Big Life, Little Blog

Weigh in - back in the 230s

2012-01-29T08:46:00.003-06:00

Last Week's weight - 243.2

This Week's weight - 239.8

3.4 lbs LOST

89.6 lbs lost since June 2010

This is definitely the right direction. I made a meal plan last Sunday and stuck to it. The only thing that could have been better is last night I indulged a little when we had friends over at the house. Nothing too bad, just generally ate a little too much (homemade flatbread pizzas) and drank a little too much (vodka and sprite zero).

I'm not going to get ahead of myself and call this me being back on track because lets be honest, I've been here before and have screwed it up. But it is nice to see the 230's again!

This week my goal is the rinse and repeat my good food choices from last week and to figure out a training plan for completing a sprint triathlon this summer.

Answering reader's questions: What I Eat

2012-01-27T07:23:00.000-06:00

When I posted this easy black bean soup recipe earlier this week, someone posted a comment asking about my nutrition habits. Maybe I should be more skeptical on talking about this on the blog since nutrition is such a personal thing for every individual and everyone has different schools of thought surrounding what is "right," but I felt like since I haven't talked about it too much, I should shed a little light on what goes on in my world of food.

From Anonymous:
Do you count calories? If you so how many do you eat a day? Do you eat 3 main meals or 5-6 small meals?

Yes, I count calories. And I track my food at Sparkpeople.com. Over the last 4-6 months I haven't tracked very much, but I am trying to get back into the habit because of my 3 month plateau. I am a firm believer that tracking your food intake in some way is essential for good, solid weight loss. I lost most of my weight when I was tracking my food every day.

Sure, it sucks to have to try and figure out every single thing you eat and put it into some website or app, but it is so important not only because it is so easy to "forget" about that cookie you had at lunch and go for the cheeseburger at dinner. In other words, it keeps you accountable - even if you are the only one looking at it. Here are 3 keys to food tracking:

Track every bite, lick and taste (I may have stolen this from my WW friends, sue me)
Estimate to the BEST of your ability. Obviously if you are eating food you haven't prepared, you have to use your best judgement and track to your best guesstimate.
Be honest with yourself. Did you really only have 1 oz of chips or did you sneak a few more as you were putting the bag away? I know it may not seem like a big deal at the time, but if you do that 3-4 times through out the day the calories can really add up.

As for the amount of calories that I eat per day, I try to stay within a range. I try to stay between 1600-1900, but my sweet spot is really around 1,800. My BMR is around 2,100 so if I eat a little over my 1,900 goal I try not to freak out because I usually exercise enough in a week to counteract it. Of course, if I do this multiple times a week, I'm not going to lose any weight.

I've never been a person that could eat 1,200 calories a day. My body would never let me get away with that. I don't starve myself (and probably couldn't even if I tried - not enough willpower). If I am legitimately hungry, I eat. Of course, I try to have a lot of sensible snacks (almonds, fruit, veggies) on hand so if I do get hungry I don't blow my day.

My typical Monday - Friday day consists of 3 main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and 2 snacks. I try to spread my calories out throughout the day, but I do typically eat less for breakfast (~400 calories) and more for dinner (~600). Here is approximately what I ate today.

Breakfast (320 calories)
1/2 cup oats with 1/2 cup (soy) milk, 1 small apple chopped and 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds

Lunch (580 calories)
Black bean soup with 1/4 avacado and 1 oz tortilla chips, 1 small apple and fiber one peanut butter granola bar (which was so uneeded)

Dinner (490 calories)
Wrap with 4 oz slow cooker buffalo chicken, 1 tablespoon shredded cheese, lettuce and pickles with 5-6 carrots and sweet potato oven "fries" (1 sweet potato)

Snack 1: banana (approx 3 hours after breakfast) - 100 calories
Snack 2: Plain Greek Yogurt with 2 teaspoons honey (varies; either 4 hours after lunch or 1 hour before I go work out) - 150 calories
Snack 3: ~10 almonds (work as been crazy so I've been eating lunch at 6:30 a instead of 8, so I was extra hungry before lunch) - 70 calories

1710 calories total for the day

What I haven't been good about is following this same schedule on the weekends. On Saturdays my schedule is different because I usually go for a long run and eat a larger than normal breakfast or for certain distances I eat two "breakfasts" (smaller one before, more substantial one after). I'm learning not only do I have to plan my meals Mon-Fri to be successful, but Friday night through the weekend too.

Overall, I basically eat what I want in moderation. I strive to have balanced meals with a lean protien, a complex carb and plenty of green veggies. I have found that staying away from sugar helps my cravings substantially, so I save sweets for true "on occasions" and I try to not get into the habit of saying "it's just one piece of cake" all the time.

I don't think anything I do is rocket science. It's really just as simple as calories in vs. calories out. Of course the mental aspect is much more difficult than the science of it.

If you have a question about what I do or the habits I've developed to loose almost 100 lbs, feel free to leave a comment and maybe I'll write a post about it.

The Easiest Black Bean Soup Ever

2012-01-24T08:04:00.001-06:00

In an attempt to really get my head on straight nutrition wise, I did a lot of pre-cooking this weekend. I knew after working 12 hour days this week I wouldn't feel like cooking anything when I got home.

On top of cooking both Friday and Saturday nights so I'd have left overs, Sunday afternoon I made shredded buffalo chicken in the crock pot and big ol' pot of black bean soup.

I really just made this up after taking a survey of what I had on hand (or was easy to pick up).

1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cans (64 ounces) Black Beans
1 can (10 ounces) Mild Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (I used two cans to make it extra tomato-y)
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp cumin
1/2 tbsp hot pepper seasoning or chili powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions
1. Add olive oil, onion and garlic to dutch oven, saute until onion is translucent. About 5 minutes.

2. Add black beans, tomatoes and chicken stock to pan, stir thoroughly.

3. Add cumin, chili or hot pepper seasonings, hot sauce, and juice of lime. Stir to combine.

4. Bring to boil, then turn heat to simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Serve topped with your choice of reduced fat sour cream, 2% shredded cheddar cheese or tortilla chips.

Makes eight 1 2/3 cup servings.

My favorite part is it is so low in calories! This, with a dollop of sour cream, and a small apple makes lunch!

Or 1 cup with a wrap made out of the buffalo chicken makes dinner. I'll have to post the buffalo chicken recipe next. You'll laugh, it's so easy.

Seriously, what's better than an easy, Delicious meal?

Weigh in - another ride on the rollercoaster

2012-01-22T10:32:00.005-06:00

Last Week's weight - 240.6

This Week's weight - 243.2

2.6 lbs GAINED

86.2 lbs lost since June 2010

Roller coaster. Do you know I've been in the low 240s since OCTOBER?! October! That, my friends, is CA-RA-ZY!

The good news is I've basically maintained since October. The bad news is, well, I haven't lost any weight in over 3 months! I wanted to be in the 220s by the Disney race, did I do it? No!

In my mind, I want to be at a healthy weight and done with the weight loss process by June. My 2 year blog-aversary. But even that seems like a stretch in what's possible unless I get my head on straight.

I'm struggling with getting my head on straight though. And why?

Because I have a insatiable hunger?

Pftttt!!

Because there is left over pizza at work almost every single day?

Puh-lease!

Because I can't keep away from sugar and sweets?

Get real!

Because I work 50+ hours a week?

So what?!

None of these are things I haven't overcome in the past, so I know I can do it again if I take it one day at a time. My goal this week is simply to not cave into the left over food around the office and to bring my lunch + healthy snacks every day. No eating out, no going for the pizza box.

I know, I know. I've said all this before. I've been a broken record the last 3 months. So, I'll let you know how it goes next Sunday.

Finally.....2012 Disney World Half Marathon Recap

2012-01-20T19:38:00.005-06:00

What a terrible blogger I am...I have barely written anything in weeks and I've been saying for two weeks that I would recap the Disney World half marathon. I'm going to try to keep it short and sweet with just posting some pictures and captions.

The two days before the race we spent walking around Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios - I thought my feet were going to be toast for the race, but we left the parks early on Friday afternoon and had a low key dinner at the hotel. I think I was asleep by 8:30 the night before the race!

My race bib

THEN - We woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 2:30 AM - yes, you read that right - Two-freaking-thirty in the MORNING. The race started at 5:30. Painful.

On the shuttle to the race

The shuttle dropped us off, we porta-pottied, Vaselined (me), posed, and hydrated.

Pre-race picture

After using the porta-potties twice (nervous peeing), we hearded ourselves to the start line. It was about a half mile walk that took the better part of 20 minutes. It was kind of annoying, but at least we had given ourselves plenty of time! We still had over an hour before our corral started by this point.

Hearding the cattle...er...runners

Finally at the start line - they had the corrals so spread out from the actual start line - they had big screens to show the back what was going up at the start line. Crazy!

This guy was in full Jack Sparrow garb. How was he going to run in that? I'm still wondering...

Then we were off! They actually do full fireworks when the first corral takes off - pretty cool!

The race starts out on the streets around Epcot and heads in the direction of Magic Kingdom. It wasn't even daylight out before we entered the gates outside the parking lot of Magic Kingdom!

Can you find the little vegan aka Sarah?

It was pretty much awesome running through Magic Kingdom and right under the Castle (where we had dinner, two nights before). Then as you exit from the Castle, they have professional photographers ready to take your photo.

All business...

After exiting Magic Kingdom you follow the streets back toward Epcot. This is about mile 11 or 12 as we're making our way towards Epcot.

You run about a mile through Epcot (maybe a little less), then you exit back into the parking lot. I made the girls stop and take a picture at mile 13 :)

Right before we crossed the finish line...

The coolest medal ever - even cooler than Mercedes!

They gave us special buttons the next day at the Polynesian :)

We finished!

Official time: 3:33:45 - an 11 minute PR

As expected the race - and the trip - were amazing! Maybe it was the magic of Disney. Or spending 5 days with great friends watching them crush their first half marathon, but I seriously had so much fun that I would consider making this an annual trip. Even though we walked about 20 miles Wed-Fri, I felt strong pretty much the whole race. True, my feet hurt really bad the last 1-2 miles, but compared to my other half it was nothing. I didn't feel like I trained very hard for this race, but it proved me wrong. I was more than ready. So ready, in fact, I'm considering doing the Nashville Rock n Roll race in April. JUST CONSIDERING....so far.

I also caught myself thinking about a marathon while I was racing two weeks ago. I thought to myself, "Disney is the ONLY place I would consider doing a marathon." Then I quickly realized that I have never had any desire to do a marathon up until this point. Scary.

Of course since the race I've only ran twice...haha...post-race laziness is ensuing. I'm going to try and do 6 this weekend. It may be rough...

Weigh in - First weigh in of 2012

2012-01-15T11:50:00.004-06:00

12/31/11 weight - 243.0

This Week's weight - 240.6

2.4 lbs lost

88.8 lbs lost since June 2010

I didn't weigh in last week due to still being in Orlando. The trip was wonderful and the race was the most fun one to date. I promise to write about it...my goal is to post it tomorrow. I just haven't felt like picking up my laptop lately.

Going back to work on Tuesday was a harsh reality, as I knew it would be. And the next two weeks at work will be hell at their best.

I have a lot of goals and ideas swimming around in my head and I just need to focus enough to publicly state them and get started on them. Oh, that will have to come at a later date because I'm too busy doing nothing but laying in bed and reading the Hunger Games series this weekend.

But hey, first weigh in of 2012 is a loss...off to a good start, I'd say!

We Finished - Disney World Half Marathon!

2012-01-08T10:11:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post to happily say we all finished the Disney World Half Marathon yesterday! A full update when I get back to life on Tuesday - for now here's our finishing picture.

Hello from Disney World!

2012-01-05T22:11:00.001-06:00

We landed in Orlando yesterday and hit Magic Kingdom hard today. Here are some pics....at times today I forgot I have to run 13.1 miles on sat.

So. Tired.

11 Things in 2011....

2012-01-02T13:02:00.003-06:00

Life has been crazy and in the next 48 hours it's only going to get crazier since I leave at 7 AM on Wednesday for Orlando and the Disney World Half Marathon!

Since time is limited you get the truncated version of my 2011 recap. Sure, there were not so great things about 2011. I was a yo-yo in the weight loss department, my mom had brain surgery, and plenty of other BS stuff that went on behind the scenes. But I survived and I am well. So let's focus on the positives. Below are POSITIVE things I can say I am proud of from 2011.

1. On January 2, 2011 I weighed in at 295.4...on December 31, 2011 I weighed in at 243.0 for a total loss of 52.4 lbs and a 17.7 percentage of weight loss in 2011.

2. I completed my 2nd half marathon and beat my first half marathon time by approximately 44 minutes.

3. I took on a new position at work.

4. I rode a bike after 15 years. And then got one of my very own.

5. I learned to run with the help of #5Kin100days.

6. I overcame fears.

7. I learned to not be so modest.

8. There was a reason added to why I do this.

9. I became a Warrior.

10. Trained to run another half marathon (my 3rd one, first one running)

11. I took the best photo of 2011.

Weigh-in - Final 2011 Weigh-in

2011-12-31T16:53:00.001-06:00

Last Week's weight - 245.2

This Week weight - 243.0

2.2 lbs lost

I haven't weighed-in in 2 weeks since my mom doesn't own a scale. And considering all the cookies, bagels and cheese, chips, ice cream, cake, Christmas dinners (3), birthday dinners and alcohol I consumed I'm surprised I lost anything.

For the last two days, I've had controlled eating and it's amazing how much I noticed how much better I felt on my run this morning!

For tonight, I'm going to worry about having a blast for NYE and then mentally preparing for the half marathon next weekend.

I know I owe my obligatory 2011 recap and 2012 goals blog posts. I may get to them before I leave for Orlando or I may not, but eventually I'll do them!

Happy New Year to everyone!

A Happy Birthday Indeed!

2011-12-27T15:52:00.004-06:00

For my birthday, my lovely mother gave me something I've been coveting for awhile now...

A Garmin Forerunner!

I selected the Forerunner 405 back when Amazon had it on super sale. There are some bad reviews out on this particular model because of the bezzle feature; however, I figured I'd get used to it and figure it out.

Of course it motivated me to get off my rump and take it for a spin this afternoon. I was able to set run/walk intervals for it to beep every 1/2 mile / 1/4 mile.

It snowed last night so it was a chilly/windy run, but I loved running with my Garmin and I was pretty happy with where my pace was:

I feel blessed that I have a parent that is not only supportive of my hobby, but she is willing to buy me gadgets that she doesn't understand. I feel like this could be a new turning point in how I track future training. Happy Birthday to me!

Houndstooth Coat Winner - Marisol

2011-12-26T10:18:00.003-06:00

I fell down on the job announcing the winner for the last item since I wasn't online much the last two days.

So, I did the random generator this morning and Marisol is the winner!

Congrats Marisol, you'll look great in this coat!

Send me your address to emtucky[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll ship out your item Friday!

Thanks to everyone who looked at the items, commented and won the giveaways - if you haven't gotten your item yet, they will all be shipped on Friday.

What will you remember about this Christmas?

2011-12-23T08:48:00.004-06:00

I've been "home" in St. Louis for the last 36 hours and I'm not going to pretend I've been eating super healthy. But I'm having a great time so far spending time with my family, especially my 4 year old niece. Here are a few gems from our cookie making session on Wednesday night:

First, I gave her the job of unwrapping all the Hershey Kisses for the peanut butter blossoms I was making. I strongly warned her not to eat them since we had not had dinner yet. Every time I looked over at her, it looked like she was eating something. "Madelynnn," I'd say, "are you eating those? Open your mouth and show Auntie Em." And nothing would be in her mouth. After about 3 rounds of this, I saw her put her little fingers out to her mouth - she was eating the little "tips" off the Hershey Kisses! I know I shouldn't, but I couldn't help but laugh.

Then, after an expired peanut butter mishap (seriously, you find the weirdest expired crap in my mom's pantry) I was going to scoop some peanut butter in the trash can and "PLOP!" - a whole scoopful landed on my mom's just cleaned kitchen floor. My niece chimed in, "your mom is going to KILL you!"

I may feel a little guilty about wasting calories on vodka last night and eating too much at dinner, but in 10 years those moments above are what I'll remember from this Christmas. Not how I drank and ate too much or that I gained 5 pounds.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Beautiful Houndstooth Winter Coat

2011-12-23T07:58:00.000-06:00

The winner of this coat is going to be the most stylish girl on the block! Seriously, this is the best piece of clothing I've ever owned and I still love, love, love it. I even tried to make it work for me again this winter, but it clearly wasn't working on me anymore.

This is a Lane Bryant size 26/28 houndstooth, 3/4 sleeve cape-style winter coat. It has a red lining and big black buttons making for beautiful accents. It hit me (I'm 6'0") just past my knees. Since it has wide, 3/4 sleeves I wore it with long black gloves (which I incidentally lost a few years ago), but I also wore it with no gloves and it was perfectly warm. I used to get SO MANY compliments on this coat.

This beauty can now be yours. Just leave a comment by midnight tonight and I will choose a winner by Random.org. I will ship this to the winner on 12/30.

Winners of black and gray sweater & winter coat - Debby and Amber!

2011-12-23T07:45:00.005-06:00

I got a little behind yesterday so I have two winners to announce this morning!

First, the winner of the black & gray striped sweater is Debby!

Congrats Debby! Please email me your mailing address at etucky[at]gmail[dot]com.

Now, for yesterday's giveaway of the black winter coat....

Congrats Amber, you're the winner!! Please email me your mailing address to emtucky[at]gmail[dot]com.

I will mail both items out next week when I return home from my holiday travel.

Don't forget to check out today's giveaway! It is the last day of my 12 days of Christmas giveaways and I have saved the best for last!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Black Forcaster Sport Winter Coat

2011-12-22T07:51:00.000-06:00

This was my standby winter coat. It is a size 3X Forcaster Sport brand and is black fleece. I actually had to take this out of the dry clean bag to photograph it as I haven't worn it since I had it dry cleaned at the end of winter last year.

It offers a fleece-lined hood and the cuffs can either be worn rolled up or down (I always wore them rolled down because I have freakishly long arms). The lining of one of the pockets does have a hole in it, but you can easily fix it with some simply sewing, so it's not a big deal.

To win this winter coat, leave a comment on this post by midnight tonight. I will choose a winner by Random.org. I will ship it to the winner on 12/30.

Winner of Apt 9 Belted Dress - Christie!

2011-12-21T11:58:00.004-06:00

Sorry I didn't get this posted earlier this morning! I am leaving town today for 7 days and was doing last minute packing early this morning while finishing last minute tasks for work.

Today's winner of the Apt 9 pink, white and black belted dress is Christie!

Congrats Christie! I will ship your item on 12/30 and feel free to comment for a chance to win any of the last three items being posted this week.

Don't forget today's giveaway - a black and gray lightweight sweater! Coming up Thursday and Friday I'll have two size 3x/26/28 WINTER COATS!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Gray and Black Sweater

2011-12-21T07:46:00.000-06:00

This lightweight sweater is a 26/28 from Lane Bryant and is seriously so comfy. Although, I'm normally not a fan of horizontal stripes, this sweater never made me feel like I looked bigger with it on. It has very forgiving material. The color on it is a light heather gray and a darker gray/almost black (looks black in picture). The V-neck is flattering and is deep enough you will probably want to layer a tank underneath it.

To win, comment on this post by midnight tonight. Winner will be choosen by Random.org. I will ship to winner on 12/30.

Winner of the Dark Wash Jeans

2011-12-20T09:24:00.003-06:00

The winner of the dark wash Lane Bryant straight leg jeans is Sarah!

Congrats Sarah! I will ship them out with your other items you've won (don't shoot me, I haven't gotten to the post office in a couple days....oh, holidays!)

Have a good Tuesday everyone! And don't forget to take a gander at today's giveaway - a multi-colored belted dress!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Belted Pink, White, and Black Dress

2011-12-20T07:37:00.000-06:00

This dress has been a staple in my wardrobe! I'm finally admitting it's just way too big. It is Apt 9 brand from Kohls, size 3X (24/26). It comes with a wide, elastic belt that cinches at your natural waist, leaving a nice A-line. On me (I'm 6'0") it hit at knee length.

I always got a ton of compliments on this one. I would wear it with tights and mid-calf black boots or sometimes just the boots sans tights if it was on the warmer side out. I always wore it with something covering my ankles since I have tattoos to cover at work, but I'm sure it would look darling with flats or some booties.

Comment by midnight tonight and I will pick a winner via Random.org. I will ship this item to the winner on 12/30.

I Can't Stop Eating Holiday Treats!

2011-12-19T20:27:00.001-06:00

What is wrong with me? I turn down a Krispy Kreme this morning only to shove two cookies in my mouth at lunch. I don't eat my carrots at lunch only to unwrap a Ghiradelli peppermint square in my mouth 2 hours later.

Immediately after dinner I gobble down 4 cookies before throwing them in the trash.

What is wrong with me and why can't I resist holiday treats?!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Dark Wash Jeans

2011-12-19T07:24:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the little break over the weekend. I just figured that most people would be busy out and about the weekend before Christmas and not at home commenting on blogs :) But here we are with 5 more days of giveaways this week. Everything posted this week will be mailed on 12/30 when I return home from my holiday travel. Sorry for the delay, but I hope you all understand!

Today's item is a pair of dark wash Lane Bryant straight leg jeans. Size 26 (fit more like a 24 on me b/c of the slim fit). I seriously loved these jeans I got last year. So much so in fact when the 28s got to big I ended up searching high and low for the next size down. The 28s are long gone, off to Goodwill, but here I have the second pair I owned for you.

The look a bit more forgiving in the photo, but I assure you these are straight leg / slim fit. They were a bit short on me (I'm 6'0") so I wore them like cropped jeans (or just ignored they were too short). I hope the new owner will love these jeans as much as I did!

Comment by midnight tonight for a chance to win them. Again, they will be shipped on 12/30.

Diary of an overweight runner - 3 weeks till Disney!

2011-12-18T18:09:00.006-06:00

The Disney Half Marathon is now less than 3 weeks away (20 days to be exact) and I realized I haven't talked about my training much since this post almost a month ago. Since then I have done a 10 miler and as of today a 12 miler with a few 8 milers thrown in. A few notes on the last few week's worth of runs.

10 miles
Two weeks ago I set out for 10 miles. Honestly, it wasn't the worst. I was familiar with the trail and a pre-mappped my route, which was out and back, so I knew exactly where I was going. I had a little mental self-concious thing with this speed walker who I would pass when I jogged and then she would pass me when I walked and when she was in front of me she KEPT LOOKING BACK AT ME. C'mon trail etiquette police, isn't that totally rude to keep looking back at someone?! So I hit about 2-3 miles in the middle of my run a little too hard trying to pass her a few times, which is my own damn fault, but it also caused me to need to walk the last mile or so. I still finished 10 miles in approximately 2:34 - well within the time limit for Disney.

However, about an hour after my 10 mile run I got what I can only assume was a migraine. We're talking laid out on the couch, can't move, nausea inducing migraine. I often get headaches after I run, but I've never in my life (even outside of running) had a migraine like that before. It was so bad I got physically sick. All I could do for 4 hours is lay in the dark with the TV on mute and a cold wash cloth on my face and neck.

I'm pretty confident it wasn't a hydration issue since the week leading up to the run I was nailing hydration with 130 ounces the Friday before the run. I also carried about 25 ounces with me and drank 80 ounces in the hours after the run. I did decide to try a new routine the next long run.

8 miles
This was a good run. I was able to pretty much keep my 1/2 mile run, 1/4 mile walk intervals up and averaged approximately a 15 minute mile. I also had no headache after this run! I changed my routine and I hope this solves the issue going forward. Normally, I would just get up, get dressed, grab a peanut butter sandwich and immediately go out the door the mornings of my run. Last week; however, I got up about 30 minutes before I wanted to get dressed, had a cup of coffee, a glass of water and "woke up" before getting ready and having breakfast before leaving. It seemed to help because no headache last week or this week.

12 miles
Today was 12 miles and let me tell you I was NOT looking forward to it. Earlier this week I had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin and my run schedule got off pushing this run to Sun instead of Sat. Even though I got to sleep in yesterday, something about doing a very long run on a Sunday is not fun. I think my mental attitude really threw me off. I could not keep up with my 0.5/0.25 intervals even a few miles in, so I went to 0.25. Around mile 6 I hit a wall and was just kind of done. 6 miles into a 12 mile run is really early to hit a wall! I walked a lot between miles 6 & 7, ran normally miles 8 & 9 and probably less than mile 10. Then I straight up walked the last two miles. My time still came in at approximately 3:01 - hallelujah that is still 15 min per mile and way under the Disney time cap, but part of me still felt defeated. Sometimes, I feel I can just walk faster than my tired jogging shuffle where my feet are barely leaving the ground takes me. My feet hurt the last 5+ miles, I have blisters and my water bottle leaked all down my back. But it's done and now it's onto taper...oh taper how I love thee.

Fastest 5K time
So y'all don't think I just complain all the time, I'm gonna tell you about my fastest 5K time, which was an unexpected surprise since I haven't really cared about my overall speed this training cycle. Last Tuesday I worked from home because I had a terrible cough and was sick of hacking all over my co-workers. So, I took the opportunity to do my run on my lunch break. The weather was perfect - chilly and just rained. The stars aligned and I was able to run over a mile straight TWICE during my run around the neighborhood. Once I realized I was kicking major ass, I decided to make that run my fastest 5K time. I ended up doing 3.1 in 41.47, which beat my August 5K time of 44.29, and walked very little of the run. Success!

So, 20 days and I'll be a 3X half-marathoner. I want a 13.1 sticker with Mickey Mouse ears around it. Surely they make those, right?

Weigh in - Wordless (nearly) edition

2011-12-18T18:06:00.002-06:00

Last Week's weight: 239.4
This Weeks weight: 245.2

5.8 pounds GAINED

I have no words.....

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Sequence tank and Peacock shirt

2011-12-16T07:10:00.001-06:00

If you want more background on the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway series I am running, please see this post.

I missed yesterday's giveaway so today the giveaway gets double fun! I'm posting two items that today's winner will receive. So let's get to it.

First I have a Lane Bryant 3/4 sleeve graphic cotton shirt. It's a true purple with a peacock on it - this shirt is comfy and fun! I've worn it as a casual top and dressed it up a little and worn it out. The first photo does not show the accurate color, but the close up does show the true purple color of the shirt. This is size 26/28.

Second, I have a white sequence tank top that I've only worn a few times. I bought this after I started losing weight and I should have bought a size down, but alas my brain wasn't there yet so I ended up with a super cute basic piece that I only wore 4-5 times. It is not missing any sequence and is in great shape. This also is a size 26/28 from Lane Bryant.

So comment once and be entered to win both tops! Entries will be accepted through midnight tonight and the winner will be posted Saturday morning.

Black cowl neck dress winner!

2011-12-15T18:26:00.004-06:00

I've had a very weird 24 hours, which involved an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, so I apologize for not getting the winner of the black, cowl neck dress until now. But I'm back and here it is! I'll return tomorrow with a new doubled up giveaway since I got behind today.

So the winner is.......Joanna! Congrats Joanna! Email me at emtucky [at] gmail [dot] com or DM me on Twitter @emtucky.

Blog on Fire Award - 7 things you may not know about me

2011-12-14T13:43:00.005-06:00

This is a post I've needed to do for almost 2 weeks now. I feel bad. But here it is. Better late, then never they say, right?

A few weeks ago Marisol gave me a super sweet, awesome award and shout out on her blog. She gave me The Blog on Fire award.

The rules of this award are to pass this on to someone who has been doing incredibly well and then write 7 things about myself that you may not know.

1. My younger brother died in 2006 when he was 18. The official cause of death was from alcohol poisoning even though his BAC was tested at a 0.08 - just at the legal limit.

2. In college, my friends and I would take epic road trips across the country to go to concerts and see our favorite bands. I've lost count how many times I've seen my favorite band, but I'd estimate it is in the 100s.

3. I am a grade-A people pleaser. I will make myself miserable to ensure others are happy.

4. I was kicked out of Girl Scouts in 7th grade.

5. I've been to Australia and New Zealand, but I've never been to Europe.

6. I hate running in the rain and refuse to do it, but I love going for runs just after it rains when it is cloudy and damp outside.

7. I hate when people don't follow the rules or adhere to a set policy, yet sometimes I am not the best rule follower.

BONUS: I hardly ever follow a recipe to a T - I often "eyeball" measurements and add or substitute ingredients on a whim. Sometimes, this does not work out well....

I'm passing this onto my girl, Cyndi at RunRollRepeat. If you don't follow her, you should know she's had quite a year which included an accident on the job, a career change from trucker to nanny, and her husband having 2 surgeries from said accident. Through it all, she's kept up on her Weight Watchers meetings, and blogging. She tells it how it is and doesn't take any excuses!

I have to say a huge THANKS to Marisol - I really appreciate the love and I enjoyed sharing these things with everyone!

Oh, really Groupon? 64% Off Weight-loss Hot Pants

2011-12-14T12:30:00.004-06:00

The first thing I do when my eyes open in the morning is to check my phone. You know, get the low down on what I missed while I (and everyone else) was sleeping for the last 7 hours.

Imagine my confusion (I thought I was dreaming a hilarious satirical, SNL inspired, dream) when I read this subject line: 64% Off Pair of Weight-Loss Hot Pants from Zaggora

Orly, Groupon?

The email:

Click for larger image

When you view the deal, it gets better. In short, it claims that these pants will bless the wearer with dropping 2 dress sizes JUST BY WEARING THE PANTS. Oh, if it was only that easy....

An excerpt:

Zaggora's hip-hugging HotPants slim bodies by up to two jeans sizes in two weeks using a comfortable bioceramic material that emits infrared rays to help wearers naturally and efficiently amp up weight-loss regimens. The shorts' Celu-Lite technology smoothes thighs and other dimple-prone areas by galvanizing the skin's internal zamboni to promote a deep warming of body tissues and promote lymphatic drainage. This process boosts sweating by up to 80% and aids in eliminating the toxins responsible for cellulite.

So in summary...these shorts are going to emit infrared rays into my body, promote drainage from my lymph-nodes and make me sweat 80% more?! NO THANK YOU!

I can't believe ANYONE would ever fall for these outlandish claims that by simply wearing a pair of shorts you can lose 2 dress sizes. The only thing I've come across to do this is eat less, move more. Simple science.

Have you seen any too-good-to-be-true diet or weight-loss products lately? Please share so we can all chuckle at ridiculousness.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - My Favorite Black Dress

2011-12-14T08:12:00.001-06:00

If you want more background on the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway series I am running, please see this post.

What a winner this dress is! I bought it for a job interview two years ago .By the way, I aced and scored the job.

It is a cotton cowl neck 3/4 sleeve, knee length, black dress. Beside the job interview, I think I wore it once or twice before it was too big - what a disappointment because this dress is simple, but fashionable.

It is a Laney Bryant 26/28 with a belt to match. I always thought of swapping out the black belt for a red or even leopard print belt, which you could totally do!

To win, leave a comment on this post by midnight tonight! Don't let this one get passed up!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Sparkly Red Dress

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you want more background on the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway series I am running, please see this post.

The 3rd item is a festive red sparkle 3/4 sleeve dress made by ellos (a Woman Within brand). The color in the first picture is off and it is genuinely "red" and not the burnt orange shown in the photos. The second photo is a bit better show of actual color. The dress is made out of Acrylic, Nylon and Metallic. It is a soft, light sweater material.

This dress is seriously so comfy! And versatile! I wore it to work, to parties and to holidays with the fam. It is a size 2X, which is a 26/28 in ellos sizing. The V-neck and detailing at the waist made this dress very flattering on me (I am pear shaped). Paired with some black tights and mid-calf boots, this used to be a staple in my winter wardrobe.

And now it can be yours! Comment on this post by midnight tonight for your chance to win!

Winners for boots and jean jacket!

2011-12-13T07:28:00.001-06:00

Let's get to the first two winners of the 12 Days of Giveaways! The winner of the wide calf boots is Elisha!
The winner of the jean jacket is Holly G!

Congrats ladies! Please email me at emtucky at gmail dot com to give me your address!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Lane Bryant Jean Jacket

2011-12-12T06:00:00.002-06:00

If you want more background on the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway series I am running, please see this post.

Today's giveaway item is a button up jean jacket from Lane Bryant, size 26/28. It gives the wearer a good, flattering shape (flares out at the hemline a bit) and has brass color buttons. The jacket is several years old, but I actually barely wore this as I have abnormally long arms and the sleeves were always too short on me. It is a good quality jean jacket and earlier this fall I actually wore it as an outerwear jacket for a few weeks before I found a new jacket.

If you want to win this item, leave a comment by midnight tonight and I will choose a winner via Random.org.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Wide Calf Knee High Boots

2011-12-11T12:19:00.005-06:00

Although I've given away several items and taken loads upon loads of clothes to Goodwill, I still have a few items hanging around my closet from my largest size - mostly 3X and 26/28. We're talking winter coats, dresses, boots, jeans - all just hanging around my closet with no one to wear them.

Since it's a great time of year to gift someone a gently used winter coat or pair of boots (read: it's downright COLD), I figured why not make it fun and give away each item still lingering in my closet one by one on my blog in a holiday giveaway of sorts I'm very originally titling "12 Days of Christmas Giveaway." Much more interesting than taking another load to Goodwill, yes?

So for the next 12 days I will post an item from my closet that no longer fits. Each day I will accept comments from readers interested in winning the item either for themselves or feel free to pick stuff up for your mom, sister, aunt, cousin, friend (just as long as it goes to someone you know for free).

If there are multiple comments, I will use a random number generator (like random.org) to choose the winner. I'll ship it out to you the next day and wa-lah you have a new gently used, new to you item to wear!

To kick it off, my first item is actually a pair of boots that were gifted to me last year by fellow kick-ass Fitblogger, Cyndi.

They are gray suede material that hit me (I'm 6'0") just a few inches below my knee. They are a flat, size 11, wide calf boot (21" when measured on the outside of the boot), with elastic at the shaft. Best of all, they practically look new. Not to mention, they are super cute (if you haven't noticed, Cyndi is quite fashion conscious).

The goods:

Leave a comment by midnight TOMORROW, Dec. 12th (Ok, I guess technically it would be midnight on Tuesday) to be entered in winning these! And check back at 8 am tomorrow for the next item in the series!

Weigh-in - back in the 230s

2011-12-11T10:43:00.001-06:00

Last Week's weight: 241.2
This Weeks weight: 239.4

1.8 pounds LOST

I'm not sure how I did it with all these cookies in my life at the moment. I seriously ate about 4 cookies for breakfast on Friday, and last night at a cookie swap party I ate probably a dozen cookies for dinner.

Perhaps I have discovered a new cookie meal replacement diet plan! I could make millions!

Seriously though, I ate pretty sensibly otherwise and got 14 miles of training in this week. Next week is the big 12 mile run and the race is now less than 4 weeks away! EEK!

One things for sure, I'm determined to never see the 240s again. I have no excuses now that work is slowed down, and I only have 9 work days left in 2011. I should be able to focus on eating right and doing Every. Single. Training. Run. now until the race.

Let's do this!

Best photo of the year - #resound11 - Day 9

2011-12-09T08:13:00.004-06:00

As normal, I dropped off the #resound11 wagon after two posts. I stare at a computer all day, so when I get home I rarely want to be on the computer. Hopefully since the next 3 weeks will be slower at work, I'll feel less stressed when I get home. When I received today's prompt, I immediately wanted to share some photos I took at the gym yesterday. Feel free to check out the project here.

Prompt #9: Today, please post your best photo of the year. It doesn't have to be the best technically, it doesn't have to be the best visually, but it should be a photo that you consider the best. Does it have special meaning? Is it of a significant event or moment? Share it with us!

In a rare moment of emptiness in the gym locker room last night, I borrowed the full length mirror for a little vanity:

For comparison, a photo taken in February 2011 after the Mercedes Half Marathon:

I consider the photos from the gym last night my "best" because it really shows my progress from even 10 months ago. Looking back at December 2010 to today, I've lost about 55 lbs. Even though I always feel like I could have done better and even though I've struggled over the last 10 weeks, I've made progress. I may have lost and gained the same 5 lbs a few times this year, but I haven't moved backwards in any way. I know I will get to a healthy weight, it may just take me longer than I would have expected.

I've been working on battling my obesity for almost 4 years now. I haven't done any crash or fad diets, eaten only 1200 calories a day, or exercised for 3 hours a day. I've done this at my pace. I've taken baby steps to improve my life and my health. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Weigh in - a step in the right direction

2011-12-04T09:03:00.004-06:00

Last week's weight - 243.8

This week's weight - 241.2

2.6 lbs LOST

88.2 total lost since June 2010

Honestly, I didn't try too hard this week so this loss is fine with me. I mean I didn't go crazy, but I finished off the Thanksgiving leftovers (including two pieces of pie and some bread pudding) and I skipped my run on Thursday because I got to the gym and didn't have any socks.

I did my 10 miler yesterday, it went ok but I had a major migraine (which I've never had before) all afternoon. I'm going to try and do a separate blog post on that.

Tonight, is a cookie swap party. And I have a 2nd one next week. If I can just sneak into the 230s this month, I'll be happy. I know it's not feasible for myself to set some huge goal of 10 or 15 pounds for the month of December. So my goal is to simply get in the 230s and stay there this time.

Vices - #resound11 - Day 2

2011-12-02T20:18:00.005-06:00

I'm going to attempt to participate in a project this month hosted by @Jaemie, called #resound11. Each day there will be a prompt to reflect on 2011 and anticipate 2012. Feel free to check out the project here.

Prompt #2: Did you slip back into any old habits that you wish you hadn't? Did you gain any new habits that you wish you would have walked away from? Did you discover the evils of Nutella? 'Fess up ... we won't tell.

Let's face it, I have a food addiction. I love cooking and baking. I enjoy celebrating with food. I eat when I'm bored. I eat when I'm upset or stressed.

Up until recently, I've been able to control this addiction for the last year and a half. It took me awhile to get the hang of it, but I managed my addiction enough to lose over 80 lbs in the last 18 months.

However, there is one food that controls me more than any other food. It's hard to release it's control over me, and when I'm under it's control I am hopeless.

Sugar.

I will eat sweets until I get sick. I never used to get sick. So I would just eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies without thinking. I'd finish off a pint of Ben and Jerry's in less than 30 minutes. Now if I did that, I'm pretty sure I'd be sick.

For the last 8-10 weeks, I've been skating on thin ice with sugar and sweets. Let's use tonight as an example.

After work, I decided I wanted to make something sweet. Something with chocolate. Now, I don't keep sweets in the house for the reason that I would eat the whole package in just a few days so in scouring the cabinets I find a fudge recipe on the back of the baking cocoa package. Perfect!

I remember why I've never made any sort of candy or fudge from scratch.

For the life of me I could not get the mixture to heat to the right temperature. I let it boil for a good 20 minutes, at least, and I gave up right around 210 degrees. I know, I know - I'm impatient. But I was tasting along the way and the mixture started to taste burnt, so I thought maybe just the thermometer was broken.

Now I have a 9 x 9 pan of hot fudge syrup.

Even though it turned out nothing like fudge, I still ate about a pound of the result - a hot fudge syrup of sorts. By the tablespoonful. By dips and licks with my finger. With a spoonful of peanut butter (twice). By freezing it in a cupcake liner with a dollop of peanut butter.

I basically ate hot fudge syrup straight from the jar (pan). This is what a sugar addiction (vice) does to a person.

When I started really loosing a lot of weight I was more conscious about my white refined sugar intake. No, I wasn't perfect. I had an occasional cupcake. But I ate plain greek yogurt instead of the flavored kind. I substituted fruit for baked goods. I didn't bring pie or bread pudding home from Thanksgiving dinner.

Lately though, I've started to slide back into my old habits. The worst part is I don't want to do much about it right now. I have two holiday cookie swaps coming up and I'm planning to fully participate. But at some point, if I want to lose these last few pounds I'm going to have to break my sugar addiction again.

I'll let you know when that happens, because you probably won't want to be around me when I go through detox.

One word - #resound11 Day 1

2011-12-01T19:39:00.005-06:00

I'm going to attempt to participate in a project this month hosted by @Jaemie, called #resound11. Each day there will be a prompt to reflect on 2011 and anticipate 2012. Feel free to check out the project here.

Prompt # 1: What is one word to describe your 2011? Why does that word sum up your year?

I'm going to have to throw out the word "restless" to describe my year. As I was thinking back on my year, I realized how much has happened in 2011. I walked my 2nd half marathon, I started a new job, my mom suffered a brain aneurysm - and survived, my sister had her second child, I've been working increasingly long hours at work, I began running, and now I am training for my 3rd half marathon.

It seems like no matter what changes life throws at me, I am always looking towards the next big event - never living in the moment.

Definition of restless from the dictionary:

1: lacking or denying rest

2: continuously moving

3: characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind

This definitely spoke to me: "2: continuously moving"

I very rarely stop and focus on what is actually happening, right then at that one moment in my life. Even right now as I train for my next half marathon, I am already thinking about what big events I will do next year. Will I dive into the triathlon world? Will I do another half marathon? What about Bay to Breakers? My mind is always in planning mode.

I think living in the moment can be hard for a lot of us. We make plans, set expectations and can oftentimes be let down when something doesn't work out in our favor. Living in the moment is definitely something to think about and actively try to master for myself.

Weigh in - Thanksgiving Gain

2011-11-28T20:51:00.004-06:00

Apparently, I'm addicted to Thanksgiving. After two separate turkey dinners (one Thursday, one Friday), I brought home leftovers from my mom's and made more mashed potatoes and gravy (from Mama Pea) tonight to round out my leftovers of turkey, dressing and desserts.

Oy vey the Thanksgiving weigh-in!

Last week's weight - 240.8

This week's weight - 243.8

3 lbs GAINED

85.6 total lost since June 2010

Let's not act surprised. I ate way more than just two Thanksgiving dinners. There were cookies, pizza, ice cream, burgers and fries and did I mention left over dessert?

I am on the fast track to gaining weight. The good news is, I haven't gained anything in my last 8 weeks of eat-whatever-you-damn-well-please phase. The bad news is I weigh the same as I did eight weeks ago.

The worst news is I'm trying to get back on track during the worst time of year to try to eat and live healthy. I want to give up until 2012, but that's no solution.

I don't have an answer for myself right now. I am perfectly capable of calling myself out, but I can't seem to find what I need to stop stuffing my face.

Maybe I'll come up with something after the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone?

Diary of an overweight runner - Disney half marathon training check in

2011-11-21T07:23:00.003-06:00

After having a little nervous break down a few weeks ago over my half marathon training, things have been going better on the training front. I have missed one mid-week run because I had to go buy new tires two Friday nights ago and thus I did not go to the gym.

After writing that post, I did 7, then 8 miles and this week I did 9. And I have survived!

The 7 and 8 milers were pretty nondescript. I did them within my 15 min per mile training goal and I didn't collapse after either of them.

The 9 miler on Saturday wasn't bad either but trying out a new unfamiliar (unmarked) trail combined with the Garmin Fit app on my phone freezing at 2.5 miles, I had that horrible sinking feeling of having no idea whether I was actually completing 9 miles since I just did it by time; figuring I run about 15 min mile. I also turned around a little earlier b/c I didn't want to cross a 4 lane busy road towards the end and I ran out of trail. I mapped part of my run afterwards (it was too tedius to do the whole thing) and I at least came within .2 of 9 miles. If I can do 8.8, I can do 10, right???

I did like the trail, so I would use it again if I pre-mapped my run and knew where I was going.

A couple good things did come out of Saturday's run. 1) I was definitely running more than walking, I would run approximately a 1/2 mile and then run a 1/4 mile. (Or run 2 songs and walk 1). Also, after my Garmin app froze, I ran for 15 minutes straight or 1 mile without stopping.

I've always ran intervals with the longest run interval being 8 minutes when I did the 5K in August. So this left me feeling accomplished.

10 miles is up next. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I know I can do it. It may happen this weekend, but with being in St. Louis for the holiday I may only do 6 or 8 and do 10 the next weekend.

The race is less than 7 weeks away!

Weigh in

2011-11-20T08:29:00.003-06:00

Last week's weight - 241.4

This week's weight - 240.8

0.6 lbs LOST

88.6 total lost since June 2010

Any loss I'll take at this point. If you saw this post you know I've been struggling with my food choices and Friday and yesterday were not better. I need to go back to sticking to a healthy plan when eating out.

I don't really have much else to say about this weigh in. I hope to blog later about my run yesterday, which was 9 miles!

Owning up to it

2011-11-17T12:48:00.003-06:00

So THIS happened yesterday:

Click to see larger version

In case you are too lazy to click or need me to spell it out for you: that's yesterday's calorie total ~1,000 calories over my normal limit. Let's discuss what happened...

A slice of cheese and mushroom pizza at 3pm - approx 285 calories
2 packets of Nestle hot chocolate at 4pm - 160 calories
1 black and white cookie at dinner - 130 calories
Baked Potato with cheese and sour cream at 9pm - approx 440 calories

This was all eaten over and beyond my 3 meals and 2 snacks for the day. What is wrong with me!?!

And I ate half a homemade pizza for dinner (570 calories). But even with that, had I not eaten the above my day would have been fine.

WTF?!

Clearly it's come to my attention that my demons of overeating have reared their ugly heads. This is how I used to eat. All. the. time. I would eat Oreos by the sleeve full and not even think twice about eating half a pepperoni pizza. It appears I've been too confident about overcoming these demons over the last year and a half and deep down inside they are still there ready to take me down.

This has to end now. I've come too far and I'm way too close to what I think to be a comfortable weight for me to let those demons win this time around.

Midweek Ramblings

2011-11-16T12:15:00.005-06:00

So, I may have given up daily posting of my food log (to protect you from boredom, dear readers), but I am still tracking over at Sparkpeople.

I'm still struggling with my food choices. Yesterday I was really snacky, so I ended up at Starbucks at 3 pm for a Peppermint Mocha. I got the skinny version, but that was still 290 calories un-needed.

Sometimes it's just easier to go back to basics and with the holidays coming up, that's where I'm going to head. Back to eating my staples: whole grains, complex carbs, tons of fruits/veggies, low fat dairy and lean meats. This basically means I eat a variety of whole wheat bread, potatoes (white & sweet), whole wheat pastas, brown rice, lentils, Oats, beans, eggs, 2% cheese, 1% milk, shrimp, fish and chicken, apple, bananas, berries, brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and carrots. Oh, and the occasional nut butter!

It's boring, but this worked for me for the first 88 pounds, so why steer away from it?

Weigh in - what happens after you gain 7 lbs in a week

2011-11-13T17:57:00.004-06:00

Last week's weight - 246.2

This week's weight - 241.4

4.8 lbs LOST

88 total lost since June 2010

I have been putting of posting today's weigh in subconsciously, I think. Because I don't see it as good enough.

Sure, 4.8 pounds in a normal week would be great. But I had a 7 lb gain to deal with from last week and I ALMOST was back to 239 as that is what I weighed in at yesterday morning; however, I ate too much last night knowing it would affect the weigh in and I didn't care.

Food log from Saturday:

Egg and cheese sandwich & banana (breakfast); a few samples at Christmas Village (not a lot since sharing a bowl of cheese dip with 10,000 other people's dirty hands wasn't too appealing to me); 1/3 of 12" pizza and salad with balsamic vinaigrette (late lunch); Apple dumpling with ice cream (snack); Another slice of pizza, romaine salad with blue cheese and 2.5 cups of popcorn (dinner); 3-4 pumpkin molasses cookies

Total calories: No idea, way too many (2,100+)

Food log for today (so far):

Peanut butter sandwich (breakfast); 3 pumpkin molasses cookies (after run); slice of leftover pizza; 1/2 order of General Tso's Chicken, egg roll and 4 crab rangoons; Ice cream sandwich

Yeah, so today isn't much better.

My long run today was 8 miles. I started 2 hours later than I originally planned. I REALLY didn't want to do it. But once I was out there it went great. The weather was perfect (a little sunny the 2nd half), and I was able to stay within my 15 min per mile goal.

Hoping to try and figure out how to stay on track this week (with a better weekend next weekend) to lose another 5 lbs next week.

Food log 11/11/11

2011-11-11T21:14:00.006-06:00

I'm posting this now because then maybe I won't eat anything else tonight ;)

Banana and fiber one bar (breakfast); 1/4 cup 4% cottage cheese w/4 ak-mak sesame crackers (snack); Homemade Potato soup and an apple (lunch); 6" Subway turkey breast on wheat with 2 slices pepper jack cheese, all veggies and spicy mustard with 14 tortilla chips and salsa (dinner); three Mama Pea's Pumpkin Molasses Dough Balls (dessert)

I also had 2 lifesaver mints & 1 jolly rancher throughout the day at work.

Edited to add: Another pumpkin molasses cookie and 2 cups of popcorn

Total Calories: ~~1,440~~ 1,594

One thing I've learned over this week is that 1 jolly rancher has 25 calories! I don't know why I didn't think about this when I popped 4 into my mouth yesterday and wasted 100 calories, but it just goes to show you how many un-needed calories we could potentially eat in a day.

Also those white lifesaver mints? Those are 15 calories each and the ingredients list (in this order) is: sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors.

Goal next week? Stay away from the candy jar!

Food log 11/10/11

2011-11-11T11:15:00.003-06:00

I'm in a grumpy mood. Trying to figure out what the best decision is on a tire is exhausting.

Thursday:

Egg and cheese sandwich (breakfast); banana (snack); Trader Joe's chicken pot stickers, edamame and an apple (lunch); 1 snack bag of Chex Mix (snack) 4 jolly ranchers (snack); Carrots & hummus with baked potato soup (dinner); Fit and Active mint ice cream sandwich (dessert)

Total calories: 1,993

Ate too much yesterday. Didn't need the ice cream sandwich. Stressful day today. Will probably miss run due to car issues.

Over it.

Food log 11/9/11

2011-11-10T10:58:00.004-06:00

Is this getting boring for everyone yet? Truthfully, it's been a good exercise. I haven't been tracking for several months and although there are pros and cons to tracking, it definitely yields results.

Wednesday:

Grande Soy Latte from Starbucks (breakfast); Keebler Jumbo Peanut Butter Stick & half a small can of OJ (post-blood draw snack); banana (snack); 3 fish tacos & 1/2 cup black beans (lunch); Apple & 1 snack size bag of Chex Mix (snack); Veggie Corn Dog, Sweet Potato Fries and Salad (Dinner); Fit and Active mint ice cream sandwich (dessert)

Total Calories: 1,979

A bit higher than the rest of the week, but still under 2,000 which is the bottom line goal. The snack after my blood giving threw me off then while I was waiting at Firestone for my car I was starving and scarfed down the Chex Mix. I'm actually proud I didn't eat anything after the ice cream sandwich last night because I so wanted to. I just wanted to eat, eat, eat last night. Instead I made some warm water with a slice of lemon. That seems to knock the cravings out a bit at night.

I rearranged my workouts for the rest of the week. I'm doing Friday/Sunday again because I have to go buy new tires on Saturday morning and I have to be somewhere else by 9:30 so I just didn't have time to get tires, run AND make it to a friend's house by 9:30.

My main focus now is getting through the weekend with no slip-ups (and maybe lose 2 more lbs before Sunday). Gah, wish me luck!

Food log 11/8/11

2011-11-09T13:36:00.002-06:00

The scale said 240.6 this morning. I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day, but I do and it works for me. Although losing almost 6 lbs in 3 days teaches me nothing about gaining 7 lbs in a week. Hopefully remembering I really want that 100 lbs lost milestone will keep me in check.

Tuesday:

Kashi Pumpkin Pecan bar and banana (breakfast); Trader Joe's Chicken Pot Stickers and steamed veggies with an apple and chocolate chip cookie (lunch); 6 oz Fage 0% and 3 chocolate malt ball whoppers (snack); 3 tilapia fish tacos with salsa and a cole slaw on top with a Fit and Active mint ice cream sandwich (dinner)

Total Calories: 1,504

The candy dish got me again yesterday, but I'd rather have 1 piece and be over it than pine over it all day. The dinner I made is an old standby favorite. It's very quick and filling and 3 fish tacos using 1 filet is about 440 calories. LOVE IT!

Also ran 3 miles and did my weight circuit yesterday. I feel back on track and I am loving it.

Food log 11/7/11

2011-11-08T09:49:00.004-06:00

Monday:

Pumpkin Cream Pie Oat Bran with Trader Joe's pumpkin butter (breakfast); Kashi pumpkin pecan bar (snack); Trader Joe's Black Bean enchiladas w/ apple and a couple bites of 4% cottage cheese (lunch); 1 tootsie roll; Blueberry Chobani (snack); 1 snack bag of Chex Mix (snack); 2 oz whole wheat linguine w/sauteed bok choy and steamed edamame tossed in Trader Joe's peanut satay sauce, Fit and Active mint ice cream sandwich (dinner)

Total calories: 1,733

The Chex Mix and Tootsie Roll were not planned. I grabbed the Tootsie Roll without even thinking (mindless eating) and caved into the Chex Mix b/c I was at work later than I thought I would be and was starving. But I tracked every bite, lick and taste (as Cyndi ala Weight Watchers would say) and was still under 1,800 calories. Yesterday was a war won.

I did not go do weights at the gym (see being at work too late). I do have a cardio + strength date with the gym tonight.

Mending the aftermath and a new exercise

2011-11-07T11:48:00.000-06:00

This morning the scale said 243.6.

That's more like it.

That's the gain I expected this week, not the 7 lbs that was shown. I'm confident with actually eating within my calorie goal and plan, I will be back in the 230s on Sunday.

Challenge extended.

As an exercise this week I'm going to post what I'm eating each day. When I posted my bad days last week it was really cathartic. I know posting food logs can get boring so I'm only going to do it this week and not make it a continuing thing, but it should be a good exercise.

Sunday:

2 slices sprouted bread with 2 T peanut butter and 1 banana (pre-run); Bowl of Mama Pea's Pumpkin Cream Pie Oat Bran with a spoonful of pumpkin butter added (after run breakfast); 1/2 cup 4% cottage cheese and 3 sesame crackers (snack); 1 bowl French Onion Soup w/2 oz Swiss Cheese (lunch); 3 steak tacos, chips & salsa, guacamole, cheese dip and beans (dinner); 1 fun size snickers

Definitely not a menu of healthful choices, but I'm getting there with better portions (sans chips at dinner).

I am headed to the gym tonight just to get some weight lifting in. I'm hoping adding weight training will help with building muscle in my legs for my runs. My aerobic endurance is fine on long runs, but for example yesterday around 5.5 miles my legs hurt so very bad. Either way weight training makes me feel good and hopefully it will provide toning where I need it.

Weigh in - The most epic gain EVER

2011-11-06T20:24:00.003-06:00

Last week's weight - 239.0

This week's weight - 246.2

7.2 lbs GAINED

83.2 total lost since June 2010

Yep, you read that right (and no it's not a typo). I had an epic gain of 7.2 lbs this week. Am I surprised? A little. I knew I would gain because of everything I've eaten this week, but 7 pounds? Yeah...wasn't prepared for that.

As Maren pointed out, "What's done is done and what's eaten is eaten." So time to move on. I plan to track my food this week and get back on the horse and hope for a big ass loss next week.

On the plus side I did my first long run in 3 weeks today and I didn't die. 7 miles done! It was rough since I haven't been eating right lately and there was too much alcohol and not enough hydration going on yesterday, but surprisingly it went well despite my gut rot and dehydration.

Given my huge gain this week, I am back to 9.8 pounds from my Garmin Goal. And 16.8 pounds from 100 lbs lost. Talk about two steps backwards!?

My goal is to have the Garmin by Thanksgiving and the 100 pound party is tentatively scheduled for January. We'll see how close I get in the next 4 weeks.

Back to square one!

The story of the 3-day binge

2011-11-05T08:15:00.003-05:00

I'm fully expecting a 3-4 lb gain tomorrow.

Sigh, I just had to put that out there. I've done 2 of my 3 training runs (3rd is scheduled for Sunday) and I even did weights last night after my run. I'm trying to incorporate weight training 2x a week.

But my food choices, oh boy my food choices are horrendous. Coming off the flu last weekend, I was craving white, processed carbs. So that's what I ate. And now, even though my body is back to normal, I haven't gone back to healthy eating. Here's just a selection of what I've eaten over the last few days - and I'm sure I'm forgetting some of it!

Today: 2 pumpkin pancakes with a banana and butter and syrup (unmeasured)

Friday: Banana; 4 mini quiches. 2 mini cinnamon rolls, 1 mini muffin and fruit salad; Green salad with ranch dressing, yeast roll with butter, smashed potatoes, 1/2 pan fried chicken breast, 2 bites of turkey with gravy, brownie and peach cobbler; 1 snack bag chex mix, tootsie roll and another mini cinnamon roll; 2 bowls french onion soup with Swiss cheese and croutons, veggie corn dog, 2 mini chocolate candies; 1 snack bag chex mix

Thursday: Peanut butter and pumpkin butter sandwich; banana; cup of clam chowder and half turkey brie cranberry sandwich; black cherry Chobani; 4% cottage cheese with Triscuts; 2 bowls french onion soup with Swiss cheese and croutons; 1 oreo ball; 2 slices bread with pumpkin butter

Wednesday: Peanut butter and pumpkin butter sandwich; banana; cup of french onion soup with half a baguet and Swiss cheese, slice of cheese pizza with black olives; Honeycrisp apple; 4% cottage cheese with Triscuits; 2 veggie corn dogs and sweet potato fries; 1/2 cup chocolate chip ice cream in "waning" peanut butter jar (1T peanut butter?)

If you want to play Where's Waldo, try to find any veggies in my list up there. Although Wed and Thurs are bad, but Friday is by far the worst. We had an event at work and I pretty much put whatever was in front of me in my mouth.

I know I shouldn't do this, but I've already written today off. I'm heading to a Beer, Bourbon and BBQ fest downtown and I fully intend to enjoy it.

Next week. I am back on it and I am committing for the next 4 weeks to be as close to perfect as possible with both food and exercise. By committing to 4 weeks, it breaks what can be big and overwhelming into a small, manageable thing.

I don't want to do this anymore

2011-11-01T22:56:00.004-05:00

I am really doubting this whole half marathon training thing. We are now just 9 short weeks from race day and I haven't done more than 6 miles. The last two weekends I haven't done a long run. Furthermore, the last four weeks during the week I've missed runs like crazy. I have plenty of excuses, just pick one - working 50-60 hours a week, illness, traveling to Atlanta two weeks in a row. But when it comes down to it, my heart just hasn't been in it. When I have had the time to do the training, I just don't want to. I'd rather lay around all day and watch 5 episodes of Dexter (I may or may not have done this while I was sick last weekend....ok I did).

Thankfully I have 3 friends counting on me to show up on race day so I won't give up, but what the hell am I going to do to turn this around? I don't want to be one of "those people" who don't train for a race, show up on race day, have a miserable 13.1 miles and hate every moment of something that should be rewarding.

I feel more discouraged than ever because I feel like I've lost ground over the last 2.5 months. I was so good about working out over the summer. But lately? Not so much. I know 90% of the problem is work, but that's not changing any time soon so I can only figure out a way to deal with it.

I'll let you know when I figure it out.

All I can do is get through this week. This week, despite not setting a toe in the gym yet, I WILL do all 3 training runs. Tomorrow 3 miles, Friday 3 miles and Sunday 7 miles.

Even though I don't really want to.

Weigh in - flu edition

2011-10-30T08:30:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight - 239.6

This week's weight - 239.0

0.6 lbs LOST

90.4 total lost since June 2010

Not much of a loss, but at least I know this isn't just the flu talking. I ate normally and re-hydrated yesterday.

But LOOK 90 lbs lost!! Wow!

I really don't want to go run 7 miles today. I plan to write about it later, but mainly It's currently 35 degrees outside and my bed is warm. Plus who wants to run 7 miles after they just spend the last 2.5 days in bed? Not to mention I haven't been feeling training AT ALL. ugh.

There's only one way to 100% ensure you don't overeat

2011-10-29T10:58:00.002-05:00

The flu.

Yep, I have it. Well, I guess I am feeling a bit more upright today so I feel like it's passed, but I am still in recovery mode.

Thursday afternoon I started to feel a little sick to my stomach. Honestly, I thought it was just stress at work combined with lack of sleep that was making me feel queasy. The roommate and I were scheduled to go to Sugar Rush - an event that boasted over 20 local sweets makers for an all-you-care-to-indulge-in evening of cupcakes, cheesecake, candies, chocolate and more. And I wasn't planning on holding back.

I should have listened to my body.

As soon as I got there and saw what should have been deliciously beautiful food - it was over. After a restroom break I came back and tried a mini cupcake. "I can shake this off," I thought to myself. I was fine for about 5 minutes after consuming what is my favorite food group, but it just wasn't happening. I had to leave.

I don't even remember the drive home Thursday night. All I know is I was praying I made it with no incident.

I fell into my bed Thursday night (fully clothed) and didn't wake up until the sickness hit later that night. I won't go into details, but you GET what I mean...

Besides having to run something up to work in the wee hours of the morning yesterday, I stayed in bed about 23.5 of the last 24 hours. I can't remember the last time I slept SO. MUCH.

So the flu saved me from throwing my weigh in on sugar. Though, I don't thank it, I do appreciate its sentiment.

Weigh in - early edition and hanging with Cyndi

2011-10-22T18:18:00.001-05:00

Last week's weight - 241.2

This week's weight - 239.6

1.6 lbs LOST

89.8 total lost since June 2010

Atlantapocolypse with Cyndi nd Emily has commenced, so I weighed in early today before I left Nashville.

So far we've hit 2 cupcake places, Cyndi's 'special' store where we cleaned up on argins and Tin Lizzy's for great tacos. We're regrouping at the apt now before decding what movie to see at the fancy theater then hitting the bar later.

Needless to say I'm having a blast.

Weigh in - 2.2 lbs lost

2011-10-16T10:10:00.004-05:00

Last week's weight: 243.4

This week's weight: 241.2

2.2 pounds LOST

88.2 pounds lost since June 2010

I ate well, exercised and stayed focused. Even through a road trip (no fast food eaten). I hope I can carry it on through my upcoming week from hell.

Just to keep track....

4.8 pounds to my Garmin Goal.

11.8 pounds until 100 blog pounds lost.

Wish me luck this week. I know I'll need it to get all my workouts in and stay focused on eating right during a busy week.

Happy Sunday!

Road Trip NSV

2011-10-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

Last night I was in Atlanta to see New Found Glory. I kind of love this shot below I snapped at the end of their set on my phone.

Cyndi was sweet enough to let me crash on her couch last night. Although from reading her blog and all our conversations on Twitter I feel like I know her just as well as any of my friends in Nashville, it was nice to finally "meet" in person. We had already planned for me to come take over Atlanta with her next weekend, so I'll get another dose of her sweet, but straight talking self.

On my way home this morning, I realized I had a NSV on my hands (lap?). Due to my size and the amount of space I used to take up in a seat, I could never put a cup or drink between my legs. I remember as a kid (you know before cup holders), my mom would always do this. Even though I don't really have a NEED to do it (because you know my car has a bagillion cup holders), it's nice to know I CAN do it.

Measuring Up

2011-10-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

What I really want to tell you about is my Fitness Evaluation at my gym this morning. It was awesome; however, I don't have the brain capacity to write in detail what I want to write about it. So it will have to wait for the weekend.

Never fear, I do have goodies for you today.

I haven't taken my measurements since the beginning of July. I'm never consistent on the frequency of when I take my measurements. I pretty much do it just when I feel like I haven't done it in awhile. So here we go.

July's results

When I began posting my measurements, I never posted what the measurement was exactly, just how many inches lost. I did this because although I had no qualms about sharing my weight with the world as someone who was over 330 lbs, for some reason admitting I had a 58" hip measurement when I first walked into the Dayani Center Weight Management program at Vanderbilt Med Center in 2008 was scary.

For consistency (and vanity, maybe), I'm still not sharing what my measurements are, but below is the change since July.

Hips: -1
Neck: no change
Arms: no change
Waist: -2
Underbust: -1.5
Natural Waist: -1.5
Thighs: no change

Total inches lost in 3 months: 6 inches

I'm not really surprised about my arms (lots of loose skin) or neck as I'm getting pretty small on top. But my thighs frustrated me since my legs LOOK smaller to me. I only regret not keeping track of my wrist, ankle and calves.

Since I haven't taken my measurements regularly, I don't know how to compare this. Honestly though? I've felt pretty fluffy lately. Like I have no tone at all. Yes, I am losing weight, but I don't feel like I am getting leaner.

This was #1 reason why I scheduled my Fitness Evaluation this morning. I am going to track my progress in 30 days and hopefully not only will I feel leaner, but I'll be leaner!

Cinderella's Castle!

2011-10-12T21:36:00.004-05:00

Tuesday I when I got done running 3.3 miles, I picked up my phone and had a text from my friend that we were booked to eat dinner IN Cinderella's Castle at Disney World during our half marathon stay. So excited. This tweet pretty much sums it up:

I then proceeded to spend way too much time looking at restaurants on property at Disney World. There. Are. So. Many.

I haven't been to Disney World since I was 5 and I barely remember it. No that's a lie. I remember screaming my head off on Space Mountain and trying to climb out of the ride while it was moving. Um yes, at 5 years old my parents let me ride Space Mountain. I was a tall kid.

In short, I'm getting super excited about spending 5 nights at Disney World in January. You know, except for that whole running 13.1 miles thing.

There are good runs and bad runs

2011-10-09T20:54:00.005-05:00

Aside from weigh in posts, I've been pretty absent from blogging lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say, it's just after 8-10 hours a day in a stressful work environment, starring at a computer screen I don't really feel like blogging much in the evenings. After work I'm usually good to barely get my workout in and get a healthy dinner eaten before zoning out in front of the time waster aka the TV. I know I should watch less TV, but most days I don't feel like it.

Let's pick our battles here, and I'd rather battle my impressive sweets addiction I've let back into my life.

As I mentioned in my weigh in post earlier, I did get all 3 of my training runs in last week. Oh yeah. If you haven't followed amongst the long gap of updates, training has officially started for the Disney World Half Marathon I am doing in January.

After 2 weeks of skipping workouts, I finally completed a full schedule last week. And I realized you truly have good runs and bad runs. Thursday was a bad run. I just felt really off. I was at the gym on the treadmill. I felt overheated and I finally gave up around mile 2.5. I was so focused on my pace and how it wasn't good enough (15 min miles), I frustrated myself and talked myself into quitting.

I decided late Friday not to do the Germantown Bier Fest 5K as planned. I love this event so it was a hard decision to make, but doing 3.1 miles when I needed to be doing 5.5 as I outlined on my training schedule wasn't going to cut it. And I'm still not sure about running two days in a row. Plus, I needed to save the $35 I would of had to pay day of the race since I have a lot of travel coming up (Atlanta, holidays, Orlando)

I was so glad I decided to focus on my long run instead.

I woke up at 4:30 AM on Saturday morning (not on purpose) and laid in bed until my alarm went off at 6:15. Surprisingly, the too early wake up call didn't phase me and I was at the greenway by 6:40. It was a beautiful morning and I ran by 2 deer (twice) literally inches from the trail.

I decided to do something different and leave the phone (stopwatch and music) in the car. All I carried with me was my car key and water (I forgot the Shot Bloks at home, but I ended up not needing them) and off I went. When I was warming up I thought, "Crap, how am I going to do my intervals without a stopwatch." Silly me quickly realized the trail is pretty much marked every quarter mile, so I decided to take it easy and run a quarter mile, walk a quarter mile; out and back.

It worked like a charm.

I had been doing 5 minutes running and 1 or 2 minutes walking, but I was finding myself nosediving halfway through my runs. True, a quarter mile recovery walk is probably a bit too much recovery time, but it was easy for me to keep track of with no watch.

I finished 5.8 miles in my fastest time.

5.8 miles in 84 minutes. Of course that time is approximate since that includes walking to/from the car to look at the time. But by all conservative estimates, that is a 14:29 minute mile!

Timing my intervals by distance and allowing myself more "recovery time" WORKED!

Also, I got my head out of the clouds from Thursday's run and realized my pace is JUST FINE where it is for right now. I don't HAVE to be any faster for the race in January. I ONLY have to be able to do 13.1 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes. And even if I take every last second of 3 hours and 30 minutes to finish, that will still be my fastest Half Marathon time, and an accomplishment.

So no more worrying about "going faster." My natural running pace right now is 15 minute miles and I am finally OK with that.

Weigh in - a gain

2011-10-09T17:05:00.004-05:00

Last week's weight: 242.6

This week's weight: 243.4

0.8 lbs GAINED

86 pounds lost since June 2010

Honestly, I knew a gain was coming and I'm only surprised it wasn't 3 lbs instead of the 1 I gained. I've been having a really hard time staying in check Friday and Saturday. It's a mental thing I just need to get over. I think planning for Friday dinner and all meals Saturday needs to be established.

I'm so close to my Garmin Goal and my 100 lb lost milestones that I need to stop the gain/lose thing pattern. I really want to have a 100 lb party, so it's time to get that last 14 lbs off in order to plan the party :)

Exercise was good this week. Probably the only thing that saved me. I was able to run approximately 11.5 miles cumulatively this week. My run yesterday was REALLY, REALLY good. I plan to do a separate post about that tomorrow.

I'm going to make some lentil burgers for dinner tonight and finish up getting organized for the week. Happy Sunday!

Weigh in - 8 lbs lost, highest weekly loss to date!

2011-10-02T09:02:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 250.6

This week's weight: 242.6

8 lbs LOST

86.8 pounds lost since June 2010

No, 8 lbs is not a typo! After a crazy gain last week I had a secret goal in mind. A goal I only told KG because there's no way I would tell the public and then not be able to achieve it. A goal to lose 7 lbs this week.

It's something I've done before, but only once or twice. It was something I knew I had to work at. So, I watched what I ate got all 3 of my runs in and did an extra 9 mile bike ride yesterday. And I surpassed my goal.

If you're keeping score, I have 6 lbs until my Garmin Goal and 13 lbs until 100 lbs lost since starting my blog.

Weigh in - 4 lb gain

2011-09-26T13:00:00.004-05:00

Last week's weight: 246.6

This week's weight: 250.6

4 lbs GAINED

78.8 pounds lost since June 2010

Yep, it's totally possible to gain 4 lbs in a week. Want to know how I did it? Mexican food at 8:30 pm on a weeknight, 3 cookies and a bag of chips for lunch on Friday, noshing on french fries 3 days in a row with several beers thrown in.

Out. of. control.

All I can do now is get back on the wagon. I'm trying to remember to drink lots of water. I'm on my 3rd piece of fruit today and I had a veggie sub for lunch (with a banana instead of chips. Why doesn't Subway carry fresh fruit???)

When it comes down to it, I've let my busy work life catapult the rest of my life out of control. Now, I've gone taken 4 steps back and I have to re-lose 4 more pounds to get to my next goal.

Inexcusable.

All I can do is focus on how far I've come from a year ago. As I joined my sister's family on their annual vacation to the Smoky Mountains, I was able to do more with my 3 1/2 year old niece. We ran around a mountain top amusement park and rode water slides, the scenic skylift and jetted down the alpine slide together. There's no way I would have been able to comfortably ride those slides at 330 lbs.

Also, I was able to ride the swings with my niece, which she later told me was her favorite ride, and I KNOW at 330 lbs the belt on the ride wouldn't have fit.

So although I have not been very diligent the last few months on the weight loss front, I am now at a size where I feel comfortable doing normal everyday activities. And that isn't something I'll let 4 lbs ruin.

Warrior Dash - Alive, but Maybe not Well

2011-09-18T10:56:00.007-05:00

Back in January, I decided to sign up for Warrior Dash. A 3.1 mile obstacle course race dubbed as the "Craziest frickin' day of your life." Yesterday was the day of truth. I competed in the Warrior Dash race in Manchester, TN.

I was lucky enough to have Miss Lynn who was doing the race with me and our awesome Super Stove friend, KG spectating for us. So we got quite a lot of good pictures. (Pictures at the end of this post.) We had an afternoon start time (3 pm) and in the hottest part of the day, the 78 degree temperature felt quite warmer due to the high sun bearing down on the course.

The course was actually on the grounds of the Bonnaroo Festival, which I actually enjoyed because they actually have several "fixtures" set up year-round (like the "Bonnaroo arch").

The race was a lot of good people watching with people in costumes. Our course was primarily flat on gravel and dirt paths that wound throughout the Bonnaroo grounds.

After jogging a good portion a the beginning, we came to the "Hay Fever" obstacle, which at one time was a high stack of hay bales, but at the point we got to it, it was some broken down bales of hay and we easily ran up and over it.

The obstacles weren't evenly distributed along the course. There was a lot of time between the start of the race and the first obstacle and again between the first and second obstacle. While we were walking between the first and second obstacle, we saw a guy SMOKING on the course. I mean, seriously? If you can't go 45 minutes - hour without smoking maybe you should just consider NOT DOING THE RACE. The worst thing to smell while running is smoke. People are so inconsiderate.

The second obstacle was the "Road Rage" obstacle. Junk yard cards sandwiched between two sets of old tires. This was another easy obstacle even though I did walk slowly through the tires to protect my ankles.

Soon after, we hit the "Barricade Breakdown". You had to climb over a waist high wall and then under barbed wire. There were 3 sets of these and I got caught on the barbed wire where I got a minor scratch and bled. At this point, with blood on my arm, I felt like a true warrior!

Another easy obstacle was next - the "Blackout". It was a dark tunnel set up you had to crawl through on hands and knees. It was dirty but easy.

At this point I knew my nemesis was coming up - the "Great Warrior Wall." We rounded the corner and my stomach dropped. Straight ahead was a 10 foot+ wall with ropes on one side to use to climb up and then once over the top you climbed down ladder style. Now, only those who suffer from the same fear of heights and plummeting to your death will understand the anxiety that hit me at this moment.

I'm not sure where my fear of heights and falling come from; however, I did fall off a blow up obstacle course and end up in the ER on my high school graduation night as I was racing my good friend Sarah. Maybe this has something to do with it? I don't know...

Miss Lynn insisted I could do it so up I went. At the top I had a slight moment of panic as I straddled the top of this wall, which was at least 10 feet off the ground. At any moment I could slip and fall. And be hurt very badly. Thankfully, the volunteer working this station saw my pause and climbed up to the top, with Miss Lynn not far behind him, and talked me through my panic. They got me down safely and although I was shaking we continued the course.

After jogging a little more, we came to the "Chaotic Crossover" - cargo nets you climb across, set up about 5 feet off the ground. Fairly easy, but I got held up behind some people, which made it harder.

Next, was the turning point of the race. We came to the "Giant Cliffhanger." Another 10 ft wall, this time sloped on one side and no traction. After watching one woman get half way up and then come back down, I started my climb. With no traction for my feet to grab onto, I got to the top and slipped. For a brief moment I hung from the top of the wall with both of my arms holding me there. Eventually, I knew all was lost and all I could do is fall/slide down the wall back to the ground and in the process I got a huge friction burn on my stomach, and a small one on my leg.

OUCH!

After this defeat, I had to take a moment to breathe. I already wasn't feeling great at this point and sliding down the 10 ft wall only made that worse. I essentially was done with the race at this point. I told my partner in crime I wasn't planning on running any more of the race. I also I didn't know if I could do any more walls. There were 3 left in the distance and I dreaded them.

The other thing was the obstacles were so close together at this point in the race. They were pretty much one right after each other. The next one was another wall you climbed up on side (there were like ladder steps built in) and then on the other side was a straight drop down. I got to the top of the first side and I couldn't bring myself to jump off the other side, so I just climbed back down the same side. All I can say is at least I tried it.

The next one was an easier wall with steps up and then a pole to slide down. I got through that one OK and immediately after was the "Cargo Climb." Another wall with cargo nets on either side. I really wanted to skip it, but I also didn't want to say I didn't try every obstacle, so up I went. It was a scarier obstacle for me in a lot of ways because since they were cargo nets you could feel everyone else's movements. And you went up really high. I got over it fine though and we were on the last part of the course (finally).

Miss Lynn and I walked up to final two obstacles - "Warrior Roast" and "Muddy Mayhem." We jumped over two lines of fire and then I reluctantly walked into the mud pit. Honestly, I could have just wadded through this calf deep and stepped over the barbed wire, but in the spirit of what the race was about I got down on all fours and crawled through the mud under the 3 lines of barbed wire. And then I crawled out of the mud pit.

WE WERE DONE

They handed us a Dixie cup of water and a banana, which immediately just got muddy. After pictures and a few moments of confusion, we went to hose down the best we could before trekking back to the car.

I'm glad to have done the race. It definitely pushed me physically, and I was beat by the end. I have plenty of scrapes, burns and bruises to prove my Warrior-ness. However, I am also the most sore I've ever been in my life and I don't really see myself ever doing one of these races again. One in my lifetime is enough, I say.

Overall the race set up was pretty well. If you are planning on doing a Warrior Dash I have a few suggestions for survival:

Plan for parking to take 30 - 45 minutes. We sat in traffic for a good part of 30 minutes and had to park a fair walk away from the actual race area.

Bring your own water / sports drinks. They only had 1 water stop and the water was hot from sitting in the sun all day. They also didn't have bottles of water or sports drinks at the end of the race for participants. They expect you to buy it at the concession stand. This was actually a huge issue for me because I was hugely dehydrated and borderline sick by time we got to dinner.

Bring a change of clothes, a towel AND baby wipes. They have a few hoses at the finish line but 2 hoses and a lot of people didn't really help too much.

Weigh in - 3 lbs lost

2011-09-18T10:08:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 249.6

This week's weight: 246.6

3 lbs LOST

82.8 pounds lost since June 2010

I promise the Warrior Dash recap is coming today, but for our regularly scheduled weigh in post this week I'm happy to report I've lost THREE pounds. This is consistent with where I was Friday morning, so I am happy to report I controlled my eating (for the most part) over the weekend. We did eat at the world's greatest Chinese buffet last night after the race, but I only ate approx 1 plate of food. A few things coming up milestone wise:

I am 17 pounds from reaching 100 lbs lost since starting my blog.

And I am 10.2 pounds from reaching my Garmin goal.

100 pounds lost will be a big milestone for the blog and myself personally, so I really want to have a party to celebrate. We'll see what I (or party extraordinaire, KG) can come up with.

This week, I did well with nutrition, but only got 2 work outs in (including Warrior Dash). I'm hoping to keep my eye on the prize with nutrition and get back to 3-4 work outs a week.

Happy Sunday!

On the eve of Warrior Dash

2011-09-16T13:50:00.003-05:00

It's the day before Warrior Dash and I already have a bad taste in my mouth.

First, they ran a Groupon for $30 registration AFTER I paid $50 for mine. Shady.

Second, they charge $10 for PARKING at the race. WORSE THAN SHADY.

I've never in my life heard of PAYING to PARK at a race (except maybe in a big city, like Chicago or NYC). The race is in an open field. Them charging for parking is because they CAN and people have no other option.

Other than never wanting to do another Red Frog race/event again, I haven't really thought about the race. I haven't had time to be nervous with work being so crazy. So it is what it is at this point. I may be slow. I will probably break something or fall off of a high space and die. But a full report is expected tomorrow.

I'm not dead (yet)....

2011-09-14T20:21:00.003-05:00

I've never been a greatly consistent blogger. I'll never be someone that blogs every day because frankly I don't have that much to say and I feel like posting every day just to say I posted every day to say nothing is lame and boring.

But I digress....

What I meant to say is I feel like I am neglecting my blog. Maybe because I am also neglecting Twitter, Facebook, and LIFE. I'm currently at 34 hours logged at work this week with at least another 16-20 to go. I haven't exercised at all this week. I've had a dinners of bowls of cereal and glasses of wine. This is not good. I have things I want to say here, it's just the last thing I want to do after starring at a computer for 12 hours a day.

I want to tell you how Warrior Dash is THIS Saturday.

I want to tell you about a huge NSV on a particularly killer water slide LAST Saturday.

I want to tell you about my training runs (when I do them).

There's probably more, but that is all my brain has capacity for tonight.

Weigh in - Hitting the 240s

2011-09-11T08:54:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 250.0

This week's weight: 249.6

0.4 lbs LOST

79.8 pounds lost since June 2010

Considering the week I had at work and the fact that I ate pizza and fast food in the same day on Tuesday, I deserve the minuscule loss.

However, I'm also continuing to wreck the work I do during the week on Friday nights and Saturdays. I know what I need to do. I need to plan better. I need to be stricter on what I eat when I go out and I need to stop the snacking on the weekends. I've done this all before, I just need to remember how to do it.

Tips for learning to run

2011-09-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

I'm no running (or exercise) expert, but after trying to run last summer (and failing) and successfully learning to run this summer I feel like I have a few tips to share. Especially for those of us that are carrying the extra pounds (read: overweight or obese). This is just what worked for me, your mileage may vary.

I wasn't comfortable running until I lost a considerable amount of weight at the recommendation of my doctor. At 330 and after a back injury, she told me not to run until I lost some weight. She didn't give me a number so I had to figure that one out on my own. For me, I conditioned myself by training to walk and completing a half-marathon. At that time, I knew my body was in better shape then it had been 6 months earlier (and I had lost 50 lbs), so I started by running a few 1 minute intervals during my walks on the treadmill. Here are some things that got me from walking to running a 5K:

Get fitted for good running shoes. I KNOW going to a running store to buy a pair of shoes is EXPENSIVE. But it is worth every single penny of your initial investment to have someone who knows what they are doing look at the way you walk/run and decide which shoes would work best for you. Once you purchase your first pair from the running store and you are sure they are what work for you, you can typically find the same or updated model/style of your shoe online for less. I've had 4 pairs of the SAME shoe. (But don't go to the running store, waste their time getting fitted and NOT buy from them the first time. What I'm saying is you can REBUY online for cheaper.)

Buy wicking socks. These will help prevent blisters and make your feet happy. Who cares if they are $10 a pair? Two words: WORTH IT.

Find an interval program. I used 5Kin100days and I high recommend this program and the instruction of Brad Gansberg. There are plenty of other programs out there (like Couch to 5K). Find what one works for you.

Warm up/Cool down each time, every time. Walk at a moderate pace for 5 minutes before/after you each workout.

Stretch after each workout. Pay special attention to any "trouble" spots. For me, this is making sure I do plenty of low back and hip opening stretches.

Rest. When you are learning to run, build a day of rest in between each run workout so you don't run two days in a row. Do low impact activities on these days if you wish - beginner's yoga, swimming/pool workouts and strength training are all great workouts to keep your body strong, flexible and stretched.

Start on a treadmill. I know the treadmill gets a bad rap, but it's great for learning to run because frankly it's easier to run on a moving object, plus it absorbs some of the shock running puts on your body (knees, back). I did my runs primarily on the treadmill for the first several months. Typically, I would do 2x a week at the gym on the treadmill and 1x a week outside.

Listen to your body. Don't worry about your speed. Just worry about covering the distance or completing the time of the intervals as prescribed by your learn to run program. If you aren't able to complete a run interval, slow down. I've found for me running between 4.0-4.3 mph, which puts me around 14:30-15:00 per mile, works.

Treat injuries. In the same vain of listening to your body, make sure you are in tune with any pain you are feeling in your legs, knees, back, etc. Be familiar with the R.I.C.E technique - Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. Knock on wood I haven't had any problems this summer. Last summer? Well that was a different story...

Most importantly, everyone is different so trial and error is your best friend. You may find the things above may or may not work best for you. If you try something and it doesn't work, try other things until you find what works for you.

Again, these are things that I found worked for me. Please consult a doctor before beginning a workout regimen or self-treating any injuries.

Okay runners - your turn - what are your best tips for beginning a running regimen?

Random Labor Day Thoughts

2011-09-05T17:17:00.007-05:00

I've taken most of the day off work - I say most because as it never fails I ended up checking email/responding to a few emails. It's been a crummy, rainy day in Nashville and there is a fall chill in the air. I'm not going to lie, I almost wish the temperature would stay this way.

But I did find time to turn these:

Spicy, hot Habaneros

by doing this:

Canning Central

into this:

Habanero Pepper Jelly

Other randomness from this holiday weekend:

My adorable nieces. I get to see them in 18 days.

My 3 1/2 year old niece's drawing.
It's a bunny and I think she is so talented, but perhaps I am biased.

My first 14/16 size piece of clothing.

Weigh in - A loss is a loss

2011-09-04T08:36:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 250.4

This week's weight: 250.0

0.4 lbs LOST

79.4 pounds lost since June 2010

So you can't help but be disappointed by a small loss, but considering my 5.6 pound loss last week I can't really complain. I've been doing this long enough to know that a huge loss one week is usually followed by a small loss the next week. As long as I can keep the scale moving down, I'm happy.

This leaves 13.6 pounds to go to my Garmin Goal.

Diary of an overweight runner - First 'long' run

2011-09-03T10:06:00.004-05:00

Today was my first official "long run" for the Disney Half Marathon in January. The word long is relative because in the grand scheme of 13.1 miles my plan to do 4-5 miles is not really long comparatively.

I ended up doing 4.8 miles in about 71 minutes, which calculates to about 14:47 minutes per mile. This included warm up/cool down. But it is still perfectly on pace with where I need to be for the 3 1/2 hour time limit on the Disney race. Proud of this.

I didn't really have a plan for what me run/walk intervals would be. I just listened to my body and ran when I felt like I could run and walked when I needed to rest. It worked out pretty well. I probably walked more than I needed to, but mostly I tried to run 5-7 minutes and walk 1-3 minutes.

I also tried shot blocks for the first time during a run. I ate 2 at the halfway mark and although I'm not sure I really needed them, I did not ever get a light-headed feeling like I sometimes do when I'm out doing longer distances.

I still don't have a plan on paper for training going forward, but I'm hoping Brad Gansberg can help me with that once I get off my ass and email him to take him up on his offer.

I hope to continue the "Diary of an Overweight Runner" series with a report on my training each week. The thought of doing the double digit training runs make me anxious. Yikes!

Diary of an overweight runner - Beginning half marathon training

2011-09-01T08:09:00.005-05:00

This is the final week of the 5Kin100days program. Today I ran 4 loops around the library/park across the street from my neighborhood. 1 loop is a little less than a mile, I think, so I'm estimating 3.5 miles or so.

The run was good. Great even. I only wanted to die at the end and I'm ok with that. I'm no exercise expert, but I'm a firm believer that it should be hard. You are building your endurance. If you are training and your walk/run is easy then how are you improving? If it's easy are you honestly pushing yourself?

What's amazing to me is that today's run (10 minute fast walk/warm-up, 2 x 16 minutes with 1 minute of walking in between). I've found 80% of learning to run has been mental for me. Case in point: during rest weeks, I always think to myself, "oh, 4 minute intervals, this is easy peasey." And then it kills me. That's what happens when you go in over confident. I'll learn....maybe.

This weekend I will switch gears from 5Kin100days to my half-marathon training for the Disney World Half Marathon in January. It is 18 weeks away from this weekend and I must train to run 13.1 miles in under 3 hours. This frightens me, but I know this race is going to be one of a lifetime because A) my 3 very good friends (and first time half-marathoners) will be doing the race as well and 2) well, it's Disney World. Enough said.

I don't have a training schedule yet. Anyone out there want to build one for me? (I kid...sort of) This week at least I'll start with 4-5 miles of run/walking. I plan to do 3 runs a week + continue yoga/strength training.

I'm trying not to think about how I'm going to juggle a crazy work schedule and 10-20 miles of training a week. The important part is I know I can do this.

Weigh in - 5.6 lbs lost and back on track

2011-08-28T11:18:00.004-05:00

Last week's weight: 256.0

This week's weight: 250.4

5.6 lbs LOST

79 pounds lost since June 2010

BAM! Whatcha think about that!?!

This seems to be my pattern lately, I lose a little, gain a little, lose a fraction (repeat) and then BAM I lose 5 or 6 pounds. Cest la vie.

This week is proof that you can make good choices and lose weight.

It's proof you can lose weight during your time of the month.

It's proof you can have one meal that is as far from healthy as possible and still lose weight if you are making good choices otherwise.

It's proof you can eat a 450 calorie cookie and still be okay if you work it into your calories for the day/week.

Was every meal perfect this week? Heck no, but I made conscious choices. At work there is always left over food from lunch meetings and events - this week I had two boxed lunches from Panera. The first I had a salad, chips and cookie (the 450 calorie one), the second was a half sandwich, half salad and a peach I brought from home. I immediately gave my cookie away and threw the baguette away. I've said over and over, it's about moderation. And it's about being honest with yourself about what moderation means. Every cookie is not "just one cookie".

14 more pounds to my Garmin Goal! I'm ready!

Emotional Eating

2011-08-26T19:24:00.006-05:00

Emotional eating is something I've done for my entire life. I think many people who suffer from obesity have had their turn with emotional eating.

When I was bored? I'd find something tasty to eat - like a pair of Swiss cake rolls (or 2).

Stressed? Mad? Sad? I always turned to food.

Happy? That was an occasion for food too.

There. was. always. food.

I don't remember much from my Biggest Loser application, but I remember one specific question that said "Food is..." and let you fill in the blank. I wrote "Food is everything. When I am sad, I turn to food. Mad - there's food for that too. Even happiness is celebrated by food."

I've done pretty good over the last 15 months to control my emotional urges towards food. My only rule for overcoming this was eat when I am hungry, do something else if I'm not.

Tonight, after a stressful week at work, I wanted nothing but a trough of fried Chinese food and to sink into my couch and not talk to a soul for the whole weekend.

Check on the first part of that. (I'm working on the whole not talking to anyone thing.)

I've had a great week food wise. Despite eating that 450 calorie cookie Tuesday, my food choices overall have been good. Exercise has been great and the scale is moving.

I knew I was choosing General Tso's chicken for the wrong reasons. Sure, I wanted it because it tastes good, but what's more - the thought of eating it was comforting. Chinese food was a staple in my "past life" and the thought of a Friday night in front of the TV with Crab Rangoon sounded like the best solution as I was driving home almost in tears from the frustration of dealing with stupidity.

(Side note: If I ever win the lottery, the first thing I'm getting is a chauffeur. Seriously.)

But I digress, I don't know where I'm going with this...confession? Maybe. But I feel better talking about it. I know making this one bad choice tonight isn't going to make me gain 6 lbs overnight and somehow eating what was probably about 1,500+ calories is not really making me feel guilty.

I feel more guilty knowing I was making the wrong decision, realizing that I was turning to emotional eating and continuing to make the wrong choice.

Bike Adventures

2011-08-22T23:50:00.001-05:00

Saturday I went for my second bike ride on my new-to-me bike! I've stuck to paved greenways, but so far I am loving to ride.

Saturday I rode a little over 8 miles on a flat trail. I was only out for about an hour, but because I'm still getting used to riding that's about all I can ride at once before the bike seat makes riding less than comfortable. I need to look into a better gel seat or some bike shorts with the gel inserts.

I also should look into a helmet. Yes, I've been riding without one. Eventually, I'll want to bike from my house to the greenway (about 1/2 a mile or so), so a helmet will be required.

Here are a few pictures from my ride yesterday.

Hey, it's hard to take a pic of yourself on a bike!
Car windows doubled as mirrors can work.

Overall, I am loving my bike and riding it. It's something you can do when it is hot out (yesterday was 90+), but it doesn't feel that miserable because of the natural breeze of zooming down the pathway. I know there are runners out there that won't admit it, but biking is so much more fun than running. Except when hills are involved. :)

But man, just like running, this is an EXPENSIVE hobby. As I mentioned, I still need a helmet and I'd like to get a gel seat. Also, I need a bike rack for easier transportation. Until the money Gods shine down on me, I'm left with lifting my bike in and out of the back of my Element.

I can't wait to have more bike adventures and build up my riding endurance.

Weigh in - Guilty Edition

2011-08-21T09:13:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 256.4

This week's weight: 256.0

0.4 lbs LOST

73.4 pounds lost since June 2010

In the interest of full disclosure, I weighed myself twice this morning. The first time, at 5:30 am, registered 257.2. I went back to bed. When I woke up for the second time, I weighed again and took the 256 number. I feel like I cheated on my math test.

I also feel completely crappy about my weigh in. Not because I didn't lose as much as I wanted to, but because I know I overindulged last night and I didn't have to. I went out to dinner with a couple friends and although the food was SO GOOD, I ate TOO MUCH of it. I knew I was eating too much as I was doing it, but I didn't care. The food was too good for me to care.

I gained 3 lbs since checking my weight yesterday morning. Yesterday's weight was 253 (even after eating a gyro and fries after my run Friday night). Today's is well above that. I know it's water weight. I know I can be back to the low 250's tomorrow if I drink plenty of water today, but I hate that I allowed it to happen.

Lately, I haven't had control in eating out with friends or in social situations where food is plentiful. I used to. I somehow lost 70 lbs continuing to eat out and enjoy gatherings with friends. I'm not sure what happened. I guess somewhere along the way I got sick of being the one that ate a salad while everyone else enjoyed the fried pickles. I don't want to be the friend that can't share appetizers or desserts because "I'm on a diet" (I'm not dieting).

In the end it is what it is, and I just have to work to correct the bump in the road I'm experiencing with this. It's comforting that I'm not alone. There are others out there that are experiencing the same things I am with their weight loss journey. In fact, Skinny Emmie just wrote about it last night.

At least there's power in numbers, right?

Time for a new weight loss goal

2011-08-16T12:14:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I've lost my momentum lately. I missed my July 1 goal and it's taken me 5+ months to lose the last 20 lbs (see progress pictures on the right). In fact, as I type this I am licking remains of a peanut butter bar from my fingers. I just haven't been as aware of my nutrition lately as I should be.

So it's time to get back on track and set a new mini-goal. Which is:

When I lose my next 20 lbs I will buy a Garmin (or other comparable GPS device) to track my runs.

I've been thinking for awhile that in order to train for the time limit on the Disney half-marathon, I'll need to track my runs and make sure I am training at about a 15 minute per mi pace. The easiest way to do this is with a Garmin. Also, Miss Lynn was recently gifted a Garmin and loves it.

But I don't want to just go out and buy one, let's make myself work for it!

I chose 20 lbs because it is still a significant loss, but I estimate I will still have ample training time to use the Garmin before the Jan race by time I reach the goal.

So, there's no time limit on losing the weight, but I don't get the goods until I am 20 lbs lighter.

Today I weighed in at 256.4 so when I reach 236.4 I will purchase a Garmin. I've already planned a few dinners for the week, and sworn off sweets (I swear no more peanut butter bars as of today).

Here's to getting back my willpower!

Diary of an overweight runner - My First 5K

2011-08-15T12:08:00.001-05:00

For the last 11 weeks I've been following the 5Kin100days training program. Although we still have 3 more weeks of the program, I did the Tomato 5K Saturday.

I went in with no expectations. I was simply going to run the intervals that I was scheduled to run for the program (four 8 minute running/1 minute walking).

Me and Miss Lynn at the start!

Overall, I kept a reasonable pace even though I have a competitive tenancy when faced with other racers around me. I started at the back of the pack and I definitely could have probably started up closer since I ended up passing quite a few people.

After my first two 8 minute intervals, I walked for about 4 minutes (up a hill) and continued with another 8 minute interval. The course miles weren't marked (I later found out the water stops served as mile markers), but I knew after my third interval, I had to be at least half way there.

After walking for several more minutes, I did my final 8 minute interval. I could feel my body tiring and with the sun bearing down, it was hot. I decided to walk until I knew the finish line was coming up. That only ended up being about 2 minutes and then I did the last .10 or so jogging.

I crossed the finish line at 44:29!

Although I had no expectations, of course in the back of my mind I had my "secret-never-to-be-said-out-loud-unless-accomplished" goal of doing the race in 45 minutes or less. Doesn't everyone make these unsaid goals? ;)

And I did!

This is only my second 5K ever. Technically it is a 14 minute PR; however, I wouldn't consider my first 5K as an accurate base for comparison because I walked it at someone else's pace. I am doing that race again in October so I'm really interested to see what I do it in.

I can't say enough good things about Brad Gansberg and 5Kin100days. The program gave me the ability to get over my mental fear of running caused by an earlier injury AND it gave me the physical base to continue training for my half marathon in January.

Honestly, crossing that finish line was nearly as satisfying as the half marathon I did in February. It was a new accomplishment. I am no longer walking races. I am running them!

Weigh in - the rollercoaster of weight loss

2011-08-14T11:03:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 254.2

This week's weight: 256.4

2.2 lbs GAINED

73 pounds lost since June 2010

I figured I should just quit procrastinating on posting this and admit that I gained again. Welcome to the roller coaster.

The only excuse I have is that I ate too damn much this week. No binges. I rarely binge anymore, but I've just been overeating in general. It will stop right now. I have a goal in mind to get myself on track. I'll be posting more about that tomorrow.

I also will have a report from the first 5K I ran yesterday, so there's still a lot of good things going on besides the gain. This is important.

Happy Sunday!

Weigh in

2011-08-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

Last week's weight: 255.0

This week's weight: 254.2

0.8 lbs LOST

I'm posting this from my phone for a quick update. It's a loss and I'm happy with it, but I'm ready to get back to my 2+ lbs weekly losses.

I was commenting to my roommate that it seems like I can't do both food and exercise perfectly at the same time. So if I'm doing good on exercise, my food slips and vice versa.

This week, I'm going to fix this. The vending machine candy bars and office cookies have to go.

Happy Sunday!

Diary of an overweight runner - Michelin Man

2011-08-06T14:28:00.009-05:00

Another week of 5Kin100days down on the books. I'm actually looking forward to getting our schedule for next week.

Today's run was rough though. First, it started when I wore the wrong pants. Yes, I know it seems like a minor thing, but there are certain qualities to clothes that I like when I'm running and these pants didn't have them. Combined with the shirt I was wearing, I looked like the Michelin Man and people stared at me.

Now I know you think I'm just overreacting but no, really, I caught one woman giving me a dirty look (which I shot right back). I tried not to care, but it's hard to concentrate on your rhythm when you feel self-conscious.

Secondly, I could not slow down. I kept speeding out of the gate during each 7 minute interval unable to slow myself down. I'm not sure why I was in such a hurry today, but I felt it.

Also the hills killed me. Now that I'm doing much more running than walking, I had two hills to reckon with. One is a gradual incline and the other is the infamous Mount Crumpet. I took video of Mount Crumpet today, but if I posted it you would just get motion sickness.

What's important is that I kept going. Yes, I cut two of my intervals short and I walked 2-3 minutes in between them, but I didn't stop, I eventually picked myself up and finished running.

However, my run Thursday was good. I timed my running portion and I was able to run 2.85 miles in 41 minutes for a 14:23 min per mile pace. This was the first time since I started running that I thought, "Oh hey, maybe I'll be able to do this Disney half marathon afterall."

I'll start training the beginning of September - just 4 weeks away!

Quinoa Black Bean Salad Recipe

2011-08-02T20:49:00.005-05:00

I have to admit after staring at the computer for 10 hours at work today the last thing I wanted to do is write a blog tonight, but I've been dying to share this recipe with you.

I have to give credit where credit is due, and credit for discovering this recipe fully goes to Karissa at Confessions of an Herbivore. She made this for a small dinner gathering we had with friends while I was visiting St. Louis a couple weeks ago and instantly I was hooked!

I've made and tasted several Quinoa salads and until eating this one I was never satisfied. The flavors I wanted to be in the other salads, just weren't there.

Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Recipe courtesy of Cooking Quinoa.

The ingredients.

1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa

3 cups chicken broth

15 oz can black beans

1 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tsp juice from pickled jalapenos*

1 1/2 cups cooked corn

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped finely

1/2 fresh jalapeno, chopped finely*

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, chopped finely

1/4 cup lime juice*

1 tsp salt

1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons olive oil*

*I made a few alterations, including cutting the oil in half, using only 1/4 c lime juice, using fresh jalapenos instead of pickled and using half the jalapeno juice since mine were home canned last summer and they are MEGA spicy!

Basically all I did was cook the quinoa. While the quinoa was cooking I chopped everything up and combined as directed, leaving the lime juice, oil and cumin to make a dressing of sorts. Once the quinoa was cooked and cooled (in the fridge) I combined it with everything else and mixed the "dressing" in. Perfect!

Mine made ten 1 cup servings.

Finished product.

It just has a kick to it, but it doesn't have a lingering "after" spicy taste and the red peppers and corn bring a sweetness to it.

Additionally, it makes a great side dish OR a meal in of itself! It's packed full of wonderful nutrients, like 9 g of protein per serving and being high in vitamin C. It's also low in saturated fat, has no cholesterol and offers 5 g of fiber.

I. Love. This. Salad.

Weigh in - 4.8 lbs lost and a #5Kin100days update

2011-07-31T08:08:00.004-05:00

Last Week's Weight - 259.8

This Week's Weight - 255.0

4.8 pounds LOST

74.4 pounds lost since June 2010

I'm very content in being back to my pre-vacation weight (less 0.8 lbs). It only took me a week and while I haven't been tracking my food, and a few unsavory things slipped in this week, I have been eating consciously though not totally on plan.

I had 5 days of great workouts this week. I did all my 5Kin100days runs and 2 days of bootcamp. Now that bootcamp is over, I have to find a way to recreate the burn I got from that class at least once a week.

I had two milestones during my runs this week. 1) I ran for 10 minutes straight during a my second session. And 2) I was able to complete all SIX of my 5 minute intervals yesterday on a hillier than normal course (hello, Mt. Crumpet), officially completing a "more running than walking" session. I can't believe we're on week 10 already!

Happy Sunday!

Bye-bye vacation gain

2011-07-27T12:14:00.005-05:00

256.2

That's the number the scale said this morning. Only 0.4 lbs to get back to my pre-gain weight. In less than 3 days! I pretty much feel like a rockstar right now.

I've been eating consciously, cooking healthy meals at home and I went to bootcamp Monday and walked/ran 3 miles yesterday.

I know the mighty know-it-all "professionals" say not to weigh yourself every day, but I generally do. It's a great daily reminder to be conscious of what goes in my body and to get to the gym every day; however, if there is a slight uptick on the scale one day, I don't let it get my head all crazy. It's what works for me. I'm a big proponent of doing what works for you.

Tonight is my last bootcamp class. My abs are still sore from Monday. We'll see how this goes.

Weigh in - a day late and a gain

2011-07-25T12:51:00.003-05:00

Last Week's Weight - 255.8

This Week's Weight - 259.8

4 pounds GAINED

69.6 pounds lost since June 2010

I knew I was doing it - gaining - and I didn't do a damn thing about it. Honestly, if I listed out all of the sinful things I've eaten over the last 10 days, you'd be saying the same thing I am in my head, "how did you not gain more?"

Of course I'm mad at myself. I still have a hard time when I get out of my routine (visiting family) and staying on the wagon.

But I can't really dwell on it now. I just have to prepare myself to do better next time. This part of my weight loss (gaining when I go "home") has been a large hurdle of my weight loss.

I got two runs in while I was gone and both were so, so, SO hot. It was 100+ degrees for 3-4 days while I was in Missouri.

This week is my last week of bootcamp. I haven't talked a lot about it, but I will write a full post about it later this week. After bootcamp ends, I'm going to focus on 5Kin100days and building strength for Warrior Dash September 17th.

Onward!

New (to me) Bike!

2011-07-19T17:03:00.003-05:00

After seeing my picture of my bike adventure in Colorado, my aunt offered up one of her two bikes she had stored in her garage. She didn't use them and had no plans to ride the bikes. So yesterday I picked up my new ride - a Schwinn Cruiser Supreme.

It's a little dusty and needs some TLC, but I think once I get it fixed up and maybe some new tires it will be as good as new! It's in great shape. From what I can tell the breaks work great and there are no rust spots on it. I'm not sure how old it is, but I'd guess it's from the 90s. Almost vintage ;)

I can't wait to get it back to Nashville and fixed up to ride!

Weigh in - short edition

2011-07-17T09:38:00.001-05:00

Last Week's Weight - 259.2

This Week's Weight - 255.8

3.4 pounds LOST

73.6 pounds lost since June 2010

A short post today since I'm still on assisting duties at my sister's house. Have a great Sunday!

Why I do this

2011-07-15T11:41:00.006-05:00

Today, I'll leave Nashville and head west to St. Louis to meet my new baby niece! My sister had her on Wednesday so when I get her in my arms tonight she'll be just 2 days old. <3

Zoe Drew - 6 lbs 13 oz, 21.5 inches long

When I first started on a path to lose weight back in 2008, I enrolled in a 4-month long weight management class. There was a lot of focus during our weekly sessions surrounding "why" we wanted to lose weight. The psychologist who worked with the group pushed us to give reasons more than "I want to be skinny/look good."

My #1 reason at the time, and still is, my niece - who was just 8 months old at the time. I wanted to be the fun aunt, the active aunt. The aunt that could run, chase, play on the floor and have fun with my niece, and eventually my own children.

My niece Madelyn. Now 3 1/2 years old and a proud big sister.

There are other reasons, of course, but those two little girls are one of the main reasons I've been successful in improving my health over the last 2 1/2 years. I haven't always been as focused, but I'd like to think I've had some success in living up to my promise to be the fun, active aunt.

Everything happens for a reason

2011-07-14T13:41:00.001-05:00

I know I said I was going to write a Fitbloggin' local Nashville recap but these lovely ladies already did it so I will just link you to theirs - Skinny Emmie and Tippy Toe Diet. I just want to reiterate their sentiments about it being a very laid back group, most of us who just met, but felt like we were are old friends. I hope for those of us in Nashville can continue to do monthly meet-ups, even if it's just to walk, share a meal or whatever!

So, I originally wrote this post to share with you something that I noticed/happened on Monday.

I'm a big believer that all things in life happen for a reason and there are subtle signs that guide you to make the right choice. I know it sounds cheesy - even to me as I write this here in this space, but case in point how I tend to follow my gut and/or signs:

After only eating 280 calories for lunch Monday, I was still hungry an hour later. 280 calories is a far cry from my 400-500 normal lunch intake.

At midday, I was also about 200 calories from where I should be at this time of the day so in my sick little mind this meant I could work in a candy bar from the vending machine and still come in at my 1650 calorie goal for the day.

How many times have I rationalized eating something less than healthy because I have calories "left over"? Thousands.

So I pulled out my $1.25 in cash and headed down to the machine. "a Twix," I thought, "This way I can eat 1 piece before my meeting and 1 after." Walking up to the machine, I notice all the prices have gone up by $0.10. Most items (even the "healthy" animal crackers) are now $1.35. I only brought my $1.25. I stood there for many seconds scanning the machine to see if my $1.25 could buy anything in the machine, desperate for my candy bar fix. Short of a 5 piece pack of gum or some peanut butter crackers, there wasn't.

Sure, I had a dime in my desk I could have grabbed and went back to get my Twix bar, but I took this as an omen that I know I really don't NEED a candy bar even if I DO have 200+ calories to "spare". So I took it as a sign that I shouldn't have the candy bar and went back to my desk.

I often do this. I eat something less than healthy just something just because I "have the calories". I've been conscious about what's gone in my body this week. I'm still getting over my sweet/salty cravings, but I think this week has been light years better over the last several weeks as far as keeping my calorie intake down.

All I can do is be honest with myself about making good choices at each meal and hope that they add up to pounds lost.

Reflections and Reaching for the Sky

2011-07-13T07:23:00.002-05:00

Taking a page out of Skinny Emmie's book. I am taking a look back on the last 6.5 months and reflect on all I've accomplished and the things I've experienced.

I've lost 36.2 pounds since January, but I've done so much more than chip away at my extra weight.

10 things I'm really proud of from the first half of 2011:

1. Attended my first spin class

2. Finished my 2nd half-marathon and improved my time by 43 minutes from my 1st half in 2009.

3. I have learned to not make excuses.

4. Signed up for my 3rd half-marathon.

5. Earned a new position within my organization.

6. Went fast food free for 90 days.

7. Began jogging.

8. Re-purposed my old too-big-for-me favorite dress.

9. Rode a bike for the first time since childhood.

10. Faced my fears and went outside of my comfort zone.

Of course there have been some not-so-great things about the first half of 2011 too: not reaching my July goal and realizing the end of a relationship. But, all-in-all if only 2 sucky things happened in the first half of 2011 and 10 awesome things happened, how can I complain? All I can do is move on and make the rest of 2011 even better.

Some things I want to do in the 2nd half of 2011:

1. Run a 5K (Aiming for Oct. 8, 2011)

2. Complete Warrior Dash (September 17, 2011)

3. Lose 30 lbs - I'm throwing this one in there because I'd really like to be down to the 220s for my next half in January; hoping to improve my speed to complete the race within the 3 hour time limit.

I'm so thankful my body is strong and I can condition it to do these amazing things. Not to mention being beyond grateful for the support of all of my friends, family and fellow bloggers!

Modesty

2011-07-12T17:00:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I am guilty of being too modest about my weight loss. I focus too much on where I "need" to be (70 more lbs) or "want" to be (healthier, stronger) to enjoy how far I've come.

In 13 months I've lost 22% of my body weight. That's 70 pounds.

I need to remember that next time I don't feel like I am making progress or I am too modest to tell someone the *real* amount of weight I've lost.

Weigh in - officially in 250s

2011-07-10T10:57:00.004-05:00

Last Week's Weight - 260.0

This Week's Weight - 259.2

0.8 pounds LOST

70.2 pounds lost since June 2010

Perhaps there is something to be said about dancing and jumping around at a concert because my weigh in was better than expected this morning.

Another not so perfect week, but the scale is still moving in the right direction. Although they have been small losses each week, this is my 6th straight weekly loss. In my book I would rather have it this way instead of losing big one week then gaining the next.

My slow losses are adding up to multiple pounds lost and I am OK with that.

If I can get my rear in gear I could go back to 1-2 lbs losses, I know I can. I just seem to like french fries and doughnuts a lot lately.

Also, a 70 lb loss milestone was hit today and that feels pretty good.

Yesterday was Fitbloggin' Nashville. It was awesome to hang out with several inspiring peeps and it reset my focus a bit. I'll do a recap tonight.

I also put a link at the top of my blog with a schedule of races I intend on participating in during the next 6 months.

Happy Sunday!

Why I'm singin'

2011-07-08T13:30:00.006-05:00

It's the weekend! It's the weekend! (C'mon sing it with me)

The short week brought Friday to us a little sooner and here are two reasons why I'm singing today:

#1 - My Fitbit arrived yesterday! If you weren't paying attention, I won the giveaway Skinny Emmie hosted last week! I set it up last night and I am wearing it today! I'd take a pic, but since it's secretly placed on my bra (right smack between the goods), you all will have to wait till I wear it in a less risque spot. I have to remember I have co-workers and to not randomly stick my hand down my shirt to check my stats.

#2 - Tomorrow is the official Fitbloggin' meetup in Nashville! Several awesome people are driving in for it from up to 4 hours away and I can't wait to hang with all my fitness and health conscious peeps tomorrow! I hope I don't drown in sweat during the run/walk tomorrow morning and scare everyone off with my ability to fill a child's swimming pool with my ability to sweat. Anyway, it should be fun. And if you are in the area and haven't decided to come yet, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T12:49:00.004-05:00

New blogger alert

2011-07-05T16:13:00.004-05:00

My dear friend Miss Lynn has started her own blog project 40 miles before 40 to document her journey to complete 40 race miles before her 40th birthday on August 1, 2012. Please visit her blog, offer encouragement and follow along to watch an inspirational journey.

Miss Lynn, far right.

What a weight loss blogger should not eat: Hot Chicken Edition

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm a foodie at heart. I love seeking out culinary adventures and more often then not these are not adventures of the healthful kind. Enter "What a weight loss blogger should not eat" and how I celebrated our country's Independence.

When I knew I'd be in Nashville over 4th of July, I knew one thing - I'd be attending the city's Hot Chicken Festival.

If you've never heard of Hot Chicken, then you probably aren't alone. I'm not sure anyone outside of the South (or Nashville?) does chicken quite as the likes of Prince's or Bolton's does. If you've never heard of it, I suggest you take a moment to watch this.

Basically what Hot Chicken comes down to is breaded and fried chicken doused in a blend of fiery, hot spices served over a piece of white bread (and there better be pickles on the side in my book).

The weather was hot and steamy, but seeing as it was under 100 degrees out I knew I could handle a few hours in the high-noon sun to try this Nashville culinary tradition. Touting half a dozen chicken vendors, there was a little something for everyone including hot drumsticks, whole chicken pieces, fried fish and breaded chicken tenders. Little did I know I'd spend an hour in line to get my hands on this culinary delight.

Starting at the back of the line. Target - the white tent ahead.

We arrived right at lunch time - seems like most people had this idea as every. single. vendor. had a line rivaled by those at a Disney theme park. We actually lapped the park in the car wondering if we could just head over to one of the vendor's storefronts to get our Hot Chicken fix. Our deciding factor to wait out the crowds? A prime parking spot.

After a lap around the front of each vendor's line to survey the offerings, we decided on Pepperfire Hot Chicken. Their offering was simple; breaded chicken tenders doused in sauce with a side of white bread and pickles. No extras, no frills. Points on the boneless option (for KG) and a shorter line than some of the name brand vendors.

Finally to the front of the line.

I chose "Xtra Hot". When in Rome, right?

Once we had our chicken in hand we found a shady space to sit and enjoy. I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect. I love hot wings and spicy food in general, but this is a whole new game. Hot wings are not even in the same realm as Hot Chicken. As we stood in line, you could taste the hot pepper seasonings in the air.

Let the games begin.

The first bite was delicious. The quality of chicken from Pepperfire's was outstanding - juicy white meat chicken and the breading on the outside was perfectly crisp and salty. The first kick of spice was a pleasant surprise.

The insides. Spicy goodness all the way through.

But was it good you ask? I give a wholehearted YES! But with a disclaimer, it BURNS your insides. By time I finished my first piece everything was burning. My lips, tongue, mouth, throat and stomach. But it wasn't as if I couldn't TASTE the food. I just had to take my time between bites to let the burning subside. Halfway through my meal I had to go out for reinforcements - our water supply was low and carbonated beverages were needed. I recommend eating Hot Chicken with a Diet Mtn Dew.

I wasn't sure if KG was going to make it, but she pulled through like a champ. One of the best parts is the spice soaked white bread left at the end.

Delicious!

Adventure accomplished.

At the end of it all we had burning lungs, fiery guts and we decided ice cream was in order. I recommend pairing your next piece of Hot Chicken with ice cream. It's quite the delectable and classy combination.

I hear several of the places were out of chicken by 1pm (just two hours after the event begun). So ultimately I'm glad we went early. Next year we'll have to get there 2 hours before it starts to beat the crowds. If you're ever in Nashville, I dare you to try Hot Chicken for yourself!

Cummins Falls: A 4th of July Weekend Adventure

2011-07-04T08:22:00.002-05:00

KG and I wanted to do something excellent for the holiday weekend being that we have never BOTH been in town for a 4th of July weekend in recent years. I, personally, always head to Missouri to spend the weekend/week with my family at our lake house located in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. But, I digress, something big had to be planned and I believe we fulfilled our goal with a trip to Cummins Falls in Jackson County, TN.

From the overlook at the top of the falls.

We learned of Cummins Falls at the Nashville Earth Day Festival back in April. The land was bought by a private individual at public auction in May 2010 after a planned development fell through. The owner has agreed to give The Tennessee Parks and Greenway Foundation the option to purchase the land to preserve the area into a state park. The Foundation has until December 2011 to raise $1.3 million and they already have approximately $900,000 raised. At Earth Day Fest we learned the Foundation hosts guided hikes the first Saturday of each month and despite the predicted 96 degree high we decided Saturday was the perfect time to seek out our adventurous side.

The hike is described as a 3 hour moderate to difficult hike which involves a shallow river crossing and boulder hopping. I'd say this is about what we got. The first part of the hike involves a descent down the bluff into the river bed. There was one part in particular I decided it was easier to go down on my bottom :)

Once we got to the river bed, we walked a little less than a mile to the base of the falls. The water was cool and felt so good. Walking the river bed wasn't so bad until we got to the boulders we had to cross to get to the beautiful, turquoise pool at the base of the falls. This is where I lost my balance and got my battle scare of the day.

Every bruise, scratch and sore muscle was well worth it to make it to the destination.

The water was so refreshing. We swam, I sunbathed on a rock and jumped from the ledge of the falls into the water. Not only was it so fun, but I challenged myself to go outside my comfort zone. Not only taking a hike I am not familiar with, but to climb on up on the water fall and jump from it? Not something I would normally do because of my fear of plummeting to my death. ;)

After enjoying the some peanut butter sandwiches and some more fun in the sun we decided to pack it up and head back to the car. Instead of taking the way we came, we decided to do what the locals do and climb straight out of the gorge via ropes - and boy were we in for it!

Via Southern Wanderings

All I can say is - OH MY GOSH! Do you see the rocks? And the ropes? Oh and the 80 foot bluff? Yep, that's how we climbed out of the gorge - by using a series of 6 or so ropes we lifted ourselves over rocks, tree branches and mud straight up the side of the bluff. SERIOUSLY, I was secretly dying inside. Remember my fear of plummeting to my death? This is my worst nightmare and not to mention something I NEVER would have (or could have) done 70 pounds ago. EVER, EVER.

I honestly think my last 6 months of yoga practice helped in this endeavor. All those downward dogs and warrior poses have helped my strength and balance tremendously. I was so proud of myself (and KG) when we reached the top with no problems and only a few scratches and bruises to show for it.

It was a great day and opened my eyes to a meaningful cause. I never want to see my state lose such a treasure to private ownership or development and I encourage those of you in the area to visit the falls via The Tennessee Parks and Greenway Foundation and Save Cummins Falls Facebook page.

Weigh in - a failed goal

2011-07-03T10:08:00.004-05:00

Last week's weight - 260.4

This week's weight - 260.0

0.4 pounds LOST

69.4 pounds lost since June 2010

**DISCLAIMER** I did weigh in after my run (after drinking a bottle of water) since I forgot to weigh before my run in my foggy-just-woke-up stupor. So is this really my weight? Probably not. If I had to guess I'd say I really gained 1-2 pounds this week since I pretty much ate whatever I wanted.

This weigh in also marks the deadline for the goal I've been working towards for the last 6 months - to lose 50 lbs by July 1st. To blatantly put it, I failed. I only lost 40 of the 50 pounds. Obviously, I hate admitting I didn't attain a goal, but I am still moving forward and plan to consider a shorter amount of time between this deadline and the next one to keep me focused.

In any case, I took my measurements. The last time I took my measurements was February. I don't think I ever posted them on the blog, but in any case here are the changes since February:

Arms: -1"
Neck: -1"
Hips: -1.5"
Waist: -1.5"
Thigh: -2"
Under bust: -3"
Natural Waist: -4"

Total inches lost: 14

Any movement on measurements I am happy with. And these make sense with how I have been feeling - lost inches in the middle torso, but still carrying a lot of weigh in my hips and waistline.

New goal coming, until then enjoy your fireworks and BBQ!