yikes

So this has been a really good week. I haven't snacked at night all week! Not only that, I stayed in my daily points target most days. I went over a little last night and I went over by 2 tonight.

That being said, I'm ending the week with 23 banked WAPP and 20 banked AP.

I did the following exercise this week:
S - 8.5 mile bike ride
M - 5k run (struggle, slower pace)
T - rest
W - spin class (intense!)
R - 30 min. cross train (elliptical)
F - 5k run (great run, great pace)

I'm proud of myself for working out FIVE days this week. :) I really want five to be my minimum.

I wanted to post this tonight because I've also noticed the scale not budging much the past few days and it has me down. I deserve a two pound loss. I want to see 174 on the scale so badly even if there is a point something after (except .8, fuck you .8). I worked hard this week and I don't see why I shouldn't have lost.

That being said, it is what it is at this point. I just have to keep going and kill it this next week and so on.

Jen is coming over tomorrow and she'll help cheer me up if needed but hopefully she won't have to! We are making a WW dinner, I'll be sure to post about it!

Off I go!

A bad run and negative talk.

So yesterday after work I set-off to the gym to run a 5k distance. I haven't run in a week (other than short 1 mile cardio intervals) so I want to get a decent distance in. I ran 4 miles on my last run and it was a great run.

It was gross, dark and rainy out yesterday when I got out of work so I headed down the gym in the building. There are two treadmills there, one was taken and the gym was pretty crowded so I was lucky to snag one. I was cranky about it though because the open one is the one I hate. I feel like that treadmill sucks. It's harder for me to run on, always. I don't know if it has a natural incline or if it's just a POS and I can tell but whatever.

I started off my run listening to Glee songs and it didn't take long for this run to turn into the worst run ever.

My whole body felt heavy, from my legs to my torso. I felt like I was a brick. On top of that, my pelvic organs started to hurt (almost like cramps) and after the second mile the top of my left foot started to get a pain.

To top it off, I was wearing a shitty pair of workout capris that kept sagging and it made me feel like my stomach was bouncing more so that turned into me thinking how fat I was the whole time.

No wait, something else happened to annoy me! Around mile 2 when I was struggling hardcore, the other treadmill opens up and this tiny, fit girl comes on and starts running at a 6.5 like it's nothing. I'm not a bitter person, and today I say good for her but yesterday it was the last thing I felt like seeing. There I was struggling only to be next to Miss Fitness USA.

There was a lot of negative talk going on in my head. I won't go into details but it sucked. I questioned myself  Am I really a runner? I don't think I am, I should stop.

Between mile 2 and 3.1 I almost stopped at least twice if not three times. I slowed down to a 4.6 at times with the intention of giving up but then I'd kick back to a 4.8-5.0 and make myself go. I started to even feel nauseated towards the end. I know people say you should listen to your body but I thought my body was being a baby and I hate giving up.

When it was all said and done, I completed my 5k. It wasn't the pace I would have liked to keep but I didn't quit.

So why was this run so horrible?

I'm sure it had to do with the 8.5 mile bike ride from Sunday. My legs aren't used to that and I'm sure that is why they felt heavy. My body was probably having an off day, simple as that. I know I can bust our four miles at a 12/min mile when I'm feeling good. Yesterday just wasn't one of those days.

Anyway, I am also happy to report I have not snack at night the past two nights! I know I have to stay in the habit a lot longer but I'm happy because I've consciously told myself NO when the thought has crossed my mind!

I'm hoping to see a good loss on Saturday. I just need to keep this up!

Workout plan recap:
Sunday - 8.5 mile bike ride X
Monday - 5k run X
Tuesday - off X
Wednesday - spin class
Thursday - cross train
Friday - strength/cardio intervals

Trying to stay positive.

I checked my weight this morning and it wasn't showing a loss. I felt really disappointed because while this week isn't perfect, it's going pretty well.

Monday I had a great workout, I ran two miles, did upper body strength training and incorporated time on the stair climber to keep my heart rate up.

Yesterday I was off from the gym because I had a lot of chores to do.

Today I am working out over lunch. If I have time, I'll go a Body Sculpt class at noon, if not just hitting the regular machines and weights.

Thursday is a 5k run and Friday I am doing some cross training and weights over lunch.

I need to stay focused with my workouts, stay in my daily points and watch my sodium. I really hope I see at least a two pound loss on Saturday.

In other news, John and I have been thinking a lot about our wedding and are coming up with fun ideas for things. I'm so excited to see it come together over the next year. :)

We got our engagement photos back, they are great! If we're friends on Facebook please check them out.

Has fall arrived early in Florida or is this a sick joke?

It seems as if fall has arrived early in Florida! Normally this time of year it's still pretty hot and gross out. This past week however has been really nice! Now mind you, fall for Florida is a far cry from what fall is for the other 80 percent of the country. It's been lows in the low 60s and highs in the low to mid 80s but the humidity has been low and it's felt cool.

On Sunday night my stomach started feeling weird, hard to explain but it wasn't good. Monday it was feeling pretty icky and my appetite was off (however I was able to eat all my points, surprise...) so I decided to take the day off from working out and rest. By Tuesday it was still feeling off so I decided another rest day was in order.

Yesterday it felt better but not great. I decided to give the gym a go and see how it went. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill at a decent pace and felt okay. After that I got on the elliptical but after 10 min. or so my stomach was hurting a lot. :( I decided to cut the workout short but still managed to earn 3 activity points so I was happy. I'm just proud of myself for going.

Tonight I have my first physical therapy session for my knees so I'll be taking the day off. I hope it goes well and I learn some good exercises and stretches.

I have a TON of laundry to fold and put away tonight. I figure I'll do it while John is at his Japanese class and I'll watch Project Runway (go Mondo!).

John and I have been making a lot of WW recipes lately. E-Tools now has a feature where subscribers can review and rate recipes which is super helpful. If you've made WW recipes before you know it can be very hit or miss.

On Sunday we made a Winter Squash Lasagna (I've made this before). I like it a lot but I will say I can see it not being for everyone. It's butternut squash, cheese, golden raisins and has pine nuts sprinkled on top.

On Monday we made Mustard Dill Chicken and it was really good! Sorry, no photo of this one! Super easy to make too.

Finally, last night we made Chicken Parmigiana which also came out great!

I like that I can search for 5-star recipes now. Heh.

- - - -

In other news, I've been feeling down lately about a variety of things. My job, lack of friends, etc....

I get myself so caught up in the things I don't have sometimes that I lose sight of what I do have.

I am so lucky to have a really great family who loves and supports me, who are there for me no matter that and I know will always have my back.

I'm also really lucky to have John. It's like when you're younger you always wish you'd find the perfect person to be with and I did. Of course our relationship isn't perfect, as neither of us are, I'd never say that (it annoys me when people do!). I just found the person who is perfect for me and I'd venture to say John found the person who is perfect for him.

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the negative and things that don't matter. I am guilty as ever as sweating the small stuff.

I just have to make sure I balance it with remembering all of the good stuff, cause there is sure a lot of it!

- - - -

Final notes!

I stopped taking my birth control on Sunday. It wasn't serving it's purpose in which my doctor had me start it for and I don't want fake hormones in my body for nothing.

So now I have a visitor, ugh, I hope she doesn't mess up my weigh-in Saturday!

I am going to have two perfect days today and tomorrow point's wise and really hope to see a pay off on Saturday!

Talk to you then...

:)

What's next?

So what is next?

Today I retired my “10k Training Plan” that was pinned up at work. It’s done now. I feel happy and also a little sad. I replaced it with a “Workout Guide,” so I have something visual to keep my on track for working out five days a week.

First things first, I don’t want to lose my endurance to run a 10k distance. Therefore, I am going to continue doing one long run a week of at least 5 miles.

As far as races, I’m unsure. I’m definitely doing the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving but that is more of a fun/leisurely event and it’s also just a 5k distance.

Once thing I learned this weekend was that I love the 10k distance! I was able to really get into the groove and cruise for a while. When I run 5k distance it’s so short and it’s hard to not be focused the entire time on the end versus the journey there.

There is a 10k on November 14th in Celebration, FL which I’m considering. It’s a little inconvenient but I’m thinking we can go to Orlando Friday night, spend time with my family and head to the race nice and early Sunday. I’ll have to see as it gets closer.

Another possible long-term goal is the Gasparilla 15k, which would be an additional 3 miles to tack on over the next five months which shouldn’t be too hard. Plus, they offer free pace leaders you can meet with to run with a group. I like the idea of that!

I’d be lying if I said part of me isn’t still thinking about the Disney Princess Half. It’s just such a commitment and like I’ve said before I want to focus on other things. Plus with my knees still acting up I don’t want to hurt myself. I know I could do it but we’ll see. It’s a no for now but who knows if the crazy run bug will bite me. Also, it’s a bit costly and between Dakota’s vet bills, our upcoming trip to NYC and the holidays around the corner, $120 is a lot to do.

Another consideration for not doing the half and sticking to the 15k is I really would like to work on my speed. I am proud of my 10k time but during parts of it I felt slow. I’d really like to work on getting my time down to 10 min. miles (esp for 5k distance). I know weight loss will help with this too.
I’m still working for the 165 NYC goal. It will be close and I have to work hard and be diligent but I know I can at least get close.

In other news, John and I found a cheap hotel in NYC for our trip and I’m really excited. We were worried we’d have to pay more than we bargained for but I found a deal this morning.

Workout plan for the week:

M: 30 min. elliptical/15 min. cycling
T: strength
W: 3.1 mile run (outside)
R: day off
F: 2-3 mile run (outside?) + strength

Ugh, my stomach has been acting up all day! It has a burning feeling that is almost like hunger right now. Blech.

Mid-week update

So far the week is going well. My reward jar has proved thus far to be successful. Last night was my first night since Saturday where I didn’t get any stones.

I went one point over for the day (over my earned APs that is) and in addition snacked at night. I am trying to think of what spurred it. I think part of it was I was very emotional last night about Dakota right before I went to bed and the other part was that I didn’t eat a filling enough dinner (not enough protein). Such is life, must move on!

Today I am determined to get my two stones! I am heading home after work to get to the leasing office because my knee sleeves arrive today. I hope they fit. I had a bit of a measurement error so it might be close.

Yesterday after I work I went to a kickboxing class! My company offers some free group fitness classes. In the past they’ve offered step which I pass on because I hate step (a sprained ankle waiting to happen if you ask me!) but they just recently offered a three class series for kickboxing so I signed up for all three right away.

I was worried it wasn’t going to be a good workout but it was tough and I was sweating! I could tell right away I was working areas I haven’t in a while with all the running. It’s good to mix things up!

A new product shout out! John and I splurged and bought a $9 jar of Barney Butter! It’s a very smooth almond butter. Most almond butter is grittier but this brand is the same smooth consistency of creamy peanut butter. It’s also made in a peanut-free facility so great for people with peanut allergies. I always hear people rave about it on the food blogs I read so I had to try it. I’ve behaved so well with it too! I have 1tbsp on toast for breakfast with some sliced banana. Yum!

Tonight I’m doing level 2 of 30 Day Shred and making Greek Turkey Burgers and soup for dinner. Yum!

I also hope to read more Harry Potter. I’m on Order of the Phoenix. No spoilers! So far my favorite character is Sirius Black by far!

Speaking of Harry Potter, I think we might go to Universal Saturday for the day. I told John I have to go to my WW meeting so I may be hitting up the 6:30 a.m. meeting. UGH!

Overall I’m still upset about Dakota but trying to remain positive. Talked with his vet yesterday. He has moderate heart disease but some key parts of his heart look good which is great news. He will start taking a beta-blocker medication 2x a day to slow his heart rate so his heart doesn’t work so hard. She said he should continue to act normal and in 6 months we will repeat the echocardiogram and hope that we find his heart disease has not progressed. Sigh.

Here is me pretending to sleep when Dakota was snuggling with me the other night while I was reading. :)