2:02! (Weekly Weigh-In 3)

Kimberly:

188.6

Justin:

195.0

Where we were:

                    Kimberly                  Justin

4/1/12         190.2                        200.0

4/8/12         191.2                        199.2

4/15/12       189.2                        197.0

what we're going for:

Our Goals in Numbers

Kimberly:

Optimum BMI - 19-25

Optimum Weight - 135

Justin:

Optimum BMI - 20-25

Optimum Weight - 150

Justin's Post

2:02!!! That's right, I ran the half marathon with a time of 2 hours and 2 minutes.  If you can't tell I'm pretty darn happy about it.  Yesterday I wrote about being nervous and it all turned out okay.  Better than okay.  I don't think I've ever felt as good about a race as I did today.  My knee didn't bother me at all and the wrinkled up bib was a non-issue (for the life of me I couldn't remember what to call it in my post yesterday--number card = bib).

I started out running with my co-worker, but as I mentioned she was too fast for me, so after mile 3 I was on my own.  But that was fine, especially considering that she helped me set a really good pace for myself--fast enough to be somewhat challenging, but not so fast that I would wear myself out.  The weather was nice, but chilly with some wind.  There were a couple of spots where I was a tad cold, but that was fine and I was never too warm which really would be a worse problem.  The gatorade for most of the race was really watered down which was disappointing, but not a big deal.  I ended up not taking any of the hammer gel (carbohydrate gel) because I didn't think I would need it, but I did take a banana at about mile 7.  Around mile 10 I started wishing that I had taken the gel, but luckily the next gatorade station had a much more generous ratio of mix to water.  The last gatorade station a little before mile 12 also had a generous mix and they had lemon-lime, which is my absolute favorite gatorade flavor.  It almost felt like I could feel the sugar entering my system and I kicked it up a notch for rest of the race.  I felt great, I had a ton of energy, and I was passing people--it was awesome.  Once I saw the finish line I started sprinting.  I turned the corner and saw the clock with maybe 20 yards to go and it read 2:02:14!  I was so shocked that the time was that low that I almost wanted to cry.  My goal had been to average 10 minutes per mile which would have meant a time of about 2:10, so beating my goal by 8 minutes was awesome.  I ended up averaging about 9:15 per mile which is awesome for me.  In short, I couldn't be happier.

What I was proud of today

Hmmm, maybe completely shattering my half marathon goal?

What I wasn't proud of today

I ran a half marathon today.  I don't have any regrets.

Track of the day

I Hope You Dance - LeAnn Womack

Right after I finished the race 'The Show Goes On' came on my iPod which completely matched my mood and felt awesome, but I featured that song the other day.  'I Hope You Dance' is a good inspiring song too that I enjoyed midway through the race.

Hey, yeah, so remember last week when I said I am HORRIBLE about exercise?  I wasn't kidding.  It's ridiculous.  I let myself have an easy week, blaming time constraints and busyness.  Which is awful.  I mean, being busy is nothing new.  If I wait for time to just open up, I'll never get on the elliptical or my bike.  I certainly can't run a half marathon thanks to my knees and my asthma, but that's no excuse for doing pretty much nothing.  I walked with the kids ONCE and I counted playing with them at the park (since I wasn't just sitting on a bench like normal, but actually chasing them around).  It's not anything I'm proud of.  In fact, just the opposite.

I continue to do really well with portion control and limiting my snacking, which is my only saving grace.  I had been doing well with laying off the sweets - and I do believe that was a goal of mine for this week? - but I totally fell down on the job there.  Oreos.  Enough said.  (They were a Friday Girl's Night treat).

Can I do better?  Of course.  Let's reiterate the goals I set for the week:

eating/food: No snacking after 7.  AND, no sweets.

(Ok, I only did HALF good with this goal.)

exercise: Gosh darn it - exercise at least 20 minutes every single day.  Yeah.

(Ok, I did NO good with this goal.

So.  This week.  Well, I've decided to stick with my eating/food goals.  I'm also going to add one.  This goes hand in hand with portion control, so I think I can manage it.  Pay close attention to serving size.  I'd like to add "pay more attention to the food pyramid", but I think I'll save that for next week since it's something I'd like to look into more before I start it.

I've also decided that if I say some kind of general goal for the week like "exercise at least 20 minutes a day", it's not good enough.  I have to have a specific daily goal, so it feels more mandatory and I can check it off the to-do list.  So, I've put together what I think is accomplishable by day.  Monday - elliptical for 30 minutes.  Tuesday - nice, loooong walk with the kiddos.  Wednesday - elliptical for 30 minutes.  Thursday - jump rope, crunches, etc. Friday - bike ride.  Saturday - walk or bike ride.

So there it is, all written out.  Now I have to do it.  It's like a non-negotiable contract.

This weeks goals:

eating/food: No snacking after 7.  No sweets (except for Yummy Monday).  Pay close attention to serving size.

exercise: Follow the daily exercise plan.

So, the good news is that even with all the laziness, excuses and flubbing it, I still lost some weight.  Not a ton, but a tiny bit.  At least I didn't go up, which is what I was expecting.  I attribute this only to watching my snacking and not having seconds.  The sad news about this?  Well, just think how awesome I could do if I actually tried a bit more???

Weekly Weigh-In TWO

Ready for it?

Kimberly:

189.2

woo-hoo!

Justin:

197.0

Where we were:

                    Kimberly                  Justin

4/1/12         190.2                        200.0

4/8/12         191.2                        199.2

what we're going for:

Our Goals in Numbers

Kimberly:

Optimum BMI - 19-25

Optimum Weight - 135

Justin:

Optimum BMI - 20-25

Optimum Weight - 150

Justin's post

Well I feel great.  I think this has been a great week for me.  I followed my plan for the most part and I'm starting to see some results.  Soon I plan to write all about my weight history, but I don't really want to get into that tonight.  Suffice it to say that I've been a real yo-yo when it comes to my weight.  I know I can lose weight when I'm motivated so I really haven't had any doubts the past couple of weeks that I would be able to do this, but I really need to stay motivated.  Seeing some progress and losing a few pounds really helps.

Tonight I exercised on the elliptical and that went well enough.  As I've mentioned before, I really prefer running outside.  It feels a lot more peaceful and relaxing to me outside, plus I can SEE the progress and the scenery changes.  Another thing is that when I go running outside I end up committed to the run.  For example if I run 4 miles away from my house or car I have no choice but to run or walk back.  I don't have that on an elliptical or treadmill, so I'm constantly tempted to end my workout before I should.  So I usually try to pay as little attention to the display or else I'll end up staring at the ticker the whole time willing time to tick away so I can finish.  Which is probably the worst way to enjoy a workout.  I guess thats just a quirky thing about me.

What I was proud of today

Sticking to my exercise plan and losing almost 2 pounds this week

What I wasn't proud of today

I still need to figure out my eating.  Sometimes I do really well and sometimes I lose all control.  I did not do well at dinner tonight.

Track of the day

Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas

Ok, ok, ok.  I SUCK at this exercise thing.  I do.  Arg!  What I think is so funny about this whole process is learning just how opposite Justin and I are.  I mean, I knew we were.  But I see it in so many other ways now... for instance, he has serious motivation when it comes to exercise AND he actually enjoys it.  But he's got issues with food and self control.  I, on the other hand, feel like weeping at the thought of physical exertion.  BUT, I have been able to do pretty well about curbing my eating.  

I discovered this week that I think I could enjoy walking.  I have long been of the opinion that exercise is AWFUL.  AWFUL!  But I went on a long walk with my kids this week - about three blocks (and they're big blocks out where we live) and I wasn't dying by the end of it.  I got home and I actually had the stamina to make us dinner before Justin arrived home from his run.  I liked looking at all the flowers and the weather was really nice.  I loved pointing things out to my kids and watching them get excited over funny things like sticks.  I didn't even mind pushing the stroller with my daughter in it.  Now, the whining and crying and moaning of my four yr old on his bike?  That I could have done without.  I'm thinking that walking time can be "me" time... take an ipod, do some deep thinking... I might start to like it as much as Justin likes running!

Here's a review of my weekly goals from last week.

eating/food - Stop eating by 7:00. 

I did so well with this!  I was tempted on numerous occasions to go snack at night.  My tummy even grumbled a few times.  But every time I wandered into the kitchen I'd get myself a tall glass of water or a short glass of milk.  That's it.  And it helped!  Bonus?  I drank more water than normal!  Woo-hoo!  I also feel like I was eating more reasonable portions.

exercise/activity - Exercise a bare minimum of 20 minutes every single day. 

Ok, well, I've mentioned already - I sucked at this.  I DID go for a bike ride once.  I jump roped for a while on Wednesday, but it was FRIGID and I wanted inside.  I went for a loooong walk with the kids (whining, fussing, crying and all) on Thursday.  Tonight I ran on the elliptical for half an hour.  I almost died, but I ran on the elliptical for an hour.  So, I did 3 out of 7 days (I'm not really counting the jump rope).  Not awesome.  Better than before, though.

So.  For this week, I've decided to keep working on these same goals (to really make them stick) and I'm adding another to my eating/food category.  This week's goals look like this:

eating/food: No snacking after 7.  AND, no sweets (except for dessert tomorrow night.  Hey, it's my mom's birthday dinner!)  I have a serious weakness for baked goods of all kinds - but especially donuts, cake and muffins.  After I drop the older kids at preschool, I often take my daughter to the nearby gas station to get two donuts for us.  First of all, what a horrible food example I'm setting!  Second of all, I just have to knock it off.  So that's the catalyst for this goal.

exercise: Gosh darn it - exercise at least 20 minutes every single day.  Yeah.

Running Gear (and too much food)

Justin's Post
I'm happy to say that so far I am still sticking with my exercise routine.  Yesterday I did sit-ups and pushups and today I went for a 5 mile run.  As I've mentioned before, I really enjoy running because of the peace, quiet, and especially because of the time it gives me to just think, reflect, enjoy music, etc.  As I was running today I was thinking about when I started running and what I wish I had known.  So here is a little guide on how to get started running and the basic gear I'd recommend.


The first thing to realize is that you're not going to be able to run long distances right away.  Start small by jogging around the block (or walking) and build up from there.


Plan for your run.  Don't eat a big meal ahead of time and give yourself time for stretching.  Plan your route by going to google maps (or a similar site).  Try to avoid busy streets and try to run through neighborhoods or parks to make the run peaceful and scenic if possible.


Your running gear is important.  For a long time when I started running I suffered from blisters and random aches and pains unnecessarily.  This is a basic list of gear that I'd recommend for starting out.  There is a lot more stuff you should look into if you wanted to start running longer distances (8+ miles), but this is a good list for starting out.

• Running socks.  I cannot stress how important good socks are because bad socks will chafe and give you blisters.  I recommend Nike Dri-fit socks, but whatever brand you buy make sure they're primarily made of a synthetic fiber like nylon or polyester.  Cotton is bad.
• Running shoes.  Your shoes are as important as socks, but expect to pay at least $100 for a good pair.  (If you're like me, that represents a significant investment.  So if you can't afford good shoes at least make sure you have good socks.)  When you buy your shoes make sure you go to a store that specializes in running shoes.  They'll have staff members specially trained to look at your feet, see how you walk/run and find the right shoes for your.  For years I just bought shoes at a regular shoe store, but when I finally went to a specialty running store I was paired with the most comfortable running shoes I could have imagined.  I use Mizuno brand shoes, but there are tons of brands that make good running shoes like New Balance, Brooks, Nike, Asics, etc.
• Underpants.  As with the socks you want to avoid cotton and go with a synthetic fiber to minimize chafing.  Right now I'm using Champion C9 underpants.  At 57% they have more cotton that I'd like, but they've worked okay so far.
• (Sports bra) I have absolutely no experience here, but I've heard its super important for women to have the right sports bra.
• iPod.  Obviously this is optional, but having some quality time alone with my music is one of my favorite things about running.  It definitely ups the enjoyment.
• Shorts with pockets.  I have to have pockets in my running shorts as a place for my iPod.  There are iPod carriers that strap to your arm, but I definitely prefer pockets.  I didn't find the strap-on carrier to be very convenient because I couldn't operate the iPod through the cover and would have to take it out to do anything.  I also like having pockets to carry other gear I might need like gloves or a hat when its cold (I often start with then and take them off when I warm up) or snacks for really long runs. 

What I was proud of today

Not eating the free donuts that someone brought into work today

What I wasn't proud of today

Taking a second helping of dinner tonight despite not being hungry.  How dumb is that?

Track of the day

The Devil - Benton Paul

***

I've decided that I'm not allowed to make the peanut butter filled chocolate cupcakes anymore.  I made them Saturday to take to church and hand out to my choir members (I'm the choir director) to thank them for their hard work leading up to our Easter Sunday performance.  And then I promptly forgot to take them to church.  Which meant I had 24 (very cutely wrapped up with clear cellophane and baker's twine) cupcakes on my counter when I returned from church.  I passed a few off at Easter dinner, thank goodness, but too many remained in my kitchen.  Over the past few days I've finished off a few, making poor decisions like "well, this will be my breakfast" or "well, this will be my lunch."  I will be glad when they are finally gone.
This leads my directly into my discussion of food.  This week my goals were to exercise daily and stop eating by 7 PM - since I am a notorious snacker (especially while crafting, blogging or watching TV, which is pretty much what I do after the kids go to bed).  I'll touch on the exercise thing later, but as for food... well, the problem is, I like it.  Food was never really an issue for me when I was younger.  I ate what my parents fed me, no more.  When I got into college, I rarely had time to eat.  Grab and apple on the go, right?  Since I got married, I had money, time and someone else to cook for so food became a little more important.  After moving closer to my family I decided I needed to learn how to cook, officially.  And therein lies the real problem.  On my other blog, you can read all about my forays into food, but to sum up, I decided I really, really love food.  I love cooking.  I love baking.  I love complicated dishes.  I love easy dishes.  The more delicious the better.  It doesn't matter what the ingredients are or how bad it is for you.  If it is yummy, I want to make it.  I want to wow people.  There's nothing better than Justin's praise after a successful new recipe attempt.
And so, I made things like this.  And this.  And this.  And we packed on the pounds.  And now I have to somehow make myself like whole grains.  Butter substitute.  Not frying things.  Less cheese.  How do I make myself like less cheese?  I'm from Wisconsin!
I am happy to report that I have not been snacking unnecessarily this week, so far.  I have not eaten after 7, I have stuck to normal meal times, and I have been drinking more water.  Also, for our "Yummy Monday" this week we had a pretty healthy dinner - New England boiled dinner, to be exact.  Cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and venison ring bologna all boiled and seasoned.  I resisted the urge to get out the sour cream for the potatoes - yea! - and for dessert we all stuck to just ONE cupcake.  That's willpower.  
Anyway, all of this is great.  However, I know I have such a long, long way to go.  And first off, we have GOT to get rid of all these Easter treats all over.  One slip of the hand and you've got a fun-sized twix in your mouth and there goes the no snacking thing...
Anyway, I've been less than stellar about exercising everyday, but I did break out the jump rope today.  It was pretty fun, brought back memories of my youth and I was pleased to find that I hadn't lost the touch - unlike Justin who apparently never learned to jump rope... 
The major problem is that it is suddenly frigid and windy and I have noooo desire to do anything but hibernate, let alone go out for a bike ride.  I'm going to have to bite the bullet and force myself though, or next week's weigh-in will be pitiful, too.