Monthly Recap

Well then, I went to write this post and realized that I never posted on Friday.  Oh well......you will get to read it in a future post because right now it is time to look back to the month of August and see how I did in my weight loss journey.  Oh, and we will also look forward to the month of September and set some new weight loss goals.

Before we get into the monthly goals, lets talk about my weight loss for this past week.    I was happy with myself!  Quite happy.

So now that we know that I had a great week, lets talk about my monthly goals. At the beginning of August I set a few goals for myself. 

So here were my August Goals and how I did!!!!

1.  Track every bite of food!   NAILED IT!   This one has been non-negotiable for me and I do not waver.  If I eat it, it's tracked!
2.  Put money into my savings.  Done!  Although I did buy a new camera and that meant I didn't put quite as much in the savings....but that's ok, because we do sometimes have to splurge on a treat for ourselves!
3.  Weigh less than I do now!  I don't care if it's a measly ounce...I want to weigh less!   This one I did manage to reach.  I was getting really worried.  The first week of August I gained weight.  (like 2 pounds)  the Second week I lost what I had gained.  THe third week?  I maintained.  And then this last week I lost.  So it was a bit touch and go!
4.  Do something active (a walk suffices) at least 3 times a week and aim for at least three sessions of formal activity (bike ride, run, hike) a week!    There was no question about this goal.  I didn't just meet it, I totally blew it out of the water! Seriously! I walked every day at work (I think there was one day where it rained that I skipped!).   I rode my bike every weekend, usually two times.  I did yoga every weekday morning.  I was active!!

5. Keep my eating in check for at least 6 days a week.   BINGO...I did great.  I was a bit higher on my bike days, but I was still well under control!

7.   Walk an average of 5000 steps  per day. (total monthly steps divided by the days in the month....bike ride days on the trail are exempt from the 5K step goal...cuz it's hard to get  steps when you are riding)    I also nailed this one!  You see, I hit the 5k steps ALMOST every day....even the days that we went biking!   So my average was spot on!  I averaged 5250 steps a day! I completed 18 lunch time walks, two runs, 19 sessions of yoga, 1 round of swimming and 7 intense bike rides!   Total win!

         My Not so Secret Goal:   Lose 5 pounds!   I didn't meet this goal.  BOOOO

So you can see that I did pretty good on all of my goals.  The plan that I have set is not designed for a fast loss.  It is designed for being sustainable for a life time.  It is a plan designed to really teach me to view and manage my food in a totally different and healthy way.  So, I am happy with my results!

As for my September goals?   

1.  Track every bite of food!
2.  Put money into my savings. 
3.  Weigh less than I do now!  I don't care if it's a measly ounce...I want to weigh less!
4.  Do something active (a walk suffices) at least 3 times a week and aim for at least three sessions of formal activity (bike ride, run, hike) a week!  

5. Keep my eating in check for at least 6 days a week.   

7.   Walk and average of 5000 steps  per day. (total monthly steps divided by the days in the month....bike ride days on the trail are exempt from the 5K step goal...cuz it's hard to get  steps when you are riding)

         My Not so Secret Goal:   Lose 5 pounds!

Why yes, they are exactly the same thing as the August goals.  They are working for me.  They are teaching me all sorts of wonderful things.  I , for the first time in a LONG time feel like I am on a really healthy path within my weight loss journey....both physically and mentally.   

So its time for me to focus on the September goals.  This weight loss journey is crazy but I will come out on the other side a much healthier person.  (and fit and thin also!)

That weekend wiped me out

We had a busy busy weekend.  I almost had to go to work to relax and get some rest. Ok, not really!   But it was crazy busy!

Saturday we woke up and we didn’t fiddle around much.   We headed out early to hit all of our stores and do the errands.  (We hit three different grocery stores and one farm stand). We were done all of that by 9:30 and we were ready to roll shortly after that.   

Roll?  Well a bike ride of course!   We headed out toward the same park we had been to the previous week.  We were delighted with the weather....low 80°s and low humidity!!   Awesome!   We wanted to tackle the same trail that we had been on the previous week. And of course I wanted to try the ‘Hill’ that I call my nemesis....I will make it up this hill one day!!

We headed to my nemesis first.  I felt strong.  I was ready.  I did horrible!  Barely a few feet further than my very first attempt!   What the.....?  We retreated and started toward the trail we were planning to ride.  We started to talk about what I was doing and how to correct it.   Before I knew it we had turned around and we’re heading back toward my nemesis for a second attempt.  Not quite a total victory....but not a colossal failure.  I made it about 25 feet further than my previous best.   Slowly but surely I’ll get it!!!!

This time when we left the hill we didn’t go back...and it was time for the trail.   My legs felt strong.  I didn’t feel run down.  Sure, I had to walk my bike up a few hills.  (Seriously, how can they label this one trail as easy....it is horrible...it’s an incline...it has roots and rocks and all sorts of obstacles....I try it...but thus far I have had to always stop to walk!). But even in those places I had to walk, I felt strong.  

The problem?  I was riding sloppy.  Ok maybe it wasn’t me....maybe it was the slight dampness of the trail.  But I had a few near misses.  Most notably when I started to go down and was saved by....a thorny bush.  Luckily the thorn bush was quite thick and dense and it slowed my descent down enough that I was able to get my feet down and stop myself from a total fall.  There were a few other instances...but each time I merrily got back  on my bike and started riding again!

I seriously was feeling so good that as we headed back toward the car, I decided to add another trail!  I did it...safely.  But, that extra trail threw me into the ‘I’m wiped out’ category!   

We got home and it was still early afternoon.  So we showered and headed downtown to walk.  We stopped in some stores and just enjoyed ourselves. I’m sure the walking was a good way to stretch our legs after our ride...but by the time we had done that for a few hours I was absolute toast!  Done.  Finished.  A complete pile of mush!

I woke up on Sunday...I immediately knew I was still struggling with that feeling of being wiped out.  I had totally overdone it on Saturday.  Luckily, we had plans to see family (Jason’s family) to have a belated birthday celebration.  We also stopped to see my family for a bit.  Even with that low key day...I was so tired by the evening that I could barely function!

I guess that is the epitome of a great weekend...when your activities are so fun and awesome that you know you couldn’t have done one more thing!!!  All in all, it was a great weekend...and an active one! What could be better, we had fun and still worked on my weight loss goals.   A double win!!!   I couldn’t have asked for anything better!!  

Voila: The results on the scales

Sometimes in this weight loss journey it really is a mission of just staying the course.  On Friday I wrote a post about 'staying the course'. I was basically writing that because I was pretty happy with my week.  I had exercised.  I had eaten and stayed within my calorie count. I had a GREAT week in terms of living healthy.  I was sure that I was going to slay the beast that we call the scales.

So my official weigh in time arrived and I stepped onto the scales.  And voila......except it wasn't a victorious Voila!   

At least it wasn't a tearful weigh in.  I'll take the maintain.

I was actually halfway expecting the maintain.  It seems as if recently that I have been losing in a cycle.  One week I have a great loss and the following week I have a not so stellar weigh in.  Well....this past weigh in was an expected 'not so stellar' one.  And do you know what?  That is ok!

Regardless of what the scales showed, I AM living a healthy balanced life.  I AM making great progress towards being a healthy fit member of society.  I AM  doing what is good for my body, mind and spirit!  

Honestly, I don't even think I can write anything else....that pretty much sums up this blog...this journey.....this life.  Striving to always be better and making slow but steady progress toward the end goal!

Staying the course

It is Friday and I couldn’t be happier!   I am ready for the weekend!   Like normal I am so tired...but that’s ok, I will make it through today for sure!   There really isn’t much to talk about in my weight loss journey this week.  The best way to sum it up is that,’I stayed the course’.

I stayed the course this week.  I tracked my food.   I kept my calorie count in check.  

Total calorie check...

I added as much activity as possible.

Calories with activity added in....

  I would say that  lived a pretty healthy life this week.   Will it equate to a loss on the scales?   Well, we will find out sooner or later. (It will be in Monday’s blog post)

The weather was stinkin’ hot this week.  So the exercise was a real....sweaty chore!  But we did get out on wednesday evening for a half hour mid week bike ride.  Woohoo us!   And I didn’t let the heat deter me from my lunchtime walks.   I didn’t even let it stop me from my break walks.  Outside.In.The.Heat.     Let me tell you...it was still warm on Thursday but the humidity seemed to be lower (I don’t know for sure if it had dropped) and there was a breeze!  It was fabulous!   Enjoyable and refreshing!!! 

I did take a step this week to do something I should have done ages ago.  I measured myself.   I have done this in the past and have never stuck to it...but we shall see!  

This weekend is supposed to be blessedly cool with low humidity.   We are looking forward to it for sure!   We have already decided where we are going to ride!  (Spoiler alert...we are going to do the same loop that we did last weekend!!). We are going to be going to have lunch with Jason’s family to celebrate his birthday on Sunday.  So we are not sure what kind of ride we may be able to get in on Sunday morning early.  But I have a feeling we may try something.    We found a really small pump track in our town at one of the parks.  Maybe we will go there.  But let’s be honest...the pump track kinda scares me...I have no clue what I’m doing.  Let me see if I can describe what a pump track is....it is a loop track that has lots of bumps and small hills.  The theory is that you can get on your bike and use your bike and then  pump your arms and legs at the right spots (in conjunction with the hills and dips) and you should be able to ‘pump’ your way through the track without peddling.   Why does it scare me?   Ok, part of it is that the pump track is like way totally out in the open so everyone will see me....back to the shame at my inept fatness.   Seriously?   I should know to not be embarrassed by now. But I am.   

Oh well.  So that’s my week and a preview of the weekend!!!  I plan on staying the course with this weight loss journey!  I can do it!!

A rare occurrence: silence...maybe

Something rare has happened today.   It would shock my family to read this for sure....but I have nothing to say!  Seriously.  I started to think about my post a few days back and came up with nothing.  It kept coming to my mind and I kept coming up blank.  I have been rendered quiet!  It’s rare so enjoy the silence!

Ok, so I’m not quite done.  I guess the process of starting to write sparked some ideas.

This past weekend we rode our bikes twice.  The first  ride was crazy.  I dreaded it from the beginning.  My mind was full of excuses.  I just didn’t want to be there....and it was a rough ride for me!  I was slow and felt sluggish!   It might have been the turmoil pf excuses in my mind playing a mind trick...but it may have also been due to being exhausted in general. I stayed on trails I knew I could complete and I didn’t allow myself to give up and walk.  I KNEW I could clear them and by golly I was going to clear them...and I did!

The next day we went out again and it was much much better! I wasn’t dreading it and we went first thing in the morning so it was cooler (as cool as a heat index of 95-100 can be).  We went on some new trails...and rode for much longer.  I had to walk my bike a few times.  I had to rest  a few times.  But I did it!  I actually rode my bike to the point of near exhaustion.  I was so wiped out!  My legs were sore...I was tired!   It was a good ride!  Lots of calories burned and lots of muscles built!

I have continued with the yoga this week and also have walked on my work breaks and lunch break.  It’s been ungodly hot, but I do it!  

I have dropped 12 pounds or so since the beginning of June....I don’t see a difference in my clothes yet.  I don’t see it.  But people are still commenting on my weight loss....so I will take it as success.  Plus, even if I don’t see it....I know I am making myself strong and fit and that is what really matters!!

So while I am somewhat mute today with a topic to speak about, I am still moving forward in my quest to be healthy and fit (and thin)!  My weight loss journey continues!

Progress

This summer is just marching by at an incredibly fast pace!  We were out this weekend on our bikes and we saw some leaves that were starting to drop. What?   It's too early for that!  And yes, while it is too early for a full onslaught of fall foliage, it is right around the corner!   I am not too upset about that, because I like fall.but it's crazy because that means that it's been almost one season since I recommitted to this weight loss journey.  So where am I?

I do feel as if I have made progress.   I have lost weight.   This time in mid to late May I was sitting at 255 pounds.  I am NOT that weight anymore.  I'm still not where I want to be but I"m making progress.    As of my official weigh in on Friday, I am 238.8.   Not great in my mind but SO much better than where I was just a few months ago.  Progress in the right direction!

We were riding this past weekend on some trails and at one point we hit a trail that we had not been on since almost exactly a year ago.  We had hit this particular trail only 2 or 3 weeks after I had purchased my new bike.   Yesterday, as I roared over obstacles and just bounced down the erosion deterrent steps on a downhill section I couldn't help but smile.   Last year I had carefully chosen the path of least resistance.....swerving and dodging and trying to avoid any obstacle.  That was not the same this year.  I was just taking the obstacles like a pro. (Ok, they were not huge obstacles...I still can't jump over larger things...hahaha).  That's progress.

Another place of progress is with my exercise.  I am doing well with keeping moving!  I do the yoga, I walk on my breaks.  We ride on the weekends.  I'm making progress in building my habits! 

I am making HUGE progress in my balance with food.  I am doing well with learning to manage and eat in moderation.....ok more specifically the treats and fun things. I have refused to give up those items because if I do, I am not 'LIVING"  It has finally clicked in my head that I CAN have them.....but just limited.  And NOT only has it clicked, but I have been for a few months really practicing what my mind knows. I had a piece of brownie this weekend.....but I had had nothing for the preceding week!   And guess what?  I didn't miss it over the week because I KNEW that I could have it when I wanted....but knowing that I had the 'ok' it took away the burning need to have it!  That is HUGE progress for a food addict!

Soo there you go.  An update on the progress of my efforts!  Am I flying through my progression?  NO.  Am I going slow?  YES.   I would like to make progress at a much faster pace but for me and my weight loss journey, this is exactly where I need to be!

Two weeks of yoga

A week ago I started a new chapter in this weight loss journey.  I decided to give yoga a try.  And let me tell you, this yoga thing has been a crazy adventure thus far.  I have already learned to much about my body!  But lets see how the first few yoga sessions have gone!

 

I am doing Yoga With Adriene, which can be found on Youtube.  I like her style. She is laid back and shows modifications for the moves.  She also encourages us and says that it doesn’t matter where you are….just do it.  So it is easy to struggle through the sessions with her because she is so ‘accepting’.  Yeah, I know…it’s crazy because I feel accepted by a youtube video!

I started doing yoga because I know that it is said to really tone and shape the body.  I also know that a lot of the moves would be beneficial to my bike riding...I figured it would be a win win!

The first few days were atrocious!  I was hurting.  I was hurting BAD.  The first day was great….until about 10 minutes in and then it hit me like a ton of bricks.   That this yogo stuff wasn’t for a sissy!  It was hard!

Day two and I was so relieved to see the title of the video was Gentle and soothing.   Let me tell you there was nothing gentle and soothing about that crap!  I was sweating bullets and in misery! 

And it didn’t get better!  My legs shake.  My arms quiver.  My stomach clenches!   I am dripping sweat!  The struggle is real!  I constantly question myself.  Why am I waking up early to torture myself?  Because seriously…that is what this is.  Torture!

And one of my more recent text messages with my accountability buddy.

I did decide to forego yoga on the weekends.  It just seemed wise since the mountain bike rides are already giving me a full body workout!  I may revisit this in the future but for right now I am ok with this decision to step away from the yoga torture for just a day or two each weekend.

But seriously, what lessons have I learned?  Here they are in a bullet point style format.

·          Apparently, I have no balance!   I am in danger of toppling over quite a bit of the time.  In fact one day I was rather close to the TV and I feared that I would fall and break the television! 

·         I am super excited to see how my body changes and becomes stronger.

·         The arm issue that I have struggled with for months is almost totally gone after only two weeks of stretching with yoga.

·         Watching a short video of myself (and actually posting it on Youtube) was a lesson in humility!

·         I have absolutely NO flexibility!  None!  My body just doesn’t bend!

·         Yoga is difficult with a fat flabby belly getting in the way.

·         It’s not so bad to wake up at 4:45 in the morning to do yoga…..it’s kind of relaxing in a sweaty achy sort of way.

·         My muscles in my legs are SUPER tight and not at all stretchy and loose!

·         I’m toying with buying a yoga block for this experiment. 

•.        I realized it is more than ok to do the moves with modifications...I’ll improve the more I do it.

·         I always believed my legs to be strong….WRONG!

·         Downward dog….cobra….warrior……I’m learning all the poses.  It’s not pretty (yet) but I’m attempting them all!

·         This should make me a strong mountain biker

·         You CAN work up a sweat with simple yoga poses.

I don’t see progress yet….but I’m not giving up.  I’ve committed to 30 days of yoga.  It should have been one month…but it will be closer to a month and a half due to my weekends off.  I’m excited to see the changes that may happen.  I’m looking forward to being strong.  I’m tickled to see how this equates to me being a stronger rider on my bike.  This can only be good….right?

 

Oh and check out my latest YouTube video about a bike ride....  (and subscribe to my channel if you already haven’t....)

Pushing onward: weight loss ups and downs

It was so difficult to go back to work after a four-day weekend. But alas, the bills need to be paid so both of us went back to work on Tuesday. We had a great weekend though!

We stayed busy over the weekend. And more specifically we tried to stay active. On Saturday we headed south and went to our favorite little hotel. It is an old 1950s Motel with a small pool. The pool water felt fabulous! We swam or at least treaded water for about 40 minutes. 

On Sunday and Monday both, we went to a bike trail and went mountain biking. 

Both of those days were incredible for different reasons. On Sundays ride I actually was on a trail that I loved doing! (I’ve done it before but this time it was actually joyous!). Sure, there were a few spots that were more difficult but for the most part I just had fun! Monday was a bit more difficult with my legs still recovering from the previous days ride.  But, I still attempted ‘the hill’. There is a hill on a fire road that I have been trying to make it to the top every time we bike in that area.   I try it every time we are there.  My theory is that I will improve every time!   Typically, I make it to about the same spot or maybe one bike length further up the hill… It really is slow progress, but I am persistent!  But something happened on our  Monday ride.   I don’t know what caused the change but I actually increased the distance that I climbed up that hill by about 30 to 50 feet! I was so over-the-top happy. I am still not even halfway up this hill, but I saw a huge leap in my progression!  Bring it on!!!!!

We celebrated Jason‘s birthday this weekend and even though I had showed a gain  on the scales for my official Friday weigh in,I am in this journey to live healthy....or in other words live my life but still make mostly healthy choices.  So yes, I did splurge on his birthday treat. Yes, it was a high calorie treat. One big splurge isn’t going to hurt me, I know that!   His choice? We got Cinnabon. I enjoyed every bite and I feel no regret. That was Saturday night and on Sunday night I bought a package of Reesie’s cups. I planned on just eating one cup that evening. I had calculated my calories and I had more than enough unused calories (remember a big bike ride...lots of earned calories). I was looking forward to my Reese‘s cup. But as I ate  my dinner, I begin to feel full. Oh, I still wanted the Reesie’s cup. However, I knew that I would enjoy it more if I actually wasn’t feeling so full. I also knew that I could have it any other night that I wanted (as long as I had the calories available) and, I knew that if Jason  ate it before I manage to get my Reesie‘s cup that I could just go to the store and buy another one. There was no reason for me to gobble up that Reesie’s cup , not when my body was telling me to stop eating. (And that package of Reece’s cups have yet to be opened!)  That is the epitome of living healthy!  I cut loose and lived this weekend....but I did it in moderation and I listened to my body!  Win!!!

I caved and listened to the weather reports and did not walk on Tuesday, nor did I walk anywhere.  I stayed at my desk like a slug!  Oops!

Yoga continues.   I didn’t do it over the weekend.  I just didn’t have the time...and my muscles got a good workout anyway!  It is still difficult for me but I am pushing through!  It’s going to get better right?  Ok, it had gotten better...I can see some things getting a bit easier!  But I’m still sweating like a roasting pig while I’m doing it!!!

So that is the update.  I’m waiting to see if my weight starts to drop.  It remained up all weekend (nope I showed no gain from the Cinnabon)...crossing my fingers that it starts to drop!  Please please please!!!  

The ups and downs of a weight loss journey.  That is how I would describe this past week or so!  It’s crazy but it is my journey! 

Keep living and TRUST the healthy living plan

This week is a mixture of emotions.   I had my weigh in on Friday and I was SOOOO not happy with my weight.  Seeing a number that I don't like really makes me want to give up, but that is NOT an option.  So I reviewed the week.  I pondered and I decided upon my course of action.   And honestly, my course of action may surprise some!

So lets get the nasties over with now.......I gained weight last week.

Just imagine me giving a deep sigh right now about showing a gain.

So I sat back and pondered and thought about my week. Honestly, when I thought back to the week that had just passed I could find NO issues with my food for the week.  I was honestly within my calories and eating really healthy options! Limited my carbs....ate near dang perfect.   I allow myself splurges here and there but I hadn't had ANY that week.  The biggest splurge I had was one night when I had some extra calories left in my budget and I had a banana with some peanut butter and chocolate.  I splurged on a BANANA....so a 3 pound gain?  I swear, it wasn't a big banana!

See, my calories were fine...and if I add in my exercise/activity I was MORE than fine.

I rode my bike.  I ran.  I walked every lunch break and every 15 minute break.  I also did yoga at 4:45 in the morning.  Did you get that? IN THE MORNING!  I sacrificed. Oh, and lets not forget the squats...175 a day.    I pushed myself.  I was KILLING it!   And I gained?

~~Another deep sigh~~

So what is my plan of attack?  Nothing but stay the course!   I am doing this the slow way and I am ok with that (really, I am).  I know that this way is the way that is going to set me up for 'forever' in terms of keeping my weight off.  That means that the scales will not always show a loss.  And if I am going to go this route I must accept the weird numbers on the scales.  

Ok, so that said....it is TOM (darn monthly water retention) and all that added activity and sore muscles which means that I was probably retaining water as my muscles worked to heal themselves.  So I KNOW that the muscle thing could be a part of the weight.  Are the muscles I'm gaining outweighing the fat I'm losing?    I wrote about the possibilities  a while back....right here if you are interested.

So, I am doing NOTHING different.  In fact, today is Jason's birthday and I celebrated this weekend with an indulgence of a Cinnabon.   Yes, it was super high in calories.....and yes it was worth it.  And I am ok with it!   It was a one night thing.  I am back on track and don't need a splurge again...maybe next week. (But I'm not interested in Jason's birthday sweet treat that is being made today....he would certainly share it with me....but I already splurged on something that I thought was worth it!)  

Ironically enough... one day this weekend when we rode our bikes I actually had the calories to have a Reece’s Cup (one cup...not a package) and I was so disappointed to find myself full and satisfied after dinner.  Did I shovel the Reece’s Cup into my mouth? No, I want to enjoy it and eating it when I’m already full is not enjoying...that is folish!   No...it will be waiting for whenever I have the calories AND when I can appreciate it!!!

So I am NOT changing course.  I am quite ok with what I am doing.  I am living healthy  I'm learning to live in moderation.  I"m learning to manage food.  I am learning to NOT allow food to have a hold over me.  I'm living life but changing at the same time.  I call that a weight loss journey win!

A long weekend looms!

I am happy!  Today is Friday and I am off work!   I am actually alsoboff work on Monday!  So a four day weekend!    I am sure there will be plenty of activity and happenings.  And well, maybe even a bit of celebrations as Jason has a birthday this weekend!

Now before you get too excited about today....I have a dentist appointment first thing in the morning...about 30 miles northwest of where we live.   That’s not too bad....except that late last night I realized that I left my purse at work.  Which I need!  So I had to get up at the normal time today and I have to go into work...about 30 miles southeast of where I live.  Yes the opposite direction of the dentist appointment.  So I will be in rush hour traffic to get to work...go in, grab any purse and then head back out into the traffic to drive back to our place and then 30 miles further!   Grrrrrr!   I was so mad!  So my driving begins at 6:30 and I’ll be hopefully at the dentist office by 9, when my appointment is!   

After the appointment I’m going to spend time with my mom.  So a nice day!   And then this afternoon when Jason gets off work the birthday fun begins!!  Who knows exactly what we will get into!

I am still doing the yoga.   I honestly thing that it is making a difference in my life in a few ways.  First, I think that I am displaying better posture...I noticed it at my desk at work yesterday!  The second thing?   I am so much more awake and alert at night.  I wake up earlier to add this into my day.  Before I started I was barely able to stay awake past 8:15pm...now I am still rolling strong at 8:45!   What is up with that???   My body I’m hoping is becoming stronger....I haven’t seen any discernible differences yet!  But I’m still going strong...5 days down!

So on to the weekend!   I am skeptical about my weigh in...my weight has been up most of the week and just started to go down yesterday...so I’m not thinking that there will be any great loss! (And possibly a gain)   But that’s ok too.  I’m in this for the long haul and that means that some weeks will be less than stellar even if everything went perfectly!

So there you go...a preview of the weekend and an update on the yoga experiment!!!

The ups and downs of changing my life

Whew!    I have lots to report on my fitness levels this week! It seems as if each week is a revelation of how bad this really is along with some random moments (few and far between) of seeing progression.   But this journey of weight loss and toward fitness is not a race (however much I would like it to be) and I will increase my fitness levels and lose weight even it is seems as if it is at a snails pace!!

Weight Loss

So typical of the way my body has been working of late, my weight popped up at the beginning of the week....grrrr!   I’m trying to not think about it...I’m within that three pound ‘fluctuation’ that I’m ok with (barely...but that is normal also).  I know this happens. I also know that I had a really big week of loss last week so this week might not be spectacular!  It’s just frustrating!  But I’m eating right so I am trying to not stress about it!!

Mountain Biking

We only went out once this past week.   We typically park at the lower lot when we go to this area, which means that we have to ride about a mile or two on a fire road until we get to a trail head.   Sounds like a perfect warm up right?   Well, right out of the gate there is an incline!   It has kicked both of us every time we go!  But...this past weekend I was just rolling up the hill and I was thinking, “Dare I say out loud that this is kind of easy?”   I did start breathing a bit more heavily for the last bit of the hill...but it was not too bad...nowhere near the typical freight train breathing that I have displayed every other time.  I was quiet about my revelation until Jason remarked that he handled the hill much better than before, he didn’t even get out of breath!   Progress for both of us!  

Running

I ran a few times last week.  I also ran on Tuesday evening after work!   Just getting out to run is a huge victory.   I did it...it was hard...but I put the time in!!!  It was real hard...but I know why....which is because of my next two sections!!!

Yoga

I decided to start doing yoga.   Or maybe I should say I am attempting to do yoga at this point!  Finding the time to do it requires that I wake up at 4:45.   But, so far this week I’m on a roll!!!

It is HARD!   The first day I was feeling good for about 10 minutes and then BAM...it was hard!   The second day was titled gentle and soothing....there was nothing gentle and soothing!   If that was gentle then I am scared!  

I can’t do some of the moves. Some of the moves make my legs quiver.  I sweat like crazy.  But I’m doing it...it can only get better right???  I know that my excess weight makes it so much harder!   But I’m really going to give this a full 30 day try.  While part of me dreads it...another part kind of relishes the muscle aches that I’m feeling and an even bigger part of me is super excited to see how I feel, look and move after 30 days!!!  

Squats

So I used to sit beside a team and a bunch of the gals on that team got up and did squats every hour.  Eventually their team disbanded (as did mine) and we all ended up on a new team together.  We started to do the squats back in February, but with the launch and the craziness that ensued, we stopped.  So yesterday I was minding my own business and I heard a ‘hey Maryfran’.  I turned and a cowoker said ‘we are starting squats again...wanna do them with us?’  (The guys do push ups)

Uh yeah!  I know that squats are good for me!  I also know that squats will REALLY help me on the bike as I learn to get my behind off the seat on my descents!   So starting at 9:30 I did 25 squats every hour.   7 times...(even though we start work at 8 it doesn’t start until 9:30).   So that was about 175 squats yesterday.  I say about because there were a few times I didn’t count and I KNOW I did more than my 25!  Plus...activity at my desk job is a good thing!  Which is ironic that it started yesterday because I had a video to upload last night...a video about staying active at a desk job!!!  (Feel free to watch it if you feel inclined...no biggie if you don’t though!!!  I’m happy to have you reading!)

So there you have it.  It is ugly the shape that I have allows my self to fall into!   But I AM making strides toward a better life!   I am taking the steps needed in this weight loss journey to lose weight and regain my fitness levels!   Seriously...I’m going to be kick add if I keep this stuff up!!!!

Not So Secret Weight Loss Goal: The results

OOOPS...here we are at the beginning of the month....the 5th to be exact and I havent talked about my July goals OR talked about my August goals!    AND I need to share my official weekly weigh in! I'm soooo excited to do that!  

I am sharing here and through my weekly blog on YouTube.  So read...watch or do both...whatever your heart desires!  

If you remember, last month I set my monthly goals.  I was vocal about them and was transparent.  But that was a lie.  I had a bit of a secret goal.  Ok, a BIG goal....for me!  I was secretly determined to lose 5 pounds for the month of July.  I was really skeptical about my goal. First because I know how fickle the scales are.  I can do everything right and still not lose weight.....we have all been there. But,  mainly because in June I had not even managed to lose 2 complete pounds.  So 5 pounds seemed like a huge stretch!  Well.....I can't wait any longer...I HAVE to share!  I have been dying to share this for a few days now! (If you are inquisitive, you may have already found out because I updated my weight loss progress page a few days ago!)

            I LOST 8.8 POUNDS!!!!!
I couldn't be happier!  I was sweating about it right around the middle of the month.  The first two weeks of the month I lost a 4.8 pounds and then my weight stalled and I had a week of NO LOSS!  I struggled with despair, sure that my body would NOT cooperate to give me the measly 0.2 pounds that I needed to reach my monthly goal.  But my body came through with a spectacular last weigh in for the month!  (Can you feel the excitement oozing through my words????)

So let's take a look at July and see how I did with my goals!!!!

1.  Track every bite of food!  SUCCESS! EVERY bite was tracked!
2.  Put money into my savings.   No Problem!  Victory!!!
3.  Weigh less than I do now!  I don't care if it's a measly ounce...I want to weigh less!    TOTAL VICTORY!!!!!
4.  Do something active (a walk suffices) at least 3 times a week and aim for at least two bike rides a week.  I didn't 'manage two bike rides a week....an injury and sickness happened.  I also didn't walk at least three times a week.  BOOOOO

5. Keep my eating in check for at least 6 days a week.   No problem!   I kept it in check EVERY day of the week!

7.   Walk at least  of 5 k steps a day at least four of my work days.   Weekends...I need the steps OR a bike ride!  FAILURE ALERT!!!!!  I didn't walk on my lunch breaks.....I struggled with my steps!!!

8.  Transparency with my weight...even if it goes up!!!   No problem there either!  Success!
           Secret Goal:  Lose 5 pounds.......VICTORY!!!!!

So out of the 8 (9 if you count the secret goal) goals, I had success on everything but 2 things. I call July successful!

For August, my goals are similar.  They are still very loose and 'easy to achieve' (except for that pesky step goal!!!!!!!!  (Stupid Desk job and long commute to and from work!)   I have changed it back to an average to at least give me a 'chance' to reach it and have success (and let me tell you, on Saturday morning I pulled up my stats for Friday from my Garmin watch and I just groaned  I missed the 5K steps by a whopping 24 steps!!!!   But it's an average, so I have not lost the success yet....I just have to make up those 24 steps another day!  (And THAT my friends is why my goals are still hard enough that I have to work for them, but loose enough for me to achieve.....because if I had left it as 5k steps a DAY, no averaging allowed, then I would have just given up by August 3rd because I had already messed up...by 24 measly steps!)   

1.  Track every bite of food!
2.  Put money into my savings. 
3.  Weigh less than I do now!  I don't care if it's a measly ounce...I want to weigh less!
4.  Do something active (a walk suffices) at least 3 times a week and aim for at least three sessions of formal activity (bike ride, run, hike) a week!  

5. Keep my eating in check for at least 6 days a week.   

7.   Walk and average of 5000 steps  per day. (total monthly steps divided by the days in the month....bike ride days on the trail are exempt from the 5K step goal...cuz it's hard to get  steps when you are riding)

8.  Transparency with my weight...even if it goes up!!
         My Not so Secret Goal:   Lose 5 pounds!

So yes, I have set  my goals for the month of August.  Even with the amazing victory of losing  8.8 pounds in July, I don't feel comfortable with setting my weight loss pounds goal as a definite one.  I really do like to keep my goals things that are within my control.   BUT, you can see I still have a five pound goal listed.....and even more secretly, I hope for another 8.8!  I know that I can smash these weight loss and healthy living goals for the month of August!!!!!  It's time to do it!  I have belief in myself and I am accepting NO EXCUSES!

Choices in a weight loss journey

I want to be healthy. I want to be fit.   I want to do a lot of things in regards to my weight loss journey and more specifically my attempts to transform my life into a healthy lifestyle . But I struggle, I struggle badly.   The struggle is actually in the time management area.   How do I find the time to exercise?  How do I find the time to do anything?

I know I’ve talked about this a lot, but I’m just going to touch on what my daily life looks like so we can see what I’m up against. I wake up at 5:30AM or rather the alarm goes off at 5:30. By 6:30 I am heading out the door for work. I only live 20 miles away from my job but it takes an hour or more to get to work. Because my employer is quite strict about my start time, I leave an hour and a half before I have to be at work. Even then, some days I barely make it on time. Work and my unpaid lunch break suck up 8.5 hours and then I have the hour (if I’m lucky) drive home. I arrive home between 5:30  and 6PM I cook dinner every night (except Friday… that is delivery night and eat on paper plates night). So; by the time I make dinner, eat dinner and clean up I have already used at least an hour of hour and a half more of my already busy day… I will do the math for you… That means that it is now 7:30. I want to relax a little bit each evening ...that’s natural.  But remember, I wake up early, I’m wiped out and ready to fall asleep by 9 o’clock. (And if truth be known, I’m usually asleep on the couch before then!).  Even more importantly, my history with relationships has taught me how much I need to value and treasure and protect the relationship that I have now. That hour or so relaxing with Jason in the evening is my most treasured hour of the day! I don’t want to give it up! So how can I add something else  into my life during the work week?

So here I am, struggling to find time for exercise… And I just committed to creating videos. (OK the commitment is in my mind… It’s not some hard fast rule.) Jason and I talked about this YouTube channel and the creation of videos (which we want so that we can see the transformation and progression) and we made a promise that our relationship comes first… obviously. But how am I going to do this? How am I also going to do that AND  add in exercise during my weekdays?

Well, the first place I looked was the time that I mindlessly play games on my cell phone. This usually happens when I wake up super early before the alarm goes off (this seems to happen a lot) it also happens when Jason is watching something on TV that doesn’t interest me. And honestly, I have never been a huge fan of television. So that was my first question,  can I work on the creation of a video during those times? Well yes, I can. Furthermore, I find that I feel so much more alive when I am doing that versus the video games. It rejuvenates me and sparks that creative juice that is vital to my soul and personality.  (Seriously, my mind has been whirling with ideas and thoughts since I started!)

So the problem of when to work on the videos was solved easily stop wasting time on mindless pursuits on my cell phone. Instead of lying in bed at 4 AM playing  games and wasting time until the alarm goes off, I get up and I go mess around on my computer. (Most days ...some days you just need that quiet time!). Instead of mindlessly playing on my phone while Jason watches something that doesn’t interest me, I get on my computer and I am much happier than I ever would be watching TV… And, I’m still beside him and touching distance. (He has also expressed an interest in helping with the editing....after I figure it all out!)  One problem solved….honestly, with time to spare too!

Writing and this blog will always be a first to love. It’s definitely not going anywhere. I will still be writing my typical three posts a week. But that is also a thing of time management.  I will continue what I’ve been doing for a while now.  This post, was dictated while I drive into work. There is an hour or more one way, it just requires me to turn down the radio and talk. Sure, I’m going to need to go back and do some heavy editing but,  I edit my stuff anyway (although some days you may wonder if I did any editing). Luckily, most days are only an average of one hour for my commute which leaves an extra half hour once I get to work. Doesn’t that seem like the perfect time to edit and comment on your blogs?  I have also used that time in the parking garage while I sit in my car to record some quick video clips for intros!  Time well spent.

(And just for reference...I only had the final paragraph to write by the time I pulled into the parking garage...this whole post was written/dictated while driving...and luckily traffic was light so I had30 minutes to finish and edit it! Free time that would have been spent otherwise wasted!)

So now we come to the biggie, exercise. How in the world do I find time for that?
The weekends are easy. During the week I walk on my lunch break...not so much for the exercise, but to get out of the building and to stretch my legs since I work a desk job. So I do have that going for me…but I’m talking about some kind of formal exercise.

My mind has grappled with week day exercise for quite some time. About a year ago a coworker made the comment that if you want it bad enough you will find the time. You will do it even if it means waking up early, watching one less TV show, playing one less video game or whatever you have to cut or adjust in order to make it happen.   Her words stuck with me, I have been wanting to go running during my work week but I don’t want to run in the dark super early in the morning, for safety reasons. (Protective boyfriend alert) So that leaves after work running. If you’ve read my blog you know I struggle with working out after work because of the shortage of time and because it takes away from the time that I am with Jason. (Yeah, I’m a sappy one…but hey, I love him!)  But on Wednesday of this week, I was driving home thinking about running. All of a sudden I realized something.  I might take 20 to 30 minutes once or twice a week from my time with Jason, but it is an investment in my future with Jason. You see, if I’m healthy and fit, the odds are that I will live a more active, healthy and longer life.  I am thus adding value and time to my future with him! (Deep, I know!). It just made me realize how incredibly important this weight loss journey is. Right now, I am planning on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for a run. By planning the day, I can also try to plan meals that are easy to prepare or possibly even pre-make to just pop in the oven. Wednesday night I put together a casserole that I could throw in the oven with only minimal prep work on Thursday, eliminating some time in the kitchen. And guess what?  I did it.  I ran Thursday night.

Yes, I talked to Jason about my revelation and he is in agreement that investing that time in my health is important. (Yeah, it still blows my mind that I found a man that not only puts up with my craziness and goofy antics but also wants a long future with me. How did I get so lucky?)

So that brings me to one last item that I hope to work into my schedule. I have been reading a blog about someone that has decided to do a 30 day challenge with yoga. (Click here for a here link to her blog) OK, in fairness she’s almost done with her 30 day challenge. But I was interested from day one. It was the time management that messed me up and kept me from trying it. But she continued to post about the benefits that she was feeling, the changes in her body and all the good stuff. I also know that yoga is really good for core strength and general strength overall…which will help greatly with biking and running. So after talking it over with Jason, to get his opinion;  my plan is to start this morning...so my alarm was set for 4:45 (vibrating alarm on my watch so as to not wake him). I am actually going to do it instead of just talking talk about it!!!!  (Each day of the 30 day challenge is different in length so some days I may not have to wake it up quite so early) it is time to stop wasting time in my day. It is time to stop dreaming about doing something and just do it!  I would rather say I tried it and it didn’t work versus end up saying ‘if I had only....”


It really does boil down to figuring out what is most important to you.  Is reaching your weight loss goals important?  Or is it more important to play a few mindless games on your phone.   Does being thin outweigh a few extra moments of sleep?  Does the chance of a longer lifetime where we are both healthy outweigh a few stolen minutes of time with Jason?   The answer is yes.  The choice is ours.  What is important?  If I always sit and cry and whine about not having time but then find the time for other random pursuits, then I have no right to say that I don’t have time.   So, I am making my choice!  I’ve got this!