I read these questions on Rotund Revolution and Minding my Weigh 's blogs. Intriguing questions and answers. Feel free to answer them as you would like, here or your own blog.
1. What was your highest weight, what do you weigh right now and what is your goal weight?
Highest weight 258lbs, current weight 187lbs goal weight 160 lbs -ish or just content with my size.
2. What is your #1 motivation for losing weight?
I have so many. Put simply, I got tired of being fat. I got tired of crying every time I left the store because nothing fit. I got tired of not being able to do fun stuff with my kids. I got tired of being unfit and missing out on things I would liked to do. I got tired of making excuses.
I wanted a better life for myself, my daughters and my family.
3. Have you always been overweight?
No. I was always an athletic build with curves. I weighed a lot because I had large muscle mass but was always small in size/shape. I think this is one of the reasons why I hid and denied my weight gain for so long. I'm so curvy that I gained the weight evenly, no one believes that I was actually 258 lbs. Then again, no one believes me today when I tell them I am 187 lbs. I've come a long way.
4. When you want to give up what inspires you to keep going?
My goals, my kids and the progress I've made. Above all, God's grace.
5. What is the #1 thing you look forward to when you hit your goal weight?
Accomplishing my goal and maintaining. I've been at this journey for a year now, the changes I've made are part of my lifestyle. I look forward everything, shopping, activities and just life.
6. Do you have support on your weight loss journey?
Yes. So many women at the gym have reached out to me in their own way encouraging me and asking me about my weight loss. My husband is always been supportive and encourages me. My family is supportive too. The biggest support I've found is that I actually have the power to inspire and encourage others about lifestyle change. That really keeps me going.
7. What is your favorite exercise?
I don't really have a favorite. I love exercise and being athletic. I love doing races/events like the 5K's and the triathlon. I'm hooked, excited and ready to do more! Running is a new love. I love cycling, swimming, body pump, zumba. I love sports and being competitive. I love that I CAN exercise. I love to mix everything up so I don't get bored, burnt out or hit a plateau.
8. What is the most important thing you have learned on your weight loss journey?
I've learned so much about dealing with my emotions. Challenging myself but most importantly, I've seen God's grace and am learning how to be a better example for others.
9. What is one thing you have given up that you miss the most?
I don't really think I've given up anything. I've gained so much.
The one thing I do miss, is sort of hard to explain. I get neurotic about exercising. I feel really bad about myself if I don't try to do something active each day. I miss feeling ok about having a down day. I know it's normal but I instantly feel obese if I don't exercise because I am so goal orientated. Crazy - I know.
10. What is your strategy for losing weight?
Eat healthy and exercise = eat less move more. I don't follow a diet, I don't do weight watchers. I eat a healthy, I exercise a lot. I've had to count calories in the past but for the most part I've learned portion control, stay away from bad stuff and I'm good. I'm not dropping the weight as quickly as I once was but I'm also on my last 30lbs or so. I'm always making goals, focusing on achieving them and then moving forward making a new goal. I'm very competitive with myself.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Cycle Shoes
Ever since I started spin, I've wanted a pair of cycle shoes. I've heard that they were better and make a huge difference in the class. It was a little hard for me to understand what a difference they make. They are just shoes, right? I'm all for having the right gear when it comes to exercising and fitness but my budget and current employment situation (lack of) have prevented me from buying all my wants and caused me to prioritize my wants and needs. Obviously losing so much weight has created a need for new clothes, including gym clothes. I needed proper athletic shoes and have actually worn out 2 pairs already. I have lots of things that I want some including a yoga mat, cycle shoes, etc.
My mom agreed to buy me a pair of shoes for spin. They are pricey. I looked the bike store in town, and in Tahoe they start at $80. Plus you have to buy the cleats/clips for the shoes and I want to be able to use them on my personal bike too so I will need to buy peddles as well.
I noticed one of my friends at the gym has a pair that I've been watching on ebay. So I decided to ask her how she likes them. She offered to let me try them for class sometime. She and I wear the same size shoe. So today, I tried them.
With my regular shoes the pedal sits in the middle of my foot, near the arch. With cycle shoes, the pedal is clipped to the ball of my foot. Which is supposed to be more effective when cycling. The shoes were a little awkward at first, figuring out how to clip myself into the bike. But once I got going, the individual strokes were easier to make. This didn't make my work out any easier though. I could push my legs faster and for the first time, I noticed specific muscle groups working harder, feel them burn during different parts of the routine. Before, with my regular shoes my entire legs felt exhausted. This time, I could feel my calves burning when we would stand and do sprints. I could feel my quads burning in different specific areas during power seated climbs. I could even feel my hip flexers burning during sprints. It was awesome! I know I get a good work out from spin, but cycle shoes just might be the tool to change the workout from good to GREAT!
I'm ordering myself some. My mom said she would contribute $50 towards them for my birthday gift. I'm excited! Did I mention, I'm pretty sure I will be sore tomorrow? ha ha I love it!
Hot 100 Week 2 Update
There are 86 more days left of 2010. 14 fewer days, than when I started the Hot 100.
Two weeks ago, I defined my hot 100 goals:
I'm satisfied with my progress thus far on my physical goals. I need to focus more time on my non-physical /personal goals. Especially my comprehensive exam for my MA.
Two weeks ago, I defined my hot 100 goals:
- Lose the 30 lbs
UPDATE: Weigh in yesterday: 187 lbs, 2 lbs lighter than last week.
- Fit into a size 8
UPDATE: My clothes are feeling a bit bigger. Not yet ready for a smaller size, but I'm noticing more room.
- Increase my running mileage.
I'm satisfied with my progress thus far on my physical goals. I need to focus more time on my non-physical /personal goals. Especially my comprehensive exam for my MA.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
1st Health-aversary
Oh how my life has changed so much in a year. It's amazing to see how much I've changed, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally. God has truly been by my side this entire journey, giving me the strength and motivation to carry on. All the glory is his.
A year ago today, I made a decision that changed my life. I decided I was tired of being fat, I was tired of just living life and not really loving life. October 5, 2009 I decided that I was going to try to lose weight. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. It was that day, I made a choice -- not to give up. It was that single choice that snowballed and changed my life. I knew I would have good days and bad. I knew that change would not be easy and I knew that there might even be days I back slidded. I decided there and then, not to give up no matter what. I believed that with healthy eating and exercise and dedication I would be healthy again. It would take time, it would be hard but it's harder being fat.
I remember being terrified to go to the gym. I was so scared the girls at the front desk could see it in my face. I told them, I hadn't attempted to work out in 7 years and I was pretty sure I was going to pass out trying. My goal, 20 minutes of cardio, in the cinema where it was dark and safe. I was determined to try. Fortunately, I made it through and built on it. I challenged myself to make it to the gym 5 days a week for 3 weeks. No matter what - and I did.
A little over a year ago, I was lost. Hopeless and felt that I was too fat to do anything about it. I was an emotional mess, always stressed out, always in a hurry, always giving as much as I could to everyone but me. Really spread thin. I was in poor health and had many symptoms of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
I am healthy, my blood pressure and blood sugars are normal. I handle stress so much better. I have more patience with my children and husband. I have a zest for life again and enjoy doing active things. I am more optomistic and do my best to give my worries to God. I work towards my goals feeling in control of life yet I know God is really the one in control.
In the last year, I've had many accomplishments, including:
71 lbs of weight loss. Start weight 258 lbs. Weight today 187 lbs.
Placing 1st in my age division on my first 5K
Ran a total of 4 5K races
Finished a triathlon
Ran 26.5 miles in a week
Commited to a year of lifestyle change
Completed the Gold's Gym Fitness Challenge
and Saturday I will finish my first 10K
And most importantly, I am teaching my children healthy eating habbits, exercise habbits and life style by example. I might not have met all the goals I thought I would this year, but I've made a huge dent in them. In God's timing I'm confident, I will.
Happy Health-aversary!
A year ago today, I made a decision that changed my life. I decided I was tired of being fat, I was tired of just living life and not really loving life. October 5, 2009 I decided that I was going to try to lose weight. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. It was that day, I made a choice -- not to give up. It was that single choice that snowballed and changed my life. I knew I would have good days and bad. I knew that change would not be easy and I knew that there might even be days I back slidded. I decided there and then, not to give up no matter what. I believed that with healthy eating and exercise and dedication I would be healthy again. It would take time, it would be hard but it's harder being fat.
I remember being terrified to go to the gym. I was so scared the girls at the front desk could see it in my face. I told them, I hadn't attempted to work out in 7 years and I was pretty sure I was going to pass out trying. My goal, 20 minutes of cardio, in the cinema where it was dark and safe. I was determined to try. Fortunately, I made it through and built on it. I challenged myself to make it to the gym 5 days a week for 3 weeks. No matter what - and I did.
A little over a year ago, I was lost. Hopeless and felt that I was too fat to do anything about it. I was an emotional mess, always stressed out, always in a hurry, always giving as much as I could to everyone but me. Really spread thin. I was in poor health and had many symptoms of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
I am healthy, my blood pressure and blood sugars are normal. I handle stress so much better. I have more patience with my children and husband. I have a zest for life again and enjoy doing active things. I am more optomistic and do my best to give my worries to God. I work towards my goals feeling in control of life yet I know God is really the one in control.
In the last year, I've had many accomplishments, including:
71 lbs of weight loss. Start weight 258 lbs. Weight today 187 lbs.
Placing 1st in my age division on my first 5K
Ran a total of 4 5K races
Finished a triathlon
Ran 26.5 miles in a week
Commited to a year of lifestyle change
Completed the Gold's Gym Fitness Challenge
and Saturday I will finish my first 10K
And most importantly, I am teaching my children healthy eating habbits, exercise habbits and life style by example. I might not have met all the goals I thought I would this year, but I've made a huge dent in them. In God's timing I'm confident, I will.
Happy Health-aversary!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Goals and Plan this week
Saturday is the big day - my first 10K. I'm so ready and excited about it. There are a few things I want to work on this week. Most of them are non-physical goals. But I am going to lay out my exercise plans ahead of time too, my running time will be far less this week, intentionally.
Monday - 60 minutes of Cycle
Tuesday - Body pump and Cycle
Weds - Cycle and Running
Thursday - Body Pump and Yoga
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 10K
I got up and did cycle this morning, I'm feel good and ready for the week. I need to tackle some personal goals this week including starting my comp exam and cleaning my house. Every day, I hope to clean something. Today I started with my desk and I'm going to work on laundry as well. I want to have a clean house by this weekend. Every room needs a little bit of work and organization. I'll feel so much better once this is done.
Monday - 60 minutes of Cycle
Tuesday - Body pump and Cycle
Weds - Cycle and Running
Thursday - Body Pump and Yoga
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 10K
I got up and did cycle this morning, I'm feel good and ready for the week. I need to tackle some personal goals this week including starting my comp exam and cleaning my house. Every day, I hope to clean something. Today I started with my desk and I'm going to work on laundry as well. I want to have a clean house by this weekend. Every room needs a little bit of work and organization. I'll feel so much better once this is done.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Marathon Week
So last week, I said I wanted to increase my running mileage. And so I did. When I realied how far I ran this week, there was no way I couldn't run tonight. I wanted to make it to 26.2 miles. So tonight I ran 4.5 miles. Which means, I ran a whopping 26.5 miles this week! That is equivalent to running a full marathon (actually a tad more). I'm so proud of myself.
I really had a great weekend. This weekend Mariyn and I had originally planned to ride the Princess Promenade but it just wasn't in our budget to do so. Mariyn and I talked about it, she completly understood and even said, "Mom, I don't think I'm ready to ride that far anyways, maybe next year." She was so very sweet and understanding about the situation.
Earlier this summer, I had heard about a lavender farm, just outside of town. I wanted to take the girls on a bike ride there but Rich said, it was too dangerous because of traffic for the kids. Mariyn and I decided that instead of the bike ride, we would go to the lavender farm, which is only open to the public this weekend and won't be open again until December. It was gorgeous! And this wasn't even prime lavender season. The girls and I enjoyed lavender lemonade, lavender apple cider, lavender pumpkin cake (1 serving shared between 3 people) and the beautiful lavender plants. The atmosphere was so lovely and quaint. Perfect for a girls day outing. We even came home with our very own royal velvet lavender plant. On the way home, we stopped at Oakdale Cheese and had fresh grilled gouda cheese sandwiches. The kids enjoyed petting farm animals and we picniced by the pound. It really was a lovely afternoon.
I really had a great weekend. This weekend Mariyn and I had originally planned to ride the Princess Promenade but it just wasn't in our budget to do so. Mariyn and I talked about it, she completly understood and even said, "Mom, I don't think I'm ready to ride that far anyways, maybe next year." She was so very sweet and understanding about the situation.
Earlier this summer, I had heard about a lavender farm, just outside of town. I wanted to take the girls on a bike ride there but Rich said, it was too dangerous because of traffic for the kids. Mariyn and I decided that instead of the bike ride, we would go to the lavender farm, which is only open to the public this weekend and won't be open again until December. It was gorgeous! And this wasn't even prime lavender season. The girls and I enjoyed lavender lemonade, lavender apple cider, lavender pumpkin cake (1 serving shared between 3 people) and the beautiful lavender plants. The atmosphere was so lovely and quaint. Perfect for a girls day outing. We even came home with our very own royal velvet lavender plant. On the way home, we stopped at Oakdale Cheese and had fresh grilled gouda cheese sandwiches. The kids enjoyed petting farm animals and we picniced by the pound. It really was a lovely afternoon.
After we came home, I took my girls on a bike ride through town. Mariyn and I rode 6.5 miles as I pulled Amelia in her trailer. We had a lot of fun exploring different neighborhoods. We even discovered a fun new park . The girls stopped for a while and played. I promised them we would come back. The had a great time. Some where along the ride, Amelia fell asleep in her trailer. When we got home, I noticed she was all curled up in a very deep slumber. So cute!
What a difference a week makes. This week, I am optomistic and full of hope. I really feel and see all that I have been blessed with. God is so good, all the time. :)
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