Pushing Myself

Since I stopped dancing when I became a teenager, I don’t recall any physical activity that I’ve really enjoyed. I don’t like to sweat, I don’t like to be sore, and I most definitely don’t like feeling like I can’t breathe. But, since I know that the (not so) magic answer for my personal weight loss question is that moving my body means more weight loss, I’ve been getting more activity in. I’ve found that actually scheduling it into my google calendar each week makes me far more likely to stick to it and get ot the gym. So, Sunday evening, I look at the week’s schedule, and find the days/times that I can work it in. Often, that’s wound up being at 6am before everyone else in my house is awake. And (gasp!) I’m actually enjoying getting that time to myself!

I’ve been logging steady progress on the elliptical (bonus: no soreness since it’s quite gentle on joints!) and today it was warm enough outside for me to hit the pavement. The dog and I did a 3.25 run/walk. I’m eager for the day when I can say that we ran the whole thing!

2012
01/31
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Something’s Different…

I just sent this email to the Hubster (in response to a msg from him that I shouldn’t get discouraged because my elliptical pace only dropped about 20 seconds this week, and my self-depricating comments about my slow pace)

I know, I know! I’ve been making progress (glacially slow progress, a few seconds improvement each week) but progress, nonetheless. I’m certainly not giving up – something feels different this time.  I’m actually starting to….enjoy workout out?  I dunno.  I felt really good this morning driving AJ to school after the gym, and I’ve definitely noticed I have more energy all day long. I’ve been praying about it consistently since Thanksgiving, and I really believe that the Holy Spirit is working on me in this area.  I read something the other day that’s sticking in my mind: “If I need nourishment, I can choose a healthy option. If I’m just feeling empty, I must realize that food may fill my stomach but never my soul”  I’m finding myself turning to God a lot more often when I’m feeling “empty” and that’s really been huge in terms of staying away from “bad” food.

I usually track measurements once a month, and I just did them last week.  But, I’ve lost 2 pounds since, and I was curious to see what (if any) effect that had on inches.  I’m shocked!! These are my current measurements, and the change from last time.

  • Neck: 12.75 (-.5)
  • bicep: 12.5 (-.75)
  • breast 38.5 (no change, though I can’t say I’m unhappy about that one!)
  • chest: 33.5 (-.5)
  • waist: 31.75 (-.25)
  • belly (at belly button): 35.75 (-2.5!!)
  • hips: 41.25 (-.75)
  • thigh: 26.75 (-.75)
  • calf: 14.75 (-.25)

Overall, that’s a loss of 6.25″ for 2 pounds of weight lost. I’ve been strength training as well, so I’m sure some of the changes are from muscle toning.  In any case, it’s certainly motivation to keep going!!  Total loss since Thanksgiving Day is now at 20 pounds (9 weeks, average of 2.2 lost per week, though it was more like 3 pounds the first few weeks, and less now)

It’s kind of embarrassing how easy it is for me to shed pounds when I’m not eating everything in sight. I’m frustrated with myself for wasting so much time just not caring. The formula is so simple (and yet, oh so difficult!):

eat well + move more = get healthy

2012
01/26
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Dear 2012 Theresa,
Can you believe it’s January 2013 already?! So much has happened in the past year. You started nursing clinicals in September, and you’re kicking arse. It’s so good that you got fit before starting; those long days walking the hospital floors are way easier since you’ve slimmed down. And those healthy eating habits you adopted have kept you from eating all that nasty gross food in the cafeteria!

Most shocking to you right now might be the fact that you actually *enjoy* working out in 2013. With 40 pounds less on your frame, running has become a whole lot easier! And you’ve finally gotten to experience first-hand that “runner’s high” that Christian is always talking about. (and yes, it really is as good as he says it is!)

The highlight of 2012 was definitely running the Media 5 Miler with Christian and Gregory! (and you managed to keep up with both of them) The summer was fantastic, and everyone at the pool was jealous of you rockin’ that swimsuit!

Love ya, 2013 Theresa

2012
01/19
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letters from home

Hey you,

Yes, I’m talking to you, 2010 Theresa. You’ve got no idea the fabulous things in store for you this year! I don’t want to ruin all the surprises, so I’ll just hit the highlights. You rocked it this year, girl.

Not only did you finish that 5K with Ethan in the spring, but you did a 10K in the fall. This was the year you became A Runner. (and you actually enjoyed it!) You’re a strong, lean, mean, kick-arse chic now. You met the weight goal you setback in January, and rewarded us with a new wardrobe three sizes smaller!

Besides all the fabulous healthy body stuff, you accomplished some serious mental awesomeness, as well. You finished both spring and fall semesters with 4.0′s and Dean’s List honors. You finished the clinical hours for your boards, and even though you stressed a TON about it, you easily passed the IBCLC exam in July. You’re officially a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant now! You got accepted to nursing school just before Christmas, and will be starting at Jeff this fall. You even made it into the neonatal specialty you wanted!

All-in-all, 2011 was a really great year, so promise that you’ll try to enjoy it and not get wrapped up in the daily grind – it all works out in the end, I promise!

Love, 2011 Theresa

2011
01/06
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Wednesday Weigh-in: The Power of One Challenge

I was a bit surprised to jump on the scale this morning and be down 6 pounds!  I definitely kicked butt on hitting the gym, and did a decent job watching portions and had virtually no sweets or treats.  Kept water intake high (over 60 oz a day) and only had two cocktails the entire week.

Start weight: 167

today’s weight: 161

Change: -6

Goal: 6 more to hit first goal of 155 by 2/1/11

2011
01/06
CATEGORY
challenges
weigh-in wed
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Workout Log

I’m going to be updating this post with each workout, so I’ll have a running log of my running (ha-ha, pun intended)

12/26/10

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 1:00 run/1:30 walk (runs @ 3.8 mph, walk at 3.1 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • 20 min recumbent bike

12/27/10

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 1:00 run/1:30 walk (runs @ 3.8 mph, walk at 3.1 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • 15 minute elliptical

12/29/10

  • 35 min treadmill; 5 min warmup, alternating 1:30 run/1:30 walk (runs @ 4mph, walk at 3.3 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • strength training: arms (biceps, triceps, shoulder press, chest fly)

12/31/10

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 2 min run/2 min walk (run @ 4mph, walk at 3.3 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • 20 min elliptical

1/2/11

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 2 min run/2 min walk (run @ 4mph, walk at 3.3 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • 20 min elliptical

1/4/11

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 2 min run/2 min walk (run @ 4mph, walk at 3.3 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • strength training: chest and shoulders

1/6/11

  • 35 min treadmill: 5 min warmup, alternating 2 min run/2 min walk (run @ 4mph, walk at 3.3 mph), 5 min cooldown
  • 10 min climber

 

2010
12/30
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The Power of One

It’s been nearly 2 years since my last post on this here blog, and I’m ashamed to admit that not one thing has changed.  Eating habits?  the same.  Measurements?  the same.  Scale? the same.  blah, blah….

I’m joining the Power of 1 challenge at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans, and I am not going to start another new year feeling like the chubby, heavy, sluggish beast that I feel like right now.  Enough.

Vital Statistics

  • weight: 167 pounds
  • neck: 13.5″
  • arms: 13.25″
  • bust: 39.5″
  • waist: 33″
  • belly (at belly button): 39″
  • hips: 45.5″
  • thighs: 27.5″
  • calves: 15″

Short Term Goal: 155 by Feb 1st

Long Term Goals: 140 by July 1, 5K Race by Feb 1st, 10K by April 1st

Pie in the Sky Goal: Broad Street 10 mile Run in May!

Ultimate Goal: to never, ever look this tired, haggard and bloated ever again!

How am I going to do it?  Here’s the Plan:

Exercise

  • exercising first thing in the morning, a la “eating the frog” (doing your most dreaded to-do item first, because then it’s out of the way and nothing else will be as bad for the rest of the day, LOL!)
  • integrating more physical activity into my everyday (ie: walking kids to school, walking to grocery, etc)
  • wearing pedometer every day and shooting for 10,000 steps

Diet

  • eating sensibly, with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods and without drastic extremes
  • limiting calories to what my body actually needs (instead of what my cravings say I should eat!)
  • no eating after 8 pm
  • hydrating properly by drinking enough water
  • limiting alcohol to one glass of wine with dinner several times a week (do you know how many empty calories are in alcoholic beverages?!)
2010
12/29
CATEGORY
challenges
commitment
weigh-in wed
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Persistence (I need to find some)

When you combine persistence with the grace of God, you become a dynamic living force. It’s as simple as that. Stop giving up when the going gets tough, and for once in your life, make it happen.

The quote above is from something I just read at Christian Women Online.  Good gracious, how convicting this little quote is.  I have not been persistent the past week.  I have given up.  The going got tough (I am sick, again) and I just…stopped.  Stopped working out, stopped eating well.  Stopped caring about the goals I set for myself.

Enough.  Back to square one.  I’m hitting the reset button, and I am going to Make It Happen.

2009
04/28
CATEGORY
motivation
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I conquered the cake!

I did not eat that cake!  Yippee for me! I know it’s such a small thing, but I feel like this is a HUGE victory for me. That victory last night helped propel me out of bed this morning when the alarm went off and the last thing in the world I wanted to do was get up and workout.  I laid in bed for a few minutes while the internal debate raged in my head.  “Get up, you’ll feel better after!” “No way, the only way you’ll feel better is if you stay in bed and get some more sleep!”  The get up voice finally won, and while I didn’t Shred (no way I was going to be able to huff through that still feeling a bit sick and tight chested!) I did do one of the high intensity Walk Away the Pounds DVD’s.  It wasn’t easy, fun, or the slightest bit enjoyable.  But I’m finished, and I can check workout off today’s To-Do list.  And that IS enjoyable!

Yesterday’s meal plan didn’t go exactly as, well, planned, because I was the only one in the house who wanted the mini-meatloves.  The reast of the family wanted tacos, so I worked with that and had a big taco-like salad.  It was fabulous!  Lots of lettuce, tomatoes, some avocado, black beans, scallions, 2 tablespoons of the ground turkey taco meat, and a cilantro-lime dressing I made. I wrote out today’s plan before bed last night, after consulting with the boys on what they’d like.  It’s supposed to be a warm(er) day today, so they begged for burgers on the grill.  Here’s my plan:

Thursday’s Meal Plan

  • Breakfast: 1 cup 1% milk, slice whole wheat toast with 2 tablespoons peanut butter, banana
  • Snack: baby carrots with ranch (kraft free) dressing as dip
  • Lunch: taco salad w/ lettuce, tomato, black beans, corn, avocado and cilantro lime dresing
  • Snack: ricotta cheese w/ cocoa powder
  • Dinner: grilled portobello “burger” (portobello cap marinated in soy+ garlic), carrot and radish salad (new recipe from Cooking Light), millet pilaf and melon cubes
2009
04/16
CATEGORY
motivation
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temptation

There’s a piece of pound cake calling my name.  It’s in my freezer, wrapped in plastic wrap and in a ziploc bag, hiding behind some frozen chicken stock, but I can still hear it.  It’s leftover from Easter, from a cake that the hubster’s Grandmom made for us.  I quickly cut it up into single slices and froze it so that I wouldn’t devour the entire thing.  But even one piece has a bajillion calories (hers is old school pound cake, made with one pound each of butter, flour and white sugar) and I just do not need those empty calories.  My hips do not need them, my flabby belly does not need them and my thunder thighs most certainly do not need them.  So, why, oh WHY, is that stupid cake all I can think about right now?!

It’s after 8 o’clock now, past my self-imposed eating cutoff.  I will not eat that cake.  I had a good, healthy dinner (a homemade taco salad, without the shell, and a new cilantro lime dressing I made – so yummy!) and I do not need anything else to feed my body today.  I’ve eaten lots of good fruits and veggies, healthy fats and good carbs.  I am not going to eat that cake.

(damn it, but I really, really want to)

2009
04/16
CATEGORY
dieting
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