It's funny how my mood can change within 30 minutes. Well, my husband would certainly not deny this phenomenon - that is just life with me. But, I started out feeling a little bummed at my Weight Watchers meeting this morning. In spite of my workout efforts this week I am still up 5 pounds from goal and frustrated about it. At first I wanted to blame the new program. Good scapegoat, right?? But, then I talked to Nancy who asked me one simple question, "What are you doing differently?" I had to admit it. I know that I'm not completely tracking my snacks at night and probably going over my points. Plus, I think I'm doing that "I'm sleepy so I need to snack" thing again which is just stupid. So, the goal this week is to go to bed when I'm tired. Sounds simple doesn't it?? Also, I'm going to try to have a better check in with myself about if I'm actually hungry or not. Duh.
But, my morning got 110% towards the end of the meeting. One of the newer ladies in the room had a celebration and Nancy asked her what she had been doing to be successful. She answered by saying that she is tracking and blogging about her experiences. My ears perked up when I heard the blogging part and I smiled and nodded. Nancy said, oh, you should talk to her and motioned to me. I gave the woman a thumbs up and she ended up asking for my information so she could read my blog. Very cool. And then, like a minute later another new gal asked for my information too. I was flattered, but more than that I was inspired. I was inspired to keep on going in my own journey. It has its ups and downs, but it turns out we are all in this together and can offer each other support and encouragement along the way and it is such a big help!
These new ladies probably have no idea how much they inspired and encouraged me this am. Maybe until they read this post, that is!! So, if you are reading - thank you!!! And best of luck in your own journey. You can do it! Hope to see you next Saturday!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Fitting it in
Sat, Jan 29
LifeCenter - the track
8:30ish am
Ran about 32 minutes. Felt awesome! Not sure what my distance was. I haven't used music in awhile. Might start doing it for longer ones, but I was very entertained by the folks in and out today - busy place! Could have gone longer, but I was fitting in between my Weight Watchers meeting and getting my haircut. I took a shower and went to my haircut appointment with a wet head. I mean, why not?
LifeCenter - the track
8:30ish am
Ran about 32 minutes. Felt awesome! Not sure what my distance was. I haven't used music in awhile. Might start doing it for longer ones, but I was very entertained by the folks in and out today - busy place! Could have gone longer, but I was fitting in between my Weight Watchers meeting and getting my haircut. I took a shower and went to my haircut appointment with a wet head. I mean, why not?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It's Just Like Brushing Your Teeth
Have you ever left your house for the day forgetting something ...like rings or earrings you always wear, your lunch or something you need for work? Or left the house forgetting to do something...like make coffee, wear the same color socks or God, forbid, brush your teeth??!! Let's face it. We have all had those days when you just forget. And it drives me nuts when that happens. I feel naked without my rings and grumpy that I had to pay for coffee that is sub-par, when I could have had the good fresh beans free from home. But, I digress...
I've found that it makes it easier to remember for me to do something routine like that by taking steps to ensure I remember by doing certain things ahead of time...like setting the coffee pot the night before, laying out clothes the night before, etc. It doesn't always work, but it gives me a fighting chance.
For the last few weeks I have been trying to move my work out time to early mornings in order to make sure to get it in, especially with the training starting soon. I realized this morning that for me working out early in the morning really just needs to become a habit - like brushing my teeth. I very seldom forget to brush my teeth because it has just become a habit; part of my routine. I would feel off (and gross, I might add) if I forgot to do it one day and would probably find my way to a drugstore to purchase a spare toothbrush and toothpaste to take care of business. The same thing can happen for working out, I think. I want it to become such a part of my daily routine that I really miss it during the day if I don't do it. I am half-way there, at this point, I think. I definitely have a more productive day when I have done it and feel a bit off when I haven't. I have strategies in place to help make it a routine -like having the workout clothes out and ready in the bathroom, and having the water bottle ready to go. And most importantly, I'm trying to commit to going to bed by 10:30pm at the latest so I can get up at 5am! So far, so good this week - 3 days up and one more to go!!
Now, does anybody have some floss??!!
I've found that it makes it easier to remember for me to do something routine like that by taking steps to ensure I remember by doing certain things ahead of time...like setting the coffee pot the night before, laying out clothes the night before, etc. It doesn't always work, but it gives me a fighting chance.
For the last few weeks I have been trying to move my work out time to early mornings in order to make sure to get it in, especially with the training starting soon. I realized this morning that for me working out early in the morning really just needs to become a habit - like brushing my teeth. I very seldom forget to brush my teeth because it has just become a habit; part of my routine. I would feel off (and gross, I might add) if I forgot to do it one day and would probably find my way to a drugstore to purchase a spare toothbrush and toothpaste to take care of business. The same thing can happen for working out, I think. I want it to become such a part of my daily routine that I really miss it during the day if I don't do it. I am half-way there, at this point, I think. I definitely have a more productive day when I have done it and feel a bit off when I haven't. I have strategies in place to help make it a routine -like having the workout clothes out and ready in the bathroom, and having the water bottle ready to go. And most importantly, I'm trying to commit to going to bed by 10:30pm at the latest so I can get up at 5am! So far, so good this week - 3 days up and one more to go!!
Now, does anybody have some floss??!!
BOOTCAMP!
Thurs, Jan 27
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Lifecenter
It was an arm day. Lots of strength training for upper body with intervals across the gym combining lunges with arm exercises. I'm glad I used 8 pounders! Felt good.
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Lifecenter
It was an arm day. Lots of strength training for upper body with intervals across the gym combining lunges with arm exercises. I'm glad I used 8 pounders! Felt good.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 2
Tues, Jan 25
5:30am - 6:30pm
Bootcamp - focused on arms today with lots of lunges too...finished with 6 laps - a little over a half mile. An interval, cross training class that was pretty tough today. Lots of sweating!
5:30am - 6:30pm
Bootcamp - focused on arms today with lots of lunges too...finished with 6 laps - a little over a half mile. An interval, cross training class that was pretty tough today. Lots of sweating!
Monday, January 24, 2011
First Day!
So today was my first day of pre-training workout. Pre-training is what I'm calling my workouts before the actual 14-week beginner training program begins. I will include the day, time, location and a few more details about the workout. Here goes:
Mon, Jan 24
Approx 5:45am
Lifecenter
Ran the track for 30 minutes (Easy) and then did some abs. Overall it felt pretty good for not running for like 24 days!
Mon, Jan 24
Approx 5:45am
Lifecenter
Ran the track for 30 minutes (Easy) and then did some abs. Overall it felt pretty good for not running for like 24 days!
I'm Published!
Okay, so I'm not even going to pretend that this blog entry is NOT a shameless plug for my book, because it is! And yes, I published it on a self-publishing site, but - so what!!! It is still pretty cool if I do say so myself. Some of you know that I did print a draft of the book that was, shall we say, "sub-par". That is if you want page numbers to correspond with the right pages and fonts to match. Whatever - details, details! I'm a writer and not an editor, people! I was just too impatient to wait anymore so I had a few copies printed in its "draft" form. Those are now for archival purposes.
HOWEVER - the kinks are worked out, it has been thoroughly proofed again and the final product is available for the public at large (no pun intended...its about weight loss) to enjoy!
Where can you find it, Lisa? Glad you asked. You can go to www.lulu.com and search for the title of the book, "Losing to Gain". You can either download it for like $5.99 or purchase your very own printed copy for $15.94. Or you can tell me you want one and I can get one for you for like $10.
So, commercial over. Just had to share!
HOWEVER - the kinks are worked out, it has been thoroughly proofed again and the final product is available for the public at large (no pun intended...its about weight loss) to enjoy!
Where can you find it, Lisa? Glad you asked. You can go to www.lulu.com and search for the title of the book, "Losing to Gain". You can either download it for like $5.99 or purchase your very own printed copy for $15.94. Or you can tell me you want one and I can get one for you for like $10.
So, commercial over. Just had to share!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Waiting for Weight Watchers
As you know I am a committed Weight Watchers member fo sho. I am passionate about the program, faithfully go to meetings every week on Saturday at 7:30am and talk about the program all the time. So, naturally when a receptionist mentioned working for Weight Watchers in Nov 2009 after I became a Lifetime member at goal, again, I immediately went online and applied. A week or so later I got an email reply that politely notified me that they were not currently hiring. I was bummed, but realized that it was not meant to be at this time. I began my blog and then my book and life continued.
With the roll-out of the new Points Plus program, things changed. I was notified that there was an Informational meeting scheduled to provide interested folks with info on working for Weight Watchers. I attended and was really excited about what I learned. All of the qualifications the woman highlighted that they were looking for in a leader were strengths that I had and/or things that applied to me! I mean if I can't work as a trainer for the Biggest Loser like Jillian Michaels, or be a designer for the Extreme HomeMakeover, like Tye Pennington, I want to do this!!! How awesome would it be to be able to work for an organization that I really believe in on a personal level and be able to motivate and inspire people to reach their goals?! Hell, I would pay them to be able to do that! Not that I don't like my job, but come on! You can't compete with that!!
So, I went to the next step and had a phone interview the next week. The interview went very well and I was assured that I had the personality for the job, etc. However, my availability was of concern. Oh, crap, my day job. Yeah, there is that. In order to make it work I would have to be able to get to a meeting by 5ish and my hours just don't work with that schedule. The manager called me the next day and we had a really good conversation about how the training is expensive and they don't want to train someone if they don't have a place for them, etc. I get it. I was still heartbroken, though. I would have wanted to do at least one meeting and get my foot in the door. I encouraged her to keep my name on file in case something changed with either my schedule or their meeting schedule. She was disappointed it wouldn't work out now too.
I now realize that this again is not the time for this, even though I want it really bad. This is a hard pill to swallow for me. But, it is not on my time schedule. So, time number 2 of "not yet" from Weight Watchers. But I can wait. After all, third time's the charm, right?!
With the roll-out of the new Points Plus program, things changed. I was notified that there was an Informational meeting scheduled to provide interested folks with info on working for Weight Watchers. I attended and was really excited about what I learned. All of the qualifications the woman highlighted that they were looking for in a leader were strengths that I had and/or things that applied to me! I mean if I can't work as a trainer for the Biggest Loser like Jillian Michaels, or be a designer for the Extreme HomeMakeover, like Tye Pennington, I want to do this!!! How awesome would it be to be able to work for an organization that I really believe in on a personal level and be able to motivate and inspire people to reach their goals?! Hell, I would pay them to be able to do that! Not that I don't like my job, but come on! You can't compete with that!!
So, I went to the next step and had a phone interview the next week. The interview went very well and I was assured that I had the personality for the job, etc. However, my availability was of concern. Oh, crap, my day job. Yeah, there is that. In order to make it work I would have to be able to get to a meeting by 5ish and my hours just don't work with that schedule. The manager called me the next day and we had a really good conversation about how the training is expensive and they don't want to train someone if they don't have a place for them, etc. I get it. I was still heartbroken, though. I would have wanted to do at least one meeting and get my foot in the door. I encouraged her to keep my name on file in case something changed with either my schedule or their meeting schedule. She was disappointed it wouldn't work out now too.
I now realize that this again is not the time for this, even though I want it really bad. This is a hard pill to swallow for me. But, it is not on my time schedule. So, time number 2 of "not yet" from Weight Watchers. But I can wait. After all, third time's the charm, right?!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My Olympic Event!
So, apparently I found my Olympic event this morning at boot camp - should I ever decide to train, and get accepted into the Olympics that is. As part of our warm-up, we did these "bear crawl" exercises across the gym floor. First, we did the modified one which was we essentially bent down with our legs straight and walked our hands up to the top of where we couldn't reach anymore and then walked our legs up, and so on for the entire length of the gym and then back - backwards. Not that I'm competitive or anything, but I totally schooled the other two ladies with this! I wasn't really trying to, but it was just easy for me, I guess. We have done similar exercises in Bosu class, so maybe that is why it was my "event", but it def was. Then, we did the total bear crawl where you basically just crawl across the floor on your hands and feet (very hard to describe in words). Again, I bested my bootcamp friends (who, by the way are very nice - and just the right amount of "chattiness"). I even heard one of them mention, "Whoa, Lisa, you are a beast at this!!" And it wasn't like I was just beating them by a hair - I was beating them by like a half-court length! It is just so random, because it was totally easy for me and I didn't' think anything of it where it was obviously challenging to others who were at a similar fitness level as me, from what I could tell.
This is so true in life too, isn't it? Sometimes we downplay our strengths rather than celebrate them. It is so much easier to be critical of the things we need to work on and focus on those, rather than appreciate or even be aware of our strengths or areas in which we excel.
So, do you think the bear crawl would be in the summer or winter Olympic games? Just checkin'!
This is so true in life too, isn't it? Sometimes we downplay our strengths rather than celebrate them. It is so much easier to be critical of the things we need to work on and focus on those, rather than appreciate or even be aware of our strengths or areas in which we excel.
So, do you think the bear crawl would be in the summer or winter Olympic games? Just checkin'!
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Fear Factor
No, I'm not talking about the TV show. I think it is still on. I could never watch it. You know, the one that involves doing crazy stunts and eating live worms and (gag), okay, enough of that.
No, I'm talking about fear...our fear...okay, actually my fear. Ever since I registered for the 1/2 marathon earlier this month I have been stalled in my running routine (read: haven't run at all). I have worked out, but been really hesitant to run. The 14 week training program starts the first week of February. What is going on, right?! Now, for those of you who know me well, you know that I usually have to ponder things, and then talk about them, ad nauseum, and maybe even write about them, before I finally figure them out. It is just part of my hard-wiring, I guess.
This probably explains why I haven't blogged in awhile. I've been trying to figure this all out before expressing it. It finally dawned on me the other day, while I was Facebook chatting with a friend. I'm scared. Not, "Halloween & Michael Myers" scared, but fearful. Of what, one might ask. It is psychological fear. I think I have a fear of failure about this race. What happens if I can't do it? What happens if I get injured? What if I have to walk?? How will I feel if I can't do it?? These questions and self doubts have been haunting me ever since I signed up. I have also had some negative thoughts creep in lately like, "You aren't a runner". "13 miles is too far." "What the hell are you thinking?" If that isn't bad enough I think in a way I also have a fear of success...in terms of wondering what I will do next after I finish or what if it doesn't feel as great at the end as I think it will? After thinking about this and even writing this now I have come to one big conclusion.
I think too friggin' much!!!!
What ever happened to just enjoying the journey and not worrying about the end goal?! This is what I need to do. I need to squash the self doubts and questions before they start and concentrate on one workout at a time. I have to remember to be disciplined, focused and committed to my training - one workout at a time. At the end of the day, I have the right to fail. I have the right to succeed. Whichever it is it will be my choice, but I want to enjoy the journey and go kicking and screaming either way.
IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!!!!
No, I'm talking about fear...our fear...okay, actually my fear. Ever since I registered for the 1/2 marathon earlier this month I have been stalled in my running routine (read: haven't run at all). I have worked out, but been really hesitant to run. The 14 week training program starts the first week of February. What is going on, right?! Now, for those of you who know me well, you know that I usually have to ponder things, and then talk about them, ad nauseum, and maybe even write about them, before I finally figure them out. It is just part of my hard-wiring, I guess.
This probably explains why I haven't blogged in awhile. I've been trying to figure this all out before expressing it. It finally dawned on me the other day, while I was Facebook chatting with a friend. I'm scared. Not, "Halloween & Michael Myers" scared, but fearful. Of what, one might ask. It is psychological fear. I think I have a fear of failure about this race. What happens if I can't do it? What happens if I get injured? What if I have to walk?? How will I feel if I can't do it?? These questions and self doubts have been haunting me ever since I signed up. I have also had some negative thoughts creep in lately like, "You aren't a runner". "13 miles is too far." "What the hell are you thinking?" If that isn't bad enough I think in a way I also have a fear of success...in terms of wondering what I will do next after I finish or what if it doesn't feel as great at the end as I think it will? After thinking about this and even writing this now I have come to one big conclusion.
I think too friggin' much!!!!
What ever happened to just enjoying the journey and not worrying about the end goal?! This is what I need to do. I need to squash the self doubts and questions before they start and concentrate on one workout at a time. I have to remember to be disciplined, focused and committed to my training - one workout at a time. At the end of the day, I have the right to fail. I have the right to succeed. Whichever it is it will be my choice, but I want to enjoy the journey and go kicking and screaming either way.
IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!!!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs"
So, I've been thinking seriously about whether or not to commit to running a 1/2 marathon this spring. I think the Cleveland one is in May. Then, in the last 24 hours I've noticed a few signs that seem to be pointing me in the direction that "yes" I should commit to doing it!
First, I had a conversation with a colleague yesterday who mentioned that another colleague is getting a group together to train for the Cleveland marathon. He views running as a very spiritual thing and connects with your relationship to God sorta thing - "running is life" is the mantra. I totally dig that and actually kinda feel the spiritual connection too. Next, I remembered to grab my Women's Running magazine this morning to look at during lunch and it has a big article on the cover about "running your fastest 1/2 marathon". And then the clincher was, guess what they were talking about on my radio station when I was just getting to work this morning? Yes, you guessed it - running a marathon! The female radio personality announced that she is going to train to run a marathon. She has done a couple of 1/2's before, but never a full one. In their conversation, she also mentioned how running is a very spiritual exercise for her. Are you kidding me?!! Okay, God, I get it! I guess I need to just do this once and for all!
I'm nervous a bit, however. It is kinda like what they say about being a writer. In order to be a good writer you have to write...and write...and write. And conquer that blank sheet of paper or computer screen again and again and write...write...and write. That just totally crushes my fantasy about being a writer in a cabin in the woods someplace, wrapped in a warm sweater and slippers, with a fresh cup of hazelnut coffee and classical music playing in the background with a Labrador at my feet. The fact of the matter is that writing is hard work and involves a lot of...writing!!!
The same goes for training for this run. In my head I picture coming across the finish line in slow motion, with a big smile and being greeted by my family and receiving a cool medal. However, what does it take to get there? Lots of running...running...and then running some more. Facing that pavement or that track day after day to run and run and run some more. The bottom line is that it requires a lot of work and discipline. Can I do it??!! Can I get a whoo, whoo people?!! Okay, that is better!!!
First, I had a conversation with a colleague yesterday who mentioned that another colleague is getting a group together to train for the Cleveland marathon. He views running as a very spiritual thing and connects with your relationship to God sorta thing - "running is life" is the mantra. I totally dig that and actually kinda feel the spiritual connection too. Next, I remembered to grab my Women's Running magazine this morning to look at during lunch and it has a big article on the cover about "running your fastest 1/2 marathon". And then the clincher was, guess what they were talking about on my radio station when I was just getting to work this morning? Yes, you guessed it - running a marathon! The female radio personality announced that she is going to train to run a marathon. She has done a couple of 1/2's before, but never a full one. In their conversation, she also mentioned how running is a very spiritual exercise for her. Are you kidding me?!! Okay, God, I get it! I guess I need to just do this once and for all!
I'm nervous a bit, however. It is kinda like what they say about being a writer. In order to be a good writer you have to write...and write...and write. And conquer that blank sheet of paper or computer screen again and again and write...write...and write. That just totally crushes my fantasy about being a writer in a cabin in the woods someplace, wrapped in a warm sweater and slippers, with a fresh cup of hazelnut coffee and classical music playing in the background with a Labrador at my feet. The fact of the matter is that writing is hard work and involves a lot of...writing!!!
The same goes for training for this run. In my head I picture coming across the finish line in slow motion, with a big smile and being greeted by my family and receiving a cool medal. However, what does it take to get there? Lots of running...running...and then running some more. Facing that pavement or that track day after day to run and run and run some more. The bottom line is that it requires a lot of work and discipline. Can I do it??!! Can I get a whoo, whoo people?!! Okay, that is better!!!
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