If you continue, you will change.

Hi everyone! I’m not dead!!

I sincerely apologize about not being around at all lately. I am so busy I don’t know what to do with myself, and as a result, my health/weight goals have been slipping. I haven’t had a decent workout in over 2 weeks, and boy does my body know it! My eating has been pretty good, but not great… and my stress levels are starting to climb. I have only about 4 weeks left until I graduate with my Master’s… so I am desperately trying to stay ahead with my schoolwork… PLUS I am applying for jobs and looking for homes out of state… OH and I just got my driving permit and am working toward my license (have never had one) so it’s a lot to handle at once. I feel pretty overwhelmed.

I am doing okay, just stressed. And today my weight goals/eating have really been bothering me. Every time I try on clothes or see myself in the mirror I start to freak out… get upset. I can slowly see the inches being put back on my hips.. the jeans are feeling just a bit tighter.. and physically, my body MISSES exercise. I was starting to do so well with my running and them bam…. I let everything get the best of me and I stop! It’s so frustrating… I frustrate myself. I’m probably around 160/161 right now so that’s not terrible.. but I’m going to keep gaining and gaining if I don’t do something about it. I’m just having a hard time handling things.

I still want this as much as ever, I just need to find a way to balance this all right now. Things won’t STAY this busy or hectic, I just need to make it through these next few weeks. In the meantime, I need to try to incorporate some exercise back into my life. It’s not super cold, so maybe I’ll walk the two miles to campus for my class this evening. I feel like the walk could help my stress levels, as well as allow me to get some physical activity in.

ALSO — I will still be around! Going to make an effort to come on here more often!!! Miss you all!

I am amazed!

First, I’ve been such a slacker lately that Todd and I went to the gym today and decided we’d kick our own asses. We did 65 minutes of cardio, with some interval training on my part, and we both feel AWESOME. I have not been so drenched in sweat in such a long time… I actually really stink!! I need a shower!! Hahaha. We started out on the treadmills, and I had been reading an article in my SELF magazine last night about some different interval training options, and decided I would try one. Now I have never been a fan of the treadmill, or running at all… I’ve avoided it with a passion. So I decided to warm up.. and then every few minutes just gradually increase my speed… every 4 minutes or so, I’d push it to the point where I was ALMOST jogging but not quite… at the 12th minute I decided “Ah, what the hell..” and I pushed my speed. Before I knew it, I was jogging…. and it wasn’t so bad! I really thought that I’d be lucky if I could make it a minute, a minute and a half doing that… but eventually, found myself not getting as tired as I thought.. so I kept going, and going. Eventually, I was running for 5 minutes straight and I was just amazed! I decided to stop after 5 minutes because I didn’t want to push myself too hard… but wow, I was just shocked. I tried the Couch to 5k program a few years back and I could hardly keep a jog for a minute and a half.. so this was a big feat. I haven’t tried anything like it in years, and have NEVER been one for running… so I was shocked. It shows me that I must be in better shape than I was before Now I think I am going to keep trying….. maybe I really can go running someday, eh?!?

So yeah! After that we did 45 minutes on the elliptical and called it a day. I feel awesome now, and very proud of myself. Now if I can just keep it up…

ANYWAY.

Hiii all!

So it’s 12:20 am here, and I am just waiting for Todd to get home from a work trip! I’ve been very BAD with my eating and lack of exercise the last few days, and consequently.. I just feel awful.

My eating and exercise habits have been so-so at best. It seems that half of the week or half the time I am very disciplined, and the other half, all hell breaks loose! The closer I get to the weekend, the more my body suffers.

On Thursday, my Dad and brother came to Pittsburgh because it was my brother’s 20th birthday. My dad bought RUSH tickets for himself, as well as my brother, Todd and I! he then planned to stay until Saturday afternoon to hang out with us. While I started out with the best of intentions…. eating smaller portions, and planning my meals ahead, that quickly turned into consuming a fair amount of alcohol, and eating out at restaurants for all meals. Blah! I woke up this morning and just felt PUFFY! I certainly feel heavier than I was starting out the week, and honestly believe that I’ve at least temporarily gained a few pounds from my pigouts the last few days. I did have an AMAZING time showing my Dad around the city and hanging out with him, but I just wish that I could find that balance. I’d like to be able to eat out and not DREAD it… to be more conscious of what I am putting my mouth (food and drink), and watch my portions. I’m so inconsistent it drives me nuts!

The past weeks have been spent essentially losing and gaining the same three pounds. I have been hovering in the 158-161 range, which isn’t TERRIBLE… but if I keep it up those pounds are going to multiply! I notice that I do this quite often. I will have a small period of time in which I am consistently losing, and then spend an even greater amount of time maintaining those losses, but not really losing any new weight. This is getting really old! I’d like to consistently lose MOST of the time, but the truth is that I don’t.

Todd and I are going to VEGAS this Thursday, and I am staying until next Wednesday. He returns Thursday. This is a work trip for him, but there is a lot of time for play as well.. and most things are paid for by the company… I am simply coming along for the ride The other guys bring their wives, so Todd wanted to bring me as well. I have school, but I have completed all of my work for the next two weeks to ensure I’m not missing anything important. ANYWAY… we’ve been planning this for awhile and I wanted to feel amazing. I have an awesome strapless, hip-hugging dress that I have been dying to wear and Vegas seems the perfect occasion! Recently, the dress fits me better than ever.. but I am a bit worried with the extra bulge now in my tummy! ALSO, it’s still in the 90’s over there, so I will for SURE be spending some time near the pool. I just got a new bathing suit — MEDIUM — which looks okay, but not great on me yet. I really wanted to feel amazing in it.. but there are more important things. Anyways.. I had set a goal for myself to reach 155 lbs by Vegas, but I obviously haven’t met it. I’d guess I’m at least 160 right now, so yeah.. That’s sad.

ANYWAYS. I have been making a lot of changes lately and have been getting rid of those larger clothes of mine! I really don’t want to bring them back… I am starting to get used to those mediums! I guess this just means I need to get my ass into gear. I think I’ll even workout in Vegas… Todd will be working during the day and I will need to keep myself occupied! There is no excuse why I can’t hit up the hotels gyms, as well as get in some good swimming at the pools!

So.. I’ve been in one of my weight-loss slumps, and am really trying to just drag myself right back out of it! Time to start kicking some butt again.

september-2010-179.JPG

Evening, kitties! I am posting a picture up there ^^ from my past weekend, but wanted to link it because I think it’s pretty big! it’s of me, my mom, and her friend Marlene from the Phipp’s Conservatory that we visited. It was pretty there. Just thought you might like to see what my mommy looks like! Haha.

Anyways… I just got done watching Ghosthunters (YAY!) and am still pretty awake. I got to sleep in today, so I am not tired enough for bed yet.

I have been doing much better this week with my food journal, and have been staying at the low end of my calorie range! I am already feeling better, and have been drinking much more water and green tea! I’ve done some kettlebell, and Todd and I went to the gym today. I was pretty sweaty by the end of the workout (of course), and was wearing these new sized medium, shorter shorts that I bought recently. As I walked out,  I couldn’t help but notice how sweaty my thighs were… and that they kept rubbing together with each stride!! I laughed to myself… and thought how nice it would be to lose some more weight, and actually tone that area so it wasn’t such a problem. I’ve actually gotten a rash-type thing between my legs from a long hike before! It’s pretty common I know.. but I also know it’s difficult to tone your upper thighs! Man, I wish it were easier… it seems like my legs are pretty nicely toned all up until you get to my upper thighs! I know you can’t target one specific area, but does anyone know any good upper thigh exercises that might help to tone that flab?? I sure would loveee to get rid of it! Maybe someday.

Anyways! I am really trying my best this week, as is Todd.. and I am rooting for all of you!!

Hi buddies!

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged. I’ve still been on this site daily, checking in with the Cats and my other buddies, but haven’t really known what to write about. I am still doing pretty well on my weight loss, but I’ve been a little bummed in regards to it lately. I’ve been giving myself a hard time for not losing weight as steadily, or as fast as some others might. Truthfully, I could have been at my goal by now, but I am still 12-14 lbs short. Most often I do not lose a steady 2 lbs, or even 1 pound a week.. though I know I should be happy and proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. I still am 20+ lbs lighter than I was at start, and have recently reached a healthy BMI. Despite my screw-ups and bad weeks, I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss, and that is a major feat in itself. Sometimes, I think I need to give myself more credit. Others, I need to give myself a swift kick in the ass! I think it’s time for that.

I gained this past week, and I know it is partly my fault, and partly due to factors out of my control (PMS and Aunt Flo). I cannot deny, however, that I’ve been skipping workouts, not tracking my food consumption, and making all sorts of excuses! After giving things a lot of thought, and based on input from some of my wonderful buddies on here (thank you!) I’ve realized that Todd and I’s monotonous gym routine has become BORING. Same things all the time, and nothing different mixed in between. Todd and I haven’t even been taking our long walks or hikes anymore, and we loved those so dearly!

SO - Todd and I have decided to start mixing in our walks and hikes with our routine, as well as trying some new things at the gym. We’ve already gone on a few walks in the past week and they have been really enjoyable. I forgot that exercise could be fun!

I also joined the new Break the Habits challenge with the wildcats, and am going to be working on keeping a steady food journal again! It makes such a difference. It started yesterday, and while I started the day off tracking, I didn’t finish it that way. I am determined to make today better!

Anyways! Todd and I are doing well. We’ve been doing a lot of shopping lately, and finally getting a lot of things we need. We have been spending a lot of time with family, and that’s been nice too. I also start classes this week, and my first is at 6pm this evening. I have 4 of them, and this is my last semester. I feel slightly dreadful, slightly nervous, and slightly excited about this semester. Now that I am in my 6th year of college, I am really beginning to feel rather burnt out. I just need to tell myself that in less than 4 months I will be completely done with school, and preparing to move south. The next months will be very busy, but I am ready for them!

Anyways.. I am rambling now. I am going to get some more water and wait for Todd to get home! Then it’s time for a healthy dinner and class! Hopefully it ends early tonight

Sooo.

I have been drinking a good bit of coffee (at least a few cups a day) on a regular basis for quite some time now. I have also been drinking more tea, and even taking Midol, which has caffeine in it. I noticed a few days ago that as I tried to lay off and drink more water, that I have had these awful headaches and have been feeling quite fatigued, even irritable (through truth be told, I’ve been a bit irritable in general lately!) This sounds like caffeine withdrawl, correct?

I am not even a huge drinker of coffee, but I go through periods where I drink more, more often. I have been making my own iced coffees as a treat at home lately, and I have been drinking quite a bit. This is not the first time it’s happened either; there have been several other periods of time where I have had more caffeine than usual, then backed off and had to endure headaches for days. It’s just odd to me because I don’t even drink a lot consistently or all the time, but apparently when I do get into these spurts it’s been enough!

Does this sound like caffeine withdrawl to all of you? And what would you recommend for dealing with the symptoms? I have read that I should slowly wean myself off, take pain relievers that do not have caffeine in them, and start replacing my coffees, teas, etc with decaf. I figured this was a good plan anyways, as caffeine very often also makes my anxiety worse.

Just a random question! Todd and I have noticed these trends with me before and we think that caffeine is the culprit.

ALSO — I got in an amazing 2.1 mile walk today, despite it being 90 degrees with high humidity, and the fact that I was wearing pants! I’m pretty proud of myself. I definitely got my sweat on.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYY

Very quick update, but somehow this morning.. I managed to weigh in at 159.0!! I am officially in the 150’s!! I haven’t seen a number like this in at least 5 years or so!

I honestly don’t know how I did it this week. It’s my TOM, I haven’t exercised since Monday, and I stopped tracking. I am getting back on track now, and going to the gym here shortly! But yeaaah! WOW! I am just so excited.

Also, my BMI is a 24.9…. not that I pay too much attention to that, but that’s supposedly the highest end of the healthy range! YAY!

Ok…. going to get some lunch!! HAPPY FRIDAY, buddies!

Hi buddies!

I just wanted to update really quickly. Now that I met my second mini goal — yesterday at 160 — I decided to set a new one! As my original goal is to get down to 146, I only have 14 lbs to go! As a result, I decided to make my 3rd mini goal a half way point, at 153. I think that is reasonable enough… and I am only 7 lbs away!

I have had a great exercise week and got an hour in at the gym yesterday. On most days, I am for at least 45 minutes and it has been working well for me. My calf is also feeling much better after about 4-5 days, so that is great news as well!

Now that it is August, I have also set another goal for myself, and that is to be consistent with my food journal. I have been so-so on tracking things lately, and need to work on my consistency! I am glad to have lost 4 lbs in the past 2 weeks without it, but I want to be precise!

Anyways….. Todd and I are heading for the gym here in a bit. I am aiming for probably around 30 minutes today, as we are both pretty tired!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday Best of luck to you all this upcoming week, and for the month of August!!!

HI guys! HAPPY FRIDAY!

I have been trying to keep up with taking bathing suit photos at different parts along this journey. Now that I am 20 lbs down from my 181 start, I figured it was definitely time to take another photo. I took photos at 179, 170, and now 161. The photo quality is TERRIBLE, as is the editing because I am using Todd’s work laptop and I had to work with what I had The photos were also taken with my cellphone, so! Yeah!! ANYWAYS, there it is! Can’t believe how far I’ve come.

WEIGH IN TOMORROW! Lots of gym time this weekend, and a hike in Frick Park! Woo-hoo.

Ah! Sorry if that is big. I am really bad at the whole using photos on here thing Anyway! I was just getting ready for the day (on the floor, yep) and decided to take a random picture of myself. There I am!

So.. I’ve been having a pretty good week! Ive made a few trips to the gym so far, and my eating has been good as well! I think I re-injured, or strained, (or something) my left calf muscle again! It didn’t hurt near as bad as last time after my interval training session, but then I hit the elliptical pretty hard yesterday and it was even more sore today! Sheesh. I guess I’m going to take it a little easy for a few days? I don’t know what to do. Can I still exercise? Should I let it heal, or let the pain go away? I really don’t know. I really wanted to hit the gym hard this weekend…. but maybe I’ll just stay away from strength training? I don’t know. What do you guys think? This is my first exercise-related injury! Hahaha.

Anyways, I would love to have at least lost a pound this week. Todd and I are going to weigh in Saturday morning instead of Friday, so hopefully the scale has good news for us! It is amazing how much better I am feeling…. and how I am already getting too small for the clothes I just bought a few months ago.. or the clothes I usually wear! Now when I go shopping, Large shirts are too big for me! I am able to wear a lot more mediums now…. ! And my pants are getting big! Hell, I actually look good in skinny jeans! I’m even wearing a 36C bra! Eee!

OHHH! And I am soo close to the 150’s…. I haven’t been there in YEARS. I’m so excited already that I don’t think I will be able to contain myself whenever I get there Basically… I’m pretty freaking excited about everything. I don’t care if it’s a slow process… I’m getting there. And the comments I am getting from family, and friends of family is very encouraging!

ANYWAYS! Todd is going to be home shortly and we need to go grocery shopping! We have NOTHING. Excited to get some goodies!

Have a great one, everyone!