What have I got to lose?

2012-01-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

Putting this here, so I remember to do it!

10 races in!!

2010-09-25T18:23:00.003-07:00

I crossed a milestone this morning! I have now officially ran 9 5k's and 1 10k race! Since April I might add. That's an average of 2 races per month!! This one was extra special, as it benefited Niagara Hospice. They took such amazing care of us and my step father when he passed quickly from cancer 2 years ago. He is missed dearly everyday.

SO I finished in 38:45 - which isn't a PR, BUT after BARLEY running for the past 6 weeks, I was pretty impressed when I turned that corner and saw 38 on the time clock! It was a nice course, that ran through 4 mile state park, in Youngstown, NY. It was nice to run by the all the families camping for the weekend and cheering you on. My heel is a bit sore after, but not unbearable. My mom actually walked the race with a good family friend of ours and both won medals for their age group! Mom finished in 57 something and karen in 1 hr 3 mins! Congrats to both of them too. We didn't get pictures (bummer) the best part of the whole thing was Colin (my 3 year old) running up and grabbing my hand just before the finish line and running with me. He was so cute and SO excited to run with mommy!!

Tomorrow is yet another busy day. Apple picking with friends!! Ready for some fall fun!

Another Run in

2010-09-13T12:46:00.001-07:00

Skipped the rest of week 5 yesterday and moved right into week 6 day 1. It consists of

1 5 min run
walk
1 8 min run
walk
1 5 run
The first did I did w/o much problem, the second 5 min really killed me. I really think I need to redo the course I take, it's all uphill the last part, and I know that plays a huge factor in why I had trouble with the last part. Trying to find a route however near me that isn't uphill is hard to do! On top of running 2.5+ miles yesterday, I got a decent strenght training session in as well.
I am loving this fall weather and hoping to get a good run in tonight as well. I am hoping this has me back on track! I am feel ing better just thinking about doing it. I've been tracking my food today as well, which is something that I havent done in a few months. I am hoping this is the push I need to see results. I am actually looking forward to weigh in on wed!

Back to Basics

2010-09-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

Starting over again. Back to simplicity. Yesterday I RAN. It's been just about 4 weeks since I've ran, and hurt my heel. I wanted to give it some time to heal, and while doing so, built up this horrible mental block,, that I just could NOT get past. It was killing me. So much so, that I figured if I can't run, why bother doing anything? THEN I noticed I was giving into EVERY craving I possibly could. I kept saying if I am not working out, why bother eating right (yea, I know dumb, dumb). THEN we went camping last weekend. We got home from camping and I weighed in at 250 WTF????? When we left for Colorado a month ago i was at 237!!!. Well on Offical weigh in day, I was at 242.4, which was only a 2 lb gain while on the camping trip. NOt too bad, and I am sure alot of water retention. And I was dehydrated. SO.. 3 days this week, Sitting at work I get all this motovation to go run. I know I need to just GO! Well, I can't when I sitting at work. So 5 hours later, I get the kids, make dinner, transport to cheer, go though school paperwork, get bathes done, bedtime done, it's now 9:30pm. Yep, no run for me. Nor do I want to go to the gym that late. So what do I do? Yep, sit there with a huge bowl of ice cream and wallow in my own pity. *sigh*

Yesterday I had enough. I NEED to do something. I've been lucky that in the month that I haven't been doing much that I only gained 5 lbs. But I know that 5 will turn into 25 very easily. It was a perfect evening. Got the kids, made dinner, ate, and handed over the kids to hubby and left. Got my running gear on, grabed my Ipod and went directly to the C25K program. What better way to get back into the swing of things. I jumped right in at Week 5 day 1. (3) 5 minute runs seperate by (2) 3 mintue walks. It was perfect. The one was patheticly easy. The second was hard, but I did it. The last was a killer, but I pushed and kept on going. I ended up coving 2.48 miles in the 34 mintues that I was gone. I was impressed. I am going to continue to use the C25K program until I am more comfortable out there again.I am determinded to get past this mental block. Having someone telling me what to do will hopefully help that. I didn't have any heel pain while I was running, but had some later that night and a ton this morning, Nothing that some motrin wasn't able to help me with. I'll live. I can walk, thats how I judge it. So this is my back to basics plan.
I will contiue to run at least 3x's per week, if not every other day.
I will start tracking my goals again.
I will start tracking my food again
I will start tracking my fitness again.
And the most important I will be mentally ready to run this race on the 25th and kick some butt for cancer and Hospice! I have a goal to work towards and darn it, I am going to do it!

Give a Way

2010-09-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted a fuel belt?? I know I've considered it. Well ~ Running Diva Mom is giving one away HERE - Check it out and enter! I personally would love the Kiwi Green/Black H20 belt! Good Luck!!

Weigh In

2010-09-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

So I'll start by saying TOM is visiting. And I didn't try worth of crap to lose weight this week. Seriously I didn't. Sure I've watched what I've ate, but I also gave into each and every craving there was. I've been pretty laxed about my workout's too. It's been HOT here. 90+. I've done the trail a couple of time and I did one day of strength. That is IT. Pathetic I know. I haven't ran in almost 3 weeks, I am still fighting the mental block. However I still managed to lose 1lb! What the heck is up with that?? I am super thrilled to be back to 240, but quite suprised since I was all preped to see a 243 on that scale today.
I can't figure out what is going on with me. Maybe becuase I really can't even remember the last time I was smaller then 237, so my mind is content to stay where I am at? I am proud to have lost 30 lbs so I don't feel like I need to push anymore? I dont' know, but I don't know what has got me to this point where I am so stuck and lacking motovation. I need to get back to basics. I know ALOT of it has to do with how busy our schedule got the month of August. No I not using that as an excuse, but has become near impossible to make it to the gym during the week and working out at home at 9 at night, well personally I'd reather sleep! So yea, not doing so hot. I am glad I lost that one lb. I have no idea what I did to deserve it though. I have the SPARK book. I am going to go back to reading it. I am determinded in Sept to get my A$$ back in gear. To do good again and lose a good 3 lbs by the end of the month. And RUN darn it! Break the mental block Kym. I will, I just need to DO IT! My next race is the 25th and darn it, I will run at least 6 times before then. It's a small goal, but you know what I am going to make it a spark streak so I hold my self accouintable. It's what i need to push the block away!
In other news, we are going on a family camping trip this coming weekend! 3 days! We've NEVER taken the kids camping ever. I am excited and nervous about how it will turn out, but super excited at all the activies that are planned too!

Better Day Today

2010-08-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Morning!! (on my way to work this morning)

So after feeling so horrible yesterday, after hubby got home from work, I lugged my bike into the back seat of the van and took off to a new bike trail about 5 miles from my house. This trail has been in the works for 10 yes, 10 years now and just opened 2 months ago. It runs through the woods in the deep suburbs by us and you can spot tons of wildlife at times. A friend of mine has seen 3 turkeys and our fox friend already (we have quite a few fox around). The kids were INSANE yesterday, like someone gave them an IV of red dye, so I was thankful to get the heck out of there!
I wasn't able to do the whole trail, since it was 7:20 when I arrived, and I was alone, I didn't want to ride after dark. It's scary even if you are close to home and know the area. The path is 4 miles long one way, and I decided I would ride to the 2.5 mile mark then turn around to get a good 5 mile ride in. I did just that,stopping a few times for pictures and water breaks and made it back to my car at 7:53, just as it was starting to get dark. It was so calming and relaxing and it was a perfect, not humid evening. The trail turns out is RIGHT around the block from where Courtneys cheer practice is. I could hear the girls yelling from where my car was parked (courtney didn't have practice last night, but other teams did) SO on the nights that hubby is home when it's time to leave for practice (which are FEW) I am going to drop her off, go run/walk or ride the trail and be done in time to get her 2 hours later. It will be so much easier then driving 20 mins to the gym and being stuck inside when our summer months are already so short.

My original goal, as I mentioned yestrerday was to run. For some reason, I am having a running mental block. I am scared. What is UP with that??? I think it's becuase I am SO afarid of hurting my heel more and not being able to walk after that I am blocking the running from happening. I need to work through this. I know I can and will, but mental blocks are MUCH harder to climb then pysical ones sometimes. Yes my heel is healing (LOL) but still have some problems with it. I can't soley bear any weight on just that foot w/o pain. Trying to balance in the shower on just that foot to shave the opposite leg is hard, and I feel the pain a ton then. I am going to have to go the pharmacy and see if they have any type of braces for your heels (???) that I can wear for the extra support.

Here are some trail pictures. Cell phone camera of course, so they are blurry.

When I got home yesterday, I thought I would do some shopping in my closet to see what bottoms were fitting. I was able to get into a pair of 22 jeans that I haven't fit into in 2 years. They are a wide leg and I love them! I am wearning them today.... Hang on I'll go get a picture.

Ok, so while trying on pants, I can't understand why clothes fit SO different. Why I button up a size 18 but not a 22?? Seriously yes, I was able to ZIPPER and BUTTON my goal jeans (Thanks BECKY!!) However there is NO way I could wear them in public yet, I had about 20 lbs of fat hanging over the top of them, but hey I zippered em right?? But yet a pair of black curdoury pants in a 22 I couldn't even get to BUTTON let a long ZIP! Geez! I am excited to eventually get into a 20 and 18, because I have SO many jeans in these sizes. I was an 18/20 forever until 3 years ago when I ballooned to where I am/was 8 months ago. I am slowly surely making my way there. Yes I've lost 30 lbs. But not much of that was from my waist belly area. Figures huh???
Ok, enough for now. Happy Hump day

Weigh In

2010-08-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Yet another gain. It is what it is. It's a small one, only about 4-5 ounces, but I am doing it to myself. I can't figure out why i can't get myself back into this. Is it really THAT easy to fall out of habit and things you know you really enjoy?? Seriously?
This time of year is just a challange in itself for me. It's getting close to back to school time. We have cheer practice every night from 6-8 (I get home from work at 5:15) and my hubby typicaly works long days and doens't get home until 7 or later. This makes it very hard to get the gym (my guys with sensory issues don't handle the day care part of the gym, or I'd take them with) once things get settled down it's after 9- the gym is open until 10:30, and once upon a time that is when I went. NOW I can't bring myself to do that when at 9pm all i really want to do is sleep!! I haven't ran since the race after vacation and my heal injury, which is still acting up. I did get to do some ST last night and minor cardio, but had to really PUSH to finish it. To get back on track, I know I need to start running again. It's what I really enjoy doing the most (outside of strength) and gives me my time alone. I am going back to basics. I am going to go back to the C25K program. start around week 4. I know I dont' HAVE to do this. I've run 9 races in 5 months time. BUT i feel like I need to start back up slow and really baby this heel of mine. My next race isn't until 09/25, and although I keep thinking I need to pick up one here and there, I am not going to. I am going to use my program, use the tools I've found over this 8 month journey and work my hardest. I am going to get past this. If it takes a month, fine. If It takes a week fine. I just know that I've come this far, and I can keep going. I WILL keep going. Just need to get back to the basics

Hidden Pictures

2010-08-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

So the idiot that I am, had no idea that professional photographers actual shoot most of the races that I run in. The site that I pull all my race info from, I just go to the site, and skip directly to either, race schedules or results. well it's AWFULY slow at work here today, so while browsing the site, I found a link for pictures..... Hm.... Click. 2 of the 9 races I have done are listed. ok..... Click on them. Ah Ha! Who knew I was being shot! LOL Not I! They are HORRIBLE pictures. next time I know to not look so worn out when I crossing the finish line. So here are a couple from the 2 races I found on the site.

This is the St. John Vianny Run ON thursday the 22nd. It was an evening one and I didn't do so well. This was the race I decided that I like morning runs MUCH better! Caden actually made it into this shot as well!

Another SJV one.

And here is the most discusting picture I have EVER seen of myself. I am only posting here, no where else. it's horrible. this is my last race. Last Weekend, where I hurt my ankle and had only been home from vacation for 2 days. I'd gained 5 lbs and the humidity was about 91% and the temps in the 80's. it was just plain gross out and yes, I felt as HORRIBLE as I looked in this picture.

and there ya have it. Me at the Mississippi Mudds 5K.

So in other news, I now know I did the right thing by taking about 4 days off from everything. My heel is doing SO Much better. thank you all for the well wishes for it as well! I did get to the gym 2 nights ago, did some weights (upper body only) then took Becky's advice and did about 25 mins on the Stationary Bike. it as a good 25 mins and I had quite the sweat working there! I took last night off again, and hope to get back out there tonight, if not for sure Sunday (out of town for the day tomorrow) All in all though, I am glad I took the time to get better. Each day I feel more and more better and am walking w/o even limping now! Hopefully i'll wake up tomorrow and be fine!

My first TOO big shirt!

2010-07-29T14:39:00.001-07:00

I am SO pathetically excited! I found a shirt that is not only too big, but WAY to big. Like I can't even get away with wearing it without looking a slob!! I am SO excited, can you tell???

30 lbs lost, pictures, drama and HRM

2010-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Wow do I have alot to share, Sorry if this ends up long.

First of all, Today I WI in 2 lbs lighter at 237.6, I NEVER lose 2 lbs in a week, so this is huge for me. That 2 lbs brought me to a new milestone of 30lbs lost. I am SO excited. And even more excited becuase I get to justify the pedicure that I have scheduled for Friday! LOL I scheduled it yesterday beucase I really wanted to get it done before we leave for Colorado, BUT I also didn't think being the same weight for over a month that it would happen, so I went ahead and booked it and just did the reward early. Now i don't feel quilty at ALL!! yay !!
I was also leary about WI today becuase there has been alot of family drama going on this week. My brother is now an estranged family member and no longer welcome in my home. It's sad yes, however it's for the best. I learned after dealing with PPD that you have to rid yourself of toxic people in your life in order to be happy and healthy. He in the end along with his girlfriend and her family were very toxic to me. In the past 3 days I have been called many things, told I need to grow the F*** up, that I was a spolid selfish bitch and inconsiderate to others (not even by my brother, but his girlfriend???!!!) . that hurt. So much so that I found myself second guessing it for a second. I spend alot of time crying, and feeling bad that I was taking my children away from their uncle and godfather, but in the end, I also relalized that they haven't seen or heard from him in over 7 months, so it's not really hurting them. And when they do hear from him, it's not even positive, it's negative and hurtful. So I think this is the best possible outcome of the whole thing. I have family, my mom and dad, Mike's family and a TON of friends who loves us and my children, and that means more to me then any negative person being around can. So needless to say, I am THRILLED for the weightloss considering all the stress and (extra bowls of ice cream) that have been involved in the past 4 days.
So this past weekend as you know I had to yet again go dress shopping (guh!!) My dear friend put these 2 pictures side/side for me to compare and show off, since I for some dumb Reason can NOT figure out how to do it by myself yep!! (DOH!) SO here you go.

The picture on the left is from a wedding last July 267 lbs. the one of the right is from this week, 28lbs down at 239. Although I am not nearly where I wanted to be by now, I am quite proud of how far I've come!
Also!! I am a frequent shopper of onesaleaday. if you have never visited this site be sure to do so! www.onesaleaday.com I've been wanting a heart rate monitor for quite some time now. We just don't have the extra money in our budget to justify it. So today, as I was making my morning rounds for my deal web site, I found the Bowflex HRM on sale for $17.99 from $199.99!!! I HAD to order it!

Who knows if this is the right type to buy or not, who cares? it was only $20!! Here are the details on it,

Easy-to-use fitness watch for aerobic activities

Lightweight and comfortable changeable battery chest belt

Accurate continuous heart rate

Sleek and comfortable design for a good fit on the wrist

ECG heart rate

Counts calories and fat burned during workouts

Programmable heart rate zone with a high and low alarms

% of Max heart rate

High and low target zones w/ alarm

% of average, maximum and minimum heart rate

Stopwatch

Time, Calendar, Alarm

User menu

Personal profile

Chronograph

Memory

Night Vision

Countdown timer

Pacer

Water-resistant
Looks good enough to accomplish what I'll use for for now anyway!! can't wait to get it.

Ok, I think that's it for now. Sorry for the lenght. How is everyone else doing today??

The dress I got.

2010-07-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

Races

2010-07-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

2 races in 3 days this past week. Needless to say I've been busy! Thursday I had a kickoff run for St. John Vianney. I thought I had finished in 40:03, when viewing the results today though, turns out my official time was 39:53, hey 10 seconds is 10 seconds!

So here I am before the Race.

And here I am coming up to the finish line. We forgot to put the memory card in the camera so we ran out of memory for any other pictures! DUH!!

Then on Saturday I ran the Crabapple 5K right down the road from my house~ I was excited about this one, since most of the course is what I run when I go running 4 miles on my own, so that was nice! It was SO hot and humid though. When we woke up at 8am it was already 79 out and humidity was sky high. I had Sweat pouring down before I even started running!

Taking off

Almost there!

This is a horrible picture, but I was laughing SO hard. The boys were cheering me on at the finish line, must have been saying Go Mommy, and the guy with the speaker phone said "BRING IT HOME MOMMY!" I was cracking up!

Mike tried to get my crossing the finish line. he was close
My final time was 38:44, much better then 2 days before.

And here is Colin enjoying the free Subway Subs and popcorn after wards!

2010-07-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

In 11 days Hubby & I (sans kids) hop on a plane to fly across the country to celebrate his best frieds wedding in Denver, Colorado. I am SO excited for this trip, I can't contain it! :-) Some of you may remember that there was a specific dress that I Really wanted to be able to get into for this wedding. I bought it 4 years ago and never wore it. When I pulled it out in the begining of June to try it on, I could barley get it on, let alone zip it. I had a super strong fitness plan to make it work by August 1st. Although I wasn't able to stick with that plan (jillian Michaels hurts my knees WAY too much) I did get a good strengh routine from a trainer at the gym and continue to run races and do cardio as well. I am happy with how I am working out. Funny part is during this time, I have lost NOTHING! I've gained a pound and lost a few ounces, only to gain them all back again. So be it. I've learned early on that I am a VERY slow looser. Well yesterday, being short of 2 weeks before the wedding, I figured I better try on that dress. Well let's just say I won't be wearing it to the wedding, BUT I was able to get it on, and ZIPPED! Until the boobs came into play. I have lost NOTHING here. And it seems to be my problem! LOL It fits over waist, and hips, but can't zipper it over my chest. *sigh* I am PROUD regardless that altough in the 6 weeks I've lost no weight I was able to get in that dress, that was NOt even close to being able to do so before. So that makes me feel better.

So I did still end up having to go dress shopping yesterday. I had no one to go with, so I had to go alone, which is not easy. you always need another pair of eyes. First two store were horrible. I couldn't find anything and when I did, I felt like a blimp. The last store (Dress Barn, which I should have just went to first off) I found a couple. I've never shopped at a store where the sales staff is so willing to help. I was torn between 2, so had to go out and model them both (since I was ALONE!) to get an opinion. I ended up buying one and even got some earrings to go with it as well. I'll have to take pictures of it later to show you.
I also had a converstation yesterday about weight. It was intersting. When I was younger, I always thought I was HUGE. I've again, always been heavy, but after looking at pictures, when I thought I was really big, I wasn't nearly as big as I thought I was. Now however I am. It's horribly sad that body imagine means so much to us at that young age. Its sad to think that so many years are wasted thinking horrible thoughts about yourslef, only to look back at those years now and WISH you could look like that it. Society makes us think this way and it's sad.

Oh here's a HORRIBLE cell phone picture of the dress. it does it no justice and you can't even see the color or detail! But it's something until I get home later!

Tonight we are going on a late night boat ride (cataraman) with my dad and his wife, and some other friends.

(horrible picture, had to find it online) But it's something we do every year at this time. We have the last sailing time from 8:15pm to 10:15pm. NO kids again, they'll be home with the sitter! Food and drink are included. I am really looking forward to it!!

Here's the thing

2010-07-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

Iam SO freaking TIRED!! I can not even begin to tell you how much I just want to sleep. SO much so that I am very heavily considering skipping the gym tonight to vege out at home, do nothing and get to bed at a reasonable hour. I hate feeling like this. The worst part is that tomorrow is weigh in day. I have NO weighted myself or peeked at all, which is for the best, since I am feeling WAY off and bloated and I have been WAY WAY off on my food. It's my own fault I know. I feel like if I take off tonight and relax, I am making an already bad weigh in, even worse, But If I go, I am pushing myself to do things that I know I need a break from. At this point, I know I've gained in the past week, as i have no choice but to take that, I also think I am ok with it. I am too tired to care otherwise. I ran 4 miles friday. Spent all day Saturday running after 2 toddlers at an amusement park, Went for a 4 mile bike ride on Sunday and did 30 min and 30 min ST last night. It's not like I am sitting here doing nothing. I am! But being so tired, also lets my guard down when it comes to food. I eat, becuase I am tired. I've ate way to much today and can't wait to get home and get on PJ's.

I am sorry this is such a debbie downer blog, but I am just wiped. Working full time, not getting to bed until well after 11. Chasing 2 toddlers all over, not just during the day, but in the middle of the night as well, must have caught up with me. I am tired. I need a break. And I am writing this to hold myself accountable for the weigh in that will be a gain tomorrow.

Making the choice NOW to go home after work today and not go to the gym. I am making the choice to take care of me right now, even if that is only in mentality mode and not physical!

Oatmeal pancakes & Race today!

2010-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

I've never like oatmeal. I've tried many many times to eat it and just can't do it. I have NO idea if it's the texture or what, but it just doesn't work for me. I read a couple weeks back on a spark blog, (NO idea what one, sorry!) About making oatmeal pancakes. Simple ones at that! I thought what the heck?? It doesn't hurt to try and see if I like it! And I do!! I just use one instant packet of quaker oatmeal ( I like maple/brown sugar for flavor) One whole egg and one egg white, mix it together, pour into pan and proceed as if making regular pancakes! One of these is more then enough and plenty filling. the original recipie called for 2 whole eggs, but I couldn't justify the calories and fat in that 2nd whole egg, so I used just the white of the 2nd one. I also tried it with just one egg and a couple tablespoons of water, but It stuck to the pan and really didn't hold very well, so I suggest using the egg rather than water. I also use a little bit (maybe 1-2 tbsp) of light reduced calorie syrup. I can't do the dry thing, just me being weird.

here's a picture of it, of course after I started eating it already! It looks like a ton of syrup is on there, there really isn't. I think it's the glare of the bright lights at work. :-)
Nutrition Info of my version:
Cals 302 (this was 252, but the syrup brings it higher)
Carbs 44
Fat 4
Protein 14
Tonight is also the Subaru 4 Mile Chase Race. I am not sure how i feel about this yet. I've BARLEY ran at all since the 10K. The temps have been in the 90's and the humidity is insane and I just can't run in that. I've been working out. We've been bike riding ALOT. I do the elliptical almost daily, so it's not like I've done nothing, but not a full out run. I did run on the treadmill the other day at the gym and HATED it. I HATE running on the treadmill. funny since that is where I started at! So again, the temps are cooler today, thankfully (84 if that's cooler!) but STILL very high humidity. So we'll see how it goes. It helps that it's at 7pm, so the sun will going down and it'll be cooler then if it was at 9am. I am not shooting for anything other then to finish this honestly. Hopefully in under and 55 minutes (my goal) But again, it's been 1.5 weeks since I ran that distrance, and I have no idea how I'll hold up. I am not sure of the course yet either. Time will tell!!

Here's a cell phone crappy picture of me to leave you with today. I took in the bathroom at work, so it's pretty blurry but it's the best I could do.

July 16th 239lbs.
Happy weekend everyone! We are taking the kids to an amusement park tomorrow wtih a special needs group, super excited for them!

2010-07-11T17:18:00.001-07:00

18.2 Mile Bike Ride

Sunday, July 11, 2010

I woke up this morning craving a 10 mile bike ride! Very surprising since we had Colin's birthday party yesterday and had company until close to 11pm last night.

So we ate, got dressed, loaded up the bikes and trailer and headed out at 9:30 this morning. It was around 73 and perfect riding weather!

Got to the parking lot and it was already getting warmer. Got us packed up, extra water on hand and rode. We got to the end of the first trail 5.2 miles and decided to keep going. We started In Amherst, NY and ended up in Tonawanda, NY, for those that live in Buffalo. From UB North Campus to Niawanda park. here we are at about the 7 mile mark, quite hot and sweaty!
Mike very hot!

our little troopers!

Hot and sweaty me!

We finally made it the first 9 miles and ended at our destination. Mississipi mudds along the Niagara River. So pretty here. We settled in for lunch. I had a great 5oz. marinated Chicken breast on a roll. Hubby had pulled pork and Colin has chicken nuggets. (caden doesn't eat, ever - after we ate, we went up the rooftop to check out the scenery.

The boys had a great time running around chasing the birds. Mike and I relaxed with frozen yogurt and watched. We stayed there for about an hour before we decided to make the treck back. We pulled away at 1:20 and made it back to UB parking lot by 2:50. I had to stop ALOT on the way back, my girly parts were a wee bit sore! Darn bike seats. We ended up doing a total of 18.2 miles though and had a great time. Too bad my daughter was a bummer and stayed home.

And in the end through all the sweat and hard riding we burned over 1100+calories!

2010-07-09T19:54:00.001-07:00

10 10 10 summer challenge

2010-07-06T12:45:00.003-07:00

Since Spark ate my 10K blog yesterday, and I don't have pictures with me at work, this one will have do.

My gym (the YMCA) has started a 10 10 10 summer challegne. It's actually 3 challenges in one. they consist of the following

1 - Lost 10lbs

2- Complete 10 cardio miles on Y equipment

3 - Try out 10 different classes.
You can do one of all 3, and if your are able to complete each or all of them, you get entered into a drawaing to win 3 hours of personal training. The competition runs from July 5th to August 25th. Of course I HAD to sign up. I never let anything of the sort pass me by!
So yesterday was my weigh in and first meeting with my trainer. I was SUPER excited about this. I've been weighted at the gym before and I KNOW for some reason the scale is never right. It said I weighed in at 230. I know this is wrong. Even more so since it was 7 at night and I we just finished a HUGE dinner. My scale at home last week was 239, and when I got home from the gym yesteday, just to double check it said 242, so I know 230. is wrong, but we'll use it to track at the Y ONLY. I got my body fat measured and he also took all of my regualr mesurements. He told me I have great running legs. I have to laugh at this, only because everyone tells me I have these amazing legs. And I am lucky enough that I do have nice legs, but this is NOT from weight loss, I've been lucky enough to be born with nice legs, thanks to my dad (LOL) Only NOW they are QUITE muscular! So thank YOU all too for the great comments, I only wish it was becuase I worked HARD to get them that way.
So after all the measuements and things he got a strength circut together for me. He said I didn't need a cardio plan, that between running and what I accomplish on the machines there, I am doing all the right things. he did say that if I am stucks and want to switch it up, then trying doing intervals on the elliptical for 20 mintues instead of just 30 mins of average. So I'll try that too. I loved learning how to use the free weights and different techniques. I have a bunch of things to do, 3 days per week and do each set 16 times for 3 reps. this is interseting, since I typically Only do the machines for 2 reps of 12 each. Hm... So maybe this will help? It's a nice mix of machine, free weights and cable weights. I am excited to start it1
Tonight i plan on doing my strength class, maybe 30 mins of cardio then relaxing in the pool for a bit too. It's in the 90's here and will be for the next few days. I have central air at home, but the pool will still be a nice break from the ordinary.

Weigh in

2010-06-30T13:34:00.001-07:00

239.4 - No Loss. No Gain. Guess it's ok huh? I do get frustrated and can't understand why I don't lose faster, but it is what it is. I didn't track my food this week, just to see how I would do. I guess I'll be a PRO at maintaining when I get to that point huh??

All in all though, I am over the fact that I need to fit a dress for a wedding just over a month away, if it doesn't fit by the of July, that's fine. I'll shop for another one. I can not continue to stress myself out over the fact that i NEEDS To work. It's just stressing me out, and in turn, probably making me gain! LOL

so here's to better tracking and a better week, starting tomorrow!! {yea, June is not going out with a BANG, I am exhausted today and am taking it slow, and easy tonight!}

Jog for the Jake

2010-06-30T13:30:00.001-07:00

Man of oh man and I SUPER behind on blogging. I hate when this happens. Not sure what's going on, but I am in a pretty serious motivatin funk. Help me!!

So 2 weeks ago was the Jog for the Jake race in Delaware Park. My mom and his new Beau were walking it as well. We picked up our race packets on Saturday the night before and got all set to leave early Sunday. This was the one race that we decided to bring the boys too, since it was fathers day, which was nice. Well we got there at about 8:45, 45 mintues before the race began. Delaware park is 1.5 miles around. It circles many areas, including our Buffalo zoo. So we run into a volunteer, ask where the starting line is, so we can hang out and acquint the boys to a new enviroment and he waves us this way, saying it's over that way. Ok..... never told us how far. So we walk. One 4 year walking, 2 year old in a stroller, Bag on my back with water, ipod etc, that eventually gets to hot to wear and ends up on the stroller. It's 9am and ALREADY 80+ degress out. No shade anyway. Direct HOT sun right on us. So we walk, and walk, and walk. About 1/2 around, we have NO idea where we should be. We are coming up to the zoo, I ask a security guy what time it was and where in the WORLD is the starting line?? He gives me the time of 9:20 (?????) WHAT????? He points me towards the starting line, right where we were when we GOT THERE!

Mike & Caden walking

I freaked out! I left the boys behind and had to RUN to the finsih line. It was at least 1/2 mile and I had already walked 1 mile! I was sweating my BUTT off, had to pee and still didn't have the chip on my sneaker! My ipod, water etc were still in the stroller but I didn't have time to go back to them! I was stressing. I ran, and ran, and ran. Found a port a potty with a line, got my chip on my shoe, went pee FAST and ran to the line. Got there and saw my mom and Jack waving to me. got to them, starting to say hey, I just walked/run 1.5 miles and then BANG! The gun goes off! WHAT???? Are you kidding me?? Run with NO Ipod and not even catch my breath??? My mom gave me hers and sent me on my way. I ran, and ran. I was exhausted and dehydrated Long before I even got through the first mile. I was bummed, with as hot as it was, the only water spot they had was back at the 1/2 mark back at where we started. I at least got to see Mike and the kids when I was coming in for water. I was dying. The water didn't cut it.

Coming in for a water break

Mom & Jack 1/2 way

I ended up walking most of the way after that, I just couldn't push myself anymore, I ended up finishing in 42:03 - not my best time, but I was hot and in the end had ended up doing somewhere around a 7K race.
0
Waving as I am about to finish.

The after party was amazing though! We had chicken, sliders, hotdogs, salad, cookies, ice cream! Tons of fun things for the kids to do and everything. I'll run this again next year and know where the starting line is!! Heres a few more pics!

Col and I
C
me, my mom and Jack

The boys

My first Ever "NOTICED" moment!

2010-06-18T05:41:00.001-07:00

was on cloud 9 when I got home from the gym yesterday. At the begining of my journey, I met a spark friend locally on here, we go to the same gym and quickly became buddies. She got me into Zumba and I got her into Strength Class training. We push each other and it's quite enjoyable. I've been taking the strength class I got her into since January. I really enjoy it. In fact, looking at the whole, I wonder if this is why I lose so slowly? I do ALOT of strength training? I wonder if my body is too busy making new muscle to work on the fat?? Whatever, anyway it sounds good right?? LOL

So Toni and I go to this class 2 times per week. Love the insturctor and got to know most people in there as well. A young(er) girl there usually comes with her husband, and I hadn't seen her in a couple of weeks, but think nothing of it. Its summer now and the class is alot smaller. WELL said girl was there last night. As class ended and we put away our equipent, she comes up to Toni and I and says this "I haven't been here in 2 weeks, but I know who you two are, since your always here, always together and always enjoying it. So since I have been gone and came back today, I wanted to tell you guys that you look SO much different in 2 weeks. She said I am sure you don't see it, but she does and wanted to let us know that we are doing a great job" I was floored! I haven't really had anyone yet notice a change in me. Everyone I know, see's me everyday, so they would't see the change. And when they say "you look good Kym" I have a hard time believing that it's sincere, since they KNOW I am trying, it's probably just out of niceness. I couldnl't stop smiling and thanking her to pieces. She made my night!!
At 26 lbs lost, I thought I too would see major changes, I don't so much, only down one size, but you know what? I FEEL better. that is what counts! I can wrap a bath towel around my body when I get out out of the shower. I've always had to use 2 in the past. I can go in my closet and wear "most" of the clothes in there now. I can come home from work and put on shorts and a tshirt instead of Pajama bottoms, becuase I am more comfortable and confident. This girl proved to me that my hard work IS working. And that all the sweat and pain that comes with it is more worth it then ever.
Remember how I hurt my hip last week? It was feeling better. Went to Zumba last night, and 20 mintues in, popped it out AGAIN. ugh!! Even had to leave class, couldn't even stand! SO I think I am going to take it easy until my Race on sunday. Don't want to cause any more damage.
AND tonight is game night with my girlfriends too. 15 of us get together, eat, chat and enjoy. It's my one night where all bets are off. I enjoy the company and enjoy the snacks/food. I WON'T feel guilty. I will work hard tomorrow to make up for it. I will enjoy!!!

I need a challenge

2010-06-17T18:18:00.001-07:00

I am in need of a challenge. I guess being a full time working mom of 3 and advocating for 2 isn't enough for me huh?? Just kidding, I love that part! Seriosuly though. I do SO much better when I have a GOAL to work towards and can be held accountable for.

I've proved to myself that I CAN run. I truly enjoy running now and look forward to each and every race that comes my way. This Father's day I will be running my first race with my kids there to cheer me on. this is a HUGE thing for us. We *typically* don't take them places, seriously I don't say that to be mean. It's just easier for them to stay home. Too many people, crowds, lots of noice etc, just overstimulate them, and it's a downward spirl from there, they are upset, i am upset and what's the point then, when no one is having fun? Well last weekend we did a family trip the marina. Walked the water, got ice cream and relaxed on the grass for a little bit. We had FUN. It was nice to get out with my little guys. So when I found this race, that had lots to do for the kids, and it was fathers day, I thought why not?? So they will have bounce houses, the zoo will have live animals and since I know Iam only (gone) for 40 mintues or less, I know hubby can do it alone. I am also running my first 10k on the fourth of july and Hope to run a 1/2 marathon someday. Never would I have thought this. So although I've accomplished this goal, I no longer HAVE to follow this strict program to make it happen, it's just second nature to me now.

And I get bored with the same old.

So I need a change. A challenge.

I typically work out everyday. I feel bad if I don't. For the past 2 days I've been SO tired I can't even keep my eyes open. It's impossible to get to bed before 10:30 or 11. Colin still wakes up multiple times during the night and I wake up at 6:15 for work. So needless to say yesterday, I was wiped!! I decided to take a night off. To sit and do nothing. And eat a nice bowl of ice cream! And you know what? I DID enjoy it. I loved the ice cream. I loved the sitting there putting both kids to bed. Doing NOTHING. AT ALL!

Then this morning came along and I felt guilty for not doing any thing last night! LOL how horrible! So I decided that I need to challenge myself.

I bought Jillians 30 Day Shred not too long ago. I've done it only 3 times but VERY sparatic. I've decided that I need to do this faithully for the full 30 days. I'll still do my reg. gym workouts, but will STILL do the shred as well. I still have 6.5 weeks to get myself small enough to fit into a fitted size 20 dress that I bought 4 years ago. What better way to push myself to make that goal, but challenging myself to do this EVERYDAY!? So off I go. I am going to start it This Saturday/maybe Sunday. I am THINKING About getting up 20 mins early to do in the AM, if I have a rough night with Colin, that's Okay, I'll just do it later at night, but I must do it. I'd really like to get past week one and prove to myself that I am strong enough to work through Jillian!

Weigh In & 6 week BLC measurements

2010-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lost 1 lbs this week. Not what I wanted to lose, I was hoping for more, however it's a loss nonetheless, so I have no reason to complain. With that 1 lb loss brings me to the 30's AND 10% of my body weight is now GONE for good. It took me FOREVER to get here! 6 months to be exact. I guess in the end slow and steady wins the race, but slow and steady is making me MAD! Its just frustrating that I am not losing more per week. *sigh* I am happy though, don't get me wrong. Any time it's not a gain, it's positive!

Since this is week 6 in the BLC, It was time to take more measurements. So here are my past measurements as usual, with the current ones at the bottom :

March 3, 2010 (3 months ago)

Upper Arm - 16
Thigh 25
Chest (above breasts) 45.5
Abs 49
Waist (at belly button) 53 (ewwww!!)
Hips 56
Neck 15.5
Breast- 53

April 8, 2010 (2 months ago)

Upper Arm 16 Same
Thigh 23.5 -1.5 inches
Chest Above breast 47.5 ?? Is that right? I'll have to see next month
Abs 47 -2 inches
Waist at belly button 51.25 - 1.75 inches
Hips 53 -3 inches
Neck 15.25 - .25 inches
And I didn't do my breast this time,
But I did do my calf, since those are changing like crazy 15.5 - however I believe they are getting BIGGER! From running that is!

May 10, 2010 (last month)
Upper Arm 15 = -1 inches
Thigh 23 = - .5 inches
Chest (above Breast) 46 = -1.5 inches
Abs 47 Same
Waist (at belly button) 50 = -1.25 inches
Hips 55 = +2 inches?? Bummer
Neck 15 = -.25 inches
Calf 16 (getting BIGGER! LOL) must be from running. + .5 inches.

June 16, 2010 - current
Upper Arm 15 = Same
Thigh 23 = - same
Chest (above Breast) 46 = -same
Abs 45 = -2 inches!
Waist (at belly button) 49 = -1 inches
Hips 53 = -2 inches
Neck 15 = same
Calf 15.25 = -.75 inches.

That's 5.75 inches since last TOTAL since 6 weeks ago. Not too bad.

14.5 Inches lost since March
Oh Yea, AND I am in a size 22 now. I started in a TIGHT 24, should have been a 26. most of my 22's I can pull down w/o having to unbutton. But the 20's are still too snug yet. 6 more weeks until the wedding in colorado where I need to fit in my dress from 4 years ago!

Run for the Rosas - My 3rd 5K!

2010-06-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

Finished in 37:24 ~ My best time yet! HOWEVER , someday I would really love to run a race when it's NOT raining or snowing out!

We woke up this morning with the rain SLAMMING our house. We've had the weirdest weather lately and today was no different. I have no idea what time it started, but it wasn't raining when I went to bed at midnight, We work up at 6am, which our back lake Flooded like a lake, Couldn't even see the tips of the grass! Then looked out front, and thankfully we are the high end of the street, the others at the low end, well the street was all flooded up onto the lawns and then some! the sewers just couldn't hold all the water. it was insane! Thankfully JUST before we left the house, it stopped!

However, not for long! It was misting as we lined at the starting line, and just continued from that point on. What a mess! I ran the entire first 1.5 mile. Then it became a complete downpour and I walked for a bit. It couldn't even see where I was going and with nothing dry to wipe my eyes, it was hard! LOL - I continued and pushed through like never before. I ended up finishing in 37:24, and making a PR for this race! Wahoo! Surprising with the weather conditions and all.

My next race unless I find one sooner will by my 10K on the 4th of July. I am really looking forward to that one!

Coming up the finish line!

This is after the race. The only dry spot left on my whole body. Guess being "larger" on top keeps the belly dry huh?? LOL

Finished 143 our of 157. I'll take it!!

Weight Graph

2010-06-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Spark People actually creates and tracks all your measurements for you. Since we always wish we would lose faster then what we do, I wanted to compare what I've been doing to what I SHOULD be donig. My line is the blue one, the goal is the red line. I guess what I am doing is about right, since for the most part I am right on track. I did great for a while back in march, until I hit that plateau in April. And although I "should" have lost this week, I am still only the TINEST bit above that goal line. I am pretty happy with the results thus far. Sure I would LOVE to have lost 50 lbs already, however, that would not have been realistic would it??

May Recap

2010-06-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

I'll start with the weight in. Bummer, I didnt' lose anything this week. In reality I gained 8 ounces. BUT on the plus size of that, yesterday I was up 2 lbs, so thankfully I was able to get a good last chance workout in last night and change that ugly number for the better. SO I am still sitting at 242, BUT I had a pretty rough weekend as well. With all the running around and holiday parties, I never got a chance to get on spark and track, which is my first downfall. I didn't eat horrible, but not the greatest either. I am totally accountable for that, and get it. It is what it is, and I'll just have to work harder this week. AND not to mention the eating, I only worked out for 254 mintues last week! Typically I am way over 300 or 400 hundered, so that does explain alot as well.

Looking back at my goals for May, I wanted to break the 1000 fitness min. mark again. I busted that number and cleared 1600! total was 1696. So I think I'll make my June goal 1500, just to be safe. That 28+ hours of workouts! Also, the month of April I lost no weight at all. I was finally able to break that ugly plateau this month and lost a total of 4 lbs this month. I am not thrilled with it, but I am happy. I'd love to lose faster, but I know that I am creating a TON of muscle as well. Running as made me stronger then I've ever been and created more muscle mass, so I can't complain. My original spark goal was to lose 30 lbs by June 1st. I didn't do it. Bummer. I've lost 23. It's something. All I can do is make my July 1st goal to lose 30 lbs. That's 7 lbs this month. I am gonig to shoot for that! I am still determinted to get into that size 20 dress for the august wedding. I have 60 days to make that happen. I am also pretty sure I am OUT of my size 24's now. I can put on my 22's and button most of them. One's I can't I still wear anyway. And I can buy 2x's rather then 3x's as well. I think I am down a size! LOL

IN other ways I've changed. I've noticed I am more toned and I like it! 2 times I've worn a tank top out side for an entire day. I've always HATED tank tops and my arms. but I am learning to like them now. I've noticed the more I work out as well, that I dont' grind my teeth anymore, since I have other way to relieve stress. I was grinding so badly that I actually cracked a tooth OFF last year. So my teeth were really taking a beating. They are relived I am sure. I've also made the decision to run my first 10K on the 4th of July. Since starting spark in Jan. I've ran 2 5K's and my third is this Sunday. My goal is run a race a month. After this coming one, I am strictly training for the 10K. I've upped my runs and completed 4.44 miles in 62 mintues. 2 miles from my glad, but I'll take it, I still have time.

I forgot to add this! I went to fashion bug on my lunch today, since I really really needed a workout tank top for these HOT runs I've been doing lately. Well, I got a nice top AND shorts and with my coupon only paid $10.42!! Wahoo. Can't beat that deal. It's cheaper then both piece alone!

National Running Day!

2010-06-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today is National Running Day! I encourage everyone to get up, and go for a short or long run. Even if it's just around the block, down to the corner, or to the next driveway. The body is an amazing thing that never ceases to amaze me, Today, Treat it extra special and give it a RUN!

I'll be taking my last 3 mile run tonight before my 5K on Saturday!

2 weeks in a row I LOST??!!

2010-05-26T10:29:00.001-07:00

Today was weigh in day. Although I always get excited for these days, I still dread them as well. After waiting for 6 weeks for that scale to move and a 2 lb loss {FINALLY} last week, I really didn't think I would lose this week. But I did! 2.2 lbs! The scale read 241.8. Do you see how close that is to the 30's???? 1.8 more lbs and I will be the weight I was when I went into the hospital to deliver Colin almost 3 years ago. I just never lost any of that weight and kept gaining. So I am really excited to break through that 240 #. It's my first real goal! So far a total loss of 23lbs

I also think I have officially gotten done with my size 24's. I am wearning most last years summer clothes that were too small, and they are 22's. They are still a little bit snug in the waist area, not too bad though, and it creates a bit of a muffin top, but I can pull them up, zip them, and button them and still breathe when I sit donw. I could't do that 8 months ago that is for sure. My tops I can for sure get away with 18/20 most of the time as well, which is really exiciting since I haven't worn that size in tops in 2 years! Not even last summer. I will be excited when I can fit in all the old clothes that I have stored in sizes 18 & 20, but in the mean time it's pretty exciting to be able to go to my closet and know that MOST things that are in it are going to fit me and I won't have to put on 6 different pants until I find one I get away with.

I have also decided to do the 10K on the 4th of July for SURE. I am scared and nervous, but excited as well. I've only done 4 miles one time so far. I am still pretty freaked out about running in the heat, but I'll get there. If I can get 5 miles done by that time, I'll be very happy. I can then save the last mile for the race if need be. I know I can finish it, even if I have to walk some of it. It just makes me happy to work up to something so wonderful! My next 5K is on June 6th, so just over a week away. I am excited for this one. And rather then a typical hot dog after meal party, we are having a pancake breakfast! YUMMY!! My favorite, I can NOT wait!

Dress shopping

2010-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I bought a dress. I hate dressing up. It's hard to find things to fit this fluffy overstuffed body. But with 3 weddings coming up, 1 next month, I had to get my butt in gear. This is what I found, what do you think???

20 lb Loss pictures!

2010-05-20T06:50:00.001-07:00

I wish for the LIFE of me that I would know how to put 2 pictures together side by side. If anyone knows a simple way to explain to my idiot mind, please do. The top picture is from Jan. 265 lbs. the bottom is yesterday 244lbs.

Jan 2010

May 2010

Jan 2010

May 2010

May 2010 - 244lbs

Thought I would start taking my next set of pictures in shorts/tank since it's nicer out and you can see more definition in arms/legs

Side View May 2010 244 lbs w/shorts/tank

Something is better then Nothing!

2010-05-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Weigh in today!! I LOST! Finally. After a 6 week plateau. I was hoping for more, but will be happy with the 2 pounds! That 2 pounds put at the 20 lb mark (21 to be exact) since I started spark people & 23 lbs since my Doctor's appt in December when I was discusted with myself.

My 20lb reward is a hungry girl cookbook, so I am super thrilled to go to Target this weekend and pick one out! Any suggestions or recomendations on which one to get I'll take!

20lbs also means it's time for me to take new pictures. Full body shots. So I'll get around to that in the next couple days.

I still have a very sick 2 year old at home, so I haven't been able to get on much and catch up on things, so once things settle down I'll get back into routine!

10K????

2010-05-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

Ok, this blog needs opinions for those who know me, or what I've already accomplished in order to Know if I am can do this or not. I know alot of people who are either running or training for 10K. Which has of COURSE "spark"ed my interest! LOL Actually my daugthers frineds dad mentioned it to me last weekend, that I should consider running the 10K on the 4th of July. I said someday I'd like to work up to it. Thinking nothing of it. Now KARV09 has me quite intriged and intersted in the 10K! {thanks by the way, you truly inspire me!} SO... when it came to running the 5K and doing the C25k Program, I had only been on spark for a couple week. Woke up one day and said I am going to do this. 9 weeks later, I run my first race, and have since run 1 more and have 2 for sure on the horizon, but would like to do more.

With that being said, there are only 6 weeks between now and July 4th. The 10K program is 12 weeks long. What are the odds that I can I can make this happen in that short amount of time? I don't want to push myself overboard and be disapointed in the end. I'd much rather you be honest with me and tell me its either impossible or that I possibly could make it happen. I can run 5K's and am fine. I can run a full 2.5 miles and not stop. When I run my races, I don't go in with the mind set that I will never walk. If I have to walk I am ok with that.

Any suggestions?? Opinions? Advice?? Come on friends, I know you have SOMETHING to say! :-)

Picture Comparsion!

2010-05-13T06:50:00.001-07:00

Since I am clueless and can't figure out how to crop two pictures together, a friend of mine went and took a picture I took yesterday and a picture she found of hubby and I either on facebook or my family blog and cropped them for me. I am SO glad she did. Not seeing the numbers move on the scale is a bummer sometimes, and yes, the inches are coming off, but it's not the same as being a NUMBER. And yes the clothes fit better (today I am wearing an 18/20 top, from a 22/24!!) it's still nice to be able to SEE something, So here you go!

The first picture was taken in December at my daughters cheerleading banquet, so I was about 267 lbs. The other one is from yesterday. 246lbs.
It's just nice to be able to SEE progress!!
And thanks Peg for your help, love you!

Still NOT losing!

2010-05-12T05:49:00.001-07:00

I have now officially been the SAME freaking weight since April 3rd, It’s May 12th! I am moving nowhere. Yes in those weeks, I did GAIN 2 lbs, and came right back to where I am at. I am super excited to weigh in today too, thinking I had to have lost something, I was excited to break into that 20lb lost category, and NOTHING!

I.AM.STILL.246.

I feel like I am just going to be this same weight FOREVER now. In the past, I would have given up weeks ago. Saying this isn’t working anymore, screw it. I didn’t’ though, I pushed through it. But it’s hard to keep doing that week after week. When I saw that Same number on the scale today, that was the first thought that came to my mind. Why bother????? Just stop now, eat whatever the heck you want and screw the whole I want better mind set. I didn’t yet again though. Here I sit eating my Special K red Berries with Skim Milk and I’ll have apple slices in a little while for snack. I know I am doing everything I know how to do. I eat within my calories. I work my BUTT off at the gym. Seriously. Last week alone I logged 523 fitness minutes. That’s over 8 hours of working out last week. So what the heck????

I can’t think of a way to modify my workouts any more. I take a strength class 1-2 times per week. I try to get to Zumba 1 time/week. I do 3-5 days of cardio (elliptical/treadmill, running etc) I do weight training 2-3 times per week. This week I even did yoga 2 times and did an amazing abs class. And 2 weeks ago I did spin! All this while working full time, being a mom and wife. Making dinner. Being home for Colin’s therapy when it’s at home and being at Cadens school every Tuesday night for our parent group for 2.5 hours. I fit in what I can and then even some. Last night I didn’t even leave the house for the gym until 8:30PM. I got home after 10.

I just don’t know what I am doing wrong that my body won’t agree with me???

May Measurements

2010-05-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

March 3, 2010 {2 months ago}
Upper Arm - 16
Thigh 25
Chest (above breasts) 45.5
Abs 49
Waist (at belly button) 53 (ewwww!!)
Hips 56
neck 15.5
Breast- 53

April 8, 2010 Last Month
Upper Arm 16 Same
Thigh 23.5 -1.5 inches
Chest Above breast 47.5 ?? Is that right? I'll have to see next month
Abs 47 -2 inches
Waist at belly buttn 51.25 - 1.75 inches
Hips 53 -3 inches
Neck 15.25 - .25 inches
And I didn't do my breast this time,

But I did do my calf, since those are changing like crazy 15.5 - however I believe they are getting BIGGER! From running that is!

May 10, 2010 Current!
Upper Arm 15 = -1 inches
Thigh 23 = - .5 inches
Chest (above Breast) 46 = -1.5 inches
Abs 47 Same
Waist (at belly button) 50 = -1.25 inches
Hips 55 = +2 inches?? Bummer - wondering though if this is right, we'll see again next month!
Neck 15 = -.25 inches
Calf 16 (getting BIGGER! LOL) must be from running. + .5 inches.

That’s a total of 4.5 inches lost. Since April. I’ll take it!

My 2nd 5K!

2010-05-09T16:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 2nd 5k race. It was in support of Heritage Centers, which is an agency for special needs children/adults. Being a parent of 2 special needs little guys, this race was very important to me. I was hoping to beat my first time (39:19) But when I woke up and saw the weather, I was going to happy just finishing within an hour. It was about 45 degress (not to bad) but 50+mph winds, and we were in Downtown Buffalo, so much colder/windier. and then came the rain!! We got there, got our number and shirt, and then went and waited in the car, since it was too cold to wait outside! They did have a nice breakfast tent with apples, oranges, yogurt, cookies and coffee and tea. So we grabbed our stuff on the way to the car. My mom and daughter were walking the race in honor of the boys also. there were a TON of people.

At about 9:45 we got out and went over to hit the port a potty's up before the race started, then went to line up. It was So COLD! then off we went. I kept up the pace pretty well. I knew who the people were infront of me and knew who I wanted to keep up with. I actually ran w/o stopping until just before the 1 mile mark. We had to go uphill (which I ran up and down) and just after that I had to stop and readjust. My ipod was sliding down my jacket, so I took the time to maneuver that and get it back inside and get my 2nd wind. the 1 mile mark was just as you crossed into the marina. It was SO windy. It was crazy. I felt like 1/2 my face was caved in! Then came the WAVES. OVER THE WALL. We got SOAKED. There was a lake erie warning before we left for high waves, there were not lying! All I could smell was lake erie by the time I got back. Running through the marina was just over 1 mile and they had a water stop at the 2 mile marker. I was glad, since I was soaked I really wanted to get some fresh water down my pipes!! {I learned after the race, that they closed the marina down because of the dangerous conditions and wouldn't let the walkers through, they had to turn them around so they didn't get the the entire route. I guess after the last runner went through, that was it}

that last mile is always the hardest for me. This was no different. Then we turned the corner into the wind tunnel. Serisouly. It's a huge valley type, where when it's windy, it can pick you up and move you. I was scared! At one point I had to stop and hold onto to a mailbox, and another point to a tree trunk! I've never felt so light in my life! LOL A that point I was running right behind 2 other young girls. So I kept them in my sights. Once we turned the next corner, it wasn't windy anymore (well not like that one street anyway!!) AND I could see the cones WAY down there knowing it was almost over. then I saw my mom with our umbrella and Mike running towards me. I kicked it up in HIGH gear and BLEW by those 2 girls. Mike was yelling to me to hurry, I only at the 37 min mark NOW, I can still beat my first time! I RAN!! I still had a corner to turn but I saw that timer going!! I ended up crossing the line at 39:09! Beating my last time by 10 seconds! I was so freaking excited. All I can think is that having the wind behind me half of the way helped me get done as fast as I did. I NEVER thought I would finish this one that fast!! And this is what happens to my hair between wind/sweat and rain. I get curls!! Haven't had them since I gave birth to my oldest 13 years ago!

We had a quick lunch, very quick because it was POURING and the winds were worse them ever. It ripped the food tent and blew the garage cans over!! They were offering free massages too, which would have been great, but i was COLD and just wanted to get home!! I knew my time was 39:09, just didn't know what I placed.

So today i went to the website to see my time, and they got it WRONG! I was so mad!! I know my actual time, so I know that is all that matters, but still. It has me finishing at 40:59 and that is so not even close. They even had the people around me wrong. Like saying that a man finsihed after me, and there was 1 girl before and 4 ladies after. So who ever did the times/boards was not paying attention I guess. It still bothers me though!!

And here are some pictures to leave you with.

Lunch at the mall

2010-05-07T11:55:00.001-07:00

*sigh* I am TIRED! Serioulsy though. A co-worker of mine and I printed out coupons for a free Cami from Lane Bryant (my FAV store!) offline and decided to head there for lunch today and grab them. I also had a coupon for $15 off $15 so I wanted to use it as well. We were also talking about tomorrow weather and everyone agreed that I really needed to get a windbreaker type of jacket to stay dry. So off we went.

First Stop, Had to look and see if they had a specific pair of sneakers in my mom's size at JcPenny's. Done

Second Stop, Lane Bryant. We were here forever! I have 3 weddings coming up. One in June, local. One in July in Oregon (we're not going) and one in Denver, Co (which we ARE going to) So I thought why not try on a couple of dresses while I am here with a great friend/coworker who will be honest with me. First I grabbed some shirts. Keep in mind I typically wear a 22/24. Most of that size looked a bit big to me, so we grabbed 18/20's and in one shirt a 22/24. Turns out the 22 was too big. So on went the 18/20. Which I got ON, first accomplishment. 2 months ago that NEVER would have even been an option at ALL. They were all snug, well for me anyway, but I am used to wearing larger clothes as well. In the end I got a 18/20 shirt that was way cute and really showed off my curves, just a bit snug in the back. So I might wait a litle bit to wear it, but for $11 after the coupon, I had to have it! Then came the dresses! I am so glad Amanda was with me. I could tell by her expression when I came out if it was thumbs up or down. First dress was this one

which I really liked on the hanger, but felt kind of hippy (as in wide hips, not hippy as in 50-60's)and wide in. Amanda liked it and I got lots of compliments on it from other shoppers which was really nice. I was having fun trying these on and i HATE dress shopping. I am NOT a girly girl by ANY means! THEN I tried on this one

I got in on, needed help zipping it (My arms don't twist that way) from the sales clerk and stepepd out to show Amanda ~ whose eyes and smile were HUGE! She loved it, and so did I! Way more then the first one that I still liked too. This one was pretty slimming, I think because of the solid color on top? And it was super comfortable. I didn't get, only because I didn't have the money, but still had fun and learned that I can like shopping once again! Since about last summer when I kept gaining, I gave up shopping and did only ebay or thrift stores. So I am liking this! and they were out of the free cami's to, which was a bummer, cause I really wanted a coral colored one, but they did replace that with a free pair of panties, and their undies are my fave!! So I left with a new 18/20 top for $11, free panties, enjoying trying on dresses and a bit more self condifidence that this IS working!

Next up, Dick's sporting good for a windbreaker/water resistant jacket of sorts. Let me start by saying first they don't have much to REPEL water, next they sure DO NOT cater to plus size women. Larger men, yes, not ladies, so frustrating. Even the XL ladies would be way too small for me. So after we walk the entire store and find nothing, we are heading out and saw an huge wall for of jackets. All by North Face ($$$) I wanted to leave, she wanted to look. We found one for $39 a ladies XL pullover, tried it on and it wouldn't go past my breasts! Typical. Then we found a 2XL in mens, in Gray, it fit! No mirrors though to see. then I spotted the SAME one in orange! Loved it! So I found a jacket to stay dry in And I even asked a cute man who was shopping in the same section if it looked ok! LOL And I got it for only $39 - not $80!

Went to the food court to grab lunch (bourbon grilled chicken, yum) and as we were heading back to the car We saw them selling Frozen Dark Chocolate Covered bananas for only $1!! Of Course we got them!! And BOY did we enjoy them!!

We sure did have a fun time though, and were back to work by 1:30. What a perfect break for a rainy friday afternoon.

Now to menally prepare for a COLD WINDY run tomorrow. Got a windbeaker to keep my upper body dry. Have pants that might work on the bottom half, got a hat for the head, just need something to cover my mouth so I can breathe, any suggestions?

Little Loss, but I'll take it

2010-05-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

So everyone know's I've plateaued for weeks and weeks now. It's just so frustrating. Today I did manage to lose 2 lbs, but still didn't breakthrough my pleateau like I wanted to. I am at 246.4 today. I'll take it for a couple of reasons. One, It's a loss. Two, it's a not a gain. And Three, it's only 4oz away from losing that dam 20 lbs that I've been waiting for!!

*sigh* Today is Day 1 of my 12 week Biggest loser challange on spark. I am looking forward to it and hope it gives me the push I need to lose more! My goal for the challange is to lose 20 lbs. That equals just over 1.5lbs per week. I am hoping I can hit this goal!! IF I do, that means when we go to Colorado in August my toal loss will be 39 lbs since I started at the end of Jan. I am NOT getting my hopes up by any means, but need to be held accounatble, so here we are!! {and of course I checked to make sure the hotel we stay in has a fitness room!!}

AND dont' forget about my 2nd 5k in only 3 days!!! so excited!

Finding time to blog?? Not easy!

2010-05-03T12:58:00.001-07:00

Saturday I decided to take my first spinning class. I was weighing it all on how Colin would sleep the night before. Wouldn't you know he slept ALL night long?? Must have been meant to be. The beginners class is only held the first Sat. of the month, so I didn't make it this time, I'd be done until June 5th. The class is 45 mintues long, with 15 mintues showing you how to adjust things on the bike and basic info and 30 mins of spin. Thank goodness! Holy spin. Holy ouchy!! My quads, hips, knees and girly parts were burning up to say the least! I did enjoy it, however not sure I'd be able to do an entire hour of it. 30 mintues was ALONG time. She worked with us at the differet resistance levels and showed us some different techniques that other instructors might use if we go to their class. We did it standing and sitting. It sure is a good workout, I don't deny that at all!! I was sweating my ASS off (I wish!) Thank goodness I grabbed a towel out the car. I sure did need it. I wish they had a regular class in either 30-45 min increments, since i am not faithful that I could do an entire hour yet. I'd like to try again, then I'd know for sure if it's for me or not. I have to give it anohter try before I deciede. Right now I am still on the fence about it. I must have knoced my hip out of alingment while i was doing it too, since I couldn't walk most of the day and my hip was KILILNG me. It's better today though. After class I went up and did 30 mins of strength training to cool down.

I've been trying to swith things up during strenght too to get myself out of this funk I am in. So I upped the weight and did 2 reps of 10. When I say up, I am doing between 40-75lbs depending ont he machine.! I remember when It KILLED me to do 10lbs!

Yesterday i went to the gym too and did my 1 hour strength class. We decided to change things up and only do 30 mins strenght and then 30 min stretch. I LOVE it. We use straps to get an extra stretch and it feels SO good! Hopefully all these new things will help me drop some much needed pounds, we'll find out on Wed!

I also got my team placement for BLC 13 today!! Super excited to be a saucy sapphire and to get the challange started. I am ready for some extra challanges in life not to menion kicking some butt!!

Tonight I plan on running and maybe on Wed. too, but then I am done. My 2nd 5K is this saturday and I want to give myself time to rest up. Did I meniton the weather for it??? No? well let me do that now. 50, and rain with thunderstorms. BAD rain. Seriously?? Can I get a NICE day for a race?? I guess i always have June 6th to count on.......

Leg pictures

2010-04-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

My new toned legs! Love the muscle in them!

2 blogs in one day?? :-) PAIN!

2010-04-30T13:11:00.003-07:00

I am having a LOT of pain in my leg today. My knee has been bothering me for a few days, but now it's my right knee, down the right side of the leg to my right ankle. and Funny enough it hurts most when I am sitting here doing nothing. It's like a dull shooting pain. Make sense? I wonder what i could have did. I am looking very forward to leaving work and getting some much needed motrin my system. I am supposed to run tonight as well, but may just do a fast walk instead. Anyone else experince anything similar?? Any suggestion on how to get the pain to stop?? I'll take anything.
April Summary - I've lost no weight this month. at all. Quite a bummer, but that's ok I guess. My big goal for this month was to make 1000 fitness mintues. I've surpassed that am at 1283 as of right now, and still need to work out today! that ends up being about 42 hours per month!! holy cow. Love it!! I've also completed my C25K training and ran my first 5K! This must be my biggest accomoplishment yet!!
My goal for next month is still get at least 1000 mintues in and I would still like to lose 10+ lbs before June 1 to get to that 30 lb loss. We'll see what I can do. I am also running my 2nd 5K next weekend on the 8th and just sent in my registration for my 3rd one on June 6th. Who would have thought???? no I!! Looking forward to seeing what May holds in store for me.

Randomness

2010-04-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was determind to get to Yoga, for my first time ever. Thursday's is my usual low impact strength class from 7-8 and Zumba from 8-9. Yoga is from 9-9:45. It's not easy to even be gone for those 2 hours, since hubbys is home alone with the kiddos and bedtime in our house is a major 2 hour productions. I asked him if he would mind if I stayed for Yoga and not come home until after 10? He said ok. {Thank GOD for him, not only did he save my life when I was struggling with PPD, but he is great when I have to get to the gym so much at night} So off i went.
I'll start with my strength class. A few months ago I met a fellow sparker at my local Y and convinced her to join this class with me, so now every thursday we do both this and Zumba together. It's nice to have company. I was running late last night, so when I got there, just as everyone was setting up, she was happy to see me! I ended up in front of her, instead of next to her, beucase there were no other spots left. We usually share weights, since is usually a lb behind me, so between the two of us, we have about 6 sets of weights. When we started working on Biceps, I said I think I am going to try the 12lbers today. So she grabbed the 10lbers. While we were working, I was pushing through the pain and she stops and says, holy cow Kym, you should see your muscle defination in your arms when you going up and down! really?? Me?? Serioulsy?? I was so happy to hear this. MY arms are pretty large. so for her to SEE the defination when I was working, really motovated me! It was great too, becuase as I was starting to get tired, she kept pushing me from behing, telling me to keep going. It's so great having someone motovate you while your DOING it! I can't thank her enough.
Then was Zumba, which always kicks my butt. *whew* 1/2 way though I'd rather lay on the floor and take a nap! Toni has to leave at 8:30 to get her son from child watch (they close at 8:30) and more then once I thought about leaving when she did to go and relax until Yoga started. I didn't though. I pushed through. Not easy, I was exhausted!
9pm finally rolled around and Yoga came. Turns out the Yoga instructor is also my Zumba one, so that was pretty cool! Yoga kicked my butt. I never thought I would sweat my tush off doing it! Man!! LOL Some positoins I had a hard time getting my overly body into, but I did the best I could with what I had to work with. In the end I was so relaxed I wanted to stay on that floor and fall asleep.

Once a month our gym offers Spinning for beginers, it's a 45 min class and it's on the first sat of the month. Which would be tomorrow. Becky's (thanks becky!)really sparked my interest in trying one of these class out. So tomorrow is my only opportunity. My only barrier is that it starts at 7am, which means I need to be out of the house by 6:30am. I ONLY have issues with this, becuase A - I dont' get to sleep through the night to begin with thanks to Colin. B - Saturday is the only day I can usually sleep past 6:30. I guess I can bite the bullet and I just might. we'll see how the night goes. IF Colin wakes up more then 2 x's I 'll have to pass, it's hard to function with only 3-4 of sleep, let alone spin. Fingers are crossed for a peacful night tonight.

I just had a yummy white egg muffin melt from Subway, anyone try one yet?? Pretty tasty. Not bad for under 180 cals and only 5 grams of fat. And of couse I do subway for lunch on friday's too! LOL Rack up them points Kym!

Scale ~ I am NOT going to weigh in this weekend. It's getting to depressing for me. I did look today and was down, but won't record it, since it's an off day anyway. I joined the Biggest loser 13 challange and weigh in's for that is on Wednesdays, we start on May 5th, so I will hold off until then to do my next OFFICIAL weigh in. Hopefuly by then I"ll have broke that dreaded 20lb mark and can get the hungry girl cookbook for reward....!! speaking off, anyone suggest any one of them over the other????

I want!

2010-04-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone has wants and needs right?? I WANT (not need) one of these 2 pieces of equipment! I think they would really help me achieve my goals. Just sayin......

The Garmin Forerunner

The Body Bugg

A girl can dream can't she??

Anyone else either have these or any other watches / pieces of equipment that they use to help in thier journey? Love them or hate them? I'll take any info.

My 2nd Race

2010-04-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

I have registered to run my 2nd 5K on May 8th! I am even more excited about this one then I was for my first one I think. First off, I have a goal to beat my first time of 39:19. Secondly it's supporting a great cause! It's to support the Heritage Center Foundation which is an advocate group for children & Adults with disabilites. Obvioulsy you all know this a cause Mike & I will support until for the rest of our lives. Having 2 speical needs children, I couldn't think of a better cause to run for and raise money for. Although we currently don't use the Heritage center programing or advocacy, you never know what the future might hold. Colin may end up in one of their programs or we may need them to advocate for Caden as he gets older. The possibilites are endless. You can click HERE to go to my race page and donate any dollar amount to help me get to my goal. Any amount is welcome. Even $1.00 is worth a TON to this cause! Won't you please consider helping to sponsor me? And please remember to cheer me on Saturday May 8th as I run my 2nd Race and strive to beat my original set time!

I ran ~ Thanks to motrin and Trish!

2010-04-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the mega posting today!!

Thank YOU Trish ~ For inspiring me to restart the program (c25K) again and get back in it. I decided since I am having such a hard time with my legs being sore that If I went back and did some smaller weeks, I could work through it. So I popped a couple motrin and headed off to the gym. I did Week 4 which consists of 2 3min runs and 2 5min runs. I did them with no problem. Must have got there JUST in time for the motrin to kick in too. Someone made a comment on my personal blog that motrin is an athletes best friend, so It made me feel better to take it so often (thanks Mid life swimmer!) So I managed in 32 minutes to get 2.25 miles in and burn 386 calories (thank god since I had to burn off that shake a lunch! LOL) Doing the treadmill was for sure the best way for me to go. First off I can incline it, which always makes my legs much less sore when running and second, it's a softer landing then road running. SO for the next few runs, I'll do the gym and give my legs some much needed TLC.

After that I felt so great that I did a 31 minute fat burning elliptical session and burned 412 calories! LOL I was so proud. And THEN I still felt good, so I went and hit up the machines and got a TON of strength training in. And I really pushed it. I did alot of 60-75 lbs for my chest presses & deltoids etc. I was pretty proud. Each week I push the weight higher and higher. I know its working since my arms are STILL shaking!

Off to shower and enjoy a small bowl of fat free ice cream with hubs. I am so glad i am feeling better. Motrin, you are my new best friend!

Did You know????

2010-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are 580 calories in a McDonald's Chocolate shake?? Ugh. I didn't know and i am way grossed out by it. Of Course I didn't go and look it up until after I was 1/2 way done with it, since I needed to put it in my calorie tracker. Thankfully I still have about 400-500 calories left to eat for the day, however that is NOT alot at all. Good thing I feel HORRIBLE after having this and dont' know if I'll want to eat anyway! Really my stomach is SO overfull and bloaty. Quite gassy too if I can say so. I feel like I am going to throw up so much so that I had to go and lay down for 20 mintues at work (thankfully we have a nice couch in the bathroom)

So what did I learn?? Read the info first. Remember how i felt the first time when I think I want another one.

YUCK!

Awards

2010-04-21T08:11:00.001-07:00

I just had to put this up on here as well, because I am STILL so proud to have completed such a thing.

This PAIN is horrible!

2010-04-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

I was bound and determind to get out and run last night. I am almost craving it, which is pretty foregin to me :-). I tried though and failed and I am so upset. My legs are in SO much pain I just don't know what to do. Guess I should have took some motrin before I left, but I don't want to have to take meds each time I go and run either. I got to the end of my street and I felt the pain. My shin's and calve's are KILLING me. SO bad that because I had to favor them, my back began to act up. Ater having back surgery last year, I get pretty nervous when my I start to feel any type of "pain" in my back. Soreness I can live with. Pain, another story. I kept pushing through the walk though and every few mintues would "attempt" a run. Again, I couldn't do it. the pain in my legs is way too much. I was almost to tears by the time I got home. I ended up walking so very slow and I was even limping the pain was so bad. Does any one have ANY ideas on how to make this stop? Or what is causing it? I have really good expensive running sneakers so I don't think it's my footwear. I don't know what it is, but I am very bummed about it nonetheless. I got home, popped some Mortrin, took a shower and sat down, It hurt to stand. Within about 30-45 mins, the motrin kicked in and i was fine. It's so disappointing to me.

So, needless to say, I am going to skip the race I wanted to do next thursday and wait until the May 8th date. Apparently my body needs me to do that, so I"ll take the advice. I am however welcoming all comments and advice on how to get past this PLEASE!

Venting

2010-04-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

Ok, onto new things. I went to the website to get my "offical" results from Saturday's race. I placed 166 out of 175 total runners and 9th out of 10 in my age group (30-34) And my offical time, which we already knew was 39:19. I really did have SO much fun doing this run and was SO SO SO very proud ( of Trish too, she's been by my side and ran her first race in MA the same day!) of how far I've come. I actually found another race next thursday night that i am trying to work into the scheudle. It's hard since it's a worknight, and I have to find sitters for the kiddo's etc. But other then that my next one isn't until May 8th and I'd really like to run one before then too. Of course, I have to see if it fits in the finances. $20 -$25 per race can add up quickly. So that's that like quirp.

My weight. I am getting really bummed about it. I know, I know, It will happen in time. It takes time, I know it. Really I do. BUT these 2-3 week plateaus kick my butt. really they do. I feel like I am so ready to give in and say screw it. I've been stuck at a 17 lb loss for almost 4 weeks now. I am DONE with it. I want to be at that 20 mark so freaking bad. How can I get off of this dam island I am stuck on??? Suggestions anyone?? I stay in my calorie range. I work out faithfully. I am getting better sleep (bribed the 2 year old to stay in bed for 2 nights now!) SO what is the probleM????? What am I doing wrong?? Yes, over the past 3 months I've lost inches and some weight. But I want MORE darn it! *sigh*
Ok, sorry for that vent. I just want to be down a clothes size. I want people to notice that i've lost SOMETHING. I want alot apparently.

Ok, I think that's it for now. It's not everything no, but it's enough compaling for a day, sorry!!

My First EVER race!! ~ Official time?? 39:19!

2010-04-17T18:22:00.001-07:00

Here I am getting ready to go. a We'll start with the weather, It was 37 when we woke up, and cloudy. I can deal with cloudy. Then I went outside. Holy WIND! :-) I think I could have done even better if it wasn't for that wind! So by the time we were leaving for the race, it was getting sunny out and i was feeling MUCH better about the day. I wasn't nervous or anything which was pretty suprising for me! We got there, got a drink and waited inside where it was {much} warmer! Here I am with my mom and Courtney (like the teenage attitude?Ugh) And here I am with hubby before. bad picture. "Just before they called us to head out the starting line, it began a rain/snow mix! yuck. I was freaking out. We grabbed hubby's windbreaker to wear over my jacket so I didn't get too wet, however the Zipper broke off, LOL so we had to pin it closed! we are such dorks!! Well guess what??? Just as they were saying the prayer to send us off, it stopped! What a blessing!!

So off we went!

I ran the first 1.5 miles without stopping. Just after 1.5 I had a to stop for a couple mintues. The best part about the first mile was getting cheered on!! I've mentioned before that my very best friend passed away suddenly 2 years ago April 4th. Well her sister lives along the race route and I still keep in touch with the family. So Amy and her daughter were out there cheering me on and had a HUGE sign that said GO KYM!! I was cracking up. It made me feel SO good and I know Jen is up there smiling down and as proud of me as she could possibly be.

Hubby, My mom and Courtney drove along the route and suprised me at 3 different spots to cheer me on as well! It was great to get so much support. When I hit the 2 mile mark they had volunteers giving us our time. I was at 24:16! I couldn't believe it. that's the fastest I have run yet!!

The mile was by far the hardest. there were 2 pretty decent size hills that we had to go up, so I just paced myself and walked a bunch of times. Once i got in the home stretch thought I kicked it up in high gear. It's so great to have all those people that you don't even know at the finish line cheering you on!!

My official end time??!! 39:19! I couldn't be more happy or proud of that at all. My goal was 53:47, and I blew that way out , so I am happy. I was suprised that I wasn't even sore after or tired either. I did take 2 motrin before we left this morning, since I KNOW how my legs react afterwards, and I am glad I did to avoid how uncomfortable I know I get. We then had hot dogs and baked good and TONS of water. I was parched!! What I couldn't get over was the amount of beer!! Geez, doesn't that defeat the purpose of running over 3 miles?? not to mention that it was only 11:45 in the morning!! LOL

So here is my offical time stamp. so super proud of it. I did come home and take a 1.5 hour nap and woke up super sore. Took more motrin and headed to my dads for a quick dinner! (and the boys wanted to use grandpas vacuum of course!)

all in all though, I had a ton of fun. I am running my 2nd one on May 8th and 3rd on June 6th. I never would have though 2 months ago that I could ever run 10 minutes let alone a 5K! I never could have done this without the support of all you wonderful spark friends of mine. Especially Trish & Becky. You both have pushed me and got me to where I am today. Thank you for that girls!! You are ALL the reason why I've got to where I am! Thank you Spark!

Race in the morning!! Oh my!!

2010-04-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

My first 5k. In about 12 hours. Oh boy. I am excited and nervous. Really wish the weather would be better for this though. It's supposed to SNOW tonight! yep you read that right. ugh. Tomorrow is supposed to be upper 30's with rain/snow mix and wind. Yuck. so not happy about that. I just hope I can find a way to stay warm and dry and make it through. I've drove the course a few times, so I am familiar with it. there are a few hills, which scares me. the worst one being RIGHT at the finish line! LOL so much for a strong finish when you have to run UP hill to get to the finish line. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for positiveness!! LOL My mom, Hubby and daughter are all coming with to cheer me on. As I type this, we are sitting in the family room in front of the fireplace! with a FIRE roaring. how sad for the middle of April. It makes me look even more forward to the next race in May when it SHOULD be warm!

So my estimated time for tomorrow?? 54:37 that's my goal. Can't wait to see if I can do it!

Weather Report for Saturday's race, Ick!!

2010-04-14T05:51:00.001-07:00

I've been watching the weather faithfully to see what Saturday will be like for my first race. It's not looking too promising, which is a huge bummer! As of right now it's supposed to be 42 and rain. Yuck!! I've only ran in the rain once, and it was pouring with thunderstorms and hubby had to come save me! I know this is not that, but nonetheless, I am bummed. Since this week has all been sunny and 50! Figures.

So what is the best thing to wear to race in?? Any suggestions? And since it's going to be raining, any suggestions on how to stay dry at all? I wish I had a light jacket rather then my zip up hooded sweatshirt that I've been wearning, but I don't, so that'll have to do if it comes down to it. Any suggestions are welcome!

Doctor's Appointment

2010-04-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Last night was my 3 month doctor appt, and although I didn’t make my 20 lb goal (bummer) she was SO thrilled with my weight loss to date. I am hovering right around 18-19 lbs right now. I seem to be stuck, but I know eventually it’ll pick back up again, but to see her SO very proud of me made it so worth everything. It’s one thing for your family to say your doing a good job, but it really meant a lot that she told me so as well. We also cut one of my anxiety meds by ½, hoping that will help with some side effects I’ve been struggling with. I am hoping that the extra working out will help off set the ½ dose that we are taking away. I am sure in the end it will be fine.

I also tried on a pair of size 22 jeans this morning. And I could ZIP them! LOL They were still tight, so I can’t wear them, but just the fact that I was able to zip them is a great thing for me. I am thrilled of what the future is holding for me!

Only 4 more days until my first race as well! I am as prepped as I can be. I plan on running either tomorrow or Thursday night before it and that is it. I know that I need 1-2 between runs to give my legs time to recover, so I don’t want to do anything any closer to race day. I am excited, but starting to get nervous. I’ve yet to actually run 3 or more miles, but I have ran 2.70 miles. So I figure what’s another .50 miles?? I can do it! I figure between the adrenaline and the excitement that day I’ll get through. And if I have to stop and walk a couple times, well that’s ok too. We found a babysitter for the boys and hubby and my mom and daughter are coming to cheer me on!  Today at lunch I went and drove the race route ~ I am sure this is what got me nervous. It’s so much more then I am used to in my small quiet neighborhood, but it’s Ok. This is only the first one, I have many more to prove better for!

Today is also Tuesday, which is my super busy day and the kids and I don’t get home until well after 8. I don’t’ usually work out today, but since I skipped last night, I might do Jillian’s DVD tonight just to get something in. I feel like crap when I don’t do anything!! I guess I am writing this here so I can be held accountable. Kym, you WILL work out tonight!

Excited!!

2010-04-12T06:24:00.001-07:00

See that little ticker up there??!! Yep, only 5 days until I run that 5K!! I am so excited, I can't wait!!

Weigh In

2010-04-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Totally bummed that I GAINED 2 lbs this week. It's my FIRST gain since Jan 22 when I started the journey to a new me. It's depressing though nonetheless, especially since I really wanted to hit that 20lb mark for my doc. appt on Monday night. *sigh* Oh well. there is always next week. I will keep chugging along as usual. I am pretty exhausted today, and although I haven't worked out since Thursday afternoon (just a 2 mile run) I am going to take off today as well. I am sleepy! Actually I think I may go lay down for a hour while Colin naps too.

We are heading to an old friends house for dinner and company tonight. Our kiddos are the same age, so they love to play together, which is so amazing to us!! I know she is making Lasagna, however a healthier version and using chicken sausage rather then hamburger meat. I'll just have my one portion and be done. Dessert is my job. Being the lack of energy ball that I am, I am going for store bought. I NEVER do that. ever. But I guess since I don't really want to eat the stuff much, I don't like making it either. A carrot cake from Wegmans though, sounds divine.

Happy Weekend everyone. And hoping next weeks weight will be better!

Oh yea, did I mention that ONE WEEK from today, is my 5K??!!??!! I am so excited and ready to run! I am also signing up for one on May 8th, which benefits special needs children, so that one is close to my heart and then on close to our house on June 6th. Looking forward to each and every one!

Measurements

2010-04-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

March 3, 2010 (last month)
Upper Arm - 16
Thigh 25
Chest (above breasts) 45.5
Abs 49
Waist (at belly button) 53 (ewwww!!)
Hips 56
neck 15.5
Breast- 53

April 8, 2010 (Current)
Upper Arm 16 Same
Thigh 23.5 -1.5 inches
Chest Above breast 47.5 ?? Is that right? I'll have to see next month
Abs 47 -2 inches
Waist at belly button 51.25 - 1.75 inches
Hips 53 -3 inches
Neck 15.25 - .25 inches
And I didn't do my breast this time,
But I did do my calf, since those are changing like crazy 15.5 - however I believe they are getting BIGGER! From running that is!

So how did I do?? That is a TOTAL of 8.5 inches in ONE MONTH!! I think it's pretty dam good. I'll take it! And I am still just that 1 measly pound away from a 20lb loss!!

Leaving work to run!

2010-04-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

My Route
We have barley NO work at work this week. Our largest school district is closed for Spring break and leaves it very very quiet here. Rather then sitting here with nothing to do but surf the internet, I decided to take a 1/2 day. I have SO much I would rather be doing at home, mainly Laundry for 5 people! So I figure if the rain can hold out, I'll run home get a load in the washer, and go for the above run.(see the MY ROUTE link) It's what i started to do last night, but got caught up in the freak thunderstorm! So Round 2 this afternoon and then hopefully hubs will make it home in time for my 7pm class!

9 days until that first big race, I need to keep on this!! I Plan to run this route as much as I can before then. I figure if I can do this, then I can do THAT! :-)

I need a smaller bust line!!

2010-04-07T08:46:00.001-07:00

Yes, I want my boobs gone! Well most of them anyway. I"ve always been very large chested. Very large chested. I will never forget in high school one of my friends said to me that your not "fat" unless your stomach is larger then your breasts. LOL Well, I guess I've never really gotten fat them have I?? The more "I" grow, the more they "grow" and the I still can't see my stomach! *sigh* So anyway. It's frustrating to lose weight, 1 lb away from 20 and still have them be the same size! I am not down a clothinig size at all yet. I wonder somedays when that will come. But I won't rush it either. I have lost inches, that I can feel. But I am so ready to have these boobs gone. Even if I have lost some weight my breasts make it so you can't even tell. I am sorry to bitch about it, I really don't mean too. I've always liked having a large chest. But I want to look better, and with that comes the need of a smaller bust line!! Anyone else ever feel this way????

Running & short term goals

2010-04-06T05:38:00.001-07:00

Last night I ran for a FULL 28 mintues! I did have to slow down twice. Once after a pain in my side and the second to get a drink, but each time, I only used 30sec to 1 min to recover. I was SO proud of myself. I just got in my zone and went for it. It's so much easier when I find that zone. Most days it's hard to find it. I ended up on the treadmill since by the time Hubby got home and I got ready it was 8pm, so no track running after dark. Courtney and I got the gym and I began right away. I started running at 4.5 and with each new song that came on, I would up my speed by .1. So in the end I ran most of the run at 4.8 - 4.9. for the last 2 mintues I pushed it and ran at a 5.0-and 5.1! Wahoo. LOL my average still only ended up being a 4.4, but that's OK, becuase outside I average 4.0 - 4.1, so that's about right. In total I covered 2.37 miles in that time. More then I've done in the past. I've still yet to make it a FULL 3.1 miles, and it nothing else, My 5K maybe the first time I do!
I also have a doctor's appointment coming up next Monday. My goal by then is lose another 1.3 lbs, which would put me at the 20lb loss mark since Jan. But 22 lbs lost since Dec. When I went in decmeber and saw that 267lbs, it's what made me decide to change. I was discusted that I let it get that high. I had to add more mediction for my anxiety and I don't doubt it's becuase of my weight gain (not to menion daily life stuggles, but that's typical) So she told me I really needed to get into an excerise routine and stick with it. When I went back in Jan to my 4 week check up I was down 2 lbs and started THIS journey at 265. i would LOVE to show her that in 3 months i lost 20 whole lbs. Not to mention I can tell her I am running my first ever 5K the following saturday. What an accomplishment in 3 short months.
After I meet that, my next goal is to lose 30 lbs by June 1st and then 40 lbs by August 6th, when hubby and I travel to colorado for his best friends wedding. Hopefully I'll be able to shop for a new cute dress for that as well!! :-)

Yeah for Weight Loss!

2010-04-03T12:09:00.001-07:00

First off, I lost 4 lbs this week!! Wahoo. Breaking my 2 week pleatau and putting me under that dam 250 mark! So relived. Hope the next weeks show good results as well.

We hit the road early this morning with 2 sick little boys to drive 1.5 hours to Olean to visit my MIL for easter a day early. Hubby had a huge to do list, So I grabbed Colin and the stroller and hit the bike path. We ended up walking about 4.5 miles!! Holy cow. We were gone for almost 2 hours. Olean is pretty hilly. We got to walk the perimeter of St. Bonaventure College and I got some great pictures of the area too, that i'll have to upload later on when we get back home. We now have Turkey cooking in the oven and I am looking very forward to dinner.

Hope everyone else is having a great weekend and a joyous easter!

Fun with April Fool's day

2010-04-01T10:49:00.001-07:00

My hubby is ALWAYS playing pranks on me. And I can NEVER get him back. This morning he got me good too. He drives tractor trailer for a living. So he called me at work and said he truck broke down, needed to be towed and he needed a ride back to the yard. So I yell to my boss, grab my purse and am running out of here when he says April Fool's *UGH* got me again.
Then did anyone else check google today?? It's now TOPEKA?? Yea, well that is an april's fool joke too, which I fell for and was reading the story behind it and all. Duh me.

SO as 2 of my coworkers and I were going to lunch today, we passed by Ryder, where my hubby parks our personal vechicle when he's on the road during the day. ON the way to lunch, we swung by my house, grabbed shaving cream and toilet paper and on the way back to work, went to town. Boy it was fun! The mechanics in the shop kept looking at me, but said nothing. I can't wait unil he gets back tonight to see the damage. The best part?? He will NEVER know it was me. His best friend Dave and him are ALWAYS playing jokes on one another so I know he'll think dave before he ever thinks me!!

Here is some of the damage, the really good pictrues on the the camera and I can't upload at work.

Pants are Getting Bigger!!

2010-04-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

My pants are finally starting to get too big on me! Thank GOD! LOL Although they are baggy, I still can't go down a size, since those ones are still too tight, but that's OK, at least I know SOMETHING good is coming of this. IN the begining of Jan, I had the top button of these undone to be comfortable, today I can pull them down without unbottoning them!!

Much more positive this time week!

2010-03-31T18:20:00.001-07:00

I've been right on track with my food, and actually went under by a few today. I am getting a workout in everyday and enjoy it too. I feel so much better about myself. I even sneaked a peak at the scale yesterday morning and it read 248. Iam NOT using that number to track or log or anything since my weigh in is on Saturday, however If I am under 250, I will be THRILLED, I'll even take 249.9 at this point. I haven't been right on track with the c25k, but I feel at this time, that I'll adjust it as I need too. Today I did almost 1.5 miles in less then 28 minutes, mostly running, but some walking as well. I am comfortable with how well I did. I did it outside, not on a track, it was hard, but I did it. I had some SERIOUS shin splints when I got home though. I had to take motrin though, thank god for meds. :-) I was proud though. I wish I could keep the boobs from dancing though, ugh. I hope they shrink, and FAST. I came home to hubby and the kids making the new yo plait smoothie berry mix and it was SO yummy after a nice run. I am looking forward to running the 5K in 17 days, but know for sure I won't be able to run the whole thing. I do plan on walking as needed and if I finish in an hour I'll take it. I am actually looking at more upcoming races, and found one that looks promising on June 6th. As soon as we have the extra funds, I may preregister for it as well. Something else to work towards. I was bummed when i got to the school track today to run, and the school was using it, so I had to run the neighborhood. I still can't find a way to breathe right, anyone else have this prob????

This weekend will be a bit of a test, we are out of town visiting the MIL for the day Saturday. We need to leave here by 8:30 to get there and to an egg hunt by 11. So much for my work out in the morning at the gym. I think I am going to bring clothes though and make use of the track by her house. Hubs will be put to work anyway, so gotta keep me busy. We drive home that night, then Sunday for easter we are headed to my moms, which is an hour away. Busy busy, and I am hoping I can keep my eating in track. I'll have to write it all down and log it at night.

Remember a few weeks ago I blogged about the family dinner that I was asked to get a babysitter for? well that was this past sun, and as promised we stayed home. However tonight I called my brother to let him know why we weren't there and he said he already knew, because we didn't want to get a sitter. I asked him if he though this was ok and he said sure why not??? WHAT?? YOUR nephews too buddy. UGH. I am glad we can pick friends, because they are amazing to my kids. Family, not so much and it hurts bad. needless to say, hubs walked in on my bawling my eyes out after I asked to my brother.

And yesterday Colin had his CPSE meeting and he was approved for a full day center based 6:1:1 program. He needs this so badly. He is required now as well to receive Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy and special ed. We just have to find a program with an opening. This should open a million doors for him. I don't understand why family can't see the good in my children instead of the disability? *sigh*

Sorry that was SO long, I guess I had a lot to say!!

15 POUNDS IS ALOT!

2010-03-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Since Jan 22nd, I have lost exactly 15lbs. Since Dec. 17 lbs. But one never thinks that is enough. This past weekend, when I was doing the 2 mile walk for wellness walk, my partner and I were talking about weight loss. One of the leaders of the walk had lost 8 lbs in the past 2 weeks. Yes I said 2 WEEKS. that is NUTS! I'd be happy with that per month. So I mentioned that I've lost 15 lbs in 2.5 months. She said wow! that's great. I said really?? I was hoping for alot more. She said, you know what, everyone thinks like that, but think of that weight as an object. She said think of a 5lbs bag of potatoes for instance.

I have lost 3 of them. I never looked at it that way, but that is ALOT. 3 bags of potatoes weighs alot of weight. I guess looking at it like that, really shows me that I am accomplishng something. So those of you who struggle, or think what you've lost isn't enough, like me, find an object that weights that much, or 1/2 of that much and double it. You'll be pleasantly suprised too!

Picture Comparison

2010-03-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Can you see a difference? The one with Colin is from Jan at 265 lbs and the one with me alone is past Saturday, March 27 2010 - 250 lbs. I can't see much of a difference, I wish I could see more of one, I was hoping to see something huge, but I guess not....

So far behind!

2010-03-23T17:40:00.001-07:00

Our day's have been so busy with the kids, preschool transition, kindergarten transition, family coming to visit, I feel SO out of the loop. I hate this feeling! I haven't even been at work much because there is just So much to do. By the time I get home, get dinner, get to the gym and get home, it's beyond 10pm, and I can't even find the time to get on here or blog. Ugh!!

Moving on, yesterday I did my version of Week 7 day 1. I wasn't able to do the 25 minute run, but I didn't go into it thinking that I could either, so I wasn't disappointed at all. I'd say that I was able to run for about 20-22 minutes of it, not consecutive but I did it nonetheless and that is what matters. I figure I have a week to perfect it and if I don't, then I have next week too. I'll get there. I like that I can have that attitude! I also experience my first ever shin splints during it. How horrible. I was DYING by the time I was done. I ran at a .5 include instead of 1.0 I wonder if that was why? Whatever the reason, I was in pain. I did my weights after that, but no leg ones, I hurt too bad. then I pushed through 14 mins on the elliptical and then crashed. Glad I brought my swim suit with me, I hit the hot tub up for my aching muscles for a bit. Glad I did too, because I felt SO SO much better today. Usually I am still in pain, and although my knees hurt a little, it's NOTHING like I know it would have been.

Tomorrow I'll try day 2 and see how it goes....tonight is my night off. After taking the day off or work, for 3 meetings and evals and screenings for 2 kids then parent group, I am just getting home at 8:30 and I am wiped! Looking forward to resting and prepping for tomorrow!

I did it!

2010-03-20T17:50:00.001-07:00

Well Kinda. I did DO the 3.4 miles... but I walked half and ran half. And I am SO OK with that. I NEVER could have ran that whole thing. And it was my very first time ever running outside. And the wind was coming towards me, which made it pretty dam hard. All in all though, I am happy. I did the entire thing in 50 mins exactly. I'll take it. that tells me that I have 28 days left to get a better time, and I would even be happy with that time! If I have to run/walk the 5K, so be it, at least I know I can do it in under an hour. Alot of the streets I had to run down, have no sidewalks, since they are busy roads, and no bike lane either, so It made it tricky, but when I got there, I was SO proud of me. And my legs for keeping me up! I would set a goal to run too in front of me, like make it to the green mailbox, or the traffic light, or the detour sign, and I always made it, I probably walked for 2 min, ran for 3-4 the whole time, but I am still impressed with my time....

Now as soon as the boys are sleeping Mike and I are going to dinner with the friends house that I ran too. We never get out much together since we both have 3 kids, so it's going to be late and it's only to friendlys, but that's OK. AND I think i might eat a chicken finger panini,. the worst thing possible, but I am looking SO forward to it!!!

2010-03-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

Day 3 - I haven't done yet, but WILL be doing tonight, outside! We are going to friends of our's tonight, who live about 3.4 miles from here. MIke is going to drive there with the kids and I am going to follow, doing my day 3. So i'll adjust the walk run as I need too, but will feel accomplished no matter what, since in the end I'll have covered 3.4 miles!! Mike is going to bring me a change of clothes and I plan on showering when I get there, since I am sure I won't be a very pretty sight!! So I'll be sure to update on that tonight or tomorrow!

My MIL is also here visiting for the day, and her and hubs just ran out to pick up pizza. I asked them to get me subway, so they are. I just don't feeling like giving up what I've worked so hard for!

Lost 2 lbs!

2010-03-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

*whew* I am still a couple of ounces behind where I wanted to be, but hopefully I can make it up as I go along. Funny thing is, I worked out LESS this week. Maybe that means I DO need to up my calories for when I do workout as I usually do to see a change?? hm.. We'll keep it as is this week and see what next week brings. For now, I'll take the 2 lbs!

Water Aerobics

2010-03-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

I took the Aqua Fit class tonight and really enjoyed it. It felt SO very good on my aching body! Especially what ever I did to my leg. I am thinking I might have ended up pulling muscle in my upper inner thigh. It's the only thing I can think off and it would explain why it's still bothering me. I actually have to limp when I go from sit to stand to readjust my weight on it. So the water felt great on it. and my back and knees too. What a great muscle workout man! Geez, my arms were shaking! My neighbor is actually the instructor for it, so that was kinda neat. She is so friendly. I wish I could take the class more often, but the times just don't work well for me.

I am hoping so very much that I do decent at weigh in tomorrow, I haven't peeked at all since last Monday, so my fingers are crossed.

I am not going to be able to make my normal strength class tomorrow because Caden has his first "real" dentist appt for a cleaning {he had other appts when his teeth got knocked out during therapy, poor kid!} so I'll be all off kilter, but I am hoping that after the dentist I can get to the gym and try to do Day 3. Try being the key work there! 29 days until the 5K!

Week 6 Day 2 and lots of other stuff

2010-03-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

So last night I did day Day 2 after taking a 2 day break from everything. It went well, but I did my typical thursday night strenght class before hand, and I am gald I did. Mostly becuase my body is STILL sore when ever is going on with it. So Day 2, and the 2 10 min runs. Where to start??? I did it. I guess that's a good spot. i didn't like it though! The first one I stoped only about 20 sec short, then I did my 3 min and then the second one i did the full 10 full. I did most of the run at 5.0, becuase the 4.6 seems to be getting too slow for me now, but I did have to bump it down a couple of times to around 4.8. I ended up going just over 2 miles in that time. I guess it's not bad. I am not looking forward to that 25 min run. I am going to have to find my zone yet again, which I am finding super hard to do these days. I am not sure when I'll get this done, since I am not going tonight and I am pretty busy this weekend. I am hoping to fit it in on Sunday. Or maybe tomorrow afternoon too. We'll see how I am feeling. My knees were KILLING me when I got off of that treadmill yesteday. SO badly. I've never felt pain like that before. I even went and took some motrin when I was up with Colin at 3am this morning. Thankfully the motrin helped becuase I am much better then I was at 4am!!

I decided because my body is so sore and achy lately that I would change things up a little bit. I still want to work out, even if I am sore, but My legs are so bad, that I can't run or do the treamill and it limits me to the machines then as well, So I signed the boys up for childcare and Iam going ot take the Aquafit Class. i am Super excited about this. I took it one other time, when Colin was newborn, but he had reflux and wouldn't stop crying, so they had to call me out of the pool. I think this might go better now that they are older and have each other to play with while I am there. The tough thing with this class is that it's 6-7 on Mon, Tues and wed. Which are typically my running days. Since I ran last night ( I can't believe I can say "i RUN"!) I thought I push to get to the gym by 6 tonight. I am hoping this helps my aching body a bit.

Tomorrow is weigh in day,,,,, not sure how I feel about that. The past 2 weeks were horrible, so it can't be worse right??

I've also noticed that my arms and legs are looking really toned these days. I still have huge arms, don't get me wrong, they always will be, but they are more toned and oppsosed to fat lumps now And my Calfs - Holy Cow to do I ever have some huge calf's, that I know is all muscle! I've always had super skinny chicken legs and ankles { Your gonna laugh, but I made a song that I have Chicken legs on an elephants body!} But my legs are not so thin anymore, I know have these amazing calfs sticking out there! Thanks to running!! and althought i'll miss you skinny legs, I like the new toning up!!

I also ordered my new pedometer from ebay today!! I feel so lost with out the one I had now, and every time I got to track fitness, that dam step counter and mile tracker are staring me in the face wondering why they don't get attention. The night I lost it, MIke went to the store to get me a new one, but they were out. So I went to target a few days ago to buy one, only to have it break as I was setting the time on it, cheapo. I did some looking on ebay during the week and I found one I liked for $9.95 with free shipping!! So after I got paid today, I got it, can't wait for it to arrive now so I can go back to tracking those steps!!

Here's to a nice pool workout , kids being good in childwatch and good numbers on the scale in the morning!

Taking 2 days off????

2010-03-17T17:57:00.001-07:00

So I typically always take off on Tuesdays. Especially this week after doing running 2 days in a row. So today I am just super sore still. My left leg is really bothering me, my calf hurts and I keep getting tinges of pain shooting through it. My upper thigh in the same leg hurts too. I did have all intentions of going and doing Day 2 of week 6 tonight. Then Mike didn't get home until 8, he had a migraine, so took a fast nap, then I got the kids bathed and ready for bed and in bed and I just can't do it. My legs hurt way too bad to push through it. I feel so horrible though, since the past 2 weeks I've lost crap for weight and now for 2 days in a row, I haven't been able to workout. It's not because I dont' want to, I just HURT. I hope this doesn't effect Saturday's weight in too much. My scheudle for the C25K Is going to be all out of whack now (I don't adjust well to change! LOL) but it will work out. In the end sleep, rest are just as importnat as working out right? And I've been averaging only 4-5 hours of sleep at the most, and broken sleep at that (thank you my dear Colin son). I guess I am just trying to reassure myself this is OK. I've never taken more then 1 day off since I started in Jan. .. Blah!

Week 6!

2010-03-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

Ugh, so bummed I lost my pedometer at the gym! I didn't notice until I got home that it was missing. I am going to call the gym before I go to bed and have them look for it, otherwise, I'll have to look for a new one, I really liked tracking my steps everyday! I did look at it in the bathroom after I ran and i was up over 10,000 so that is good.

So Finished Day 1. I didn't do it as strong as I know that I could have, only becuase I did that 20 mintue yesterday and I was really feeling it when I started to run today! The first 5 min was nothing, the 8 min, I had to push through the last 3 min of it and the last one, I had to stop when only 1 minute was left, I was DONE! LOL I couldn't catch my breath and my legs were killing me. I am ok with it though. I did just over 2 miles. I am really unable to concentrate when I have to listen to him tell others to stop running I have to keep going etc. I think once i am past the short intervals, I'll just use my music for the longer ones. It's easier and goes by much faster for me. Tomorrow is my off day, and I am ready to run on Wednesday. I think I might us my music for that one too, since it's 2 10 min. runs, easy enough to track!

Week 5 Day 3 ~ Take Two!!

2010-03-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

And it was a breeze! I knew my anxiety was really affecting me friday night and that I didn't give the run my all at all, never mind having to stop a few times. So today is typically my Boxing and Zumba 2 hour classes, I waited until about 15 min into boxing for my partner to show, and she didn't, so I grabbed my Ipod from my locker and said I was going to give that darn run a try again. I didn't use the podcast, because I didn't want to here the times being told, I just used my music and knew each song was 3-4 min long, so once I got through so many, I could look at the clock again. I did my 5 min warm up, then ran, and ended up running until 26.08 on the clock! AND I started at 4.6 and went up to 4.9. I ran the last 10 min at 4.9. I never stopped at all the entire time, and felt SO much better after completing it! I am now very confident for Week 6 Day 1 tomorrow!

I know I can do this and am SO glad I took the time to redo it the way I know it needed to be done.

Just an updated face picture

2010-03-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

Weigh In

2010-03-13T04:58:00.001-08:00

Weighed in this morning, and I am only down .4 oz. I know I didn't gain, so that is the positive, but it's so frustrating every other week to not lose! It seems to be my pattern. TOM also arrived yesterday, So I am pretty sure that has alot to do with the lack of loss.

I can't figure out if i am doing something wrong. I thought for sure this week would be a good one, I ran long and hard for 3 days. Took all my reg. classes and even did one day of 30 day shred and one day of the fitlab which is more then I usually do. I've started right in my calorie range, and actually at the higher end of it too, to make up for the added calories I'am burning with working out. I am not sure what else I can do. In the past, this would be the time when I would give up. Not seeing enough change to continue. But this is different, I am holding myself accountable for everything I do, and eat. I will do this and not give up. I know I have great support and a 5K coming up that I WILL hopefully be able to run in.

I just need to find what's causing this rut and get the heck out of here! :-)

Buffalo, Anxiety and Day 3

2010-03-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

SO I am going to start with the positive. We went out to lunch at work today, which is a typical Friday thing. We decided pretty early, so i had a lot of time to hop in the internet and research what I wanted to eat. We went to fuddruckers, which is am amazing burger place, but I knew I didn't want a normal burger and fries and ruin what I've worked for. So I ended up getting Buffalo Burger, on a wheat roll no fries and raspberry iced tea. All in all, the meal was only 504 calories, and 4 grams of fat! I was super thrilled and I LOVED The buffalo! It was tasty and much better then a reg. one! more expensive too, but worth it. So I am glad I research, tried something knew and proved to myself that I can make decent choices when I am out of the office and house!!

Next up, TOM decided to pay me a visit today. BLAH. Since I am done having babies and don't have to be on birth control anymore, I can't track it at all. It's all over the place since i stopped nursing Colin (we nursed for 19.5 months) So I was pretty bummed, however that really explains the body aches I was having this morning. It also explains part of the anxiety I've been having all day long. Like really bad, where I am having trouble getting breaths.

With that being said about the anxiety and TOM, I am sure being extra worried about day 3 upped the anxiety to a whole different level. I did finish it. I am proud I did, but disappointed at how I did. I wasn't as confident as I usually am, and I think it hurt me. My anxiety was WAY WAY up the whole time, so I had a hard time focusing and getting into my zone, like I usually do. This interfered big time. Then 2x's, I stopped to walk for maybe 15 seconds, so I feel like I really only completed a 19 minute run. Bummer. I feel like I've failed myself. AND I only ended up running a 14 min/mile, which is a bummer since I've been averaging 12 or 13 min/miles. So although I did for the most part complete it, I am not happy about how I feel with the end result. I think while I am at the gym tomorrow, I won't do the whole day again, but I will run for maybe 10-15 minutes straight. I know that if I can do that, the right way, then I will be fine with the 20. If I can't, well then I'll do day 3 over again, which is a huge disappoint for me.

I hoping the anxiety subsides during the night tonight, and that TOM doesn't affect my weigh in tomorrow morning......

Week 5 Day 2

2010-03-10T18:40:00.001-08:00

I can not believe that I finished today! I am so proud of what I've accomplished right now, nothing else matters! LOL Who would have thought that a mere 6 weeks ago that I would ever be running for 8 full minutes??!! And not only once but TWICE?? Not I, that's for sure. I am a bit iffy about Friday's 20 minute run, but I'll manage, mind over matter. I honestly didn't think this was too hard either. The first run was a breeze. Got in my zone and went for it. The second one was a bit harder, but I pushed, had to slow down to 4.5 from 4.7, but I did it!! Didn't get any strength training in tonight though, Just wanted to come home early and relax. These 10pm nights at the gym are no good for marriage! thankfully my hubby is super supportive. Could't do this with out him!

fitlab.com

2010-03-09T18:54:00.001-08:00

Anyone ever heard of this??? Holy Cow! I decided to try this tonight instead of Jillian becuase I was low on my steps. This is a KILLER workout! Let me start by saying that I began with about 6780 steps, and needed to reach 10,000 for my goal, Well 45 mintues later, I am at 10,600!! The site is pretty cool and designs your workout for you, so your not always doing the same thing. Since it knows your weight, age, etc, after the workout it gives you your calories burned, which makes it nice and easy to track on here. i did some major major cardio. Some I couldn't even keep up with so I just marched in place or did knee lifts. You get a great stretch in the end and some nice oblique work too. This was only my first time using it, But I think I might use it again on a Tuesday, or any other day I feel like I need to have a down day. You can even customize it for you time. I told it I wanted to do 45 min, since 30 is my daily goal. So I am happy I passed that. Maybe at some point I'll do 1 hour. Not yet! LOL

I highly suggest that everyone at least check it out! It's a great tool that you can use right online. I know it's not for everyone, but it's worth the looksee. I can tell you know my legs feel like JELLO! Ha,ha!

Tomorrow is the BIG Day 2 of Week 5!! Two 8 minute runs! BRING IT ON! I am SO ready to do this!! (BTW, I really hope I feel that way tomorrow!!)

Week 5 Day Uno!!

2010-03-08T19:00:00.001-08:00

Week 5 Day 1 - I lied was not 8 minutes of running. YET ~ That comes on day 2. Guess I read it wrong. Today however was (3) 5 min runs and I really did well. I think the last one was my hardest but I did it. I did the first one at 4.5, the second at 4.6 and the third at 4.7 and lowered it to 4.6 towards the end. I am actually excited to try the 8 min on wed! My feet didn't hurt and I was ready to go, which was surprising since I went in with a headache and had to drag myself out of the house at 8pm! So I am glad it wasn't as bad as i expected and proud that I was able to push through without having to kill myself this week. This is the first time ever!

Missing Loved Ones

2010-03-06T18:59:00.001-08:00

Today was a busy day. As I came on here to add my foods and check messages on facebook, My best friends brother posted something, that set me back to think. You see my best friend died almost 2 years ago. I think about her every single day. We were friends for over 20 years. 2 months later, my mom's fiance, my stepfather passed away after a very short 5 month battle with Cancer, a day short of their wedding day. I sit here thinking about them all day everyday. Wondering why? And what life would be like if they were still here. I know Jen would be holding my hand through all of this and Les would be making my mom smile everyday with his silliness and humor. So today, this blog has nothing to do with me, or my weight loss, but everything to do with Jen, who left behind 3 beautiful children, and one goddaughter (my daughter)not to mention countless friends and family, She has a piece of my heart everyday. And to Les, who was a father to me and my mom's best friend. It hurts me so much that my children will only remember him in pictures, as they were too young to remember him in life. He had the best spirit about him. God always takes the best, and he didn't fail in this case. So, in memory of Les and Jen ~

Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart. Repost if you have a loved one in Heaven~I Love you and miss you Jen! 4/4/08 & Les 06/12/08

Week 4 ~ DONE!!!

2010-03-05T19:27:00.001-08:00

*Whew* I haven't looked ahead yet to see what week 5 hold for me, and I'am not yet sure that I will. I'd rather be told when it comes, then have to stress over it for days! Today's wasn't to bad, but still rough. That 5 min. kills me, so does that 2nd 3 min. ugh. My feet have been sore which doesn't help much either. Oh well. I am so glad that I am starting week 5 - that means that I've made it over the 1/2 way mark and my odds of quitting in my head are less then 50%!! I KNOW I will do this thing. After all i didn't throw $20 away for a 5K for nothing!!

Tomorrow is my weigh in morning. Looking VERY forward to it. Really hoping to lose that 1.5 lbs that I said I would in the MaryMack challenge!! Fingers are crossed. I think I might head to bed and sleep over some more fat LOL

Hey - anyone ever go into a sauna?? I've never. Please tell me what the exact purpose/benefits of one is. What do you wear? How long do you stay in?? Help??!!

Night my friends!

MaryMacker ~ We ain't slackers Challenge

2010-03-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

So - I've joined a challenge created by a couple of girls on Sparkpeople. Mary and Mack (Mackenzie) have each lost a ton of weight (between 60-90 lbs each)and have found an amazing friendship via sparkpeople. They actually ended up living in the same town and have become very great friends. they work out together and coach/ support each other etc. Mack is getting married on June 12th and Mary is obviously standing up in the wedding. They each would like to lose an additional 18 lbs before that time (15 weeks) which averages 1.2 lbs per week. They then opened up the challenge up to everyone! So today I joined. Since i have alot more weight to lose then most people, I upped my weekly loss to 1.5, which is a push, since some weeks I tend to lose nothing, but other weeks it's 2-3 lbs. So we'll see and hope that in the end it evens itself out! So in the end of this challenge, my total loss would be a whopping 22.5 lbs! Bring it on!

SO here are numbers - and I will update this post as I weigh in weekly as well as my regular weigh in on the right sidebar. I really want to do it here because I can compare it to the weight I SHOULD be during the challenge weeks. Here we go!

SW – 254.6 GW 232.1 - I am using my starting weight from my 02/27 weigh in

03/05 GW = 253.1 WI:252.8
03/12 GW = 251.6 WI:252.4
03/19 GW = 250.1 WI:250.2
03/26 GW = 248.6 WI:
04/02 GW = 247.1 WI:
04/09 GW = 245.6 WI:
04/16 GW = 244.1 WI:
04/23 GW = 242.6 WI:
04/30 GW = 241.1 WI:
05/07 GW = 239.6 WI: (this would be 10% less then my original starting weight!!)
05/14 GW = 238.1 WI:
05/21 GW = 236.6 WI:
05/28 GW = 235.1 WI:
06/04 GW = 233.6 WI:
06/11 GW = 232.1 WI:

Finally did Measurements!

2010-03-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

So now that I finally got that dreaded tape measure I had to get the measurements done. Not sure how accurate they were, since i did them by myself, but we'll see as we go along. keep in mind I've already lost 10.5 lbs and some inches I am sure. So here goes nothing!

Upper Arm - 16
Thigh 25
Chest (above breasts) 45.5
Abs 49
Waist (at belly button) 53 (ewwww!!)
Hips 56
neck 15.5
Breast- 53 SO there we go ladies.

The ugly of it all. *sigh* hope to never see those again. I am currently a size 24 - a comfortable size 24, some a bit big, but not big enough to go down to a 22 yet. those are WAYYYY tight LOL When I began I was A TIGHT 24, most pants I couldn't even button. so proof that SOME inches have been lost to date. I also finished Week 4 Day 2 of the C25k today. Of course it kicked my butt. But I wouldn't expect anything less. Tomorrow is Zumba - Friday is Day 3. Chugging along......

5K here I come!

2010-03-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Today I got the confidence to fill out, and mail my registratioin form to run my first ever race! I am SO proud of this accomplishment, I can't wait until I can really do it! The race is on Saturday April 17th at 11am, that gives me 6 more weeks to finsih the C25K program, and I really am supposed to only have 5 weeks left. So this gives me an extra week to play with if I either fall behind or start to struggle. Tonight is day 2 of week 4 - So I am hoping it's a bit easier then Monday. Time will tell. I also plan on running a second 5K on May 15th, but I have yet to resgister for that one. I want to make sure I can do this first!

So 6 week and counting, maybe I'll put a ticker up there for a countdown??!! Good idea!

Moving onto the next week

2010-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

So here we are at week 4 Day 1 of the C25K which I did last night. I can't believe that I am 4 weeks into this already, man how time flies. 5 more weeks and I should be ready to run a 5K, I use that term loosely in case i am not ready, but we'll see! So week 4 entails 1 90 sec. run (2) 3 min. runs and (2) 5 minute runs. Whew! I burned 344 calories in this 32 minutes! I had the hardest time with the 2nd 3 min run actually, which was odd to me. And the last 5 min, I really had to push. I turned down the speed at one point, then ended up upping it again, since it's easier to run fast then too slow for me. those last 60 sec. I pushed HARD and ran a 4.9! I have some a-m-a-z-i-n-g support from my spark people buds and we really push each other. There are 3 of us in the same week and we are always checking on one another, so it's nice to know people do care!! All in all though, I really could NOT have done this 5 min. run if it wasn't for my new sneakers! What a HUGE difference they make in a workout, holy cow!

Here are a couple things I've accomplished since I began on Jan. 22nd. So this is my 6th week in this.

I haven't had ANY iced Cappuccino in 6 weeks - I used to stop daily Monday to Friday for over a year!
I haven't had ANY pop in 6 weeks
I now drink 9+ glasses of ONLY water per day! (to my benefit,I've always been a mostly water drinker anyway, with only 2 cans of pop/day)
I eat a TON of bananas, oranges, apples, pears, asparagus, broccoli, mixed veggies etc.
I am tracking ALL of my foods/nutrition on spark people.
I've lost 10.4 lbs in 6 weeks - and rewarded myself with new sneakers!
I work out faithfully 5-6 days per week
I took my first boxing class on Sunday and Liked it!
I started taking Zumba and LIKE it! I now take 2 classes of it per week!
I know I've lost inches, but never measured in the beginning, I know need to do some to track!
I started the C25K training program and have successfully completed Weeks 1, 2 & 3, currently on Week 4, doing day 2 tomorrow!

My new goal is lose 9.6 more lbs by April 1st, to have a total loss of 20 lbs in 10 weeks! I hope I can meet this goal!!

I also have to say how thankful I am to my hubby, who is very supportive to me during this. He stays home almost everyday with the kids so I can go to the gym. I typicality leave at 7 - 7:30pm and don't get home until around 9:30 or 10:00. He gets the kids ready for bed and in bed, so I can feel better about who I am. Last night, he not only took care and got the kids in bed, but painted the bathroom for me too! I can't express how lucky I am to have him. I am SURE I don't tell him enough or show him how much I appreciate his support, but I do. If not for him, I couldn't work my ass off every night to a new life! Thanks Mike, I LOVE YOU!

My new sneakers!

2010-02-27T11:32:00.001-08:00

Worth every $110 that I paid for them!

Weigh In today

2010-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

I didn't lose anything other then 2 ounces. Boo... BUT I guess on a positive note, not losing is better then gaining right?? I'll take it

Completed day 3 of week 3 yesterday! LOVED it. Got my nice new sneaks, which I'll post pics of later - and I am READY to move on to Week 4 on Monday night!! WooHoo ~ That means 5 WHOLE mintues of running! Who would think this 255+ body could run??? Not I, but I am! Yippie!!

Week 3 Day 1

2010-02-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

So I started Week 3 of the C25K program yesterday. It is shorter then the other weeks, and less intervals, so I didn't burn as many calories which is a bummer, but that's ok. my heart rate was still up there. For week 3 you walk 5, run 90sec. walk 90 sec. run 3 min walk 3 min, run 3 min and walk 5. So I actually RAN for 3 minutes! I am proud. I was winded, but so be it. I did adjust my speed to make up for the longer time. I walked at 3.4 and ran at 4.5-4.7 rather then the 5.0-5.1 that I was doing. I'll work back up to that. And I am at 1.0 incline too. I can't wait until I can run outside! Spring, where are YOU???

2010-02-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

Courtney & I headed out to the gym together in matching colors! :-) She is great support to her mommy! - This BTW was NOT planned.

new pictures

2010-02-21T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here are my -10lbs pictures! I guess I'll take new ones every 10lb loss in the same clothes to better track. So here I am at 254.8 02/22/2010

Yummy Good for you Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

2010-02-20T15:46:00.001-08:00

I've been making a TON of healthy recipies lately, thanks to the internet and Steph (Yay Steph!!) and at some point I came across this one. So while our slow cooker Lasagna was cooking today, I made this Wonderful CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PIE that hit every sweet tooth I needed hitting!! It was so delicious!! I thought I would share it in case anyone else was having the same cravings as I was and didn't want to add a thousand calories!

4 Tbs. Peanut Butter

1 Tbs. Honey

1 1/2 Cup Rice Krispies

1 package Chocolate Sugar/fat Free Pudding mix

2 Cups Skim Milk

Fat Free Cool Whip

Microwave peanut butter and honey for 20 sec, stir to blend. Pour in Rice Krispies & blend. Place in Pie pan. Prepare pudding and pour over crust. Refrigerate to set. Top with coolwhip before serving

Total servings - 6 .

Breakdown per serving :

134 cal.

5.7 Fat

16 carbs.

6 protein

Yummy~ Enjoy!

Week 2 Day 3 & Weigh IN

2010-02-20T05:32:00.001-08:00

Complete! I finished this last night, and it was pretty hard. I wasn't feeling really well to begin with, but was determind to push through. About 1/2 way through I thought about stopping, my knees were killing me and I just felt blah. I didn't though. I am pretty proud to have completed it. Because I had such a hard time with it, I think I am going to repeat the day one more time. I am pretty worried about week3 to begin with, and with not feeling well completing Week 2, I think I owe to me to get it in feeling 100%.

Today was also weigh in day. I had these horrible dreams last night that I gained almost 17 lbs WTH?? I woke up flipping out. I am happy to report though that when I stepped on mr. Scale, it read 254.8, down from 258 last saturday!! So super excited! That is my first 10 lbs!!! Orignally I was going to get a reward of a sports bra, but I think new sneakers more, so that's the plan, as soon as our taxes come in. We sure can't afford it any other way, I am OK with that.

I am torn between taking today off and going to the gym for my class today. I am still not feeling 100%, my body is tired and I have a minor head cold going on. Class starts in 1 hour, so I have =30 to decide, We'll see what happens between now and then.... If I don't get there, I am actually OK with it, where a couple of weeks ago I would have beat myself for not going!

Picture time

2010-02-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

I thought I better get these pictures up here or I'll never do it. these were taken around Jan 22nd, 2010- 7 lbs ago!! Yay! I plan on taking new ones at the end of every month, in the same clothes to track it, so here is the first month!

Back View

Side View

Front View

Those sure are HORRIBLE pictures. I can't even stand t0 look at them, I am SO glad I don't look like that typically (well I do, under everything, but you know what I mean!) SO here is what i will NEVER look like again!

Week 2 Day1

2010-02-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

I am going to start my week 2 day 1 of C25K today! looking forward to running for 90 seconds, I really enjoy this much much more then I ever thought I would!

Great Update!

2010-02-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I completed Week 1 Day 3 of the C25K Program! I feel great and think I will move on to week 2. I wasn't sure on Day 2 of this week if I would or not, but I think I will at least try it, if all else fails, then I'll just repeat one again, no biggie. I've also spotted a couple 5K's that I'd like to work towards, so that is great motovation.

Today was weigh in day. I was somewhat nervous about this since it's my TOM and I know I am retaining water weight. Nonetheless, I still weighed in at 258!! Wahoo! That is 2 lbs down from last week, and breaking out the 260's FOREVER!!

Adjusting my plan

2010-02-09T18:29:00.001-08:00

I am adjusting things a tiny bit. I've promised myself 30 min of cardio everyday. I need to promise only 6 days. I am WAY to tired on Tuesdays (which is my longest day of the week) to get this in. It happened last week and again today. It's already 9:30, we are just getting the kids to bed and I am just ready to crash myself. So I don't think there is anything wrong with giving myself that 1 day to catch up. maybe it's just what my body is craving??

I am doing this!

2010-02-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

I went home last night, and downloaded the C25K podcast on my ipod. Went to the gym and did Week 1 Day 1. I won't say it was easy. It was not as hard as I thought it would be, but not easy either. I enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again Wednesday night. With this program you do it only 3 days per week, no more, no less. After 9 weeks, or longer if you feel your not ready to move on a week or two, you are then ready to run 3.1 miles, or a 5K race. there are quite a few in our area in April and May, so I going to pick one towards the end of April and have that be my goal, something to work towards. I I figure this way, If I need to add an extra week on I have time to be flexible.

We also got Mike's best friends wedding date last night, It's August 8th, In Denver, Colorado, so a vaca for hubby and I and yet another goal for me! Too look GOOD for Mark and Kelly's wedding.

I am excited about the possibilities. Time will tell right??!!

Not sure I've lost any more then that original 4 lbs yet, but I still feel good. My clothes fit better, I can button my jeans and they are longer on me too! Yippie!!

2010-02-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

hm.... i am THINKING about training to run a 5K race.... I think I am going to do it!

With the help of sparkpeople and the Cto5K info at cool running, I think I can do this!