I've Got Nothing...

My Dad reminded me yesterday that I haven't been posting very regularly. Well, part of that is because the well has dried up. I've Got Nothing...as they say. I haven't lost a pound in over a month. I've continued to exercise and be active, but I obviously am eating enough to offset that effort. :( I don't really feel like I'm eating that poorly, but I guess I am because I don't know how else a person can exercise as much as I am and not lose weight. So, here I am at the end of summer (school starts tomorrow) and I lost 5 lbs., not 20 like I wanted. I've yet to get through that set of 10 so I could buy myself some treat. Very discouraging. I don't want to give the impression that I'm giving up. I definitly am not. I'm hoping with routine, will come some results. Hopefully packing my lunch for school will help me to eat better and be more consistent. My goal of running the 5K has also been derailed. I hurt my heel a couple of weeks ago racing my niece and nephews. It is still giving me problems and definitly changed what I can do in the category of cardio workouts. I have trouble walking and running on it. My personal trainer, Mary, says it could take up to 6 weeks to heal and of course that's assuming, I don't do anything stupid to injure it more...like wear stupid shoes. (which I tend to do) :) So, I guess I feel a little behind right now, but not totally defeated. (BTW- I don't really have a personal trainer, just a really good friend who is a highly talented athletic trainer.) I would love to post fabulous news in the coming months, so please add me to your prayer lists. This is a harder battle than most would think and it's going to take more than just my efforts to get the job done.


Kelley

Progress

Well, I've had a successful week so far. The extra pounds from Nashville are gone...which tells me they were mostly water. I've had good workouts this week and have done pretty well with my eating. I realized that I didn't drink hardly any water the whole time I was at home and in Nashville. I drink tons of water every day, so I'm sure that was the reason for my huge gain. I feel much better. Now if I can just keep going in the downward direction instead of stopping. My workout schedule will be changing starting next week because Sue goes back to school on Monday. So, my workout partner won't be available till after school. The next Monday, I go back, so it's time to get back into that school year routine anyways. I've been so faithful this summer...getting up early to go and get it over with. Hope I can be just as faithful once school starts and I'm feeling tired. I know it will be easy to skip on those days when I'm feeling tired from getting back into the school routine. I'm hoping my eating can be more disciplined this school year. The teacher's lounge is a very bad place for me. I was talking to a few of my teacher friends who share my struggle and we all agreed to bring more healthy options to share on those days when we need a "carry-in." Well, I have lots to do today so I'd better get to it. Have a good day everybody!

Detour

Well, I feel like my journey has taken a BIG detour...I think I'll still reach my destination, just much later than I intended. I just got home from a weekend trip to Nashville with Mom and Andrea. We had a blast, but I was horrified when I got on the scale this morning! So, off to the gym I went with my injured foot and a heavy heart. Very discouraging, but I am determined to get back on the main highway!

No Time

I'm not sure why I've had no time to update, but that's how it's been. As I stated in my last post, life has been crazy busy the last couple weeks. I am frustrated beyond measure that I haven't lost any more weight, but I have continued to be faithful in my workouts. I guess they've kept me from gaining weight with all these special occassions and get togethers. It's funny...I thought eating right was hard during the school year and couldn't wait for summer...now I think it'll be easier once school starts since I'll be in more of a routine. Wow...guess it's just never easy. I need to be more disciplined in both situations. My internet cord is broken so I have to update at Sue's which is making it less convenient. Hopefully I'll get a new cord soon. I'll post pictures of all my fun stuff when I do.

Crazy Busy!

Life has been a little nuts! I had a garage sale last weekend...I sold my car on a whim...but made a killer deal! I've been car shopping the last few days since being carless is a little inconvenient. I am buying a Pontiac G6 and love it! I've worked out hard the last two mornings. I cleaned my house like mad this morning so my niece won't be crawling on dirty floors. I'm leaving in 1 hour to go to Columbus with my dear friend Kismet for the Billy Joel/Elton John concert. (Yahoo!) We're spending the night with my sister and then I'm bringing Kenzie home with me tomorrow. I'll head back to Dayton on Sat. for my cousin's wedding and to return Kenzie and then I'm hosting a big cookout for all my school friends on Sunday evening. I need a nap just reading this back to myself!

I'm in a holding pattern again with the weight, but I'm doing well with my exercise and not too bad with my eating. The weekend wasn't great because of my birthday and other get togethers I attended, but I'm back on it this week. Life is good. :)

Reflections

The rain is ruining my garage sale and I have money to make!!! Grrr! Yesterday was my birthday and I was running the garage sale, so I didn't have time to post. It was a great day. I sold my car which was a awesome! I was just putting it out to get some idea what the interest was and it sold on the first day! Now, i guess I need to start car shopping. I'm lucky to have a best friend who has an extra car. Think she'll let me drive the Mustang? Ha! No way! But, I'll take what I can get. Life is going great.

As I reflected yesterday on my last year, I was very pleased with the year. I've lost 30 lbs in the last year. I've made major changes in my life that I never thought I'd make. God has been so good to me this last year. I have no complaints. I'm excited to see what this year holds. What new challenges, what changes? I don't feel a bit sad about this birthday. I think I might have been depressed about another year older if these positive changes weren't taking place, but as it is, I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in this next year. It's amazing what a little change in mindset can do for you. I hope everyone is doing well and has a great weekend!

I did it!!!!

I lost the pound and now I'm in a new set of numbers! hallelujah! Great workout today and then spent all day working in the garage. Running a rummage on Friday and Sat. Hope to make a mint! :)

2 lbs gone!

Well, I achieved one of my goals so far this week. The two lbs I gained are gone. Now, I just need to drop one more! I did 30 min. on the Elliptical this morning. This is just my 2nd time to go that long. Boy does it kick my butt! I am exhausted, but in a good way.

Thinking about this journey I'm on...I can really tell a difference in my mindset this time. In the past it's always been a "diet" with the goal of losing X number of pounds. This time, I'm not on a diet. I have no prescribed eating plan...just better choices and good old fashioned exercise. The results are slower, but I'm not quitting either. I have bad days, but I get right back to it the next. In the past a bad day would signal the end of my effort. Of course, I'd love to see the weight come off faster, but I'd also like to see it stay off for good and I think this is the only way that is going to happen. I have a birthday coming up and I've decided to make my lowfat/low calorie cheesecake for myself. I don't think getting older is a good reason to sabbotage my efforts but a good reason not to. :)

Paying for the 4th!

Oh Boy! I am paying for the 4th (and 5th) today! It was like I had lead in my shoes. I'm up 2lbs which I am bound and determined to get off plus one this week. I will be good and disciplined if it kills me! No skimping on my exercise either! Pray that I can get my focus back.

Oops...the Gym was closed!

So, this morning, Sue and I headed to the gym for our typical Friday workout only to discover that the gym is closed for the 4th holiday. So, we decided to head out to Matter Park, the site of my mini training. One trip down and back is 4.5 miles and includes a pretty serious hill. Sue was pacing us pretty fast, so I decided to try to do some running. Well, I ended up running close to half. I would run beside her for a while, then I'd walk. I'd fall behind because she was walking fast and then I'd run to catch up. I'd run ahead and then walk till she caught up. I'd try to walk about 2-3 min. and then run 2-3 min. I managed to do that for the whole walk. I also chose to run up the hills...for some reason it seems easier to me than walking them. I was pretty psyched about my progress. The best part...no pain in my shins, knees, or ankles. I felt great! Being a person who needs constant affirmation, I asked Sue if she was amazed and she said she was. She admitted that she impressed and proud that I've stuck with the exercise. She had her doubts based on my past history. She asked me at one point if I thought I'd be a walker or a runner once I got the weight off. I don't know. I never thought I'd like to run, but it is kind of addictive I think. I hope everyone has a great 4th holiday!

Back on the Horse!

Well, it's been a crazy week! The kids were here and we had a ball! Literally, one of my favorite times with them. They got along with each other, I was calm, and it was sunny every day they were here! This morning as I hit the gym for the first time in a WEEK! I had to smile as "Living on a Prayer" came on my mp3 player. I was running on the treadmill (yes I was dying after not running for a week), but all I could hear was Zeke singing this song at the top of his lungs. Made me smile in the midst of agony. :) Actually the workout felt great. It was good to get back to it and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had lost a pound this morning. It's only took 2 weeks! So, I guess I'm officially at 28lbs. My plan for the rest of this cold, grey day: work on my weeds. Great day to do it since the sun isn't shining. ;(

Derailed

Well, at least it feels that way! I haven't been to the gym for two days and probably won't get back there until the kids go home. But, I think swimming for about 5 hours today has to qualify as exercise. I definitly wasn't laying on a raft!!! Might try to go Monday with the youngins, we'll just have to see. Loving having them here...never a dull moment and nearly a laugh a minute!

Where Does Exercise Hurt...Everywhere

Who does exercise hurt...everyone! Just had to make a little fun of one of my favorite commercials. I hurt from top to bottom today. Had a great workout this morning. Did 3/4 of a mile running and felt pretty good. I did the first half without too much trouble. Was wanting to run a whole mile, but it just wasn't going to happen. I was pooped. Have been painting the rest of this day. Have done two coats and painted a door. I have blisters on my fingers and I hurt everywhere, so I'm pretty sure painting counts as extended exercise. Now, I am off to clean up my house for tomorrow the kids come and Friday mom and dad come. Tonight, Sue and I are refurbishing my fire pit, so there is no rest for the weary in sight. Feels great to be working hard though. Still haven't dropped any more weight which is about to send me off the deep end, but I'll keep plugging. It's bound to happen eventually.

Alternative Exercise

That's what I'd like to call painting. Today I didn't work out, but I helped Sue paint for a couple of hours. I'm hoping that counts. Tomorrow morning, I'll be at the gym bright and early. :)

exhaustion

I am exhausted! I went home yesterday for Father's Day and had a great time! I was telling my family all about my workouts and feeling really proud of myself. Today, you would have thought I had never worked out before. I felt like I had lead in my shoes. Might have been the mashed potatoes. :) I had such a hard time today. Every single step or lift felt so hard! But, I prevailed and finished the workout. I'm glad it's over for today and I hope tomorrow is better. Goodness!

Sweat

That's what I did a whole lot of this morning at the gym...30 min. on the elliptical (aka machine of death)...425 calories burned! Off to get a Polar Pop...for Sue! :(

I feel Content

For the time being...I go back and forth between this nervous energy where I can't relax and feel like I should constantly be doing something and this lazy contentment I feel right now. It won't last long, so I'm going to enjoy it.

I had a great workout this morning. I did some running/walking instead of the elliptical. It felt great to do it since it had been a couple of days, but I realized that I burn more calories on the elliptical. Both machines tell you how many calories you are burning, but I had never checked it on the treadmill. That was a real eye opener. It was a good one though because it helps me to feel okay about doing the elliptical more than the running for now. I didn't post yesterday, but Sue and I decided to walk about 4 miles instead of going to the gym. That was a nice change of pace especially since I haven't really walked any longer distances since the race. It was great to see that 4 miles wasn't difficult at all. We walked about a 16.5 min. mile which was a fast pace for me. I realized that no matter where I'm at with the weight loss, I have come so far in my endurance and ability to be active. It feels great and you can't put a number on that. :)

Elation!

I got the 3 pounds off!!! I went back to the gym and ran a 1/2 mile yesterday. I just feel better when I do it! I decided that I'm going to take it easy and not push myself too hard right now. I'll just run enough that it's making me feel good, but stop immediately if it hurts. I'll push for longer time/distance when I've lost more weight. Today's workout was hard!! I am pooped, but that's a good thing! After the workout, I went to Sue's and scrubbed 3 walls that had been stripped of wallpaper, but not the glue and scraps. I worked for 90 min. and feel like it was as much a workout as the workout was. :) Now, I'm ready for a shower and a nap! :)

I'm adding on to this post...I had my shower, but now I'm not so tired. I was thinking...I tend to be very motivated by "things", you know...purses, shoes, clothes, jewlry, etc. :) So, I think I am going to give myself permission to buy myself 1 thing every 10lbs. I know 10 lbs doesn't sound like much, but at the rate I've been taking it off, it could be several months! I am 2 lbs. from going into a new set of numbers (which shall remain nameless). I haven't seen those numbers in over 10 years. So, when I get through them, I'll buy myself something fun! Sounds like a grand idea to me! Now, I need to get online and start shopping for what I want!

Frustrated

Well, I knew this day would come. I knew this journey wasn't going to be all happiness and sunshine, but it feels like it came too soon. I'm irritated and frustrated today. I'm up 3 lbs. which I know is probably water, but still it's hard to see. I went to the gym today and did 20 min. on the elliptical which is my longest time and then walked a quick 16 min. mile which is also a personal best, but I feel like I'm not doing enough. The running felt like I was really pushing myself and now without it, I feel like I'm not doing so great. It's very frustrating. I've really got to change my mindset, but right now, it's not happening. So, I think I'm going to REALLY clean my house today (not just one room like yesterday) because I do my best cleaning when I'm mad and then maybe a clean house will perk up my mood. :(

Dilemma

Well, here we are on Monday and I have a dilemma. Over the weekend, I was out with friends, one of which is my good friend Mary, an athletic trainer at IWU. She's right up there next to Doctors in my book and gives me good advice and help when I'm struggling with injuries and such. So, I was telling her about my running goals and she said, "Really? hmmm." Now, I didn't pursue that, but later, I had to ask her what she meant by that. Wish I hadn't asked.

Mary tells me that for every pound we carry, we exert 4 pounds of pressure on our knees, shins and ankels. So, when I'm running, that's ALOT of pressure pounding down. She's not against running, but thinks it's better done once weight is lost so that you don't injure yourself. So, I don't know what to do. I'm not injured right now...but I don't want to get a stress fracture or something even worse that will cause me not to be able to exercise at all. She suggested doing more on the elliptical which applies no pressure to your joints but still is a great cardio workout for losing weight. Well, that's okay, but I don't really enjoy the elliptical and I feel a huge disappointment to not continue my goal. I actually haven't decided what to do.

Today at the gym, I did the elliptical for 15 min. and then walked on the treadmill the remaining time. Then Sue and I did our weight/ab workout. It was a good tough workout, but I felt disappointed to not run at all. So, what to do? Do I continue running as long as I feel okay doing it, or do I stop and pick it back up later when I've got some of this weight off??? That is the question of the day. Any thoughts?