a girl in the back say, "Abs, what Abs?, laughing I can't feel my abs!" Immediately it reminded me of myself and how far I've come. After class I made a point to go and talk to her and encourage her. She looked at me as if I was crazy until I told her how much weight I've lost. It's funny because I still see myself as a fat girl. I still weigh a lot. But I'm noticing other people aren't seeing me this way any longer, weird.

3 days until Tri :)

Last night I took the girls on a bike ride, just a short family ride around the neighborhood. I think it was the first one we've gone on since the girls started school. It just felt so good. The girls had fun, and we had lots of family time yesterday. I'm so thankful that I can ride bikes with my girls. It's a blessing.

Mariyn wanted to ride her bike to school today, so we did, and Irode (pulling Amelia in the trailer of course) to the gym across town and back home. I squeezed in the last bit of training before I leave to Tahoe, I did body pump and cycle. After school, Amelia and I went to pick up Mariyn. So on top of body pump and cycle at the gym, I rode more than 5 miles on my bike today. :)

My mom called me this morning and told me she is planning on being home tonight, praise the lord the emergency situation didn't get more serious and is going to be ok. I am so thankful that God cares about my wants and handled that situation so my mom will be able to join me on Sunday and I will be able to compete.

I was a talking to Richard last night about the situation and I could tell he really felt bad because he knows how hard I've been training and that the only reason he isn't going is because he plans on hunting. He knows I would be disappointed if I didn't get to participate come Sunday. I think he was going to tell me that he wouldn't go on his trip, but before he could I told him that wasn't what I wanted. If my mom wasn't able to go, and I wasn't able to find anyone else, I didn't want or expect him to give up his thing for me. He gives up so much for me already and is always supportive of my needs/wants. I don't like hunting season (and he knows it) but I realize that it is the only thing he really does for himself with his friends and it's important to him. I wouldn't want him to miss out because I might have to miss out. Thankfully, my mom is able to come. My sweet husband took the day off of work tomorrow to spend with me.

I have a lot of laundry and packing to do tonight. In addition, I would like to get a few laps in the pool tonight, wearing my wetsuit. Tomorrow I just want to enjoy my husband as much as possible. If money allows, I would like to pick up a cheap pair of sunglasses and a new sports bra. I haven't bought new sports bras last October when I started working out, they are really great, adidas ones form Costco. However, since I lost weight, I think I might get a better fit from a smaller size. Nice sports bra's are so expensive though, it's crazy and Costco no longer has the adidas ones in stock.

Mon 9/13 6 day count down

I'm deviating from my Tri- training schedule. My Mom's In Christ bible study starts back up again tomorrow, it's the first meeting of this school year. I don't want to miss it and well, I don't want to miss body pump either. I really had to get a bit creative and figure something out that will fit in my schedule, keep me on track and prepared for the triathlon this weekend. According to my schedule, today was supposed to be a cycle only day, tomorrow body pump and cycle. Body pump isn't offered in the morning at my gym on Monday so I decided to look else where. I got online and found that another local (but in a different bigger town) Gold's Gym has back to back body pump and cycle on Monday morning! Sweet! Now, I can just switch it up and do cycle only tomorrow night and still make it to my bible study. God always provides a way, he knows how important the gym is to me right now and I want to go to bible study too.

I packed the girls' lunches last night dropped them off to school then headed out of town. I got to the gym at just the right time. Got my weights and everything set up. My favorite instructor normally teaches the class but she had a sub today, the regular Thursday instructor. She noticed I wasn't at my home gym, ha ha. Dedication she called it. Maybe, possibly with w side of insanity. ;-) I had a great workout the equipment is a little different there, and I lifted heavier than normal because of this on some tracks. Then I did cycle. The bikes are VERY different from the ones in my home gym. Much older and well just different. The class was good but there didn't seem to be as many intense cyclists there as are in my home gym. In general the people were different too. There are a lot of regulars at my gym, stay at home moms and other very active people. They have a certain look to them that you know they are regulars - lean muscle mass maybe? ha ha Really they did look different though - there weren't as many of those people there. Plus, my home gym being in a small community it has a little bit of that feel, the interaction of a small town. Not so much at this other gym. I felt really proud of myself though, stepping out of my comfort zone trying a new gym and still getting a great workout in so I can devote tomorrow morning to my bible study.

When I got home there was a package at my door. My wetsuit has arrived! I was a little bit nervous it wouldn't fit right or that I would look terribly obese. It's so much cuter in person. I was even intimidated to try it on but I did. It took me a minute to figure out how to put it on -- it looks tiny and the zipper only goes half way down the back or so. How was going to fit my rear into something that has that small of a waist? I closed my eyes and squeezed in preparing to shimmy and pull up. I was VERY surprised I didn't have to! It fit great, took me a while to figure out how I was going to get the back zipped up when it was on me, or even worse, getting it off alone and wet. Can you imagine, in transition asking having to ask for help? But you know, they have a string attachment for that. I can't wait to try it out in the pool.


I've been going over and over in my head all the things I think I will need for my triathlon. Making a check list for everything putting things by each other that I know I will need etc. Today I took that huge step. I registered and paid for the triathlon! I even found a $25 coupon code online! Woo Woo I'm beyond excited :)

Day 10 countdown to TRI

I was so hungry yesterday, all day just uncontrollably hungry. Maybe my metabolism was really high because of all the early morning activity. I felt like I could eat anything and everything and still wasn't satisfied, I was starving. Weird.

I can normally control myself better but yesterday I just ate whatever. Tortilla chips, dip, I was so hungry and I need to go grocery shopping. Most of the food left in the house is stuff the hubby bought and not good and healthy. Even though I ate poorly most of the day, I ate healthy for dinner, baked chicken, seasoned with a bit of garlic salt, Couscous, and mixed veggies. My body felt happy after that, and very satisfied.

This morning, I had a protein shake and a bowl of cereal (honey bunches of oats) before going to the gym. Then a Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich from subway for lunch.

10 days until Triathlon, so I've been thinking about my training schedule:

Fri: 5:30 am cycle, yeah I know it's early and I'm not a morning person but I am substitute teaching tomorrow so it will be good for me to get in my workout early. I have a friend from the gym calling me, to make sure I go.

Sat: off

Sunday: Swim, Bike, Run (cycle at the gym is 9am)

Monday: cycle

Tues: body pump and cycle

Weds: Swim, Bike, Run (cycle is at 9:30 am)

Thurs: Body pump, Cycle. Thursday will be my last day to really work out before the TRI on Sunday. I want my body to get some rest and rejuvenate so I can give it my best on Sunday.

Fri: Tahoe ( I plan on doing a very short run, to get acclimated with the elevation).

Sat: Off Happy 29th Birthday to me

Sun: Tahoe Tri :) I'm so ready for this!

Weekend + Weigh In

Oye Vey the weekend! I didn't work out at all, which is normal for me. I like to take the weekend off and just be with the family. We're usually do something active but it's a fun activity. This weekend, we ended up going camping. It's hunting season (archery) so Rich has been going hunting every chance he gets and he really wanted us to go along. Reluctantly, I decided to go last minute this weekend. I had a really good time with our family, plus my mom and Tom. Before I headed out of town, I had to get some food. We stopped at Raley's, I bought two packs of cookies, one mixed pack with chocolate chips and sprinkles (they were huge), and the other sugar cookie with frosting - YUM! It probably wasn't the best buy because I was hungry when I went into the store and I thought I could just have a few and eat them while camping and share with the fam. Umm... no I ate half the frosted cookies on the drive up! Pretty much set the pace for the whole weekend - bad eating choices. We took the girls on one long hike while we were there and the rest of the time I hung around camp with the kids. Mariyn got a lot of practice in with her bow and I enjoyed shooting it too. I think we really needed the family time because Rich has been working so much. We got home late Sunday night and ate dinner out.

Monday, the girls and I went shopping, swam and they their pictures taken. I'm really excited to get them back. They had 3 outfit changes and I just know they're going to turn out great. Oh and we had Pizza for dinner last night.

I didn't go to the gym Fri-Monday so yeah it was a really long weekend. I didn't want to go today either (especially after last Tuesday's incident with the instructor). But I did. I knew I would regret it if I didn't. So body pump, cycle and weigh in this morning. I got a great workout my triathlon is only 12 days away! I'm still in need of stuff (wetsuit, shoes and of course money) and trying not to worry. I'm sure it will all workout.

I weighed in today at 192. No loss to report, I wasn't expecting any after I ate as badly as I did this weekend and so carb heavy. Refocusing and I'll do better this week. I'm glad I was able to maintain.

weigh in 8/31

It's the last day of August....Meaning only 19 more days until my 29th birthday (goal date) and 20 more days until my triathlon (biggest physical goal yet). I'm getting very excited about both. Even though I will not be at my goal weight like I had originally wanted, I am still working towards my goal and am in a much better spot physically and health wise than where I was a year ago. I just know the last year of my 20's is going to be great, physically fit, and full of faith.

This morning I got up, made the girls breakfast and lunch and got Mariyn off to school. She wanted to ride her bike to school, so we left a little bit earlier. Then I rode to the gym with Amelia in tow. I had a great morning of body pump and cycle. More issues with the new body pump instructor. She called me out 3 times for deviating from the AB choreography. Seriously, I was ticked! Smoke coming out my ears got up and left angry. I went to get a cycle ticket came back to clean up my weights and get my stuff. Then the teacher had the nerve to confront me. Letting me know it was HER class and that she was trained to give proper technique and I need to follow HER because she had the most training for optimal results. Eghhh... I let her know that I am the member I pay for the class, I choose what I want to do. I followed her the entire class but I found something that has been more effective for my abs than the choreography I've gotten in body pump. I've lost 66 lbs, work out 5 days a week and can do a lot more physically than other people my size. I think **I** know a thing or two about my body. I appreciate imput, don't get me wrong, but obviously I heard her, 3 times, I CHOSE to do my own thing. Just because I'm not a size zero doesn't mean I don't know what I was doing. I am so a none confrontational person and to be honest, last week she did something that struck a nerve with me too but it wasn't directed at me. She took weights from a member because "she lifts more than the other instructors". I'm sorry, the weights are there for us members, instructors are there to instruct it is OUR workout time, our money. I'm not in elementary school getting a grade. I'm going to improve myself for myself. Yeah I was angry so say the least.

In case you were wondering what exercise I was doing that was so devious that I need not only to be called out but lectured after class: Here is a video:



Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to injure myself doing ab work lady, I know my body and I push myself hard everyday. Crunches really aren't cutting it and I want Results.

To change my mood, I went and weighed myself. I had a little chit chat with one of the trainers and another member. He told me I should no longer weigh myself, they always say that. Which I know I can't go off weight alone but the number on the scale is really still too important to me to give up. Next time I go in, I'm going to calculate my body fat. It's been a while since I've done it and I would love to see the change. I told him my story about shopping yesterday and squeezing into a size 8, even though the dress slacks looked like spandex I was able to get them on. The other member said, wow a size 8 that's really small - my thoughts exactly! I think that is going to be a short term goal, to be able to fit into a size 8. Only one size away really, but it seems like a whole different world that I am willing to work for. Even the trainer was impressed, I think because he remembers where I came from. He was the same trainer that did my initial weigh in for the contest and seen me at 233 lbs in a bikini. They watched me weigh in, kinda an odd feeling when someone else is staring at the scale with you. It wasn't as good as my pre-weigh yesterday but I'm still happy. 192, a pound less than last week! 66lbs lost total! And I just know soon I'm going to be able to report an even bigger loss :D

I took the rest of my aggression out on the bike today in cycle. After the class, the instructor asked me, Sara did I give you a good enough workout. She always does but I think I had that built up adrenaline coming out today being taken out on the bike.

Oh and just in case you are a bit curious, last night we ran about 4.5 miles :)

Weigh In 8/24

I ended up getting a good run in last night about 4.5 miles! Then this morning I got up and did body pump and cycle at the gym. There is a new pump teacher, I think it will take some getting used to. I was doing lunges and got the worst pain in my spin near where it meets my tailbone. It felt like fire, and twitching at the same time. Almost as if I was being electrocuted. So weird. Immediately I stopped and just put away my weights. It wasn't a muscular type pain so I'm thinking it was a pinching nerve. I've never felt anything like that before though. I still went on to do cycle but I was very cautious of my back.

Weigh in was good. Officially 193.2 on the trainer's scale. 1 pound down from last week. I cheated yesterday and did a pre-weigh in here at the house, I was 191.4. So I was hoping to keep that number today... yeah that didn't happen but I'm still celebrating the pound loss. I got to thinking, about healthy weight loss. I think I read that you could lose 1% of your body weight each week is a healthy amount. So really for me that would be less than 2 pounds a week. And, you know a loss is a loss all these 1 pound weeks add up. Sure I'd love a 3 pound week or two but soon enough, I'll be at my goal weight. It might not be when I expected it, but it will come.

Oh and it's official on the gym scale - I am now down 65 pounds from when I started October 5, 2009. :)

8/19

Another busy day! But I feel like I'm getting back in to the routine of life more and more. I got up early, got Mariyn off to school (and on time) then Amelia and I were off to the gym. I took body pump this morning. I haven't gone to a Thursday body pump class in a very long time because, well, I just don't like the instructor much, personality wise. I knew I had a busy day though and I was a little sore. So I figured I had two options, make it to the 8:30 class and get it over with OR do my weights at the same time, alone. I knew that if I did my weights on my own, I probably wouldn't push myself as hard. So I decided to suck it up and go to body pump. My body is really tired from a good workout each day this week. I wanted to run tonight, but honestly, I don't have it in me. I'm too tired and my knees and legs oculd use the rest. So, no cardio today, just weights. I had a few good convo's at the gym. I'm sort of sitting on a few ideas, I'll probably share when I'm in a more alert state of mind.

As soon as I left the gym, I picked my mom up. She needed someone to take her for errands and stuff. She lives about 45 minutes away in a very small town. We ran errands and grabbed lunch. I had a delicious portabella mushroom sandwich. YUM with a green salad. Oh and while we were out doing errands, I noticed Modesto was having their farmers market. I stopped in and got a lot of fresh organic fruits, berries and some flavored Almonds. Amelia enjoyed the market, and so did my mom and I. Prices seemed much more reasonable then my local market.

Tonight, I focused on dinner and getting the girls ready for school tomorrow. It's picture day for Mariyn. I bought curlers for their hair and rolled it up for the night. It's both of their first time wearing curlers to bed. I'm a little nervous, hoping it comes out right for picture day tomorrow. I'm a pretty picky mommma!

Weigh In 8/17

Can I just start of by saying my body is SORE! I hurt and I'm liking it. I ended up doing an extra run last night, Zamara and I ran 4.25miles. I think we walked about a half mile of it. My knees were hurting. They've been hurting more lately, I don't know what it is. But I got in something like 7 or 8 miles yesterday if I combined both runs. So I'm not complaining. I can really feel it today though. Amelia and I will be taking a nap this afternoon. We got a new matress and laying in bed is just AMAZING, sleep is AMAZING and thats pretty much all I *WANT* to do... not that I get everything I want but hey,the kid has to nap sometime, right? LOL

Gym was fab. I'm really getting back into the routine again. The girls and I got up early this morning; I dropped Mariyn off to school, then off to the gym Amelia and I went to the gym. Body pump was great but apparently everyone else is getting back into the routine again and classes are filling up quick. I wasn't able to get a ticket for cycle. Which really sucked, so I ended up riding on my own out on the floor. I did one of the video simulation seated bikes after body pump. It works a different part of your leg, I can feel it in my quad. The simulation is really good though, you can totally feel the terrain. I got in an 8 mile bike ride in --on the advanced settings. It took me about 40 minutes. It was the first time I used the seated bike. As soon as I got off the bike, I jumped on to the treadmill. I didn't want to run today, as I ran so much last night and my legs and knees were killing me. But I didn't get in to my cycle class and I need to focus more and more on the triathlon training so I ran. Not far, just enough to get the feel of running after cycling and exercising that long and hard. I ran a half mile (5 minutes). My leggs felt so weird, especially my knees. I'm sure I could have ran more had I not ran so much last night. Have I mentioned lately that I feel so blessed just because I can run? I know I'm not the fastest or the best runner, but I can run. And now I can even run long distances, so amazing to me coming from January when I couldn't run 30 seconds.

Accountability. I know that is something you all are wanting to know. How is the weight loss going right? Last night, I weighed in 193.0 on my home scale. I was happy because that means for the contest between my hubby and I, I'm down 2 lbs he is down 8 (not even trying - ugh)! But I'm kicking it back into high gear. I did my weekly weigh in at the gym, the scale paused at 192.4 lbs, then quickly went to 194 lbs and stayed. I stepped on it again, 3 more times just to make sure I wasn't 192, lol, but yeah it continued to read 194 lbs and I'm ok with that. 64 lbs lost total. No working out last week, no weigh in last week and I'm down 1 pound from 2 weeks ago. I'm focused and driven to get on track again. I see a big loss in my hear future :-)

Holding Steady

I've been holding steady at my current weight for a while. I was optimistic earlier in the week that I was going to have a loss this week because I was running so much. I won't lie, I even snuck on the scale and seen it. LOL Yeah well, the weekend rolled around and my eating was bad, very bad. I really have nothing else to blame but myself and my lack of willpower right now. I'm looking forward to school starting and all the routine that comes with it. I'm hoping my dieting efforts will be better then. I have to admit, I am disappointed with my self and my eating habits. I was so diligent all last school year. Spring and summer came and they just started slipping up. I really wanted to be skinny when the kids went back to school. Yeah, I'm skinnier but really not at my goal where I wanted to be, where I could have been had I eaten better and not made so many excuses.

I did body pump and cycle this morning. My legs are already sore. I want to go for a run tonight but I might just go and do yoga. I've got dinner being made in the crock pot. BBQ Chicken sandwiches. I will be eating mine on an Orowheat thin. I'll probably make corn on the cob or asparagus too.

I know I didn't blog yesterday. I spent the morning finishing up school clothes shopping. The grand total is 10 dresses, 5 shirts, 2 tank tops, 3 skirts, 4 shorts, 5 pairs of leggings and 4 pairs of shoes. Mariyn is done - done done. I didn't think I had bought that much, until I showed my mom today. Mariyn didn't "summer clothes" this year so she needed a lot. She's grown so tall and most of her shorts are too short to wear in public. Plus she goes back to school on Weds. It's still going to be warm here for a long time. Shopping with her was so much fun. She looks cute in absolutely everything. We had very little put backs. Although, I notice this year her style is changing and she likes picking out her own things more than the things I (Uhhmm... her mom) suggests. I'm totally envious of her being able to look cute in everything, even though I am her mother. I can't tell you how many times I've left dressing rooms crying and upset because of the way clothes fit. Or didn't fit is more like it. Shopping with her was fun and easy.

Amelia got a few things too. She starts preschool next Friday. She got more clothes this summer than Mariyn did so she doesn't need much. I got her a couple of dresses. Amelia has been talking so much more this week too. Full sentances. :) and she used the potty for 5 days with no accidents. Today, day 6 she regressed and has had a few. Her behavior has been so good this week. Which made for easy shopping. ha ha Mariyn would not have gotten that much stuff had Amelia been her usual testy self. I'm looking forward to her speech tomorrow and being able to talk about the progress made.

So yeah, besides shopping I did do cardio kick yesterday. I need to add something more to my Monday routine but I'm not really sure what. It's hard to work out late Monday night and early Tuesday morning for my body pump and cycle routine. Must have gotten a good burn. Some days, I really wish I had a body bug just to watch my calories burn. Must be neat.

Oh and I did something spontaneous. I went to Macys.com this weekend and ordered some stuff for Mariyn. Yeah, I know you se Macey's and think expensive but I got great deals! I broke down and ordered this dress in redfor myself too! It was cheap, less than $14.00 and I bought a size Medium. Well have to see when it gets here if it *really* fits. Here is to hoping! I know I was being brave by getting a medium. Red is my favorite color though, so I hope it fits.

Here is to a better weigh in next week :)

7/27 - Weigh In

I'm having all sorts of thoughts about dieting and where I'm going in my weight loss journey. I thought today was going to be a really good weigh in. I feel thinner this week: my clothes are getting bigger and Rich even commented on how much skinnier I look. But at last no change on the scale again, still sitting in at 195.

I looked back at my blog and I really haven't lost much weight at all lately. Very discouraging especially when you consider how much I'm working out. Last week, I got strict with my diet again so I was really hoping to see a change on the scale. I'm going to give it a few more weeks of strict diet and exercise and if nothing changes -- somethings changing. Even though I'm fit, I do not want to be 195lbs. I still have plenty of fat to lose.

I have a friend (real life) who is doing great in her weight loss journey. She is doing a medically managed weight loss program. It sound promising but it's expensive so I'm going to look into all my options if and only IF I can't get past this plateau naturally on my own.

I got up and did body pump and cycle. We were running late so I forgot to eat breakfast. Not smart. I picked up the girls breakfast from MacDonalds and that is when I realized I hadn't eaten myself. They have these fruit smoothies. I figured it sounded healthy enough and so I got myself one. Not even half way through body pump I had the jitters and was feeling light headed. The smoothie wasn't cutting it nutritionally to get me through my needs. After body pump, I grabbed a protein bar ($4.30) to eat before cycle. Crazy price I know but I felt so much better and more alert. The gym is looking to train body pump instructors, I'm thinking about it. It just might be a good fit for me. :)


ETA: Rich didn't have to work tonight and so I decided to run again tonight (in addition to the regular Tuesday morning body pump and cycle). I didn't want to over do it because I ran so much yesterday, but I got in another 4 miles running outside tonight! Woo Woo

Killer workout - weigh in

I'm not sure what it was but today was killer. There was a sub in body pump today and she wasn't as hard as Dana. Still I pushed myself to lift heavy weights but when doing so I noticed that my body felt very fatigued. What was I doing wrong? Am I doing something different I wondered? At certain points in the routine, I really felt dizzy and light headed as if I was going to pass out. So I put the weights down and took a break as needed. The only things I could come up with that were really different was A) I ran 3 miles after 9 pm last night and B) I had a light dinner - chicken salad and my regular protein shake for breakfast. I really think my body probably burnt off dinner quickly and the protein shake wasn't enough to get me through the fatigue and through the class. I'm always careful about what I have for breakfast Tuesday morning because I don't want to weigh in with a full tummy. It's just not fair in my eyes. Luckily, I brought a nectarine with me today and I had that between classes. I perked up my energy levels a lot and took away the dizziness.

Also between classes, I weighed in. I have about 10-15 minutes between classes that I use the restroom, weigh in, check on the kids and set up my bike. Today, I weighed in at 195 on the trainers scale! Back to 195 so a pound down from last week! As long as if I stay good with my foods, I should be losing again, in no time. Weigh in today proved to me how much my at home scale fluctuates. I know I didn't gain 2 lbs yesterday. Just my scale is inconsistent and well, my weight probably fluctuates too. Here is to losing more next week!!!

Cycle was very challenging today as well, which is why I thought maybe the running late last night wasn't enough time for my body to fully recover. I think running is something I can add to my routine at night, when I can, it will just take a couple of weeks for my body to adjust and not feel so tired in the morning. Guess we will see. Proper nutrition is really important though. I know if i exert my body that way again, I'll have to treat it better in the morning with a better breakfast.


I'm on track with my foods. Protein shake for breakfast, nectarine for snack, tuna sandwich on Orowheat thin with a side of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries for lunch. I think we're either going to have chicken kabobs for dinner or a bison burger. Not sure, but I know it will be healthy.

Weigh In 7-13

Accountability, right? That's why I weigh in every Tuesday. I knew today wasn't going to be a great weigh in day. I had a more active vacation but it was just that, a vacation. I ate a bit more than I should have, birthday cake, anyone? With that said, I'm getting back on track with my diet and I didn't do as bad as I thought. Today's weigh in 196.1, still not my lowest but I'm almost back there and just about the same (a tad less) than last week. So not bad at all. Next week will be a true loss! I know it!

Body pump today was killer and I do mean killer. I've been doing a lot of weight - enough that the instructor called attention to me and said we all should be lifting heavy like me. I was actually lifting more than her and almost everyone else today. One other person was lifting the same as me, and I think it was sort of a competition to keep up. I didn't start that way, I was just lifting my weights and I looked behind me and my gym friend responded, "Don't worry, I'm gonna keep up!". Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. HaHA Cycle was rough too. Well, maybe not so much on it's own BUT combined with pump it was HARD! I was shaking and exhausted when class was over.

Amelia's appointment went great. The speech pathologist agreed Amelia has a verbal delay in language acquisition. Probably a year or so behind, like I thought. We will be getting the report results next week AND her insurance has already approved 6 sessions. Not a lot but it's getting us started and it's progress. She said she usually doesn't have a hard time getting insurance to approve more visits either. Most importantly, Amelia is getting services she NEEDS. We start speech therapy next week and her official diagnosis and report will be ready then.