Alright... I'm currently preparing for my four day whirlwind trip to Japan for work (not a leisure trip... working the entire time) and I realized that I needed to post my official "Start of Layoff" weight. I am hoping that through some determination, controlled eating habits and hard work (lots of running) that I will be able to drop 20 pounds by the time that the tour starts back up again in Orlando at the end of October. That's my goal. 20 pounds in essentially three months. I can do it!!!
Weight 7/29/12: 249.6
I gained about 5 pounds from when I left New York three weeks ago. I figured that was about right with my back being out of commission plus my uncontrolled eating. But no more!
I went back to my chiropractor here in Toronto on Friday and she said that I can get back into running once I no longer feel pain in my back. I honestly think the main culprit is the bed in the hotel. When you wake up feeling worse, that's a bad sign, right? So, I'm hoping that getting to my Mom's house and sleeping on a better mattress will help this out. We'll see... I plan on finding a chiropractor while I'm there, just in case I need to go back in for a tweak.
Also, I decided NOT to pack my scale. I'm going to try and do all of this simply by holding myself accountable. I can tell when I'm on the right track. I feel better. I feel healthy. My clothes start to feel looser. If push comes to shove and I find I simply can't do without one for three months, then I'll simply go buy one. No biggie. It's not like it would be that hard to find, and they aren't really that expensive.
Alright, so you heard it here first kids... By October 28, 2012 I plan on weighing 229 or below.
Let's DO THIS!!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
To Scale or Not To Scale?
Okay everyone, I have a question I would like to ask you and to get your opinion on...
At the end of this week, my tour has a good amount of time off. We have four weeks off, during which I will spend the majority of time at my Mom's house in Kentucky. After our time off, our tour flies to Japan for three weeks where I will be in Tokyo for two weeks and Osaka for one week. After Tokyo, we again have five weeks off, during which I will be in New York City and New Zealand (can't wait to visit my little sister in New Zealand!!)
I know you're wondering... "Okay, but what's the question?"
I'm wondering if I should pack my scale with me to have during the time off and Japan or have it go into storage for three months?
Here's the thing... I've gained a bit of weight since we've been here in Toronto. It's partially due to my back and being afraid to really exercise. The other part is I've been craving all sorts of horrible food since I've been here, and I have been caving to the cravings. I've gained about 7 pounds in the two and half weeks since I've been here. I know that during the breaks I can most definitely lose this and then some. Not to mention I'm actually thinking that I might lose weight while in Japan because I'm actually not a huge fan of fish, and I'm worried about how much I'm going to find to eat while over there. My boss told me the last time he was in Japan (his taste in food is very similar to mine) he lost ten pounds. Now, I'm not counting on it, but it's in the back of my mind.
I'm afraid that I'll be neurotic about how much weight I'm losing during my time off if I take the scale. Like constantly measuring myself and beating myself up if I'm not losing it fast enough, or if I'm not losing enough. I would like to relax during this time off, and while I do have certain goals that I would like to achieve while I'm there, I don't want it to be all that I think about. If I don't pack it and it stays with my stuff and goes into storage with the other stuff from the tour, I think that I will be a bit more relaxed about it but I'm worried I might be too relaxed about it... Plus, not really having an idea where my weight is during the almost three months could drive me crazy, not to mention my calorie goal for the day would be a guess. I wouldn't know my exact weight and therefore wouldn't necessarily be eating the right amount of calories for the day.
You see what I'm saying? I'm afraid of the two extremes... Neurotic and obsessed if I have it, or completely slack off and go crazy without it.
I know that without trying too hard I will lose some of this weight, because I'm pretty sure some of it is water weight from the amount of salty crap I've been eating. I just feel swollen. I'm definitely looking forward to having a full kitchen again and cooking for myself. I know that because of that alone, I will be so much better about my eating habits. Not to mention I need to watch how much money I spend over the breaks and the best way to do that is by cooking for myself. Also, I need to be sure to keep up the running while I'm home. My official training for the half marathon begins after my second break when the tour starts back up in Orlando and I need to not be starting from scratch. I would like to be at the point where I can easily run four or five miles, like I used to. So, I know that I will lose weight, but will it be enough is the question...
I just don't know...
While you guys ponder what I should do, I'll give you the update from my chiropractor visit.
I have a weak ass. Literally.
According to her, because I have a desk job and sit for the majority of the day my butt was not used to working the way that I was demanding it do when I got back into running. My glutes were not functioning properly thereby straining my lower back to compensate. She also thinks it might be the combination of that and the crappy hotel bed from the hotel I'm in. She gave me acupuncture in my lower back and attached some electrodes to my butt and made my glutes contract on and off for about 10-15 minutes during my visit. It made me laugh just lying on this table with my butt half exposed being literally shocked into submission. She gave me an exercise to do every night and told me not to run during the rest of my time here in Toronto and that I need to ease back into it. (I think I over did it while I was in NYC and did that four mile run as well...) But, my back has felt better since my visit and I am doing what she said. I have one more visit with her before I leave so I'm hoping that I will be okay for a while.
Okay, that's its for me for a few days. Before I leave from Toronto I will post my official weight, so I have a starting off point for the beginning of the break, with or without my scale. I have a goal to lose 20 or so pounds during the next three months. I NEED TO DO THIS!! I need to know that I can still lose weight and not just the same ten pounds that I've gained and then relost during this past year.
At the end of this week, my tour has a good amount of time off. We have four weeks off, during which I will spend the majority of time at my Mom's house in Kentucky. After our time off, our tour flies to Japan for three weeks where I will be in Tokyo for two weeks and Osaka for one week. After Tokyo, we again have five weeks off, during which I will be in New York City and New Zealand (can't wait to visit my little sister in New Zealand!!)
I know you're wondering... "Okay, but what's the question?"
I'm wondering if I should pack my scale with me to have during the time off and Japan or have it go into storage for three months?
I'm afraid that I'll be neurotic about how much weight I'm losing during my time off if I take the scale. Like constantly measuring myself and beating myself up if I'm not losing it fast enough, or if I'm not losing enough. I would like to relax during this time off, and while I do have certain goals that I would like to achieve while I'm there, I don't want it to be all that I think about. If I don't pack it and it stays with my stuff and goes into storage with the other stuff from the tour, I think that I will be a bit more relaxed about it but I'm worried I might be too relaxed about it... Plus, not really having an idea where my weight is during the almost three months could drive me crazy, not to mention my calorie goal for the day would be a guess. I wouldn't know my exact weight and therefore wouldn't necessarily be eating the right amount of calories for the day.
You see what I'm saying? I'm afraid of the two extremes... Neurotic and obsessed if I have it, or completely slack off and go crazy without it.
I know that without trying too hard I will lose some of this weight, because I'm pretty sure some of it is water weight from the amount of salty crap I've been eating. I just feel swollen. I'm definitely looking forward to having a full kitchen again and cooking for myself. I know that because of that alone, I will be so much better about my eating habits. Not to mention I need to watch how much money I spend over the breaks and the best way to do that is by cooking for myself. Also, I need to be sure to keep up the running while I'm home. My official training for the half marathon begins after my second break when the tour starts back up in Orlando and I need to not be starting from scratch. I would like to be at the point where I can easily run four or five miles, like I used to. So, I know that I will lose weight, but will it be enough is the question...
I just don't know...
While you guys ponder what I should do, I'll give you the update from my chiropractor visit.
I have a weak ass. Literally.
According to her, because I have a desk job and sit for the majority of the day my butt was not used to working the way that I was demanding it do when I got back into running. My glutes were not functioning properly thereby straining my lower back to compensate. She also thinks it might be the combination of that and the crappy hotel bed from the hotel I'm in. She gave me acupuncture in my lower back and attached some electrodes to my butt and made my glutes contract on and off for about 10-15 minutes during my visit. It made me laugh just lying on this table with my butt half exposed being literally shocked into submission. She gave me an exercise to do every night and told me not to run during the rest of my time here in Toronto and that I need to ease back into it. (I think I over did it while I was in NYC and did that four mile run as well...) But, my back has felt better since my visit and I am doing what she said. I have one more visit with her before I leave so I'm hoping that I will be okay for a while.
Okay, that's its for me for a few days. Before I leave from Toronto I will post my official weight, so I have a starting off point for the beginning of the break, with or without my scale. I have a goal to lose 20 or so pounds during the next three months. I NEED TO DO THIS!! I need to know that I can still lose weight and not just the same ten pounds that I've gained and then relost during this past year.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
I have an ouch-ie
I have been in Toronto for a week and a half and pretty much one thing has been consistent since my arrival...
My lower back is killing me.
Some days have been better than others. This is my first time ever experiencing this kind of pain before, so I wasn't really sure what to do or how to handle it. I kind of figured it would just go away on its own. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
I have made an appointment with a chiropractor for tomorrow afternoon and I hope that I feel normal after this. I don't like not being able to do the most mundane things because it might make my back twinge.
The other horrible side effect that my back pain has had, is that I haven't really been able to exercise that much. I've tried a few times and while I felt okay while I was running, honestly I couldn't get my mind off the fact that I was afraid I was going to make my back worse. So, I haven't fully run since Sunday, which in and of itself isn't horrible, but what do I do when I'm not feeling well? I don't eat well either. Doesn't help that there is a Wendy's across the street from the hotel and on the way to the theater.
I checked my weight this morning and thankfully I haven't really gained since my last official weigh in. It just irks me because I had such huge hopes for these three weeks in Toronto and with the weather being bearable (compared the harsh summer the US is experiencing...) I really wanted to get out there and RUN!
Luckily I have a few months until I start my official training for the half marathon. I have time to get myself back into shape. I just feel slovenly. Like, even though the scale doesn't say it, I feel fatter. All the salt I've been eating probably isn't helping with that...
Anyway, I'll update you guys after I've seen the chiropractor and have (hopefully) gone for a run.
My lower back is killing me.
Some days have been better than others. This is my first time ever experiencing this kind of pain before, so I wasn't really sure what to do or how to handle it. I kind of figured it would just go away on its own. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
I have made an appointment with a chiropractor for tomorrow afternoon and I hope that I feel normal after this. I don't like not being able to do the most mundane things because it might make my back twinge.
The other horrible side effect that my back pain has had, is that I haven't really been able to exercise that much. I've tried a few times and while I felt okay while I was running, honestly I couldn't get my mind off the fact that I was afraid I was going to make my back worse. So, I haven't fully run since Sunday, which in and of itself isn't horrible, but what do I do when I'm not feeling well? I don't eat well either. Doesn't help that there is a Wendy's across the street from the hotel and on the way to the theater.
I checked my weight this morning and thankfully I haven't really gained since my last official weigh in. It just irks me because I had such huge hopes for these three weeks in Toronto and with the weather being bearable (compared the harsh summer the US is experiencing...) I really wanted to get out there and RUN!
Luckily I have a few months until I start my official training for the half marathon. I have time to get myself back into shape. I just feel slovenly. Like, even though the scale doesn't say it, I feel fatter. All the salt I've been eating probably isn't helping with that...
Anyway, I'll update you guys after I've seen the chiropractor and have (hopefully) gone for a run.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
So... This Happened...
It is official y'all!
See you next February, Walt Disney World! I'll be the one (well, one of many...) wearing the tiara and probably cursing myself as I run.
YAY!!!!!
Friday, July 6, 2012
NYC, what is it about you?
Ah... home.
It's been about 9 months since I've been home in NYC for more than 3 days, and I'm liking it. It's a little weird because I'm crashing at my old apartment, however my room is currently occupied by a subletter. So, I've been the main inhabitant of the couch and living area. But, it's been great because I'm getting to spend so much time with my roommate and her wonderful dog, Wylie. (Hi Beth!)
Since I've been here, my eating hasn't been that horrible. Yes, I had a turkey burger and tater tots yesterday (um, hello! There were TATER TOTS! How can you say no to TATER TOTS??) but that pretty much filled me up for the majority of the day and then after my run I had a Clif Bar essentially for dinner.
A run, did you say?
That's right! I've been back out and running in Central Park since I've been home and it's been great! I have run two of my old routes, and even though they were kind of a struggle to finish, I am able to report that I ran 3 miles on Tuesday and 4 miles last night. WOOHOO!!! I'm not completely back, but I'm well on my way! The 3 mile route was just twice around the Central Park Reservoir path but the 4 mile route was my old hilly route that most definitely put me to the test. The other great news? Even though I felt like I was going SO SLOW, when I looked at my watch? I realized that for the first mile, on both runs, I was FLYING! (Or, at least flying for me...) but then I had to slow down and pace myself for the rest of the run so that I could finish. All in all, I finished both runs at a 13:45 mile. I'm insanely happy with that.
Why? I mean, by everyone's standards, that's really slow. I'm extremely happy with that, because when I took my break from running last year the fastest pace I recorded was 13:30, and that was after MONTHS of training and running! I put in hours upon hours and miles upon miles to get myself down to that speed. If I'm starting out at this speed, after a couple of months of C210K training, I'm very excited to see what I am going to be able to accomplish come next February.
And what's next February, you ask?
Why, the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon, that's what!
I know, I've said this before but this time, it's gonna happen! Registration opens next week, the timing is pretty perfect with the tour, and I've talking with my roommate's fiance and she has agreed to run it with me. I was worried about this week's runs actually because I wanted to be able to run a decent distance again before I made this commitment. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to run 3 miles consistently, which is what they say you should be able to do before you start training for a half marathon. Well, I've run 7 miles thus far this week and I'm going to go out again tonight and put in at least another 3. By the time that my official training schedule starts in the fall I should be good and ready for it.
I'm so excited. Things are starting to look up for me fitness wise. I've received several compliments since I've been home about how I look and I do have to say that I do feel better about myself when I look in the mirror. Even though the scale doesn't reflect a weight loss, I do think that I've lost some inches.
The thing is that I've never felt more physically challenged than when I'm running. I sweat more, I get my heart pumping and my muscles ache. I push myself more than I ever do when I'm on an elliptical or exercise bike. I don't know why, maybe its because I could never run before as a child, but it's a total mental block. When I run, I am always striving to be better than I was the day before.
Anyway, that's what is happening with me in the Big Apple. I head to Toronto next week for three weeks. I'm hoping that there are some good running trails nearby. Now that I'm back to running outside, I don't want to get back on a treadmill! It's just so boring!
I probably won't post again from NYC. I left my scale with my tour stuff, so it's well on its way to Toronto right now.
Catch you guys from the other side of the border!
It's been about 9 months since I've been home in NYC for more than 3 days, and I'm liking it. It's a little weird because I'm crashing at my old apartment, however my room is currently occupied by a subletter. So, I've been the main inhabitant of the couch and living area. But, it's been great because I'm getting to spend so much time with my roommate and her wonderful dog, Wylie. (Hi Beth!)
Since I've been here, my eating hasn't been that horrible. Yes, I had a turkey burger and tater tots yesterday (um, hello! There were TATER TOTS! How can you say no to TATER TOTS??) but that pretty much filled me up for the majority of the day and then after my run I had a Clif Bar essentially for dinner.
A run, did you say?
That's right! I've been back out and running in Central Park since I've been home and it's been great! I have run two of my old routes, and even though they were kind of a struggle to finish, I am able to report that I ran 3 miles on Tuesday and 4 miles last night. WOOHOO!!! I'm not completely back, but I'm well on my way! The 3 mile route was just twice around the Central Park Reservoir path but the 4 mile route was my old hilly route that most definitely put me to the test. The other great news? Even though I felt like I was going SO SLOW, when I looked at my watch? I realized that for the first mile, on both runs, I was FLYING! (Or, at least flying for me...) but then I had to slow down and pace myself for the rest of the run so that I could finish. All in all, I finished both runs at a 13:45 mile. I'm insanely happy with that.
Why? I mean, by everyone's standards, that's really slow. I'm extremely happy with that, because when I took my break from running last year the fastest pace I recorded was 13:30, and that was after MONTHS of training and running! I put in hours upon hours and miles upon miles to get myself down to that speed. If I'm starting out at this speed, after a couple of months of C210K training, I'm very excited to see what I am going to be able to accomplish come next February.
And what's next February, you ask?
Why, the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon, that's what!
I know, I've said this before but this time, it's gonna happen! Registration opens next week, the timing is pretty perfect with the tour, and I've talking with my roommate's fiance and she has agreed to run it with me. I was worried about this week's runs actually because I wanted to be able to run a decent distance again before I made this commitment. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to run 3 miles consistently, which is what they say you should be able to do before you start training for a half marathon. Well, I've run 7 miles thus far this week and I'm going to go out again tonight and put in at least another 3. By the time that my official training schedule starts in the fall I should be good and ready for it.
I'm so excited. Things are starting to look up for me fitness wise. I've received several compliments since I've been home about how I look and I do have to say that I do feel better about myself when I look in the mirror. Even though the scale doesn't reflect a weight loss, I do think that I've lost some inches.
The thing is that I've never felt more physically challenged than when I'm running. I sweat more, I get my heart pumping and my muscles ache. I push myself more than I ever do when I'm on an elliptical or exercise bike. I don't know why, maybe its because I could never run before as a child, but it's a total mental block. When I run, I am always striving to be better than I was the day before.
Anyway, that's what is happening with me in the Big Apple. I head to Toronto next week for three weeks. I'm hoping that there are some good running trails nearby. Now that I'm back to running outside, I don't want to get back on a treadmill! It's just so boring!
I probably won't post again from NYC. I left my scale with my tour stuff, so it's well on its way to Toronto right now.
Catch you guys from the other side of the border!
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