Inferno 5 Day Results!

I did the five days (with a slightly modified diet but still in range).

Here we go...

12/26 Weight: 155.6
Waist: 34
Hips: 40
Thighs: 22
Arms: 11
Chest: 35.5
Calves:  14

12/31 Weight: 153.0 (-2.6)  Actually saw 152.0 earlier in the week, but I'll take this.
Waist: 32 (-2)
Hips: 39 (-1)
Thighs: 21.5 (-0.5)
Arms:  10.5 (-0.5)
Chest:  35.25 (-0.25)
Calves: 14 (0)

Inches lost: 4.25  Yeah!!!


I am starting the Turbo Fire/ChaLean Extreme hybrid on Monday, January 3.  I'll use these weights/inches above as my starting point, and I hope to see a lot more gone!

Two Days of Inferno Done

I have finished two days of the five day Turbo Fire Inferno plan.  Guess what?!  I've lost 2.4 pounds on it in those 2 days.  Yeah!!!  I hope to see a 14_ on the scale by Friday.  That would be great! 

I have noticed that I was not as hungry yesterday as I was the day before.  That's definitely good.  I have been tweaking the TF meal plan a bit to fit the food I have in the house and want.  However, several of the meals/snacks are the same as the plan.

Today, I need to do Fire 55EZ and Stretch 10.  I will do it later this afternoon since I still need to organize Christmas gifts that the kids got.

Well, here's hoping for a few more pounds gone!

Later...

Time to cleanse!

I'm starting the Turbo Fire Inferno plan today.  It's five days of exercise (pretty intense) along with a lower calorie diet.  I am actually going to log my calories this week and see how that goes.  It's said that one can lose up to 10 pounds in this five days, but I don't think I will lose that much.  I wouldn't mind five pounds though.

So, I am going to post my before stuff now and then will update on Friday morning when I am done.  :)


12/26 Weight: 155.6
Waist: 34
Hips: 4.
Thighs: 22
Arms: 11
Chest: 35.5
Calves:  14


I will be taking before and after pictures, but I am not sure if I'll post my pictures here or not.  ;)

I got Turbo Fire!

Let me start off by saying I love the fitness expert, Chalene Johnson. I started out doing several of her Turbo Jam dvds, and I am currently finishing up her ChaLean Extreme (kind of like P90X).  Well, her newest fitness system came out this summer, Turbo Fire.  I bought it last week, and I did my first workout today.  I just did HIIT 15 because of time constraints and to see what it was like.  I love it!  It is compared to Insanity.  I plan on starting a hybrid of CLX and TF in a couple of weeks.  I'd better get insane results with that.  If not, I don't know what's wrong with my body that it wants to hold onto these last few pounds.

Anyway, I took several days off this week due to family illness, my own not feeling well, and not having time.  I'm ready to get back into the swing of things.  Let's pray that means I'll remain healthy, because it seems like when I'm mentally ready, I get sick.  Grrr!  I got a flu shot, take vitamin C daily, and I eat right.  I'm guessing it's that I need more sleep. However, I like to get up early to exercise (to get it out of the way), and so that means I get around 6 hours of sleep during the week.

Sorry this isn't too organized in thoughts.  I'm rambling, but I just wanted to share my excitement to have TF!!!

Later...

New goal

Long time, no type.  Life's been busy.  I've been doing pretty well with the ChaLean Extreme, even though I've had to take more days off than I'd like due to illness, hurt back, and most recently, my infected thumb nail.  However, I am on the third month of the program now.  It's the Lean phase, and based on the two workouts I've done so far in this phase, it had better make me lean!  It's tough!

As for running, I haven't been doing that great of a job at running.  It gets too dark too early in the evenings now after work.  I do plan on running tomorrow, and I did do some running intervals on the treadmill the other day.  My goal is to run at least twice per week.  I would prefer these runs to be outside, but I will do what I can.  Hopefully tomorrow's run will motivate me more.  I just want to get out there, listen to my music, and burn off some stress. 

Oh, now to my goal.  My sister might actually be coming home right after Christmas this year.  I haven't seen her in three years.  That was one kid (in addition to my other two) and 60 pounds ago.  I would like to be under 150 by then.  I know that will be difficult with the holidays coming up, but that will hopefully make me stronger and have more willpower.  I also am planning on counting calories starting Monday.  I don't really like counting them, which is why I don't usually do it, but I am looking for something to help me finally change that stupid number on the scale.  We'll see how it goes for a couple of weeks.  I know it'll be a pain to look up every single food or drink I eat, which might help with the holidays.  My husband has been having success with calorie counting.

Anyway, I need to get cleaned up and relax for a bit after my workout tonight.

Later...

Running...I think I might like it again (and other stuff)

Well, I just got done running 3.5 miles.  I would have gone longer, but the battery in my MP3 player died.  It was so nice just getting out there for a relaxing run...no pressure for a time or distance.  I just put on my music with not-too-fast songs, and jogged away.  I think my breathing technique has even improved.  There was very little open mouth breathing, which may have helped.  I also think that doing the ChaLean Extreme has helped my endurance or stamina or whatever, as I heard it would.  I don't think I'll do anymore races until spring, but I do want to continue to run a few times a week if I can fit it into my schedule...even if it is on the treadmill.  Maybe I can squeeze in another run tomorrow.

My weight's not budging.  It's annoying.  I feel a bit more motivated now than I have recently, so maybe that'll help.  I am trying my hardest to eat foods that I know are helping my body.  The exception is those darn cappuccinos and other coffee drinks.  Still working on those. 

Anyway, it's a short post, but you get the idea.  :)


Later...

Back in the saddle again!

So far this week, I haven't missed a workout.  I did move my rest day, so I moved that day's workout, but I'll catch up tomorrow.  Yeah!  It feels great to workout again, and I actually don't mind too terribly getting up at 4am to do it.  I did sleep in two days this week out of four, but I will not be doing that again.  Those mornings where I didn't workout were not too great of a start to the day.

The scale...it hasn't been too nice to me lately, but I'm trying really hard not to pay attention to it.  I know this program is mostly strength, and I find when I strength train more, the weight doesn't come off as quickly. As long as I'm building muscle and firming up more, that is fine with me.

I am so excited that my favorite show is almost back on again...The Biggest Loser.  I realize some of the tactics used on there aren't necessarily healthy or for everyone, and the constant in-show advertising drives me nuts, but I love seeing the transformations.  I find it difficult to watch it without exercising myself at the same time.  Since I'm already doing ChaLean Extreme and walking after school with coworkers, maybe I'll just walk or lightly jog on the treadmill while watching the show on Tuesday nights. 

On another note (like this hasn't been full of "other notes"  LOL) I got my sister hooked on Turbo Jam (same lady that makes ChaLean Extreme).  I love Chalene Johnson and her programs.  I am so glad my sister does too.  I found the thing that really helps me with exercising is music.  The music on TJ really pumps you up.  I have the same feeling about running with music sometimes.

Okay, one final thought.  I haven't run since August 14.  I hadn't run much before then for a while either.  I think in the next couple of weeks, I might try getting out there some on the weekends.  My new day off (one of two) for the next phase of CLX will be Saturdays, so maybe I can run then.  I am going to have to start off slowly though since it's been a while.

Well, it's time for me to enjoy my post workout chocolate milk and relax for the night.  Later...

Haven't exercised in a while.

I haven't exercised in a week and a half.  I feel badly about it, but I had some allergy or sinus issues where I felt tired and dizzy most of that time.  I am feeling mostly better now, and I am ready to move my body starting tomorrow.  My husband and I were doing so well with ChaLean, but we had to take that time off.  We're going to do the last week of the first month starting Monday.  I bought some weights off of Craigslist, so we'll be ready for the next phase, which requires heavier weights.  I'm ready!

Oh, I'm starting my after school exercise group again.  It's not really for me so much as it is for the ladies I work with.  We do either walking or low impact videos.  I think they're ready for it.  I know I am, but I am still going to do my own thing at home too.  I need to.  Those after school workouts don't challenge me enough.

As for running, I think I might make it a goal for the next few weeks to run at least once per week if the weather's cooler.  I might try tomorrow to get in a run.  It's supposed to be cool most of the day and especially in the morning. 

Update on my "clean eating" this past week.  I didn't do so hot.  When I get sick like this, I turn to food.  That's about the only time I do anymore.  I need to work on that.

Well, I need to get some stuff done or at least go to bed.  Later...

How am I doing?

My husband and I are almost done with the first month of ChaLean Extreme.  I find that I like the strength days a lot more than the cardio days. I used to be a cardio girl.  In fact when it's a cardio day, I find that it's easier for me to just skip it.  I really, really want to complete this program though, so I just move those weekday cardios to the weekend. 

As I just posted on Facebook, I'm getting extremely annoyed with these last few pounds and inches.  I know I haven't been perfect on exercise and eating, but I wasn't always perfect before when I lost 90 pounds.  My body just must be happy with where I am right now.  Too bad my mind's not that happy.  Don't get me wrong.  I like most of my body actually.  I just don't care for my stomach area at all.  Three babies in four years...need I say more?  Surgery's definitely out, so I guess I'll just have to figure something else out.

I just thought of something.  Maybe I'll make my goal this coming week to eat as cleanly as possible.  Honestly, I kind of half ass it most of the time with that, but I always feel better when I'm eating healthier.  That will also help me to stay away from the froo-froo (?) drinks and what not. 

Off to bed so I will be well rested for my three days worth of workouts in two days this weekend (to catch up).

Later...


Edited to add:  I've officially changed my goal weight to 145 instead of 135.  That means I've only got about 9.5 pounds left to go.  That's helping my mind some.  My other goal is to get to a size 8 or less.  Right now 10s are okay but a bit snug.

What's wrong with me?

I ran another 5K last Saturday.  It wasn't fun, and I felt like I didn't want to do anymore races for a while.  In fact I have decided to not sign up for anymore any time soon.  I loved it when I started last year.  After my first race, I was excited to sign up for more races when the weather got nice again. 

I am wondering if the weather has something to do with it.  It's been so stinking hot and humid outside.  I don't like running in that weather at all.  Maybe when it gets cooler, I'll want to run again.  My new running shoes, so far, are not helping my motivation at all.  How annoying!

On another note, I am almost done with week three of ChaLean Extreme.  I still like it, but I'm excited to see what the next month holds.  It's a three month program.  I'm taking today off, but I'll finish out the week tomorrow.  Hope to start seeing some results soon!

later...

Week 1 Done!

Week one of ChaLean Extreme is done!  Today's a much deserved rest day.  We've decided we need heavier weights for sure.  The program's tough, but some of the exercises just aren't tough enough with our lighter weights.  I also think I'm going to add in more of the ab dvd since I could really use more help in that area.

On another note, my half marathon is not going to happen this year.  There was some confusion with the running of the race from the company and the town.  Even if they do run it, it won't be what they said it was going to be.  Anyway, instead, I'm going to have mileage goals each month.  I'm aiming for 40 miles this month, 47 next month, then 49 the month after that.

Oh, this week I'm going to a running store to get evaluated and get new running shoes.  I've heard that this can really help with your running.  My old (off the rack) shoes are getting thin soles. 

My next 5K is this coming Saturday, then I'll run a 5 miler on September 11.  After that, I might be done racing until the spring.  There's a half marathon in April that I might try to train for. 

Later...

Day 1

Well, yesterday was day 1 of my new training programs.  I did ChaLean Extreme (CLX) Burn Circuit 1 followed by three miles of jogging on the treadmill.

I think I'm going to need some heavier weights for CLX.  My heaviest weights I have now are only 10 pounds.  I would like to get up to 30 pounds though.  I'm going to look at a secondhand fitness store to see if I can get what I want.  I'll also be checking out Craigslist just in case.  I wasn't too sore this morning, but as the day wears on, I can definitely feel muscles that are sore.  I love that feeling!  I think this is just what I need.

As for the half marathon training, those three miles were definitely difficult right after CLX.  My legs were shaking, and I was pretty tired.  I did make it, but I went pretty slowly.

Today is a break from CLX already, but I need to do 2 miles for my half training.  I've decided that the days where I do 2 miles (Tuesdays, I think) are going to be intervals on the treadmill.  I don't really like the treadmill so much, but I don't mind doing intervals on it.  Plus, it's easier to do intervals on the machine rather than outside.

So, I guess I can say I'm off to a good start (despite having a sinus infection or something).  Hope things continue to go well and my body/the scale reflect these efforts!

Later...

(Oh, I forgot to add that my husband has signed me up as his "personal trainer" too.  I'm basically putting him on the same plan I'm on for ease's sake.  He did CLX last night too.)

Just a comparison picture...

I was looking at a few pictures, and I am amazed!  I don't even look like the same person.  I also feel SOOO much better now!

Here are two pictures.  The first is 153ish pounds, and the second is 245ish pounds.

Here I come!

I bought it...ChaLean Extreme.  It's a 90 day strength-type program.  I'm going to start it August 2.  I am also starting my half marathon training that same day.  By Halloween I should be in awesome shape!  It's going to be hard, but it's so going to be worth it.  Maybe these last few pounds will go away and all the problem spots will vanish.  Here's hoping!

Anyway, I will be gone on vacation the week after this week.  My goal is to exercise 3 times and not gain more than a pound.  I can do this!

Okay, this is a short and sweet post, but you get the point.  :)

Later...

52 years

Fifty-two years ago today, my mother was born.  Almost 5 years ago she died of a massive heart attack.  Today, I'm pissed at her for not taking care of herself.  She should really be here.  She should be here to see my beautiful, hilarious, caring, insightful children.  BUT SHE'S NOT.  Damn her! 

My message to all...take care of yourself.  If you don't want to do it for yourself, at least do it for your family.  You will leave heartbreak and sadness if you die too soon because you couldn't get off your butt and exercise or put the fork down when you've eaten enough.  Life is worth so much more. 

That's all.  Later...

Running motivation

I'm trying to remotivate myself now.  I set a goal this week to run 20 miles.  I am 1/4 of the way done.  I am going to run tonight (maybe 5 miles), then run again in the morning. I'll have to catch up since it's already Thursday.

I'm planning these races in the next few months:
~Haschel 5K in Winamac on July 17
~Rotary Ramble in DeMotte in mid-August
~Popcorn Fest 5M in Valparaiso in September

AND...

I am playing around with the idea of running the Purdue Half Marathon on October 24.  That's my alma mater, but I haven't been back there too much since I graduated in 2003.  Plus, it would be awesome to say I've completed a half.  I will be deciding for sure in the next few weeks.  There's a running program for a half in Runner's World this month that I might follow, so that would motivate me to keep up with my runs. 

Anyway, that's where I'm at right now.  Later...

I hate to admit this...

but the 30 Day Challenge isn't going so well.  I haven't exercised formally since Tuesday.  However, on a positive note, the scale is being nice.  It's not down to where I was a few weeks ago, but it's down from a couple of weeks ago.  Maybe the rest is actually helping my body or something.  At least that's what I can think to myself. 

Anyway, I don't think Turbo Fire is going to happen just yet...finances.  I told my husband that maybe he can just get it for me for Christmas.  That will probably work better anyway because a) it'll be too cold to run outside much, and b) he might be able to find it on Ebay for cheaper because it will have been out for 6 months by then.  I might invest in some new running shoes, but we'll see. 

I'm going to make a goal for next week to run at least 3 times since I have a 5K race on July 17th.  My plan is to do a 5K distance, aiming for a PR, then do a longer run for endurance's sake, plus some speed work on the treadmill.  I'll probably add in 30 Day Shred too.  I'm going to try and get as many days of that done before vacation (last week of July) since I haven't dropped out of this challenge.  I'll throw in some Turbo Jam too.  Oh, the best part of next week and for several weeks after that is I am done teaching for a while, so I can run whenever I want.  Maybe that'll help me get more runs in.  I sure hope so.

Enjoy your 4th of July!  I am sure we will!

Later...

30 Day Challenge

I am a part of this 30 Day Challenge with several other ladies.  I'm doing 30 Day Shred several times per week (5-7x) along with my regular exercise.  Unfortunately, there hasn't been too much "regular" exercise on top of it, but I'm running another 5K on July 17th (I believe).  I need to get running more.  I think something that will help with that is summer school, which I am currently teaching, is over Friday.  That'll make it so I can run any time during the day starting next week.  I know later year, I liked running in the late morning.  I get so tired now in the afternoons that I don't want to run. 

Anyway, I am proud to say that I can use 8 pound weights doing the Shred instead of 3-5 pounds like I used a year ago when doing it.  I'm feeling it some, so I hope I get some muscular results! 

I'm happy to say that others in my life are exercising too.  My sister has lost 40ish pounds (if I remember correctly), and my husband is doing a 200 push up challenge.  I love seeing and hearing about people exercising!

Finally, I am really looking forward to ordering Turbo Fire, which I hope will happen in the next few weeks.  I LOVE Turbo Jam, and I need something to take me to the next level.  Hope it does the trick for me!

later...

I found some motivation!

I think noticing people checking you out is some good motivation!  :)  That's what happened to me yesterday, even though I thought I was in some "scrubby" clothes.  My husband pointed it out after I got home, and I noticed some guys too.  I feel re-motivated now.

On another note, I got in a 4.5 mile run yesterday.  My pace was a 10 minute mile, which I don't l ike.  I've been faster than that a lot, but lately, my time hasn't shown it.  I'm going to work more on intervals and what not to try and improve my time.  My next 5K is July 17, and I'm aiming for 28:30 or less.  I have a month to get it down to that.  That means I need to shave about 37 seconds off my fastest 5K time (my last 5K race).

Going to do some more strength today.  I really need to work my ab region the most.  After three kids via c-section in four years, it's just not pretty. 

Turbo Fire came out yesterday.  It's the "Insanity" of Turbo Jam; at least that's how I explained it to my husband.  It's $120.  Maybe I can afford it next month.  Since we get a $100 refund for health from work every semester, I could get reimbursed most of that.  We'll see.

Later...

I am trying to find more motivation.

I am trying to view food (again) as a fuel for my body.  I don't need to push garbage in.  That's not what our bodies are made for.  I can't get my best workout in if I don't have good food in my body. 

Something else I've been thinking about is interval training.  I can use the treadmill for that.  We have an interval mode and a weight loss mode.  I am planning at least twice per week to do these variations on my run.  My other goal is to get in two more runs during the week also.  This week I'm planning at 3 miler (at least) then at least a five miler.  Add 2-3x strength training and my favorite exercise video (Turbo Jam), and my scale should look beautiful this week! 

On another note my daughter's 3rd birthday is tomorrow.  I hope I can inspire her to love her body and want to exercise.  She likes to exercise with me some now, so I hope that continues.  She has apparently been blessed (errr...or cursed) with my body type.  I think she'll have to really work to be in good shape.  BUT, she can turn to her mama to help her with that.

Off to do some strength and intervals!  Later...

Strength training

I have a love-hate relationship with strength training.  Sometimes I really want to do it because I love seeing what muscles I have.  I want to make them bigger and stronger.  Other times, I don't really want to do it.  It just seems too hard.  One of the main reasons for not wanting to do strength is boredom.  I have tons of exercise videos, but they are getting pretty boring to me.  I think if I had a gym membership and could use the machines, I would do more strength.  If I have to keep doing it at home, I might need bigger weights.  The 10 pounders I use now aren't quite cutting it. 

So, I can use the local health centre once for free.  I think I'm going to take advantage of that in the next week or two since both my husband and I are on summer break now.  If I really like it there, I might see if there's a way we can afford it monthly.  The good thing is that my school/job will reimburse us $100/semester for health related expenses.  That would cover about half of my gym membership.  The bad thing about this gym is it had bad hours.  It doesn't open until 5:30am and closes at 8:30pm.  It'd be better for me if it opened at 4am or so.

On another note I think I might get up early a few times during summer school teaching (the month of June) to run outside before work.  It sounds great in theory, but we'll see if I can make it happen.  I wouldn't have to wake up until 5am or a tad before that, which is the time I wake up during the school year to get around for work then.  So...it shouldn't seem THAT early.

Okay, I think I've rambled enough. 

Later!

My First 10K!

My first 10K is under my belt.  My friend Jess and I ran the Sunburst race in South Bend today.  We finished in 1:02:07...not too bad.  I wanted to be under an hour, but that was pretty darn close!  There were three hills, which definitely didn't help  My other goal not to walk at all was accomplished.  It was such an awesome feeling!

The best part of the race was the ending.  The race was from the College Football Hall of Fame to Notre Dame Stadium. At the end we got to run through the (famous) tunnel while the Victory March was playing and the "crowd" was cheering.  SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME!!!  Being a lifelong ND fan, that just made my whole day. 

I'll be running at least two more 5Ks this summer, a 5 mile race in September, and possibly a half in October.  Gotta keep running!

Here is a picture of Jess and me after the race...

Long time, no write.

Well, the scale is going up and down, up and down, just like my motivation.  I'm kind of happy where I am, which is one reason why I think I'm lacking motivation to continue.  Plus, I get lots of compliments, which also makes me think that maybe I'm okay where I am.  BUT, I would really, really like to firm up several parts of my body. 

I'm hoping with summer break here that I will be running more, and maybe that'll help with the weight loss/firming up.  I'd love to go to the gym and use their weight equipment, but that's not in the budget.  I have a feeling that would help me with motivation.  The videos aren't always cutting it anymore.

Oh, and I am running the Sunburst 10K next Saturday.  I'm pretty nervous.  I haven't been running as much lately, and I've only run 6+ miles twice ever.  I'm planning a seven miler this weekend, then I'll run 2-3 shorter runs throughout the week.  I just want to not have to walk, and ultimately I would like to be under an hour.

See ya later!

Being sick stinks!

I'm assuming whatever this crap is that I have is just allergies, but it is wiping me OUT!  I find that when I am sick, I don't eat that well.  I justify what I'm eating by the fact that I'm sick.  I also don't exercise, which is actually probably okay.  BUT, since I'm not exercising, my food needs to be better. 

The other thing that stinks is that I have 2 races coming up (well, actually one race per month through October), and I haven't been able to train for almost two weeks.  I really, in my head, want to run, but I don't think my body could handle it.  Luckily, I do seem to be feeling better somewhat, at least when I'm keeping up on OTC meds.  So, maybe this weekend will hold a run.  I sure hope so!

Here's to getting better really soon!

It's been a while.

I haven't been really running too much or exercising that much either because I have a sinus infection or something.  The meds the doc gave me didn't work, and I'm not paying yet another co-pay to come back and get a shot that I should've received the second time I went in.  So...

I did get in a run today outside.  It was 3.5 miles, and although it was difficult with being sick, I did it in my best time yet.  I have another 5K on May 16 and then a 10K on June 5 to train for.  I am going to try and ignore this illness and move on.  I'm thinking of doing intervals on the treadmill tomorrow sometime.  I am thinking either 5.5-9.5 mph or 6-10mph.  I am also toying around with the idea of putting on a movie I've never seen before and just running until I can't run anymore.  That would help me to see how far I can actually run and how long.

Oh, my weight's still stuck right about 154-155.  I really want to see the 140s.  I tried eating really cleanly (at least for me) this week, and I ended up gaining some.  I only exercised 3 days (M-W), but I ate well.  I decided that every now and then, I do need coffee (McDonald's McCafe preferably), but otherwise, I should be okay to remain eating cleanly when possible.

Well, off to rest some then grade papers.  :)

Post race #2

Well, it was cold, windy, rainy, and hilly, but I survived Ringing in Spring!  I got to the high school where the shuttle was there to transport us to the YMCA (race location).  I debated that morning what to wear after looking at the weather forecast...mid-50s with rain possible.  I figured the whole rule of 20 degrees warmer when you're running, so I thought that shorts and a t-shirt would be enough.  Let me just say BRRRR!  I was fine when I started running, but waiting around outside waiting was chilly.

Anyway, I used the port-a-pots twice before the race.  I always seem to have to pee while running if I don't go a few times beforehand.  I lined up with the huge lot of runners and waited for the start.  The organizer rang the bell, and we were off, all 1500+ of us.  (Oh, my number was 312.)  I kept a pretty good pace, and I was at about 10 minutes at mile one.  My goal was to be under 30 minutes.

I remember at one point someone mentioned that they could see the leader on the other road, which happened to be the last leg of the race.  The winner got done in about 16 minutes.  I just kept running and didn't ever stop like some runners did.  Of course, I never stop while running on my own either.  There were so many hills and rain!  I got a cup of water about halfway through, and I spilled it all over myself.  It didn't matter though since I was already soaked from the rain. 

I got near the end and heard someone spitting out times.  It was 28 some minutes, and if I wanted to beat my goal, I needed to step it up.  I busted my butt with what little energy I had left to cross the finish line.  I found out later that my time was 29:18.  I beat my goal! 

I didn't want to wait in the huge food line after the race, so I left and went to Jimmy John's instead.  YUM! 


Here I am modeling my race shirt after I had been home and showered.

The day before my second race

Honestly, I'm a bit nervous about this next 5K.  One wouldn't think I would be since I ran one before, but this one's advertised as the largest race in northwest Indiana.  It's so big that there's not enough parking at the race site.  You're supposed to take a shuttle from the high school.  I hope I don't mess that part up.  I also have no chance at all of placing, but that's perfectly okay.  Finally, I am not doing this with a friend this time, so it might be kind of lonely.  LOL

I haven't been that great at exercising this week.  I only ran once, and it was difficult.  I needed a rest day Wednesday.  This 30 Day Slim Down I'm doing is starting to wear me out.  I did change it up with Turbo Jam last night.  I love TJ!  I think after this Slim down is over, I'm going to make a month of TJ and BL workouts.  I kind of like those better than Jillian's workouts anyway...less torturous.  However, I feel like I'm getting some muscle definition at least.

Oh, and I'm back down 2-3 pounds to 155.  I'd like to be down to 150 by Memorial Day.  My weight loss has been very slow anymore, and I know it's because I don't have as much to lose.  I also think I'm getting some muscles.  I'll take it!

Wish me luck at my race tomorrow!  :)

My love of baking...

is not good for the scale.  I did okay today with making just about as healthy as you can make them chocolate banana muffins (whole wheat, lowfat), but then came the great idea to make my husband some peanut butter/Nutella cookies.  I don't know that you can make peanut butter cookies healthy, especially when you put Nutella between two cookies to make a sandwich.  Of course, I had to lick the batter and try the extra cookie before I indulged in a "sandwich."  I guess I'll have to do some extra exercises on top of my scheduled one tonight, which is Jillian's Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism.  The good thing is that I don't think I'll need another "sandwich" because one was actually too much. 

I go back to school/work on Monday, and hopefully, my schedule will get back to normal.  I don't do that well without a set schedule, especially when it comes to eating and exercise.  I guess that's a positive about going back to work.

Later...

Slow and steady wins the race.

It really bothers me when people look for a quick fix to lose weight.  There are so many advertisements out there for pills and food plans and everything else.  My thinking is if I can't do it for the rest of my life, I'm not even going to try it.  Once those people stop taking those products, there's a very high chance that all the weight will come back on.  Even shows like The Biggest Loser is seemingly a quick fix.  Many of the contestants gain back the weight because on the show, they are not eating enough and losing too quickly.  There's no way someone "in real life" could possibly exercise 6-8 hours per day everyday. 

It's taken me 4.5 years to lose my 90 pounds.  Of course, I did have two kids in there, so in reality, I guess it took me 30 or so months.  That's not a bad average...3 pounds/month.  LOL  I also didn't do anything extreme.  I've been doing things that I can do the rest of my life.  It's not that hard to do. 

So, what do I do?  I exercise 5-6x/week on average, eat fairly "clean"ly, eat whole grains (not white), eat 5+ servings of fruits/veggies daily, eat lean meats and lowfat dairies, and drink lots of water.  I always find it fun to take a recipe I've come across and see how I can make it healthier.  I try out new recipes all the time, as I like a lot of variety.  Speaking of variety, I have a lot of it in my exercise also.  I rarely do the same thing two days in a row.  I have a plethora of videos and incorporate running too.  Not boring at all!


But, everyone has their downfalls.  My biggest downfall is coffee.  I like those fancy iced coffee drinks, but I have learned to either make them myself or get the slightly less fancy ones at places like McDonald's.  Theirs are loaded with sugar though.  I think I've seen devices where you can make your own iced coffee drinks.  I might have to invest in one of those.


My latest try is Muscle Milk.  My husband and I have both been taking and notice a bit of an increase in endurance.  I hope it helps in the long run.  I don't really care so much for the cookies-n-cream flavor like others do, but the chocolate is okay.

Later...

As of today (3/24/10)

I am sitting right around 155 pounds, and as of late, the pounds don't mean quite as much.  I am noticing a change in my body.  Parts are getting smaller (i.e. my stomach, my hips...), and some parts are getting more defined and muscular (my butt, my legs, my arms).  I am doing a whole 30 day program right now (Jillian's 30 Day Slim Down), which includes tons of strength.  I can feel my butt getting tighter.  LOL  I can see my biceps getting larger, and honestly, I love checking them out in the mirror.  I'm not sure exactly how my husband feels about it, but who cares?!  I know he likes most of my changing body at least, and I don't mind him telling me all about it.  :)

I have signed up for my next 5K race.  It's April 3.  Some days I really love running, and other days, I'm just kind of "whatever" about it.  I feel badly spending too much money on it.  We don't have a lot of extra with three kids, but I know I need some good running shoes.  That might really help.  I also need other socks I guess.  Maybe one of these days...

One of the most important things that I'm trying to do right now is show others how important being healthy is.  I have started an after work exercise club, and while it's not really helping to benefit my body, I know it helps others stay accountable to getting fit.  I also try to impress the point of good nutrition and exercise on my children.  I don't mind sometimes when they're in the room with me while I exercise.  My oldest even showed me some of the exercises he does in preschool.  It was cute.

Well, I think that's enough rambling for now.  I need to figure out when to get my exercise in later today. 

Later...

Pictures I want to share

There are lots of pictures that I don't particularly want to write a big post about, but I wanted to share them anyway.

Here I am at my all-time biggest non-pregnancy weight.  This was 6 weeks postpartum with Aiden (April 2005).  I don't put this as my heaviest since I was still in the postpartum stage and breastfeeding exclusively.  I hadn't really started trying to lose weight at this point yet.  I'm guessing I was about 260 pounds here since I was 277 the day I had Aiden.

This one is in May 2005.  I would guess I weighed 250 or so pounds here.  It was Mother's Day weekend. 

Here I am in June 2009 trying to find an outfit to wear to my 10 year class reunion.  I got some compliments that night on how nice I looked, especially from those who hadn't seen me smaller at that point.  I was 182 pounds.

This one was in the fall of 2009, and I weighed about 170 pounds.  I was feeling pretty hot that day!  LOL

I am 157 pounds in these pictures (February 2009).  I've received TONS of compliments, which really fuel my fire to keep going. 

Finally, my muscle pictures.  I think they're bigger in real life.  LOL 

My first 5K Race

November 21, 2009

I signed up with my friend Teresa to run a 5K in Valparaiso.  I think I was more nervous to meet Teresa (an online friend only at that time) than I was about the race.
I put on my hot pink running outfit (see pictures below) and headed out the door.  When I got there, I went into the building to get my race number and tracking device.  I heard Teresa next to me talking to the race officials, and then she spotted me.  We talked for quite a bit about the race and family before we even began.
It was kind of chilly outside, but when the race started, I was okay.  I hadn't planned for the inclines, so that was a bit difficult.  (I have since started running where there are several hills.)
Teresa told me to leave her behind if I needed to, and I did.  I passed several old people and a few younger ones too.  I kept going the whole 3.1 miles, and I ended up finishing in 30:20.  It wasn't my best time, but it wasn't too shabby.  I got second in my age group and 11th overall.  Not too bad for my first race.  I even got a medal!

Here I am in my running gear...

Post-baby #3 Weight Loss (2009)

Gabe was born on 1/22/09.  I gained 40 pounds during that pregnancy.  I was up to 220 pounds when he was born.  After Gabe was born, I REALLY wanted to get back into the game.  I actually started too quickly with working out (what harm could an exercise bike really do?), and I ended up being VERY sore in the ab region.  I guess there's a reason you're supposed to wait 6 weeks for exercise.  Oops. 
On March 19, I was down to 200 pounds.  By June 2009, I was down to 182 pounds, which was when I had my 10 year class reunion.  I was only up 22 pounds from my high school weight.  Not bad considering my heaviest was a lot more than that.  I was doing videos mostly at that time, and I used the 30 Day Shred for the first time. I think I lost 6 inches that month.

In June I decided I wanted to try something new, something I always envisioned myself doing...running.  I started out walking a few minutes then running a minute or two here and there.  I brought a pen along with me so I could write down my progress on my arm every run.  I would get back to my house and tell Pat how long I'd run.  The number kept going up for running and down for walking.  (Let me note here that it's important to have running shoes...new...to do this.)
Finally, one day in early August, I decided to just see how far I could run straight through.  To my surprise I made it 30 or so minutes.  Yeah!  I just kept adding time.  My friend, who'd run a marathon, convinced me to run an organized 5K race with her at the end of November.  That was motivation!
I remember my longest run up to that point being 5 miles in 55 minutes.  It was on Halloween.  It was cold and windy and difficult, but I did it!  I eventually got down to about  a 9-9:30 minute mile before my race.

(see next post for my race info)

I got down to 170 or so before school started this year, but here's a picture at the start of summer 2009.  I was about 180-185.

Post-baby #2 Weight loss (2007-2008)

I gained 31 pounds while pregnant with Ava, so my delivery weight was 247.  Since I had another c-section, I had to wait about 6 weeks to start exercising again, but I sure was ready!  Pat and I started walking with the kids since it was summer, and we had bought a double stroller.  We lived in the country on some quiet roads, so we walked there.  We also walked at the city park some.  Because Ava was born in the summer, and I didn't start back to work until October, that gave me plenty of time to get back into a routine.  I didn't exercise much during pregnancy because I tend to have a lot of fatigue and nausea in the beginning that left me drained and just overall yucky feeling.
I started adding in new workouts, such as Turbo Jam (still one of my faves) and more toning exercises.  I decided I would start getting up before work to exercise.  It made it nice because I could then play with the kids when I got home. 
More compliments came, and I got down to just around 200 pounds by Thanksgiving.  I was averaging 5 pounds/month of weight loss.  I also joined a few online weight loss boards, which really helped me to stay accountable.  We had challenges all the time, and I am competitive, so that helped me work even harder.
I had to take a week's break in exercising when we got flooded out of our house in early January 2008.  As soon as we moved into our new house though, I started right back up.  I became addicted to buying new exercise videos and small equipment.  My video library eventually started to grow to more than 25 videos, so I definitely had variety.
I just kept plugging away and got down to 180 by May 2008.  That's when I thought I felt a bit "off," so I took a pregnancy test or two.  Sure enough...surprise!  Pregnant again.  I actually started working out in the beginning until the fatigue and nausea hit yet again.  I lost a few pounds at first, but I ended up gaining 40 pounds.  When you're "good" for so long then you don't have to be as good, it's easy to put that weight right back on.
Gabe was born in January 2009, and I weighed 220 (a number I never wanted to see EVER again) at delivery.  Such is life.

Here I am in early May 2008, just before finding out I was pregnant again...

My early workouts and weight loss

I started out using the first Biggest Loser dvd and Walk Away the Pounds.  Pat and I also bought a Gazelle machine that I used sometimes.  My back hurt, and I got tired easily, but I knew I didn't want to keep being fat forever.  I frequently thought of my mom while doing any punching moves.  I was mad at her for dying like that and not taking care of herself.  She just sat around all day, eating and smoking.  How dare she be so selfish and not think of what she was doing to herself and others?  I knew I had to change myself for my son and any future kids.  I didn't want them to have to go through the pain of losing me at a young age due to bad health.

Anyway, people started noticing my weight loss, and I started fitting into clothes that didn't fit since I had become pregant with Aiden.  I was feeling good about myself.  I journaled all of my food and exercise, and since I didn't want to write down something bad, I tried to avoid eating it or not exercising. 

I remember at one point my dad telling me that we should market a "water diet."  Drink a gallon of water a day for weight loss.  I decided that I should drink more water, and I eventually made it up to 96 ounces per day on average.  That did help with my weight loss also.

I don't remember exactly how quickly the weight came off, but I know in September 2006, I was down from 246 pounds (Nov. 2005) to 216 pounds.  That's when I became pregnant with Ava.


Here I am at about 220 pounds, which just so happened to be my pre-pregnancy weight with Aiden.

Where I started my journey (11/3/05)

I was at work, and I'd just got done teaching my first period class when my phone rang.  I answered it, and the secretary said my sister was on the line.  It was odd that they'd let her through since I was technically still teaching that period.  Anyway, Alyssa told me something was wrong with Mom, and I needed to get to the hospital.  Before I could even really think of lesson plans or anything, the principal came up to my room with another teacher.  He said my students would have study hall with that teacher.  Little did I know that my mom was already dead, and Alyssa had to tell the office that so I could leave. 
On my drive to the hospital 20 minutes away, I was trying to think of what could have happened to Mom.  She'd had hip replacement surgery just 2 years before, so maybe she'd fallen.  I was trying to think of anything and everything but the truth.  When I arrived at the hospital, my stepdad told me the truth.  I didn't know what to think or do.  I used my grandma's cell phone to call Pat, and he and Aiden came to the hospital.
Some of it is a blur, but I know we had to hear all the details of what my stepdad thought might have happened and that he'd called 9-11 while giving CPR.  She was already dead though.  I know she ate an English muffin last and that she'd fallen asleep on the couch. 
I chose not to see her body, which is something I regret.  She didn't look the same at the funeral. 
Anyway, the next few days were quite rough, especially trying to orchestrate Alyssa having Ethan and letting everyone know about that while trying to figure out my mom's arrangements and everything else.  I'm so glad that Alyssa had Ethan so quickly after Mom's death to help us all take our minds off that horrible event. 
Mom died on November 3, 2005, and she was buried on November 11.  Pat and I went to Merrillville the night of the funeral to eat at one of Mom's favorite restaurants, Olive Garden, and start our Christmas shopping.

It took me a few weeks to realize what I had to do.  A few days before my mom's death, she and I were eating at a restaurant and discussing the possibility of us both getting Lap Band surgery to lose weight.  I had no idea at the time that I was so big, and I didn't think my weight was THAT big of an issue.  But, I did need to do something if I didn't want to die young like my mom.  She was only 47 years old with two baby grandsons.  I wanted to be able to see all my grandkids and even great grandkids.  That's where my journey began.

This picture was taken a month before my mom's death.  My weight was 245 pounds.