How far I've come

Today I ran a mile without stopping. Granted, it wasn't an incredibly fast mile, but it was a mile nonetheless. Then I did some interval running and finished up at 2 miles total. I am so proud of myself!

12%

I've lost nearly 12% of my weight since September. That's fantastic. And I'm only 1.2 lbs away from 40% of my goal!

Whohoo!

I broke into the next bracket! And under 40lbs to go! Finally

Also, I found a great new snack:

Quaker Mini Delights (90 calories)
I like the chocolatey drizzle ones! (2 points)

Down some more

I'm so close to being under "40 lbs to go"! Hopefully I'll hit that milestone next week.

I bought Special K protein water mix and tried it for the first time today. It's very potent, so you can mix it in with at least 16oz of water and it'll still taste fine. And for WW people - it's 0 points, just a little flavor, fiber, and protein to go with your water.

Moving, moving, moving

Slowly inching along. At least it's in the right direction.

I fell off

The non-smoking wagon that is. I lost it on the trip we took during the 7 hr drive to Minnesota. And then I just kept the habit going. I'm disappointed in myself. I know I won't be able to run as well, especially since I'm so out of practice. I know my blood pressure has probably increased from my non-smoking days. I know I have to get back on this wagon. Sometimes I wonder if I'll be able to just do it, or if it's going to take something drastic. I don't want to have to get sick in order to stop. I want to just STOP. And so we'll try again.

OMG Large

I went shopping today and bought a shirt and a sweater - both size Large! Whohooooooo!!

It's a Loss!

After the time spent in Minnesota and then my husband being away for a few days this week, we didn't really get back into a schedule until yesterday. I was fully expecting a gain, seeing as I butchered my WW points this week (cake problem). BUT, I pulled through and squeezed off another .2 lbs, to make a total weight loss of 21 lbs since September.

And, since January 2007, when I weighed even more, I've lost 30 lbs.

I planned out my meals for this week and we're going to get back to the gym, so I'm feeling good.

I also signed up for the 2008 Heart Walk with American Heart Association - it's in April, so more information on that coming soon.

I'm pretty sure I've earned my Friday Starbucks - it's just plain coffee - and with the cream that I put in (it's a serve yourself kinda deal) it's only 2 points.

I'll take it

Down .4lb today. Not much, but considering I haven't been to the gym since before we left for vacation, it's not all that bad. Hopefully I can pull some better numbers once I get my lazy self back to the gym.

I am looking forward to going to a spinning class because I LOVE them and because they are such a good workout. The problem is that the gym I go to doesn't have any that are at "convenient" times - I'll get home so late! But, I'm just going to have to suck it up and spend a little more time at the gym next week so I can go to my class. I'm also thinking of going to one of those yoga classes that's in the hot room.....anyone have any experience with that? I don't know if it'll be worth it or not.

I'm Back!!

So, after a week in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I'm back home. I still don't have batteries for my scale, but I'm going to get some at the store tomorrow. I'm not so sure that'll be fun - Minnesota has good hot chocolate.

Bummer

I'm pretty sure I need to either get some new batteries for my scale, or just get a new one. When I got on it, it weighed me a lot higher than last week, but before I even had time to freak out, it said ERROR. Then I got on again, and it did the same thing. So, no weigh in for me. I could probably use the scale at the gym, but it won't be as accurate in relation to the scale at home because it's a different scale and I won't get on it until the end of the day, after I've eaten, etc. Compared to getting on first thing in the morning. What a bummer. Maybe it's for the best - maybe I gained a lot of weight and some higher power doesn't want me to get discouraged.

Gym was good last night. I forgot to bring my gym pants, so I ended up in my jeans (good thing I wore jeans to work and not dress pants!). So, I didn't run or anything. I did all arms, chest, and back, and I HURT today. At least I know I did something.

And, the even better news is that I am wearing a sweater today that I haven't worn since 2003 (admitting that may make me seem unfashionable, but it's just a regular sweater with a turtleneck). It's an XL from Gap that has been tight ever since my first year of law school. And now it fits once again!

Tuesdays suck

I think Tuesdays suck more than Mondays. It always seems like I have more energy on Monday, then lose it on Tuesday, and then get some of it back by Wednesday.

I didn't go to the gym tonight - I am So.Tired. And I have an excellent headache. I did, however, make cheeseburger hoagies, from the Pampered Chef (It's Good for You) cookbook....yum.. The only variation on the recipe - I didn't use a whole wheat bun. Yummy and good for you (or at least better than a burger from BK).

Biggest Loser on tonight......we'll see if I can stay up that late!

Run Away and Save your Life

New milestone today - I ran 3/4 of a mile without stopping. And I've managed to get my base running speed at 5mph (I used to only be able to go 4.5 mph, but now that seems slow). After 3/4, I slowed down to catch my breath and take a sip of water. Then I pumped up the speed to over 6 mph to make up a little of the time. I managed to complete the mile in 12:41.

My husband thinks the reason I keep getting leg pain is because of the way I land. Apparently I land flat-footed. I never really paid much attention, so I guess I should check that out. I'd probably be able to do more (distance wise) if I didn't cramp up so bad.

Tonight I heated some froze chili (my "famous" really really hot turkey no bean chili) and we had that over some pasta for dinner. YUM!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Well. I was fully prepared for a sad weigh in today. But, my Mickey D's aside, I must've done very well with my water, fruits & veggies, and exercise because I lost 2.2lbs! I am AMAZED!!!! I've now lost 30% of my goal!

And my friend had her baby boy this morning and mom & baby are doing well. Today is a good day. And it's a Friday!

And, DAY 12

And the Moral of the Story is.....

McDonalds is evil.

I did my "special food" today because my husband had to work late, so I didn't feel like making dinner. I haven't had anything from the Golden Arches in a long time, so I went there. Now I have a stomach ache.

Weigh-in tomorrow, which I'm sure will be fantastic after my salt consumption. At least tomorrow is Friday.

So you had a bad day......

That's right. I had a bad day. A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Just a stressful day at work. On days like this I would definitely go buy a pack of cigarettes. But I didn't. I wanted to, but I didn't. I thought about it, but I didn't. And I'll be honest......it wasn't because I have a grand idea of health that I didn't go get any....it was because today is day 8 and I didn't want to have to start the count back at one. So I didn't - and that's what I did today that made me feel proud. The rest of the day was a wash.

And I have a splitting headache, so I'm going to go watch Biggest Loser in bed.

Oh, and my Philly cheese steak pasta (recipe I found in Eating Light) was pretty blah. I wouldn't recommend it, and I don't think I'll be making it again.

Like a fat kid loves cake

I heart cake. Some people have a hard time turning down ice cream or cookies -- not me! But put a piece of cake in front of me and it's all over. Today, I had cake. We had a baby shower for one of our co-workers. Someone made a cake. It was just a chocolate-from-the-box cake. I would have been able to say no, but for the CREAM CHEESE FROSTING. Yes, that's right. Cream cheese frosting on a chocolate cake that had mini chocolate morsels inside. I was in heaven. Until I tried to figure out how many calories it was and got depressed.

Gym was ok tonight. I didn't feel too well (I think it was the 3:30 indulgence in veggie cream cheese that had been sitting on the table since 8am --on a bagel of course!). So I didn't run for fear of barfing on the treadmill. I did legs and back exercises - and lots of stretches since I sit at work all day.

Didn't make my fantastic, healthy dinner tonight as planned though - because I didn't feel well. Instead I had an egg. And my husband must fend for himself and cook a frozen pizza.

Good thing I don't like tombstones or I'd probably totally blow the day.

My legs hurt!

Went to the gym today and did some more running. I ran another half mile straight through, and then did my interval walk/run thing until I reached 1 mile. I hit one mile at 14:18!!! Fastest yet!

Today is day 6!!!!

And, for some reason, I have a wicked cough.

Boring Day

So, today was a Saturday which means I took the day off. I didn't do ANYTHING. I didn't go to the gym. I didn't watch what I ate. In fact, Saturday is "special food day" (well, one day a week is "special food day" where I can eat a special meal that I normally wouldn't eat - it keeps me sane). So, today was not a productive day and I have nothing to report.

Except.........

DAY 5 COMPLETED!

Another good reason to stop smoking

This is day 4!

Courtesy of the Democrat & Chronicle:

(January 4, 2008) — Wegmans Food Markets Inc. will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products beginning Feb. 10, spokeswoman Jo Natale said this morning. Until that date, only remaining inventory will be available for sale and no new product will be ordered, she said.In a letter to employees dated Jan. 7, Wegmans Chief Executive Officer Danny Wegman and his daughter, President Colleen Wegman, said the company decided to stop selling tobacco products mainly because Wegmans cares about its employees. A smoking cessation program will be offered to employees this year, according to the letter.“For those of you who smoke, we know it is very difficult to stop,” the letter says.In a news release issued this morning, Danny Wegman said the company respects a person’s right to smoke.“But we also understand the destructive role smoking plays in health,” he said. Tobacco is a very profitable category for Wegmans, Natale said, but did not provide specific numbers.

Weigh In

I weighed in this morning and lost .4lb. Not too bad for only a couple of days' work! I'll take what I can get!

Go Red

Everyone can support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 1, 2008. It's a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.

Go Red for Women

Half Mile!

Today I ran a half a mile WITHOUT STOPPING! Of course, now I feel like a 90 year old lady walking around, but it felt sooo good at the time!!!!! Then I took a break and walked for a bit, then did some interval speed running (which consisted of me alternating between walking and running for a minute or so at about 5.5mph-6.5mph). I finished the whole mile in 15:20, which is a whole minute shorter than what I was doing a few weeks ago. Now if I could just get rid of that darn leg cramp!

I also ate within my calorie range, got my 5 fruits & veggies, and drank 8 glasses of water. Seriously, if you're not used to drinking so much water, it's a LOT of water!

Yummy dinner idea (this is what we had tonight):

Taco Bake:

Brown lean ground beef in a frying pan. Once browned, add half a packet of taco seasoning and a jar of thick and chunky salsa. Mix well over heat. Remove from heat and stir in a can of low-sodium cream of chicken (could use mushroom, I just don't like mushrooms) soup.

Grease a 9X13 dish and place a layer of flour tortillas down (may have to break them to get them to fit). Add half the beef mixture. Place another layer of tortillas down and top with remaining beef mixture.

Sprinkle a cup of reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly.

Rice - I used Uncle Ben's Spanish style rice and it was excellent. Easy to make too - just pop the bag in the microwave!

Another day smoke free! That's 3 whole days now!

So much water!

My biggest goal today was to drink 8 cups of water. I did, but it was tough. I felt like I was constantly drinking water!!!

In other news, I also got in 5 servings of fruits & veggies.

For dinner, I made a pasta with veggies that had been sauteed in EVOO. And I had a salad on the side. And water, go figure.

At the gym, I did some interval running (my shoes are CRAP! I sooo need new running shoes if I ever dream of running). I also did upper body strength training. And I put in a full day's work on top of it all!

Weigh-in on Friday!

Pride & Accomplishments

At the beginning of every episode of the Biggest Loser, the theme song asks "What have you done today to make you feel proud?" I think it's really, really important to focus on the positive things of the day instead of dwelling on the negative. Like today - I had a lot of leftovers, not exactly the perfect eating plan. But I won't dwell on that because it will just make me feel like a failure. So, I'm going to try every day to write down something that I did that day that made me feel proud of myself.

Today, I did not smoke a single cigarette. I wanted to, but I kept to my resolution. And I'm PROUD OF MYSELF.

Virtual Me

Courtesy of Prevention

Me at starting weight, me at current weight, me at goal weight

A New Year

Welcome, 2008! It's a new year, but it isn't a total "new start." I started losing weight during 2007 and have lost 18 pounds so far.

I do have some health goals for this year, though. I want to lose more weight. I want to run a 5k. And this is a smoke-free year. That's right. SMOKE-FREE!

I have a cute new gym outfit for motivation, and the new season of the Biggest Loser starts tonight!

Here's to a healthy year!