Back on the Road Again

Lately I will admit I have felt a little like a slacker. I look at my activity calendar for FitDay and see that there are several weeks where I only did 3 or 4 days of activity, far less than the 5-6 days/week I strive for. I still am striving for 1600-1800 calories a day, but finding the "extra treat" days are coming more frequently. My Google-15 weight average is creeping up a couple pounds too.
So, I made sure to get in a 6 day week for the second week in a row.
Today, I made up for yesterdays off day by hitting it hard. After work I did:
- 35 minutes of power yoga
-45 minutes on the spinner (alternating sprints, stand drills, SLPs)
-30 minutes of strength training at the Y using the Cybex machines
- 1+ hours of SWAT swim practice drill work

I need a focus for the upcoming months, especially the rest of November through Christmas/New Years since it is easy to get off track then with everything that goes on.
I ordered some more yoga and pilates videos from Amazon as well as a couple training books. Lucas is going to teach me some Ab work drills from football.
I will stay on the good eating wagon and get through the season. I will break through my plateau and lose that last 20 pounds. When I get there, I will reward myself with a Plastics consult to talk about trimming of all the hangy skin. (Someday I'll post a pic - it's gross...)

Football Abs reminded me: One day when I was feeling sore last week, Lucas was going to teach me some of the "stretches" they do for football. The first was "inchworm", which really was Cobra Pose. Then he showed me a relaxation stretch- I know it as Childs Pose. He showed me a stretch they call the teepee or something.......... also know in yoga circles as Downward Dog. Funny how they manned up those yoga poses with manly-man names and called them stretches. Struck me funny. It's still YOGA!

That which does not kill you makes you stronger

Last night, we took the family to Applebee's for supper. I had the Cajun Lime Tilapia Weight Watchers meal, which was awesome. The fish was perfect and was served on rice with fresh red and green peppers and a side of broccoli, cauliflower, and squash. We also had an appetizer sampler from which I ate hot spinach and artichoke dip. So now, lets take an inventory of the vegetables in this meal:
- green and red peppers
- cooked spinach (a first)
- artichoke (another first)
- squash (yet another first)
- broccoli
- cauliflower
Also, I should mention, the night before that I ate a baked sweet potato, cut french fry style - another first, and delicious I might add.

For those of you that didn't know me a year ago, you probably do not realize the significance of this. I spent most of my life being pretty anti-veggie. I would eat a select smattering of raw veggies, mostly lettuce, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery. Raw only - cooked vegetables grossed me out, I would literally gag if I came in contact with cooked vegetables. When I got a burger, I would immediately pick off the tomato and onion. For pizza, I was a strictly meat only gal. And so it went for years and years, picking off some of the only healthy pieces of my meal.

A big part of my transition from the chubby life has been a commitment to not only eat healthier and smarter, but to keep an open mind to new things that I have habitually rebuffed. I have realized that vegetables are actually tasty when cooked right. I purposely try new foods that are prepared in a healthy way.

I tried four new vegetables this week and I am still alive to tell the tale - that's awesome, yeah me.

As far as exercise goes, I completed my 5th day for the week today. I did 30 on the trainer, and did 30 on the treadmill with my sister Michele chatting with me on the elliptical, which was fun. The outdoor ice rink at Traxler Park was set to open tonight too. Mike and I were going to go and give it a whirl, but it was warmer this afternoon and it looked like they weren't going to open after all. We'll have to try another time I think. Sounded fun though, at least something different to do and a chance to get outside!

Anniversary Day - and the Kick Off for our Lighten Up Wisconsin Team

It's here. On this day one year ago, I began the unchartered territory of taking control of my size. It seems like yesterday I was sitting in Dr Partello's office full of ambivalence and nervousness wondering if I had the will power and drive to be successful. I guess I did.

I registered our team today for Lighten Up Wisconsin, a group of co-workers, plus the hubby and my sister. Several teams from our health system register onto this statewide program that runs from January to May, and they compete against each other not only through the statewide program but the top three teams in each category from the groups registered through Mercy Health System receive recognition from the System. We will be competing in the categories of Weight Loss and Activity Miles, which we should be able to make a pretty good showing. It's kind of personally symbolic for me that we are starting this on my personal anniversary, kind of like starting a new chapter in my journey, taking me to yet another level of bettering and challenging myself.

Bring it on, I'm ready for what's next.

Todays activity:
15 minutes on the trainer this morning (keep reading for the story)
55.31 minutes on the trainer tonight
Total mileage: 15.01 miles

Tomorrows plan: up early on the trainer, big run after work (hopefully outside but its flipping cold!)

The story: I got up early this morning (5:30 AM) to get some quality time in the saddle. I let the dogs out, then headed downstairs to hop on my bike. With one eye open, I started taking down the bike from the trainer to switch them out. I struggled with it a little since I am still working on making this transition smoothly, but after several minutes I finally got it off and had loaded up the other bike. I put on my bike shoes and started to hop on only to notice that I was trying to clip onto the pedals of Mike's bike. RATS! So, I traded the bikes out again which seemed to take forever. By the time I was done farfling around with the bikes, I was able to get only a lousy 15 minutes of riding in, not nearly enough to work off my frustrations. The saddest thing is I should have recognized my own bike in the first place. Although we both have red Giant OCR 2's, they are distinctive. Mike's bar tape on his tri-bars is white with little skulls and mine is red. That should have been my first clue. Actually, they are both labeled with our NAMES on the fork, which should have been clue #2. I am not a morning person - I guess this proves it.

Gel Nimbus 8's - The Jury's still out

The day we have waited for is here - arrival day of the Christmas shoes. I took a short run tonight in my new Asics Nimbus shoes. I think I like them, but it may be too soon to tell. I did have some issues with numb forefoot, but that may have been due mare to the brisk January weather than the shoes aggravating my feet. Either way, it is a problem that has alwasy been easily fixed with OTC Orthotics.
THe run was a quick 3.25 miles through the hills in the neighborhood. I had intended to take a big run, but had to wait 15 minutes to give the ipod a chance to charge (it was DEAD) and it was quickly getting dark. I had intended to take my head lamp for when it got dark, but forgot to tuck it into my pocket, so once I noticed it strting to get dark, I took a turn for home instead of seeking out a longer loop.
Tomorrow is a big day, the anniversary of starting the VLCD diet. It's hard to believe it has been a whole year and I am just now transitioning back to regular food. I tried today to make an appointment with my dietitician to move into the final phase and work on getting to 1200 calories or so for maintenance, but I didn't reach her. I'll try again tomorrow - it's time.

Whew! They're over!

What a busy few weeks we have had getting ready for the holidays. It's so much fun to get ready, but so nice to be done too! We had my family over for Christmas dinner, which was fun. Mike and I made steak and turkey kabobs, lots of veggies, a variety of fresh fruits, mashed potatoes, and a few other things. The veggies were probably cooked a little long, but overall the meal was pretty good if I do say so myself. It's tough to steam big bunches of vegetables. We made strawberry mousse for dessert which was yummy and easy - just fresh strawberries, fat free cool whip and strawberry Jello. Just 70 calories per serving. Overall a healthy, fairly low-cal meal that tasted pretty good. I have been beating myself up for days now for dipping into the Christmas cookies and Chex Mix and blowing a pretty good meal. It's so hard to be good all the time!

My parents got us subscriptions to RW and Triathlete magazines and Michele and Jeff gave Mike a couple really cool training books that we keep looking through. They got me a cute pink bike jersey too - perfect choice, I am loving the pink this year. Several weeks ago, I had a discussion with my niece Taylor about those sports headbands and hair ties that are rubberized and how I had bought some headbands at the Adidas outlet and was disappointed that they didn't have the rubbery part to make them stay put when I exercise. Anyway, she remembered that and got me a set of the sports bands. I thought that was pretty cool that she remembered that and was so thoughtful. She is a pretty neat kid.

We had a few nice days to run, including a nice 4+ miler around the neighborhood the afternoon of Christmas Eve. I just feel spoiled by all the mild weather we have had this month - I wish it would stay like this the rest of the winter, but that's not too likely. A girl can dream...........

I took a 20 mile spin on the bike yesterday afternoon too. It was pretty cold out for that - about 36 degrees - but not too windy and the sun was out which seems to at least make it feel warm even though it's not really. Every time I take a bike trip this winter I learn something or at least think of something else I need for winter riding. It's really just a trial and error process to put the right outfit together to stave off frostbite. I suppose I will have it down by the time Spring comes then I will have to learn it all over again next year! I think I have it down now - several layers of jackets and fleece, bike shorts with thermal running leggings over top, neoprene booties over my bike shoes, and my Sub4 running beanie with a fleece neck gaiter over that so I can pull it up and down as needed. The gloves need some work - the fingers got pretty cold this last ride so I need something a little more substantial. I'll need to dig around in the glove bin in the closet for a different pair to try. I think I'll try some toe warmers too on the next ride. The feet stayed pretty warm, but did start to numb up about 2 or 3 miles from home.

We went to the bike shop last night and got ourselves a little Christmas present - a Blackburn Ultra trainer. Now we will be able to ride our bikes indoors all winter long in the comfort of our living room. Santa is also bringing us each a new pair of running shoes. Mike got the new Brooks Beast and I am going to try the Asics Gel Nimbus from Jamie at FootRX.com. I think I have figured out why I gravitate to mens running shoes. Ladies standard widths are a B and mens standard are a D width. Since I have some pretty wide Flinstone feet, I have always bought wide ladies (a D width) in regular shoes, but ladies tennies have always felt too narrow, especially Nikes. The light bulb has clicked on - I like mens tennies because they are D width - DUH!

THe Biggest Loser Blows my Mind

Well, the Biggest Loser Finale just got over. This is hands down my favorite show ever, especially the finale. Tonight's was especially meaningful since I am so close to reaching my own goal weight. Now here's the part that blows my mind:
I have lost 176.5 pounds and 52.61% of my starting weight.
On tonight's show that would mean that of the contestants that got voted off and competed for the $100,000 prize, I had a higher percentage of weight loss and a higher amount of weight lost.
Erik, the winner of the grand prize lost 52.58% of his body weight, 0.03% less than I have lost. He lost more weight in raw pounds, but percentage wins the prize.
The moral of that story is that I missed my shot at a quarter mill. Like Ed McMahon says, you can't win if you don't play.
I wonder if I could somehow deduct that as a loss of income on my taxes............. anyone from the IRS have some advice for me to make that work??

I got in a quick 30 on the bike tonight, didn't get a chance to run because I went to salon to wash that gray right outta my hair and get it cut. Nothing like a fresh 'do to lift your spirits. Hopefully, it makes me faster!

I think I will just post the letter

Dear Jennifer,
It was a pleasure seeing you last Friday! Listed below you will find the exercise assessment results from the 4 assessments you have had thus far. Your results indicate an amazing commitment to exercise and healthy living. Take one day at a time with the PFE process and be sure to give me a call if you have questions or concerns. Keep up the hard work and happy holidays!
Yours in Health,
Stephanie *********, MS, Clinical Exercise Physiologist

1-06-06
Weight: (withheld, sorry!)
Body Mass Index: 56.1(optimal < 30)
Waist: 51(optimal < 33)
Circumference Measurements: (inches)
§ Upper Arm: 17.25
§ Chest: 56.0
§ Hips: 66.5
§ Upper Thigh: 34.0
§ Upper Calf: 21.5
Heart Rate: 96
Blood Pressure: 144/80
Estimated Max MET: 5.25 (poor category)

12-08-06
Weight: 171 pounds
Body Mass Index: 27.6
Waist: 35.5
Circumference Measurements: (inches)
§ Upper Arm: 10.5
§ Chest: 38
§ Hips: 42
§ Upper Thigh: 23.75
§ Upper Calf: 17.0
Heart Rate: 72
Blood Pressure: 108/64
Estimated Max MET: 11.9 (above average)

Summary:
Total Inches Lost: 79.75 (over 6 feet!)
Total Weight (lbs) Lost: 176.5
Total Body Fat Lost (%): 15.4
WOW!

Trip to the Fitness Center

This morning, I had a follow up visit with my exercise physiologist, Stephanie. I love going to see her - she is so positive and supportive, just a genuinely nice person. I got to show off a little bit today too, which was kind of fun. we started by measuring body composition. My body fat percentage is now down to 26% (normal for my age is 21-33%) - so I am smack dab in the middle of NORMAL! It's been a long time since I was able to say that, it sure feels good! I can't seem to stop smiling today. I have converted from 109 pounds of lean mass to 126.5 pounds of lean mass since January, also a significant improvement. We did measurements too which are all way down. I am also down into what I call "exercise vitals" - those that are on the low end of normal due to cardiovascular fitness. We then moved onto the 12 minute treadmill test. This is a walk/incline test and it was hard for us to get my heart rate and perceived exertion up to the range we were shooting for (a good thing). Overall since January, my METS have improved from 5 (Poor for my age) to 11.6 (well above average, almost in the excellent range). I don't remember all the numbers, but when I get the written report next week, I will post more specific highlights.
I just love my visits with Stephanie. I think of all the people supervising my program, she is my favorite. It was so much fun to show her where I am and what I can do now - she just seems to be as genuinely excited and proud of my accomplishments as I am.
I worked out extra hard last night, with a 30 minute run on the elliptical and a 30 minute bike on the stationary. I cranked up my intensity as much as I could and really worked hard. I need to step up the weight training too, I have been slacking in that area the past few weeks. My sister loaned me "The Firm" video set and I think I will give that a try this weekend- that would be a nice change of pace for something to do.
I have a lot of people I owe thanks to for my success. First and foremost, my husband has been my biggest cheerleader and motivator. Not only does he tell me I am beautiful every day, but he pushes me to push myself. We are competitive and I am always striving to catch up to him so I can "win" - I think he knows that and always raises the bar to give me something to strive for. My kids have taken on the responsibility of cooking for themselves often and helping with watching my dogs or whatever needs to be done so we can get our exercise in. They had some pretty major changes in their lives too when we gave our 2-week notice to Dunkin Donuts and Taco Bell, and they have rolled with it pretty easily and without complaint. My family and friends have been tremendously supportive too, always with a kind word or trying to do what they can to be supportive. Recently I have also expanded my circle to include some wonderfully supportive folks I have met online through chat rooms and discussion boards. Not only have I been able to draw on their successes to motivate myself, but they have offered support to me as well and for that I am very thankful.
One of the things Stephanie asked me today was if a year ago I would have seen myself reaching the place I am in right now. I can honestly say I did not ever imagine myself being as successful as I have been. I think the biggest change has been in my approach to life. I used to spend a lot of time rationalizing why I couldn't do things - I couldn't exercise or take a hike because I was afraid I would fall. (I had fallen down some stairs in 2003 and broke my ankle - it became my excuse for why I couldn't do things. ) My attitude has evolved over the past year from "I can't do that because...." to "wouldn't it be fun if we tried......" It's funny how many opportunities are opened up just by changing your approach. I would never have envisioned the things I am considering today: trying Ride to Cure Diabetes, doing triathlons, taking on a 10K or half marathon. Getting off the couch was my catalyst and I hope I can inspire that spirit in others.

Back on Track again Baby!

Well, today I decided was the day where I get myself off the lazy track. Since the weather has turned cold with rain and snow I have had a hard time getting motivated to work out indoors. It's just so much nicer to ride around on my bike on country roads enjoying the scenery! I couldnt' wait to get out and run around in the sunshine or get the bike on the road. Watching TV from the elliptical or reading assessment textbooks on the stationary bike just isn't the same as being outdoors getting fresh air and sunshine. I have been slacking a bit becuase of this, not putting forth as much effort as I should be either. If I don't step it up I am going to be bumming at the Berbee Derby Thanksgiving Day.
I got up this morning early and did some time on the elliptical. So now I can check the front half off my "two-a-day" plan for today. After a quick shower, it was off to work and I walked the 2 miles to work. All summer I walked to and from work every day and I must admit I have slacked on this a little more lately too. So I am back on track with that again too, at least for today.
I have to go see the doctor tomorrow for what I think will be the appointment when he pulls me off the fast. I'm a little nervous about it - that will mean transitioning back to real food again. Being on the shake plan has been really a mindless experience - I had to drink 6 shakes a day, so basically I had to count to 6 and that was the extent of meal planning and calorie counting. Now the real work will begin, and it's work I have not always been really successful at in the past. I want to lose at least 14 more pounds before its all said and done and I move into maintenence. Can I do it? I sure hope so. I hope I can resist the call of Red Robin's A1 Peppercorn Burger, or the sausage pizza at Happy Joe's, or any number of my former favorites. I have to be strong andhave the courage to resist temptation. Wish me luck - send your good vibes my way!

Pet Peeves

Why is it that everyone who congratulates you on your weight loss has to tell you how great you must feel? I didn't feel "bad" before I lost weight, I was just fat! I was healthy feeling and had no chronic health effects from my weight other than inactivity. So I guess that comment means fat=bad (the opposite of great) which frankly feels a little insulting.
While I'm at it- what is with people who ask loudly in a crowd how many pounds you've lost? I work in a hospital on the top floor so I am often caught in the elevator with someone who does that. There is no easy way to sidestep the bluntness of the question that I have found sucessful. I have tried answering "a lot," but the questioner invariably presses on even more loudly for the exact amount of pounds lost. In the last week, I have been asked that in an elevator full of Family Practice residents and then again in the elevator in front of at least 6 20-something construction workers (at the hospital working on a renovation). I have lost more than 175 pounds, or almost the equivalent of a high school linebacker......... it's really kind of embarrassing to admit in front of a pile of people you don't know that you were once at that level of gluttony. Everyone can relate to needing to lose 10 or 20 pounds, but I imagine there are a lot of folks out there who hear my answer and think "Wow - you must have been huge!". Yes, I was, thank you very much for shining a spotlight on it! There is another co-worker here in the hospital who asks ocasionally at the end of meetings for the update, still embarrassing but I can tell she is trying to be supportive.
I know these people mean well and are trying in their own way to be suppportive, and I try to remember that they probably dont mean to be rude or embarrass me to death as I try to answer the question before I crawl under a rock and try to hide...................

Mike Before and After Pictures

Picture on top is of Mike around 2001 while he was umping for our son's Boy Scout softball team. The one on the bottom was taken July 4, 2006 wearing the same shirt, after a 130+ pound weight loss. Quite a difference in the two, eh?

Introduction and After Pictures

The first picture is the "before" picture. It was taken at a family wedding in October 2005, and quite frankly when I saw it, that was the moment I decided it was time for a significant life change. It's funny how the mind works - I actually thought that dress was kind of slimming when I tried it on, but the truth is the camera doesn't support the fibs your mind tells you.

The second picture is Mike and I ready to go to his class reunion August 5, 2006. We clean up pretty well I think. Mike is at goal weight here, and I am still working at it with about a 140 or so pound loss at this point.







The last picture is of Mike and I at a birthday party for our niece, Sarah on November 3, 2006. Total weight loss to date in this picture: Mike - 135.5 pounds lost (37.38% of loss from starting weight) , Jenny - 176 pounds lost (50.55% of loss from starting weight)