Category Archives: autumn

Weekend Roll Up #SkinnySnowman

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5 Positives for 11/26/2012

  1. Even though it is Monday, this week couldn’t have started with more excitement even if it tried! Between running an awesome 10 miler on Friday, then finding out I was accepted to Grad school, and then an awesome High School Reunion on Saturday night I am still running on fumes of cloud nine
  2. It’s cyber monday and the sales are amazing!  I am trying not to buy everything and anything I want
  3. My house feels like Christmas with the new Yankee Candles we bough in peppermint and red velvet cake.
  4. It’s getting cold enough to warrant fires in the fire place and this makes me realllllly happy, since last year it wasn’t remotely cold enough
  5. Although I am coming off a gain from last week, I am confident that I am doing the right things from this point on and will get back on track.

Thanksgiving Day

It was awesome.  We had family and friends and lots of food.  We drank ate and talked.  It was relaxing and stressful, busy but calm.  I think it is one of the best we’ve had so far. I am looking forward to next year too.

10 Miler on Friday

After sleeping in I got dressed and headed out of the house for 10 miles.  I wasn’t expecting it to be a good run, and since it would be the longest distance I had covered since the half marathon in March, I was preparing myself to be really upset towards the latter half of the mileage.  I was really wrong about myself though.  Yes I grumbled through the first 5 miles.  I was tired, sore, and hungry.  But I pushed through.  I cam up on 9 miles fast than I thought and just kept repeating to myself, 1 more mile.  I do this during races too.  Just 1 more mile and you’ll be done.  It’s not that I hate running, not in the slightest, it’s just I still need to work on my mental negativity, and this notion of 1 more mile works.  If I have a countdown I notice I feel more at ease.  So during the run, if I see that I am at mile 6 of a 10 miler I just say to myself “You are more than half done!  Go You!”  I finished the run faster than I think I have ever done a 10 miler in.

Graduate School

Friday afternoon while lounging on the couch with ice on my legs and Lifetime on my TV, the mailman came and dropped off a package.  Of course this meant that he put letters in the mailbox, so I hopped on down the driveway to retrieve them.  I opened the mail box to reveal a large white envelope from George Mason University.  I immediately started shaking.  I ran inside yelling for TPWSNBN to come and open the letter.  After struggling with the needlessly strong adhesive, (Seriously guys?  As if I haven’t waited long enough) he got the letter opened, read the first line and turned to me smiling.  I immediately cried for like 10 minutes on his shoulder like someone had just shot a unicorn in front of me.  You would think that I DIDN’T get in, with how I was acting.

High School Reunion

Saturday night, Lisa, TPWSNBN and I ventured to Hunan One in Arlington for cheap beer, and blasts from the past.  I of course took no pictures, but I am sure there will be some up on Facebook soon.  It was amazing to see everyone, including people I never spoke to in high school and have them being extremely nice to me.  I guess we all grew up.  I am also happy to report that even though I had a few too many to drink, I didn’t embarrass myself in the slightest.  Well that I can remember.

Skinny Snowman Challenge 

I am participating in the skinny snowman challenge for the next month.  There is no way in hell I will win this thing, but I am hoping to lose weight and gain a healthier perspective in the process.  It started yesterday and so far so good!

 

Plan of the Day

  • Stick to my already logged food plan
  • 100 oz of water
  • 3.1 – 4 Miles after work – It’s the week of the half marathon, so I am thinking less is more at this point.

Off to fill up my water bottle!

 

xoxoxooxoxoxo

 

CrossFit At Home

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Today’s Workout:

  • Arms: (3 rounds)
    • 15 bicep curls
    • 15 shoulder presses
    • 15 tricep dips
  • 3.5 Miles Running

I’m trying to incorporate some CrossFit into my routine, because frankly I want to look like them.  I want to look like those women that are on all of the Crossfit blogs.   So I am starting off with two days a week.  I am not going by some set schedule – I am just picking workouts from CrossFit Mama’s and putting them on days I want to do cross fit.  The one I am attempting today doesn’t seem too challenging.. I think I’ll do the run first and then the CrossFit.

Class last night was fun.. not really.  My teacher assigned a group project – and then started in on what she expects of it – last night.  Two weeks before it’s due.  I’m sorry.  You need to be more freaking specific if you are going to have all of these random parameters on the project.  You can’t just go change your mind.  I hate undergrad.

It will be over in two weeks.  I have a take home final, and then I’ll be done.  I am really looking forward to this class specifically being over, because I am just not clicking with the teacher.  When I don’t feel a connection with the professor, I tend to stop caring.  I am only caring at this point, because it’s like the only way to get to the light at the end of the tunnel.

STOP BEING SO LONG TUNNEL.

How is it only 9:07 am?

I leave in 2 hours and 53 minutes.  Thank God.

Now for your laughing pleasure, I present:

HUMOR THAT GOT ME THROUGH THE LAST 24 HOURS!

Um...yeah pretty much

 

Duck Dynasty

fact

hahahaha!!

funniest picture ever

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!!!

Weigh In: Face It Friday

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WI: +0.4
Total Lost: -38.2
Emotion: Trying to find the balance
This Weeks Goal: To Lose. ANYTHING. JUST TO LOSE.

I know it could have been far worse.  I know about 2 days ago it was A LOT worse.  I know what I have to do to change things, and then cereal happened.  Or Marshmallows (WHY ARE THESE IN MY HOUSE?) or anything really.  I am pretty sure, if ‘hungry’ enough I would eat breadcrumbs.  Like for cooking.  What is going on?  Where was this massive amount of control that got me within 15 pounds of my goal weight.  WHERE IS MY GOAL WEIGHT?

I know it could be worse.  I could be the 200+ pound woman starting this journey for the first time and crying on the treadmill because the simple act of walking at 2.5 mph was painful.  I could be the 200+ pound woman who thought getting an Iced venti vanilla breve latte (That is a latte made with about 1.5 cups of HALF AND HALF) was a smart breakfast choice.

WHAT THE HELL WAS WRONG WITH ME?

I was misguided.  I was ignorant, and I was in denial.  So what is wrong with me now?  Much of the same.  I have lost 38 pounds of the physical weight, but with that I have lost none of the emotional weight.

I realized this fact this morning when I saw this blog post linked from another blog post:

Emotional Weight Loss

I read this and felt like someone had done an analysis on me.  I have stood in the mirror and literally was sick over what I was looking at.  I was in disbelief that this picture below was me:

Because when I look in the mirror I don’t see her.  I see this:

I know there is a difference.  I know I am not ‘Her’ anymore.  But I don’t really see it that way.  My eyes are working I promise, but my mind is not interpreting the actual image.  Why is this?

What am I holding on to?  I think this is a very good reason for why I am struggling with this weight loss.  I try not to compare myself to anyone else, but it’s really hard.  Then I look at what I actually do in a week and realize, well, it’s not like I am 100% following the plan.

So that is Step 1: Follow the Plan

I can only get out of Weight Watchers what I put in.  I know it will get me to where I want to be, because it has worked in the past.  This time it’s just harder because I want to eat baguettes, brie, and wine with it.  Well there is a time and a place for that frankly, and it’s not every night (no I have not indulged in Baguette, Brie and wine every night.).

But if I am only tracking kind of, and then working out, and then eating like there is no tomorrow because “I worked out” I am negating all the benefits – AND WASTING LIKE $20 A MONTH.

I am not one of those people who can say no to dessert.  I am also not one of those people who can say no to seconds, or thirds – especially if the food is amazing.  But I can be one of those people.  I can say “I’m stuffed” and mean it.  I know what the sick full feeling feels like.  I know what the “I could eat a horse” (I would never actually eat a horse.  I would pet one, but not eat one.) feeling feels like.  I am still figuring out what the “I am no longer ‘hungry’ but I am not ‘full’” satisfied feeling is.

I am getting better at when we eat out (save for the pizza excursions) on what to order.  I tend to stick with salads, or protein with veggies.  I am also queen of complicating an uncomplicated dish.

Fajitas at Sweetwater

  • Chicken and Mushroom combo
  • no oil (yes they can do this)
  • No tortillas to be brought
  • no sour cream
  • no cheese
  • Please only bring the beans, veggies and Guacamole to the table
  • no side of rice

When I order it this way, I get looks from pretty much everyone in ear shot, but I eat about 35-55 g of protein in that meal, very little fat, very little carbs, and I am good.

Until that damn flourless chocolate waffle comes out.  Stupid Waffle.

I also think it’s easier for me to be on track when I am around others minding their intake – which with TPWSNBN it’s like impossible.  He orders a Cheese Steak Sandwich and burns 500 calories in the anticipation of the Sandwich.

Step 2: LET GO OF THE PAST

I am not that girl anymore.  I am not the size 16 bride who barely fit in her dress.  I am not the girl who gets Coldstone Milkshakes for dessert after eating five guys.  I haven’t been to Coldstone in 5 years.  I never plan on going back.  But more than letting go of Coldstone, I need to let go of my “failed” mentality.  Yes, I was (and still kind of am) overweight.  I get that.  I am not nearly as bad as where I was, and I know that every day, step, right choice, bottle of water, weight lifted, mile run, race completed, fried food avoided I am getting there.

I think this is also why I go into races with fear and automatic feeling of failure.  Not even races, just my normal long run on the weekend.  I think me letting go and realizing I am not only capable of doing this, losing weight, running 6.2 miles without stopping, I am capable of anything.

 

So this is my plan.  My rambling of a plan.  I am going to make sure that I am thinking as positively as possible and never take one run or workout for granted.

Plan of the Day

  • Breakfast: English Muffin, PB, Coffee, Fruit
  • Snack: Fruit
  • Lunch: Chipotle: Salad w/ rice, pinto beans, salsa and guac
  • Snack: Fruit
  • Dinner: Big Bowl: Stir Fry – No rice
  • Workout: Run 2.5 Miles

xoxoxoxoxoxox

 

1 Month Of Thanks – Day 1 #Thankful

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Today I am thankful for autumn days.  I woke up to a brisk bedroom underneath my cloud comforter and felt at ease.  Though I slept in more than I wanted to, I still felt relaxed as I made my way through the motions of starting my day.

The colors of the trees bring me smiles and comfort as this is my favorite time of year.

The cool breeze and winds remind me that the cold is just around the corner, but for now, my sweater and scarf will suit just fine.

The shorter days remind me to prioritize and organize my life so that I can confine the important parts in the day light.

I am thankful for family, friends, and the ability to cuddle a little longer.

November Goals

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Tomorrow is November 1!

So I decided to formulate my list of goals for this month, outline my work outs, and discuss upcoming events!’

November Goals

  • Lose weight this month.  Magically I wish it could be all of the weight, but I am cool with losing anything at this point.  With Thanksgiving in this month and the upcoming Christmas season, I see this as being a real challenge, and one that I am up to the task for.
  • Track THE ENTIRE MONTH
  • Keep running 3+ days a week

 

November Workouts

I’ll be running and strength training away this month.  I have some bigger races coming up (Half in December) so I need to just up my mileage and keep strength training to keep injuries at bay.

Workouts

Upcoming Events

November 17 2012 – Marine Corps Turkey Trot at Quantico  Marine Base – 10k : Really looking forward to this race.  I’d like to beat my time from the MCM 10k this past Sunday if at all possible.

November 22, 2012 – hosting Thanksgiving again for all family members

November 24, 2012 – High School ‘Reunion’ – it’s not official but I’m still going!

This is going to be a good month, because I am going to make it a good month.  I am ready for a fresh start!

Marine Corps Marathon 10k Race Recap

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It’s finally here!  This was me on Saturday on the way to the expo.  We made a stop in Rosslyn, where I didn’t realize, but was happy to see, that the Runner’s Village/finish line area (i.e. where you find your family) was right by the Starbucks and Chop’t we frequent.  This point I am a ball of nerves.  I am always a ball of nerves before a race.  I think it’s a slight fear that people will see me fail, but I got to the point this weekend realizing, you can’t fail if you show up.

 

 

I was nervous that would be running this race with Sandy (the hurricane) and that I would be barely finishing.  I kept praying and praying that this race would give me the boost I needed to keep training.  I don’t want to give up on my marathon dreams, so I needed to get my mind back where it needed to be, and this race was hopefully going to do that.

I bought this shirt at the expo, and I would like to think that it had something to do with the actual outcome of the race.  I was just really taken with the message and I think it started the whole mentality change when it came to how I was running this race.

On the Mall.  Can you tell how awake, energized, and not nervous I am? Yeah me too.  TPWSNBN had to continuously give me pep talks on how I wasn’t going to come in last, and I wasn’t going to die either. I was very unsure.

I was also very cold.

The Race Started and I was off.  I planned to run until it wasn’t comfortable.  But then something strange happened after the first two miles.  I decided to see if I could run the whole thing.  As each mile plucked by my legs felt heavier, but I wanted to see if I could.  I knew the last mile and especially the last 0.2 would be difficult as it was up hill, but I wanted to go for it. As I neared the final portions of the last full mile, the sides of the route began to fill with marines.  Until that was all I could see.  A sea of marines all screaming and cheering us all on.

I ‘marined up’ and took the hill at a slow run, but I didn’t stop.  I kept on.  Suddenly the finish line was in front of me.  I made it.  As I crossed that threshold I felt something I had never felt before.  I felt like a runner.

I am not sure what about this race made me feel like I had ‘made it’ – surely I should have felt this after my half marathon, but while I felt proud and accomplished then, I didn’t really feel like I had done my best.  I felt like I walked a lot and took a lot of allowances with myself to just finish the race.  The combo of an injury 1 month out and the lack of 3 long training runs I didn’t get to do I think set me up to be in a ‘JUST FINISH IT’ mentality.  I plan on taking a different approach for my half marathon in December, and all races afterwards.  Just because something seems like it may be impossible for me to accomplish, doesn’t mean that it is.

I wasn’t as fast as I have been in the past, but I also wasn’t as consistent.

I had a blast when I didn’t think I would be smiling at the end.  I was smiling, with tears rolling down my face.

 

 

 

 

Well… I’m Back.

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Can’t say that I am extremely happy about it.  But I’m here.

I miss England.

I had so much fun, as if you couldn’t tell from my blog posts.  I am not really enjoying the overflow of my email inbox, or the stresses of work that come with my job, but the idea of returning to afternoon tea, with scones and clotted cream seem to ease the pains of the day.

Week Plan:

Workouts

  • Monday: 4.0 Miles
  • Tuesday: Elliptical/Rest
  • Wednesday: 4.0 Miles
  • Thursday: Elliptical
  • Friday: 2.5 Miles
  • Saturday: 8.5 Miles
  • Sunday: Rest

Dinners:

  • Monday: Turkey Tacos
  • Tuesday: Birthday Dinner with TPWSNBN
  • Wednesday: Spaghetti Squash with Ground Turkey
  • Thursday: Turkey Meatloaf with Roasted Asparagus
  • Friday: Out with TPWSNBN’s Family
  • Saturday: Out (Most likely)
  • Sunday: Pulled Chicken Chili

Time to get back on plan.  It’s shocking though, I checked my weight this morning, and it looks like – LOOKS LIKE – I’ve lost.  Like 3 pounds.  Who knows if that’s true.  Just tracking everything, taking my vitamins, I will run today (after over a week of not) and getting my water in.

We are going grocery shopping tonight so that should help with the healthier on track eating.  Right now we have a lot of nothing in the house, except for canned goods, and tortillas.  Which I most likely could have made something out of, but I decided lunch today would be Whole Foods Salad bar.  Can’t go wrong with a big ol’ salad.

Well you can… but.

I’m still high on the vacation and will most likely be for a long time (Thank God).  I bought a tea pot last night, and that made me very happy.  Still on the prowl for tea cups and saucers that I like.  If you know of any good ones, please pass them along.

For now it’s back to work/studying for my Morphology Exam tomorrow.

Carry on!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Thursday Things

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  • We leave the day after tomorrow for England.  We haven’t even brought the suitcase upstairs yet.  GUESS WHAT I AM DOING TONIGHT?
  • I’m planning on working out on my lunch break so that I can be devoted to packing when I get home.  This should be relatively easy seeing as though normally I work through my lunch break, giving my job that extra free hour of mine that I should have for myself in some capacity.  So today I will go to my office’s gym and sweat for like 35 minutes – I’m hoping an elliptical or some other cross training machine is open, because if it’s the treadmill I will get bored from walking with in like 2 minutes.  I also look weird on an elliptical because my feet always shoot up with not much grace.  I’m not a graceful elliptical-er.
  • Yesterday’s run should have been 4 miles, but I was on the treadmill and tired from not sleeping so I crawled (10’48″ pace) the 3.33 miles and then decided I was done.  This weather needs to stay cool so I can go outside. Stupid indian summer or humidity or whatever.
  • I slept wrong – AGAIN – last night on my back.  I actually slept on my back but with my arm in a weird position over my head, so everything is screaming (which is another thing.  I don’t want to only do weights, because well I am afraid to lift anything heavy at this point.  After vacay = whatever.  Before vacay = Must be careful.).
  • We didn’t have enough iced coffee this morning for both TPWSNBN and I, so being the good wife that I am, I took it.  No I’m kidding.  I gave it to him and I grabbed a Sugar Free Rockstar Energy Drink.
  • I also grabbed an apple, banana, and a bag of frozen grapes to enjoy today.  I already ate the grapes with my English Muffin Breakfast and man I am satisfied (never thought I would say this after a healthy meal, but here we are.).
  • Did anyone watch the debate?  I thought there were good and bad moments to both sides.  But I also think the moderator lost control of the event within 5 seconds.

Plan:

  • Breakfast: English Muffin w/ PB, Rockstar Energy
  • Snack: Frozen Grapes
  • Lunch: Open faced turkey, hummus, spinach, and provolone sandwich, yogurt, carrots
  • Snack: Apple & Banana
  • Dinner: Steak Waldorf salad
  • Activity: Cross training 35-40 minutes

Let’s hope I can nab DAY 3 of 100% Tracking and staying with in points.  Last night was hard because we stayed in, but I can do this.  I can make this work.  I will make this work.  I’ve already made it work a million times (well like 40 pounds) before.  I can keep going.

 

p.s. Anyone got any tried and true stretches for shoulders and back?

Why I Will Never Be Rested On A Wednesday

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  • Tuesday’s are class days, so I don’t get home till about 11ish.  Which means I don’t settle till 11:30 – 12:00ish, which means I don’t usually fall asleep until like 1ish.  I got roughly 4 hours last night.  I consider this a win, but at the same time, a loss.  Wednesday’s are Run Days.  I have 4 miles slated, and with the weather and my exhaustion I’ll be on the treadmill.  I am afraid I’ll run outside and just hate myself and then walk home.  A least with the treadmill, I have distractions like the TV.  I’m sure I have 8 million Law and Order SVU’s to choose from to get me through my 40ish minute run.  We shall see.  I am going to try and do it in 42 minutes (10’30″ pace).  That would be the goal.
  • I don’t think my teacher for my Tuesday night class likes me.  She seems bothered whenever I speak up in class.  I say something – as in an answer to an open question she has asked – and she just looks at me with a blank stare, and then asks the question again and turns to the other side of the room.  I’m sorry, if my answer is wrong, tell me why it’s wrong.  Don’t stare blankly at me and turn away.  That helps no one, and frankly, it doesn’t help the evaluation I’ll be giving you at the end of the semester.
  • So I’m tired.  My back is nominally better than yesterday.  I’m guessing it’s a process.  If it keeps going at this rate, I should be good as new for my 8 miler on Saturday – which will then wreck my body for the plane ride that night.  Gosh I can’t believe that this trip is almost here.

  • Creepy or funny?  I say funny.
  • I have my thesis statement for my final exam in World Literature (online course) and I am currently gathering my thoughts and ideas for the outline that I can bring with me to the exam.  I’m writing about hell through different stories that we covered this semester, because I like to pick the bright and positive topics.
  • 2 DAYS TILL ENGLAND PEOPLE
  • I am trying to keep my focus on that over these next couple of days, mainly because the stress and accumulation of crap with work and school can eat me alive, and I don’t want that.  I want to walk (fly?) into this vacation with both feet and not stress or really even think about work or school.  I know it will be hard, and I am sure I will have to be reminded while walking through Harrod’s Department store that I shouldn’t be thinking about work while looking at Gucci bags, but oh well.  I digress.  I am not going to London to buy a purse.  Or am I?
  • I have that “Gangham Style” song stuck in my head because the idiots on the radio think its funny to play that like 24/7.  THANKS GUYS.
  • I am not really nervous about my run this afternoon, but my achilles tendon on my left side would tell you otherwise.  I will just have to make sure to ice and stretch and then heating pad.  All while….
  • WATCHING THE FIRST DEBATE!

  • Now that is a creepy picture.

Plan of the Day:

  • Breakfast: English Muffin w/ PB, Frozen Grapes, Coffee
  • S: Green Tea and Water
  • L: Turkey Wrap, Yogurt, Carrots
  • S: Water
  • D: Mahi Mahi Tacos
  • Activity: Run 4 miles so I can drink beer.

Have a great day lovelies!

Tuesday Things

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  • So my plants split up the ass last night at Wegmans.  I think if I needed a sign to get back on track that was it.  Mortified doesn’t begin to explain it.
  • Although I can’t exercise today, because of class and work, I am going to be 100% on par with my eating.  I’ve already tracked everything, including my coffee this afternoon.  If I indulge in anything it will be a fruit cup from Starbucks.  I need to regain control.
  • It took me 1 hour and 47 minutes to get to work this morning.  I hate Rain.  I hate living so far (well only 16 miles) from work, I hate the fact that the DC metro area has the worst traffic ever.
  • I’m aiming for 100 oz of water again today – I made it to 119 yesterday – and I think it’s helping.  I’m stressed so my face is breaking out, but hopefully the water will do some work in that department as well.
  • Speaking of stress, I had all these grand plans yesterday of doing an hour of yoga.  Yeah I got in 10 minutes.  Why?  My back started screaming like it was on fire and being stabbed.  I guess Yoga will have to wait till I am fully healed.  No worry.  Today is an off day, and tomorrow is 4 miles.  Outside.  Unless its a downpour.
  • Speaking of downpour – WE LEAVE IN 3 DAYS (basically) FOR ENGLAND!  We should really pack umbrellas.   I’ll have my trench coat so I’ll be ready!  CAN’T WAIT.
  • My neck is in complete revolt at this point.  It’s now a stinging pain running down the side of my neck into my shoulder.  There isn’t enough bengay in the world at this point.
  • I feel like I am running around with my head cut off.   I haven’t begun packing.  I hung up all of our clothes last night.  I had been living out of laundry baskets, and then decided I was tired of it, and how in God’s name would I pack if all my clothes were wrinkly? Exactly.
    • Gotta look good to impress Kate and Wills.
  • I am way too productive on this Rockstar Energy Drink

Meals:

  • Breakfast: English muffin with Elderberry Jelly and Coffee w/ Coffeemate
  • Snack: Apple and Tea
  • Lunch: Turkey wrap with lettuce and cabbage and hummus, yogurt, carrots with tzatziki sauce
  • Snack: Banana
  • Dinner: Chicken Sausage with Purple Potatoes
  • Snack: Ice Coffee with Half and Half and fruit

Activity: Getting through today.  I MEAN REALLY.

32 ounces of water – DONE.  68 more to go.

Enjoy your rainy or if your lucky, sunny Tuesday loves.

xoxo