Guess what I did...

I signed up for my first 5K ever...

It's part of my 101 things in a 1001 days list. Really there is no time like the present. I mean it's about 3.1 miles. I can do that. I found this great article about your first 5K. I am quite familiar with the race route, and really its faily easy. There is one hill right at the beginning that will probably be the worst for me, but at least its right at the beginning.

So once the rain clears (another 4-6 inches of rain) I will start training. I don't know if I will follow the couch to 5K program. But I will be more focused on training walks/slogs. I sigined up to walk the 5K, but I am hoping to jog most of it. Not going to be for time, that's for sure, but a personal victory when I cross that finish line. And I can cross one more thing off my list. I will be so happy when my fat ass crosses that finish line.

I never in a million years thought ever I would pay to run... heck, even pay to walk. But I want this to count, and I want to be able to keep this memory forever, so for me, its worth the price of admission!

And really, running for beer.. what could be better. Just hopin' for good weather that day!

So can anyone offer me some tips/tricks/clothing options/iPod playlists suggestions?

Checking In...

I haven't posted my progress in awhile. Lately I've been doing okay with a steady loss. However today was not such the case.

I gained, 4.6 pounds.
Current Weight: 292.4 pounds
Total weight loss 21.4 pounds

Frankly, I am embarrassed. This past week was miserable. I was so unfocused. I anticipated a gain, but really, that is just completely out of control. I got my 3 exercise session in, however, they were all stacked one day right after the other (gym on Sunday, walk on Monday, Zumba on Tuesday and horseback riding on Wednesday).

I am sure it didn't help that I worked a 48 hour shift just prior to weighing in. Practically chained to a desk, I don't get many opportunities to move about. One of the pitfalls of my job. Not that it is an excuse, but I do feel the need to acknowledge outside forces that can work against me. I usually plan for long shifts, I have "supplies" at work, but my supplies were low and originally, it was only a 24 hour shift, not 48... and it happens. 

But I went for the meeting and I sat there. I knew exactly why I had gained, I was unfocused, I ate what I wanted, I didn't properly exercise and space things out. It just goes to show you how quickly one can sink back into old habits. Its comfortable to fall back into old habits. But if we always do what we always did, we will always get what we already have.... that is my mantra, I don't want to be the fat girl, I want better for my life....I will be better.

So after the meeting, I got my errands done and then I called my dad and we both went to the gym. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical. It felt good to get back in the gym after a week off. I didn't want to overdue it since I had Zumba tonight.

I love my Zumba, I am so glad that my girls included me in their fun. By no means am I an expert, but I sweat my fat ass and I smile through it... I laugh and have fun, while getting a workout in. Its amazing.

I did think that I over did it with the elliptical and the Zumba, my legs are hurting and I have a bit of knee pain, so I am going to take some Aspirin tonight. I hope I didn't do too much damage! I plan on taking tomorrow off from the gym (but a girl friend of mine and I plan on going for a walk at the beach) and then gym on Thursday and possibly a horseback ride in on Friday (depending on the weather).

I can and will be better. My gain will motivate me to do and be better and kick ass this week!

Giveaways for 03/21/2010

Happy First [full] day of Spring! Since I didn't mention it yesterday, I thought I would at least acknowledge it today! I was working yesterday and the beach was packed. It was great to see, Summer is coming!

There are some really fantastic giveaways going on right now out there... here are a few that I've found:

• Life as CEO is holding a Coach giveaway
• The Plus Size Mommy is having a 1-800-FLOWERS giveaway. Ends 4/1
• Jenn from Who Doesn't Love Coupons? is hosting a Prefections.com giveaway. Ends 4/2 
• Kailani at An Island Life is helping to keep hands looking great with her Dawn Hand Renewals with Olay Beauty Giveaway! Ends 3/23
• Amy the Resourceful Mommy is hosting a Barnes and Noble Nook Giveaway (holy moly). Ends 3/22
• Mom Start is also hosting a Barnes and Noble Nook Giveaway. Can you tell I really would like to win this!? Her giveaway ends 3/24
• Valerie at Let's Just Give It Away (LOVE that blog name!) is giving away a Target Gift Card. Ends 4/8
• Sage and Savvy is hosting a survey about sunscreen and from the responses she'll draw a winner for a $20 Walmart Gift Card. Ends 3/27
• Mariana over at Riding with no hands is hosting a Flexi 8 hair accessory giveaway. Ends 4/2
• Bridgette over at The Not-So-Blog's Experimental Mommy is hosting a Flexi 8 hair accessory giveaway as well. Ends 4/2

**phew** that's a lot this week! Happy Giveaway Hunting!

Giveaways 3/15/10

• The Single Mama Review Corner is having a thank you celebration by hosting a giveaway! Ends 3/26
• The Single Mama Review Corner is also hosting a Air-O-Swiss Giveaway as well. Ends 3/26
• Jenn from Who Doesn't Love Coupons is hosting a Flexi-8 Hair Barrette giveaway. Ends 3/21
• Bridgette from Experimental Mommy is hosting a giveaway with Olay Total Effects Body Wash. Ends 3/26

Recap

I had to take 2 full days off from the gym to recover from Zumba! My abs were killing me. But I was back to the gym today; I did 40 minutes on the elliptical. I had to go home and get laundry done before it started raining. Oh the perks of living in an apartment! I cannot wait to own a home and have in house laundry! At least we have on-site laundry; I just have to go outside to get to it. So between the stairs and the lifting of laundry baskets, I feel like I was still getting some work done. I also plan on going tomorrow morning; getting another 30 minutes on the elliptical and then doing some weights. Then I'll go Monday for cardio and then Zumba again on Tuesday.

So for the week I have gone to the gym 3 times (Sun, Mon and Sat) and Zumba on Tues. This week is shaping up like gym Sunday and Monday, Zumba on Tuesday, Horseback riding either Wednesday or Thursday and probably gym either Friday or Saturday (depending on the day of horseback riding). I am going to see about possibly doing a beach ride, since the weather is forecasted to be nice and sunny.

I think that Zumba will be a great addition to my workout routine. It shakes things up and gets me moving in a different way. Also, I get to spend some more time with my girlfriends, which is always nice!

Even though I completed my task of gym 3 times a week for 2 months straight, I am going to keep trying to attain that. I think Zumba will count, but I am going to still am for 3 visits to the gym in addition to Zumba.

I felt slightly guilty last week that I had 2 full days off. Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely make time for myself. Ever since joining weight watchers, one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that it’s okay to say no and that I need to make time for me. But last week, I felt that old guilty feeling creeping back in. But I just stepped on the scale and said to myself that I am making lasting changes for myself and right now that is more important than anything else. I have to get to the gym, I have to be conscious of what I eat, for me, it’s a constant re-affirmation that I am making good decisions and moving in a good direction.

For some reason today, I could not satisfy my craving for diet pepsi. I had 3 20-ounce bottles over the course of the day… I don’t know why I was craving it so much. But now I am chugging the water and probably will be all day tomorrow. I don’t drink much soda anymore, so I guess its okay – so long as it doesn’t happen every day.

Zumba!

After my weigh-in today (down .8) I went and voted (hope those of you who can, did!) and then it was off to Zumba, which was so much fun! I was nervous, but excited, I have never done a class, and I know that I am getting in shape, but no where near it.... so of course I took a spot in the back of the class. Of course I went with some girlfriends, we had a blast.

I was smiling the whole time, it was a great workout. I have no coordination to speak of, and I just went with it. I am sure I looked like a hot mess, but I had fun and I plan on going again. It was great to see the skinnies even sweating... you know it was a good class....

I am really happy that I am finding different avenues to work out and just move more. I am stepping outside of my comfort zone, and I am ok doing it :-D

I heard a great quote from the radio the other day, Life is for the living... and I kinda love that statement... I haven't been living the life I wanted to lately... and I feel like a light has been turned on and I am seeing things in a different perspective.

The good, the bad and the ugly...

This pictures are so embarrassing! I've lost 25 pounds already and I still look like THIS (Charms! ugh!):

 

And this....(ugh the dreaded back rolls!)











Finally, this....

I can tell that I've lost weight, but I know I have a long way to go. I am going to try to remember to have my dear boyfriend take pictures of me in the same outfit each month to try and measure my progress. I need to do this. It will hold me accountable.

I can and will be better...

Giveaways Week of 3/6/2010

I've actually been slacking off on giveaways lately. Something about a major fire and working a ton...hopefully things will be quieting down (famous last words... summer is coming!)

• Mama Money Savers reviewed and is giving away Carolina Pad Collection (Ends 3/17)
• Koupon Karen (LOVE her new name!) is giving away TP! And if you know my household at all, we could sure use more! Its the famous Over/Under question with a giveaway! (Ends 3/18)
• MommyPR is giving away serenity, in the form of a Sleep Number Comforter. Which you can customize for each person. Perfection! (Ends 3/19)
• Mommy Goggles is giving away Amelia on DVD, I've wanted to see this movie in the worst way! What better way than to win a copy, I can watch over and over! (Ends 3/19)
• Bridgette the Experimental Mommy is giving away RedBox rentals. I LOVE RedBox, especially with my job, its so much easier than traditional renting. I love that you can return the dvd's to any other RedBox location! (Ends 3/18)

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to watch movies, especially from the comfort of my own home.

Setting up to fail and coming out of the junk food coma

I'm down over 25 pounds, I need to get over my body image issues and really think I need to take progress pictures. But that means putting it out there... here... on the World Wide Web, for EVERYONE to see... all 2 people who read my blog.

Pictures don't lie... it’s a capture of a moment in time. And to be honest, I really thought I was going to fail at this diet. So many times I have failed in the past, so it didn't even occur to me that I could actually be successful... So I didn't bother taking start pictures. I know I am fat, I didn't need proof. Seriously, I would (and still do) hid from cameras! I don’t want proof that I am fat! Or if pictures are taken, I need editorial rights… and you can only take pictures from the chest up! Its’ my good side/angle. LOL

However, I am really ticked off at myself now; that I didn't take pictures. I am so proud of my weight loss, and I would have LOVED to see the difference between then and now. I was so embarrassed and had already prepared myself to fail, that I missed on the opportunity to see and acknowledge my changing body.

It sucks that I started a lifestyle change thinking I was going to fail. That is a terrible mentality! But it’s how we are conditioned... over and over again I've failed and just gone back to those old terrible ways.

Once I started going to WW meetings again and also having my friends and family helping me along away. I am motivated so much by my weight loss. I am encouraged by the results and my own feelings. I can feel my body and mind changing about food and exercise. I enjoy going to the gym, it’s a stress release for me and I feel great after getting a good workout in. I am changing my ways with food. I am re-wiring my life and trying to set it up to succeed.

When I started WW, the night after my weigh-in was my let loose night. If I maintained or lost weight, I wouldn't journal or count points, or nothing. Now, I no longer need that "let loose" night. I've rewired my way of thinking... I get the nutrition I need when I need it. I look at the amount of food I used to eat, and I get sick thinking about it. I can no longer eat the amount. Let alone the content.

Too much fried food makes me sick, too much red meat makes me sick... my body is starting to revolt against the bad food; I am FINALLY coming out of the Junk Food Coma! It is like someone turned a light on and it is finally starting to click that I do not need certain food in my life. I no longer crave French Fries like I used to, I can still have a taste and I don’t go hog wild. And the one time I did recently was met with disastrous results (I’ll leave it at that).

I am so happy to be coming out of the Junk Food Coma and moving in a positive direction. I am cooking more (and yes… getting better at it) and using spices more instead of salt. I am trying new foods; my menu isn’t as boring as it used to be! Picky eaters can eat a variety of foods; you just have to be willing to try new things! Your taste buds change something like every 7 years I’ve heard, so why not try something that you used to hate, you may be pleasantly surprised.

I am still waiting for my taste buds to LET me enjoy yogurt. There is something about the texture of yogurt that I cannot STAND! I know it’s great for you and there are so many benefits with yogurt… I just wish I could enjoy it. It would be a great addition for breakfast or as a snack.

So my point is, this weekend, I am going to have my dear boyfriend take some pictures so when I loose the next 25 pounds, I can have something to refer back to. And yes, I will be posting those pictures here. I can post my weight; I need to be ok with posting those pictures.

Does anyone have any suggestions for flattering poses? Thanks for letting me ramble on.

Weigh-In

With all the craziness this week with my work, I really anticipated a gain at the scale. Since Thursday and Friday were a washout, I made sure I went to the gym on Sunday (and on Monday). I am close to being able to cross of an item on my 101 things in a 1001 days list... the dreaded gym 3 times a week for 2 months... I am one gym date away from completing that task, and I have a gym date tonight.... so excited to be crossing things off my list!

Well we had a large fire at work, it even made national news... (crazy) A block of Hampton Beach burned down, including my beloved Happy Hampton Arcade. That arcade was my first real job, I loved working there. I met so many wonderful people and obviously I've stayed in touch with the owner (who lived above the arcade), thankfully he made it out safely, but not only is his business gone, but his home as well.

This summer won't be the same without the arcade, but several other businesses were also lost in the fire. With the hurricane force winds the nasty weather really helped this fire grow and quickly. The whole night was just crazy. My station lost power, the generator that is nearly twice my age failed (shocker) so I had to leave the station and go to our Station 2 to run dispatch. So all my safe food was left at my office in the station. I went to Station 2 with nothing and was stuck there for about 20 hours. So I had to eat what was brought to me... so donuts and pizza. Ugh! I thought for sure I was going to be up at the scale. But when I got home, I focused on my goal, and my goal for the week became to have a small gain, but ideally maintain for the week.

To my suprise, I had lost .4!  It really goes to show you what daily recommitment can do for you. Don't focus on the daunting task of weight loss as a whole. Focus on the day to day... Recommit each morning to make the best choices for you possible. I am down to 288 pounds and a total loss of 25.8 pounds since starting Weight Watchers in mid October.

Thinnerware Closed

So I just got the word yesterday that Thinnerware, closed down. No reason was given, but I can imagine it was something way out of control of the owner. Her words, simply stated, that she couldn't go into details but effective immediately she was closing. Refunding any money on orders placed and not delievered. So sad... she just recently bought a new kiln (sp?) You could tell in her words that it was hurting her to make such a decision. And this is really a wonderful product! I hope its able to come back in some form later on down the road.

These plates are amazing, I love having them. And I am SO thankful that my dear and thoughtful boyfriend got them for me. At first I wanted to try it out with just one full set, but he misunderstood me and ended up getting the full set of four place settings (my mistake) but thankful considering this development.

So I am sorry to any of you whom I recommended this dinnerware to, its amazing, and its all mine now!