A loss is a loss is a loss... Right?!

Well after a less than stellar week of nutrition I managed to rid myself of half a pound in the scale this week. My weight now is 162.5. Last week was one of those weeks, a week that all us busy working parents can relate to; where what can go wrong WILL go wrong, and the world feels as though it's crashing around you. When you can hardly sleep how do you work out right?? And if you're like me and you're an emotional eater how do you curb it??

I put my 'operation black skirt' on hold for part of the week and just focused on getting through life. Once things calmed down I convinced myself to get back on the healthy train. I couldn't do it alone. I really wonder if anyone can! Thank goodness I have a planned run date each and every Saturday and this week, the run turned out to be a half marathon alongside my amazing mom.

It was just what I needed because I know no matter what life brings me I will always run.

My suggestion to you is to find ONE activity you love and stick with it, use it as your outlet. It will make your head better AND your jeans looser! It even acts as a safety net to work off the extra calories and stress that have been built up as well.

I learned this week that it IS ok to put the weightloss goal on the back burner when 'life' happens, so long as I go back to it when life sort of settles down.

This week I'm hoping for the ability to focus on losing the pounds but if life takes over, I know that running may save my weight as well as my sanity.

How was everyone else's week??

OPERATION BLACK SKIRT week one: semi successful

Well I am very happy to report first and foremost that my first blog of the season was well received! I truly appreciate all the feedback, as it helps me provide a better note for you all to read the next time around :)

My first week back at counting calories went ok. I had one 'kind of' high calorie day and one day that I fell of the wagon completely, but all in all I was happy with my first week's transition. The biggest part of my success this week was taking the time Sunday to prepare my lunches and snacks for the week. I simply purchased large freezer bags, labeled them for each day, and portioned out my snacks for each day. That way I only had to worry about making a quick sandwich or salad in the morning and I was all set for the day!

As for my 'fall off the wagon' Saturday it was date night and unfortunately I just couldn't help myself to beer and some greasy food. I did impress myself though and proved to myself that counting calories and fessing up publicly on here means I can't just have a bad calorie day without attempting to counter act it... So what did I do? Brought my slightly hungover behind out to Malden park and completed 5+ miles of hill training. It wasn't pretty but boy was it effective!!

I weighed in this morning and am happy to report that I am down TWO POUNDS from last week!!

The feeling of seeing a loss on the scale is SO MUCH more rewarding than the feeling of the greasy food!!! (someone remind me I said this lol).

So now here I sit at 163lbs and am getting comfortable with my daily calorie limits. And the Malden hills will always be my punishment lol.

This week I will be focusing on finding EASY weeknight healthy recipes and I'll share anything yummy!!!

Be healthy!!

Ps- add any recipe suggestions you have do me to try :)

Operation Black Skirt

Ok. Here we go again. After an amazingly fun summer where I've found the love of my life, and my dream job; my nutrition and fitness took a bit of a back seat.

Don't get me wrong though, I didn't lose complete focus. I ran personal bests in both the 10k and half marathon distances this fall.

Call it a runners high - but now I'm gearing up to run my first full marathon in the spring of 2012.

If you have read my blogs in the past then you know that I digress....

OPERATION BLACK SKIRT

So in the summer of 2010 I bought the lowest size I have purchased as an adult. A black pencil skirt in a size SEVEN!! Shortly after I moved into my new home and that black skirt with the golden size tag went missing. A year later I'm cleaning out my closet (no pun intended) and low and behold there she is. I decided then that this will be my new focus. I will still weigh in each week and still discuss healthier choices and interesting workouts but my focus is that black skirt. I tried it on today and took a picture. It wasn't pretty.

I will keep that photo locked away until I can show you one hell of a before and after photo!!!

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

I will be using FREE iPhone apps to manage my exercise and nutrition. There are many to choose from but I have decided to go with MyFitnessPal and miCoach apps.

Starting weight: 165lbs

Can't wait to once again have this journey with incredible support from all of you!

Brandy

I am SO SICK of the same numbers!!!

Today I stepped on the scale for the first time in 28 days.  In that time I have had 2 weeks of "slacking" and 2 weeks of getting back into my routine.

 

I didn't know what the scale would say, but before I went to bed last night I had convinced myself that I was looking "pretty good" and that I HAD to be closer to my goal weight of 150lbs than I was a whole month ago!

 

WRONG.

 

I stepped on the scale this morning - 161lbs.  If I don't get outta the 160s soon I'm gonna LOSE IT! 

 

One thing's for sure - I know how to maintain! I've been at 160-161 for approx. 2 months now.  

 

I need to be disciplined and get to my goal weight because I know I'll maintain it!  This is so frustrating.  I can see why we give up and not torture ourselves with this and say "what's the use? I'm not getting anywhere".  I WILL NOT SAY THOSE WORDS.  Its one thing if I knew I was eating cleanly and maxing out at every workout and the pounds weren't coming off - then I'd accept the fact that goal weight is what your BODY says is goal weight, not what you determine with the scale-gods.

 

I have re-opened my blog because my journey isn't over, and keeping accountable here really does have an impact on my food choices.

 

No more chatter - TIME TO GET TO WORK!

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

same

 

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

11lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

Well its been a few weeks so when I think back, I have to say that my favourite healthy find is always Simply Salads in the mall.  They sell HUUUUGE wraps loaded with veggies and grilled chicken (made just the way you like it).  Its a great healthy option for those days when I feel like I could eat a horse.

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

HONESTY MOMENT ALERT... in a span of 24 hours I had 2 different fried chicken sandwiches and both meals with fries... I feel sick even typing this but hey - we all need to know we're human.

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

So I started a social run/walk/hike group for Sunday mornings - Its been great to watch new runners and their progress! One of my newest running friends sent a message to me last night "I'm down 8lbs!!!!" and that's ALWAYS encouraging! NEVER EVER be ashamed of your progress.  If people think you're bragging instead of them cheering on the results of your KICK ASS HARD WORK, then they're not the people you need around anyways.

Last Weigh In before Race Day!!

TIME CHECK: 11Days, 19Hours, 29Minutes till the Buffalo Half Marathon... but who's counting.

 

I wasn't expecting a lot of love from the scale this week, and will be expecting even less for the next week or so.  This is why I have decided that after this morning, I'm not even weighing myself until AFTER the half marathon on May 29th.  

 

WHY?

 

Because of the effects of TAPERING that's why.  In running vocab, tapering refers to the slowing down of running for the few weeks leading up to a major event in order to preserve (hold on to) energy for race day.  If you're also someone trying to lose weight there's this nasty little catch...

 

ENERGY=CALORIES=POUNDS.

 

I need to preserve the energy to be the best I can be on race day.  For this reason I have to slow down my calorie burn and this means less loss.  Because I know this is a vital part of being a runner, I must put my bikini body mission aside for a couple weeks and focus on the 'Athlete' in me.  

 

HA! I just typed that with a straight face! I must be starting to believe I'm actually one of those...

 

an Athlete... wow.

 

I digress...

 

So next week's blog will focus on two things:

 

#1 - how the public speaking went (I'm speaking at Peak Training's running clinic and sharing my story to a new crop of runners as their own stories begin to unfold)

 

#2 - how I feel going into race weekend (as it will be less than a week away at that point)

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

-1lb - WOOHOOO!!! Back to 160... 10 more baby!!

 

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

10lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

Harvest Crunch Cereal (honey flavour).  Although the calorie count doesn't seem too appealing, the fibre count makes this a great addition to the morning portion of anyone's diet.  Little trick for you... adding milk will add approx. 150cals to any cereal in the morning... I take Harvest Crunch and top it with 3 TBSP of Source brand yogurt.  You're saving 100 cals on the dairy portion alone, and its a LOT easier to eat while chasing a 3yr old around the house getting ready in the morning (if you also have this pleasure).

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

A few patio lunches with friends (hey if there's sunshine and I have a coupon the chances are good that you'll see me around a patio on lunch).  This week though I made healthy menu item choices and ALWAYS opted for the side salad.

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

I've had the opportunity to chat with 2 beginner runners this week and run with an ULTRA MARATHONER this week as well! Talk about extremes!! I hope all three of you know who you are and know that I'm honoured to get to know you better! 

 

One of you has been under my watchful eye most of your life.... know that I'm SO PROUD of you for taking on the challenge of running.  Although running may not be for everyone and that's totally fine, I can only hope that it brings you as much joy as it brings me.  I hope this is something that you and I can share for a lifetime.  <3 you to pieces. XO.

Some Things Go Beyond Science

I had fast food twice this week... I drank coronas on Cinco de Mayo... I ran less this week because I've started tapering for the half marathon... 

 

SO HOW DID I NOT GAIN THIS WEEK?

 

I mean, I'm happy about it but - ummm WHAT?? 

 

I'm almost to the goal date I set back 2 months ago (May 15th was THE DAY if you recall)... and after all this blogging and all this 'accountability' I've only lost 6-7lbs? I see how so many of us get frustrated and want to quit. 

 

Well I don't care how long it takes me or how many blog posts I have to write - I'm going to quit trying until I see 150 on that scale!

 

My race with Ali is in 18 days.  I have that as my focus and my "weight issue" has been moved to a side bar.  I can't be stressed or worried about anything else other than 2:05:30.  

 

Looking at a whole lifestyle change can be so overwhelming, so here are my 3 main focuses for "health and nutrition" this week: 

 

• DRINK MORE WATER 
• DRINK MORE MILK 
• GET PLENTY OF REST 

 

Between focusing on those and my workouts, along with motherhood and my career, I think I'll have a strong routine set that leaves little wiggle room for error.  Consistency is key for me.   

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

0

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

11lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

Back to playing Volleyball!!! And man oh man I felt the after effects on Friday morning.  That will be a great cardio workout to mix into my routine for sure.

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

Grease and Beer.  Yuck.

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

So glad that some readers feed off of my positivity.  I try to be positive - but remain realistic as well.

An emotional week for sure.

I had an awesome week!  I didn't miss a single run.  I didn't miss a workout.  I ate well.  I even volunteered on the weekend which did more to change my soul than I could have ever imagined.

 

Saturday was my "tune up" run before the half marathon (just 25 days away!), which is the last long run before the 'taper off' schedule (meant to preserve energy for race day).  I ran it with my Mom and it was a GREAT run!

 

When I did my weight training this past weekend I went up in weights from 8lbs to TEN POUNDERS!! 

 

Volunteering for the Loaring Under the Sun 10k was the highlight of my week for sure.  Since I had to run 12 miles on the Saturday, there was no way I'd be able to race in a 10k (6.2 miles) the very next morning.  I was stationed as a "race marshall" (oooo how professional!) at the 3k mark of the 5k loop which was run twice over at the race.

 

For the first time, I was able to be the loud relentless cheerer that I so often depend on at my own races.  I was able to tell others YOU CAN DO IT! perhaps when they felt unsure.

 

I saw many friends and business associates during the race that I had no idea were runners, so it was a great experience to see my circle of "running friends" is larger than I ever thought!

 

The greatest part of volunteering that day - and my reason for even doing so in the first place, was to cheer on my best friend.  Not only is she my best friend (well one of them) she's also what I call my SOLE-MATE.  She makes me want to be a better person.  She is so selfless and so sincere of a human being.  She goes through life doing what she wants to do - not for the accolades or the attention from others; she does crazy things like run marathons and run a 10k race just 2 months after giving birth to push HERSELF.  

 

I want to push myself  the way she does.  

 

I wanna be like her when I grow up.  

 

To be able to cheer her on was such an incredible and emotional experience.  One that will only be topped once her and I (and my 2 other sole-mates) finally race together in October at the Free Press Half Marathon.

 

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: find good people.  surround yourself with them.  be selfless for them as they are for you.  do not take them for granted.  

 

Aym, Ali, Mom.... you girls make me feel like  I can take on the world! 

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

+1lb (but I think that's just my heart swelling with joy this week)

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

11lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

before I volunteered this weekend I found myself in a funk, not sure why but I didn't feel great.  When you're down on yourself, go do something for someone ELSE - its amazing how much better it really can make YOU feel inside.

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

I have dipped a little bit into my son's Easter candy, but a piece or two after dinner is a nice treat and sharing with my lil man is worth the 150cals.

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

Thanks for the well wishes, I'm so close to my goal!! 

Cleanliness is next to Godliness - or Goddessness :)

I kept repeating to myself "I gotta have a CLEAN week"... 

 

No fast food, no outrageous lunch or dinner orders, NO OVERDOSING ON TIMBITS.

 

And what do ya know?! IT WORKED!! I posted a significant loss and I feel AWESOME!  No guilt and no stress from "oh man I hope all this crap I ate doesn't show up on the scale" 

 

... ya right.

 

One of my favourite current sports figures once said: "Hope is not a Strategy."  

 

Truer words were never spoken.  I'm glad that for this week, I had the guts to take charge.  I PLAN - NOT HOPE - for a repeat performance every week from now till Race Day.

 

My deadline is approaching - remember? I picked a date waaaaaaaaayyyy off into the distance to give myself more than a reasonable amount of time to reach my goal weight.  Well, now I have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20 days remaining.

 

MAY 15, 2011.

 

This is the day I stop weighing myself, stop stressing about the last few pounds and officially enjoy a responsible and active summer.

 

I think I might extend my deadline though - to May 29th - the day of my first half marathon of the year.

 

This way I can discuss training as well as weight loss and end this series of blogs with a final weight and a finish time of the Buffalo half marathon.  Sound good? Good.  Then its settled. :)

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

-3.5lbs - HELL YA!!!!!!

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

10lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

Everything my mama put on the table for Easter Dinner!  She made an amazing lentil casserole (with cheese), made garlic mashed cauliflower (not a typo - try it sometime!), a type of zucchini bake, a KICK ASS coleslaw (that I hope she makes at every holiday now), and my Grandma brought the turkey! Oh yes, it helps when dessert is only 120cals a serving as well!  Holiday dinners can still be GOOD even when they're good FOR you, and when they're THAT healthy, you need not worry so much about reaching out for seconds - I know I did!

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

Hmm... I didn't really have any.  I went out on the town two nights this week, both nights I drank my signature Vodka/Diet (60cals/serving) and made sure I drank a big glass of water between each drink.  I must pat myself on the back, because I did well without sacrificing much this week... and of course the thought is immediately - WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS ALL ALONG? - but that question needs to be removed from my mind, because it is more important to learn as I go and keep forging ahead!

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

Other people really use their own "support groups" as well! And it seems as though those people who don't have a strong support system around them have a much tougher time sticking with their 'program'.  I am no expert on anything, except maybe rambling on and on and on and on, but if there is anything I can do; lend an ear, share some stories, show up and go for a walk... DO NOT HESITATE.  

 

Life is best served among friends who live it to the fullest.

Its NEVER too late to be brand new.

Work out ALL you want, but if a restaurant is preparing your food all week and you have no say - the sweat will all be for not.

As you can probably guess, I got VERY lazy last week.  Not only did I NOT have the proper groceries and prepare my meals, I didn't even TRACK my meals this week!

If I think back... I ate at least 3 "chicken something sandwiches" from random restaurants, I ate sushi (which wouldn't be so bad if I didn't order my 'dinner order' on a random lunch hour), I even had a Tim Horton's breakfast sandwich at some point, and more timbits than I care to recount...

We all have bad weeks.

No, I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan, but when I heard this line it rang true and I use it whenever it fits - and it fits describing my attitude from here on out...

TODAY IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE BRAND NEW.

I have work to do - I got away with a rough week last week, but not two weeks in a row!! Let this be my wakeup call!

Even if not just for the weight gain - because yes there was weight gain.  

I need the proper nutrition to fuel my body to knock 6 minutes off my 1/2 Marathon time in just 39 days!!

 

WEIGHT CHANGE 

+2lbs

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

13.5lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

Its ok to add your own ingredients to a home-cooked meal even if the meal isn't at your place! While away this weekend I grew a conscience about some of my food choices earlier in the week.  Although it felt a bit awkward discussing the menu for dinner at my friends parents house 4 hours from home, I did mention that I'd like to stop at a grocery store so I can make a salad (with the particular ingredients that I like), and the idea was welcomed with open arms!  Making the right choices for yourself are easy if you just SPEAK UP! Good people in your life will support you no matter what!

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

See paragraph #3

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

I offered to help with a TRULY BEGINNER learn to run clinic in May.  I'm so encouraged by the amount of friends and family that are interested in joining! I will do my best to keep you all posted!!!

I SURVIVED the tigers home opener!!

So, I'm riding high from last week's weight loss post and successful completion of my 10 mile race, so I did the 2 things any female runner WOULD do (post-race)...


1) I booked a pedicure
2) I booked my next race


Since Ali and I did so well at the race, we treated ourselves to a nice pedicure... and while I had her stuck in the chair next to me for an hour or so, I sold her on the idea that if she could run 1O MILES OF HILLS, she could certainly run A FLAT HALF MARATHON (its only 3.1 more miles after all)!


Someone please remind my boss that I AM good at sales lol..


So we looked around (from our smartphones with our feet being pampered of course) and found the Buffalo Half Marathon - May 29 2011.  We are both officially registered.


ITS ONLY 46 DAYS AWAY


This gave me all the more reason to have one last hooplah and really go out and enjoy the Detroit Tiger's home opener - which I certainly did.  


On the day of the home opener my diet consisted of the following:


a) BEER
b) HOT DOG(s)
c) REPEAT


Let me tell you how glad I was to see a big fat goose-egg on the scale this week! NO CHANGE! which means I SURVIVED the home opener with NO GAIN! WOOOT!!


Its all business now though folks.


Buffalo Half Marathon Goal: 2:05:30

WEIGHT CHANGE 

0

HOW MANY LBS TO GO

11.5lbs

GREAT HEALTHY FIND OF THE WEEK

This may sound strange but I rediscovered milk this week.  I hadn't had a glass of milk in years - yes years.  I poured a glass for my son (who has a glass every night before bed) and it looked SO good! Milk has some calories so I want to be careful (Bob and Jillian from the biggest loser always say DON'T DRINK YOUR CALORIES), but I will now focus on having a small glass every night that I run. 

INDULGENCE OF THE WEEK

Tigers Home Opener.... Bud Light and mystery meat hot dogs... all.  day.  long. 

COMMENTS ON ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE PREVIOUS POSTING

Thank you for all the kind words for myself and my mom as we completed our 10 miler!