Day 1

I think that Ryan and I have officially turned over a new leaf.

We went to the gym tonight and I feel great...tired, but in a good way.  Here was my workout:

5 minute warmup on bike

3 sets of 10 bench press (just bar)

2 sets of 8 incline bench (just bar)

2 sets of 15 tricep machine (40)

2 sets of 15 standing tri pull down (20)

25 situps, 25 left obliques, 25 right obliques

30 minutes elipitcal machine (cross training)

Whew...I know we can keep it up...we just need to encourage each other!

An entry

I entered the Gracie Gear Giveaway!

Check out Roni’s Weight Loss Blog for more information.

It's me...the slacker sister

Well, I can say that I have NOT been running or doing physical activity of any kind.  But, slowly but surely, I am making better choices.  I am even cooking dinner tonight, unusual for the weekend, usually we just eat out.  So, I thought I would post my goals for the week.

1. Eat THREE meals a day.

2. Keep house clean (I came home Friday to an amazingly clean house, top to bottom, courtesy of future hubby).

3. Replace negative sayings with positive ones.

Getting married in 5 days!

A comparison

Runner:Songwriter

What?!

I know a little random. I wanted to write about my recent thoughts. This week was a little difficult on the training front. I have completed all the scheduled runs thus far. In the process, I think I have developed shin splints. They SUCK. Wednesday came and went and I had not done the 4 miles. It had just stopped raining and it was 7:30 PM. I decided that I was going to run. I was motivated by The Biggest Loser and friends who are also training. When I began running I felt fast. Maybe it was dark, maybe I feared what could catch me. I was SO excited and energized that I made the decision to run, even though all day I had tortured myself over when I was going to fit it in, and I had feelings of disappointment and guilt for not going. Once I was out the door running it felt like a relief. Here's my comparison to a songwriter...I have heard that they are tormented by a song until they can write out the words. I feel the same with training. I feel a burden to complete the scheduled runs. It weighs on me all day if I am not able to complete them in the morning. Once I finish, I feel SO great! I even get excited when I am able to check it off the calendar. Tomorrow I will be running 5 miles. Pray for my painful shins! And Yes, I think that running is all worth it. I really do enjoy doing it.

Crazy??

Perhaps, just a little.

As said by Jillian

So, I have been...I don't even know if there is a word in the dictionary for the up and down feelings I have had these past few days...it has just been weird.

Ry and I were watching the Biggest Loser tonight.  Jillian is the tough, brick house of a trainer.  She was talking to one of her contestants who really is an annoying person and hides behind this "I'm stupid"facade.  Anyways, the contestant was really annoying Jillian to say the least.  I think the correct sentiment was, "I want to rip her arms off and beat her over her head with them."  Well, Jillian finally "broke through" to this lady.  She started talking to her and there was something she said that really stuck with me.  

"You can write a different story."

Basically she was saying that everything is a CHOICE.  We can choose to follow a weight plan, or train for a marathon, or get out of an unhealthy situation, or change a career, or whatever it is.  It is a choice.  I can write a different story.  I don't have to keep up with the same defeating voice that wants to put myself down or tell myself that I am not good enough.  I don't have to keep the same bad attitude all day or all week.  I can change it in an instant.  I can write a different story.  It reminded me of a book I have read before, When God Writes your Life Story.  Maybe I need to pull that out and reread it.  

I will write a different story.  I know myself enough to know that I have to make mini goals and cover all areas of my life, not just one.  So, in the next few days I will let you know what those goals are, perhaps even day to day.

Tomorrow?  Fold all the laundry.

Confused

I feel downright confused with my weight loss adventure. I weighed yesterday after work and the scale read .5 UP! How in the world does someone GAIN weight the same week one runs 20 miles??? I weighed again this morning and it shows 2 lbs less than yesterday afternoon. I know that water weight comes into play and I am still battling my TOM. So which do I log? I put in the less weight but what if that's not accurate and then next week I will be frustrated again if I don't see a loss.

I have read that eating too much could be the problem...but I also read that NOT eating enough could be the problem. So, how am I to know which of the two is true for me?

I must press onward! (Cheesy I know!) I got up this morning and I went for my run, 3 miles...with the babe which felt hard for some reason. The babe is 25 lbs and the stroller could be 10-15 lbs. The wind was also blowing, making it feel hard in some parts. I did it though! I will keep on keeping on...maybe I'll get on the scale one day and be down like 5 lbs all of a sudden...haha.

Peace out!
B

Moovin and Groovin

I am so happy to be able to tell you that I successfully completed each training run from last Sunday through today. I have run a total of 20 miles since last Sunday. This Saturday I woke up early-get this, I was excited to do my 5 miles run!! I went around 7:30 and I ran the whole way. I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard but it felt comfortable. I didn't worry about how fast, I just wanted to run the distance. The hubbs and baby girl came to get me at the end of the 5 miles. Today I clocked 3 miles and it was HARD. My legs felt achy, but I am sure this will get better as my body gets conditioned to it.

On the eating front I haven't been counting points since Friday. I have been making smarter choices I hope. I will be honest and say that trying to lose weight on weight watchers and train for a run is tricky. I have been listening to my body and eating when hungry because I know it need fuel. I tacked 28 activity points this week!! I am thinking of goals for this coming week. I have been doing much better with the daily water. The veggies and fruits are still on my to do list. Tomorrow afternoon I will weigh in and I will also post what my goals are (assuming I come up with some between now and then)

I'm off to clean up the house and get ready for the week!
B
Oh yeah- GO NOLES!

Honesty

Okay, okay...I have been MIA.  

When Beth pointed that out, it hit me on the head why.  It felt exactly like that V8 commercial where they "bonk" you on the head.

I suck this week.

It isn't me being negative, it is the truth.  I haven't kept up with points, haven't drank water, etc, etc.  Truthfully, my non posting came from the fact that I couldn't figure out WHY.  Why did I fall off the "wagon?"  I HAVE NO IDEA.  

Now, where do I go from here?  I fix it.  Tomorrow, I will start with waking up earlier and not sleeping until the absolute last minute before I get dressed in five minutes and leave.  Because that makes me tired and unable to pack my lunch.  So, I will get up.  Then, I will make sure that I drink all my water for the day.  That's it.  Those are my two goals tomorrow.  Nothing more, but, it is nothing less.  It is a step in the correct direction instead of a spiral in the wrong one.  

I will let you know what happens!

Missin ya Thursday!

Hey, Hi, Hello!!

Where is Jennifer?
Anyone seen her?
Anyone?


Hee hee, just kidding. I know my sis has been super busy this week. It will probably be me next week that is MIA. I am feeling good about this week so far. I have run all the scheduled training runs so far. I am pumped about doing this, especially today. I have some back pain that I considered not running because of, but I ran. It felt good. My back didn't even hurt when I ran, it does now though. Oh well. Tomorrow is a rest day.

I have been doing better at making some food choices that I feel are better for me. Still struggling to get all the 5 fruit/veggies in. Ever find that you make a meal and the thought of dragging stuff out to make a salad or side veggie is just too much? Just me? Ok, oh well. I have done better on water each day getting more than needed.

I am not feeling as tempted about the upcoming "freedom" this weekend. I think I was anticipating my TOM (time of the month) Hopefully I will feel more excited about following my points and staying within them.

Happy Friday Eve.

Terrific Tuesday

I woke up this morning feeling grumpy, discouraged, bloated, etc. Why? Well, I did not do well this past weekend following WW. I woke up Sat. morning knowing that I wanted to run and have a good weekend but I woke with a headache close to a migraine and a run was not in the cards. The day got better but I had managed to allow that first step to talk me out of following my points for Saturday and even Sunday. I won't lie and say that I did not enjoy the food I ate, I did. It is clear that I am an emotional eater and this in turn affects my emotions.

I weighed yesterday and I was actually glad to see that I'd gained .5 pounds because I expected more. Whew. I did run 4 miles after church on Sunday which felt great.

I ran 3.16 miles this morning and again, it felt pretty good. I felt grumpy like I mentioned and I decided to get the run over with this morning as I have a tendency to talk myself out of it by the end of the day. I went out to the jogging stroller and I had asked the Hubbs to air my tires this weekend and he forgot. Instead of getting mad and not going, I had the Hubbs talk me through using his air compressor and airing the tires. Yes! I got the babe in the jogger and I was ready to go, hit play on the ipod, NO POWER...What?!! There are two things I have learned are a must if I run #1 Gum. #2 ipod! I still ran anyway. I felt like I was being challenged to go no matter what, and I did! I am going to do all of my training runs this week and focus on journaling my points and two things I need to focus on as goals are 1. Water! 2. Eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies.

I also want to note on the post from Jennifer about the feeling of worry. I have felt the same in the past. I don't think that is what is intended. The truth is, we won't ever count exactly right. Ever. That isn't the point. The point is that its a mindset. You ordered food or made a plate with the idea of limiting your portion. Even if you didn't count your points 100% correct, and ended up going over...you still probably ate less or made smarter choices than you would if you weren't trying to follow the guidelines. Keep up the good work.

Worry

There is a part of me that is getting worried about something.  I have tried really hard to stay on point this week.  The fiancee' and I went to dinner last night with some friends we hadn't seen in a long time, and it was all you can eat catfish.  I decided to be adventurous and try some.  It was GOOD.  BUT, bad key word?  Fried.  I did however have only three pieces, and then realized I was full and stopped...really proud of myself.  And, I wrote it down and counted it.  

Today we went to Austin and had Rudy's BBQ.  SO GOOD again!  I found that I chose wisely and had about 1/4 lb of lean brisket.  (3.5 points). 

Here is my worry...since I went to two local eating places, then my points are estimates.  My weekly points are gone per those estimates, but what if I didn't estimate correctly?  What if I am way over, and then end up gaining or only losing .5 again?  Will I lose my motivation?  I know that is something I can control, but I just know myself too well.  I did write everything down though...it just freaks me out when I can't document EXACTLY how many points something is.  

Whew! Its Friday...

ENTER temptation

I struggle with freedom and the relaxation that usually comes with our weekends. Somehow in my brain I programmed it to equate the weekend with stuffing myself full. How does that even happen that just because of the day of the week I feel willing to eat crap just because. This is something I have yet to fix or at least re-train.

I did run yesterday for the first time this week. I ran with the toddler in the jogging stroller. The weather was amazing and I felt very strong. I ran 3.16 miles. I was going to run after work today however we made last minute plans to surprise my friend's husband and congratulate him on passing the BAR exam. I will run first thing tomorrow. Yes, even before coffee. One, it will start the day on the right foot. Two, it will be part of my training for the 1/2 marathon.

Tomorrow the Seminoles are playing Colorado here in town and we will watch on TV. I LOVE college football and grilling and beer and...see where I'm going. I have a plan to put all my food plans down before I eat my first meal and not to deviate. I can do it. I will do it.

My sister is whooping my tail on the water front. I had to throw away my water bottles (trying to be greener and I recycle them as much as possible...but they were beyond gross and time to toss.) Having a container that I know has 4 servings of water or whatever is what helps me get all the days water in.

This has turned into a longer post than I intended...its not like anyone is really reading anyway, and if you are maybe you will relate or be able to give advice, etc.

Happy Friday!

How did Thursday turn out?

Well...I am happy to say that it went well!  I had an egg/english muffin this morning, and wasn't hungry.  But, my bigger triumph?  I didn't stay in points.  It is Thursday, usually my day to say "screw it" and stop counting.  Ryan and I decided to order Jason's Deli.  Whew...for being a healthy eating place, it is really, really high in points.  BUT...I counted my points.  I wrote everything down, and have 12 weekly points left.  I didn't give up.  I am not going to get off track tomorrow.  I have faith that I can do this.  My goal is to do my first week completely with in plan.  I know I can do it!  

Side note:  I am on day 4 of having ALL my water for the day.

Goin' Hungry

So far this week, I have done really well with my points.  I have only used 2.5 weekly points and that was yesterday.  I went through the WHOLE day feeling hungry, which was a new thing.  I am not really sure why.  I looked at my food journal, and Monday, I had an english muffin for breakfast, Tuesday, I had oatmeal, and yesterday, I had string cheese.  Yep, that is probably it.  I am going to try a heartier breakfast today and see if that helps.  

Today is a toughy.  In the past few weeks, I do great with point counting, then I hit Wednesday or Thursday and I quit.  It is usually for two reasons...one, I get tired of counting, so I quit or two, I eat out and "blow" the day, so then I give up for the week.  However, there are two differences this week.  One, little sis is looking out for me, and two, this is the first week I have stayed within points everyday (minus 2.5 points).   I think that will make a difference.  No, let me change my thought pattern.  It will make a difference.  

My first post on My Birthday!

Hey! I'm the little sister, my name is Bethy. I have struggled with weight forever it seems. I was successful in college by following weight watchers. I lost 30 lbs and kept it off for close to five years. I gained 42 lbs during the pregnancy of my first child. I thought this would come off relatively quickly as I had plans to breastfeed, etc. I was only able to nurse for 3 months and the weight seemed to STAY ON!!!!!!!!!! I was sick to death of putting on maternity pants and resolved to trying weight watchers with the information I already had, in an effort to save some money. From March '08-June '08 I lost about 15 pounds. I must have taken a small pause from June through July and then began again with weight watchers online at the end of July. I have lost 14.5 lbs! I also have been running and will begin a training program for a half marathon on Thanksgiving Day! I think the running helps my weekly loses a GREAT deal. I also run around after my now 15 month old daughter. LOVE HER.

I look forward to this blog to keep us accountable and to have an outlet on the Highs and lows of a weight lose journey.

Hello!

So, hi!  No clue if anyone is going to read this, but my adorable sister and I have been on this Weight Watchers track for a few weeks, she better than I (although, comparing is one of those things I have to work on), and we were trying to come up with a way to be held more accountable, so here we are!

My story:  

Growing up, I was a pretty healthy weight.  I was a ballerina for many, many years and was able to stay slim.  High school was more activity with Colorguard and Marching Band.  College led me to put on a few pounds , but really, my eating habits are what STINK!  I LOVE Dr. Pepper like it is the only liquid around and tend to drink quite a few a day.  Like 5 or 6 if I get the chance.  Fruits and veggies are in my fridge every once in a while with good intentions, but usually get thrown out, for having gone bad.  The last few years have left me with a stubborn 10-20 pounds that leave, come back, leave, come back.  I think it is partly due to birth control medicine.  I want to eat healthy and make better decisions.  I would love to start a family soon, and want to be at a good starting weight, so the baby weight comes off easier.  I also want to be able to instill good eating habits in my kids, and not do the "McDonalds diet".  I am a school teacher, and have made a pact this year not to reward my students with food.  (I used candy all the time in the past.)  Instead I use pencils, erasers, trinkets, or better yet, natural rewards, i.e. do homework for a month, get a homework pass!

So many things in my life have changed recently for the WAY BETTER, and I just thought my body should catch up with it.  So, Beth, my mom, and I started this together.  They are in the Sunshine State, while I am in the Lone Star State.  There are a few weeks I just didn't do anything at all in the beginning (I think we started July 2o-something), hence the slow weight loss.  My mindset has been better most days, and I just finally said, enough is enough, and here we go!