Dear Parents (or Grandparents) staying in hotels with children:
Please remember that the hotel gym is not, in fact, a playground at your disposal to tire your children out so they will fall asleep. Allowing them to run races on the treadmills on steep inclines is not only dangerous, but can potential damage the incredibly expensive equipment (how would you like to see THAT pop up on your hotel bill?).
If you absolutely must take your children to the gym please remember that if other people are in there attempting to work out, even if they have their headphones on, that you should remind your children to use their inside voices and not shriek at the top of their lungs sounding as if they are being murdered.
It's not cute.
I know that the hotel says that children are allowed with adult supervision, but do you call this supervision?
For many adults, their workouts and gym time are their moments of reflection and their "me time." Having your children running frantically from one machine to another, turning them up to top speed, laughing at how cool they are and how fast they are going even though you are standing directly next to them, infringes upon others.
Please remember these other people are paying to stay in this hotel too.
Signed,
A (near deaf from having to turn her iPod up to max volume) hotel guest
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
Diet Bet 10 - Month One Summary
Official Diet Bet starting weight: 228.8
Official Month One weigh out: 222.4
Total Weight Lost in Month One: 6.4
Weight I needed to lose to win Month One: .5
In a weigh in post from a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I joined a new Diet Bet, but that this one was different than the previous ones I joined. This one was a beta test version of a six month long bet they are calling "Diet Bet 10." It's called that because rather than the standard bet, where you are betting you can lose 4% of your body weight in a month, you are betting you will lose 10% of your weight in 6 months. I am much more of the "slow and steady wins the race" mentality and was glad they adopted this approach as well.
Well, the first month is complete. This first month we were betting we could lose 3% of our body weight. I, unfortunately, was a half a pound off, but I'm okay with that! 1.) I signed up for the bet late. There were only 3 weeks of the month left when I joined. 2.) I didn't even really get my head in the game until half way through the month. So, in essence, I lost those 6.5 pounds in the last two weeks. I know that most of that was water weight from the crap food and lack of exercise for the past month, but it's still nice to see the drastic drop.
I'm happy to be back in the low 220s again. It's so weird, and such a mental thing, but I really do feel like I look drastically different when I'm sitting around 220, than I do when I'm around 230 (like I have been the last few weeks.) I feel like my legs look leaner and my stomach flatter. For a person of my height, I know that ten pounds really can't make that huge of a difference, but oh well! The mind thinks what it wants to I suppose!
I must admit that I like this six month version of the bet so much better. Even though I was only required to lose 1% less this month than the standard bet, that's still (in my case) a couple of pounds. When losing weight, a couple of pounds can be HUGE and a lot of work. I was losing close to 10 pounds in a month in those standard four week bets. That's no easy fete and honestly, in my opinion, shouldn't really be done on a consistent basis. It's too much weight to constantly be striving for. If someone wants to jump start their weight loss, or has been stagnant for a while and needs a boost? Sure, I say go for it. But the staggering of bets (people sign up for multiple bets at a time and they will have one or two bets that end per week and then cycle through) that's where I think it gets to be too much. But, that's just my opinion. I guess if it works for them, and they are winning? Who's to say it's bad I suppose...
Anyway, I figured I would write a little round up post for this first month of the bet. My goal weight for this next month is 215.1. So, I have four weeks to lose 7.3 pounds. It will be hard work, but I think I can do it. These next two weeks I'm in Boston, and while there is lots of good tasting (but bad for you!) food choices there, I also know that there is lots of good tasting (and good for you!) food as well. My hotel is right next door to a YMCA and I'm hoping to get in a couple Zumba classes per week while I'm there. Would be silly not to!
Alright - that's it for this post.
Diet Bet 10 - Month One. Complete.
Official Month One weigh out: 222.4
Total Weight Lost in Month One: 6.4
Weight I needed to lose to win Month One: .5
In a weigh in post from a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I joined a new Diet Bet, but that this one was different than the previous ones I joined. This one was a beta test version of a six month long bet they are calling "Diet Bet 10." It's called that because rather than the standard bet, where you are betting you can lose 4% of your body weight in a month, you are betting you will lose 10% of your weight in 6 months. I am much more of the "slow and steady wins the race" mentality and was glad they adopted this approach as well.
Well, the first month is complete. This first month we were betting we could lose 3% of our body weight. I, unfortunately, was a half a pound off, but I'm okay with that! 1.) I signed up for the bet late. There were only 3 weeks of the month left when I joined. 2.) I didn't even really get my head in the game until half way through the month. So, in essence, I lost those 6.5 pounds in the last two weeks. I know that most of that was water weight from the crap food and lack of exercise for the past month, but it's still nice to see the drastic drop.
I'm happy to be back in the low 220s again. It's so weird, and such a mental thing, but I really do feel like I look drastically different when I'm sitting around 220, than I do when I'm around 230 (like I have been the last few weeks.) I feel like my legs look leaner and my stomach flatter. For a person of my height, I know that ten pounds really can't make that huge of a difference, but oh well! The mind thinks what it wants to I suppose!
I must admit that I like this six month version of the bet so much better. Even though I was only required to lose 1% less this month than the standard bet, that's still (in my case) a couple of pounds. When losing weight, a couple of pounds can be HUGE and a lot of work. I was losing close to 10 pounds in a month in those standard four week bets. That's no easy fete and honestly, in my opinion, shouldn't really be done on a consistent basis. It's too much weight to constantly be striving for. If someone wants to jump start their weight loss, or has been stagnant for a while and needs a boost? Sure, I say go for it. But the staggering of bets (people sign up for multiple bets at a time and they will have one or two bets that end per week and then cycle through) that's where I think it gets to be too much. But, that's just my opinion. I guess if it works for them, and they are winning? Who's to say it's bad I suppose...
Anyway, I figured I would write a little round up post for this first month of the bet. My goal weight for this next month is 215.1. So, I have four weeks to lose 7.3 pounds. It will be hard work, but I think I can do it. These next two weeks I'm in Boston, and while there is lots of good tasting (but bad for you!) food choices there, I also know that there is lots of good tasting (and good for you!) food as well. My hotel is right next door to a YMCA and I'm hoping to get in a couple Zumba classes per week while I'm there. Would be silly not to!
Alright - that's it for this post.
Diet Bet 10 - Month One. Complete.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Weigh In Wednesday 10/2/13 - The OH YEAH Edition
Last Week's Weight: 228.2
Current Weight: 223.1
Current Loss: 5.1
Total Loss: 86.9
I knew I was going to have a big loss this week. After I eat poorly and don't exercise for a while, the first week back of being strict and diligent always shows a big loss. I assume a large portion of it is water weight, but hey! It still counts!
So this week was a pretty good week! I got in a couple of runs. One really great one, and one not so great one, but that's the life of a runner I suppose. You can't win them all! The rest of the week I exercised by walking (and walking and walking). My tour is in DC for two weeks and so I've been walking all over town, and it's a good thing I saw as much as I did because now everything is closed due to the shutdown (I'll restrict my opinions on THAT subject...).
Also, this week (for those who might not already know) I was featured on Huffington Post's Healthy Living page! I was the weight loss story!! Everyone has been so supportive and been giving me such wonderful words of support and encouragement. It's been quite mind blowing. A few new people have found their way to my blog through the HP piece, so "hi!" to the newbies!
My new 6 month Diet Bet is going well. The weigh in for this first month is tomorrow and Friday. I'm currently 1.2 pounds away, so there is actually a chance I could win this first month! I REALLY didn't expect that to even be a possibility. I really thought that I would just have to lose as much as possible and just try for the second month instead. It's nice to be in the running already! I really do like this longer "slow and steady" format that they are trying out. It's just not so "HURRY UP AND LOSE WEIGHT!" I mean, I get their theory behind the one month formats, to push yourself as hard as you possibly can (and it's not supposed to be an easy fete!) but for me to win I was having to go beyond where I was comfortable and it resulted in me overindulging. This 3% weight loss just feels less drastic, so I'm glad it's working so far.
I finally broke down this week and bought new running shoes. While I was in NYC this summer I went to a running store to get refitted and I overpronate (my ankles come in) pretty bad, so of course that means I need the most expensive running shoe that companies make. I didn't have the money this summer, but now that I'm back to work full time I was able to swing it. I'm kind of in love with the new shoes. I feel very "Jem and the Holograms" when I wear them. I do feel a difference while I'm running, although it's definitely going to take some getting used to have the additional support. It's good, but just different.
Anyway, sorry this week was a bit long winded. Just had some stuff to say evidently! To the newbies to this blog, I hope you stick around. I have some exciting stuff on the horizon (100 pound mark, end goal approaching) and I would love to share that with you all.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Current Weight: 223.1
Current Loss: 5.1
Total Loss: 86.9
I knew I was going to have a big loss this week. After I eat poorly and don't exercise for a while, the first week back of being strict and diligent always shows a big loss. I assume a large portion of it is water weight, but hey! It still counts!
So this week was a pretty good week! I got in a couple of runs. One really great one, and one not so great one, but that's the life of a runner I suppose. You can't win them all! The rest of the week I exercised by walking (and walking and walking). My tour is in DC for two weeks and so I've been walking all over town, and it's a good thing I saw as much as I did because now everything is closed due to the shutdown (I'll restrict my opinions on THAT subject...).
Also, this week (for those who might not already know) I was featured on Huffington Post's Healthy Living page! I was the weight loss story!! Everyone has been so supportive and been giving me such wonderful words of support and encouragement. It's been quite mind blowing. A few new people have found their way to my blog through the HP piece, so "hi!" to the newbies!
My new 6 month Diet Bet is going well. The weigh in for this first month is tomorrow and Friday. I'm currently 1.2 pounds away, so there is actually a chance I could win this first month! I REALLY didn't expect that to even be a possibility. I really thought that I would just have to lose as much as possible and just try for the second month instead. It's nice to be in the running already! I really do like this longer "slow and steady" format that they are trying out. It's just not so "HURRY UP AND LOSE WEIGHT!" I mean, I get their theory behind the one month formats, to push yourself as hard as you possibly can (and it's not supposed to be an easy fete!) but for me to win I was having to go beyond where I was comfortable and it resulted in me overindulging. This 3% weight loss just feels less drastic, so I'm glad it's working so far.
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| Fancy new shoes |
Anyway, sorry this week was a bit long winded. Just had some stuff to say evidently! To the newbies to this blog, I hope you stick around. I have some exciting stuff on the horizon (100 pound mark, end goal approaching) and I would love to share that with you all.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Just saying a quick "hi!"
Hello out there to you people who found me through Huffington Post!! Welcome to my humble little corner of cyberspace where I share my dreams, aspirations, successes and failures (thankfully more successes than failures...).
Feel free to take a look around and I hope you'll stick with me through this next, and possibly last, phase of this weigh loss journey.
As you can see from my last weigh in I've gained a few pounds back from the time that I wrote that Huffington Post piece, but I'm back on the wagon (I took a breather for various reasons) but I always come back stronger and ready to concur the world. I will admit I've peeked at the scale and you'll be happy to know it's going back in the right direction...
Anyway, I hope that you pop back in and visit my little blog from time to time!
Have a good night and see you on Wednesday for my weigh in!!
Feel free to take a look around and I hope you'll stick with me through this next, and possibly last, phase of this weigh loss journey.
As you can see from my last weigh in I've gained a few pounds back from the time that I wrote that Huffington Post piece, but I'm back on the wagon (I took a breather for various reasons) but I always come back stronger and ready to concur the world. I will admit I've peeked at the scale and you'll be happy to know it's going back in the right direction...
Anyway, I hope that you pop back in and visit my little blog from time to time!
Have a good night and see you on Wednesday for my weigh in!!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Weigh In Wednesday is back - The Oopsie Daisy edition
Current Weight: 228.2
Last Weight: 223.3
Weight Gained: 4.9
Okay, I'm back in this thing. Obviously I've been off the wagon for a while, as you can see from the weight that I've gained in the last few weeks. But I'm ready to shed this current gain and hopefully even more.
As I mentioned in my last post, I joined another Diet Bet, but this one is slightly different. It's a six month long bet, and I am betting that I will lose 10% of my starting weight rather than the 4% in a month. I like that it's a slow and steady kind of race, rather than the extreme of the other one. Each month has weight loss goals and each month you place money on making it. Like for instance, this first month's goal is to lose 3% of my starting weight, and I bet $25. If I don't make it, the goal for the second month is another 3% (for a total of 6% of my starting weight). If I don't make the first month's weight goal, the weight goal for the second month doesn't change, it just means I have to play catch up. At the end of each month, if you make your goal weight, you can win money but if you don't make it you are still eligible for the next month's bet as well as the grand prize pot at the end.
My weight goal for this first month is 221.9, and the weigh in days are October 3rd and 4th. I'm obviously not going to make that weight, but I'm okay because I'm doing this for the motivation and to have set goals to strive towards. I was late joining the game, and I really only found my stride and motivation this week. My eating is pretty much back on track (no really! We have kitchens in our hotel this week and I've been tracking everything I eat! Yay!) and I've been really good about exercising. So, while I might not be able to drop 6 pounds in a week and a half, but I might get pretty darn close. The bonus is if I make my 10% goal, I will be at 205. That's a great number to see on the scale in March when this thing ends. I really can't wait to see that number on the scale!
Other than this Diet Bet, I've just been adjusting to life back on the road. For this week and next week I'm in Washington DC, and my show is playing at the Kennedy Center. It's gorgeous weather and I'm really enjoying being here. I can't wait to see some of the sites I've never seen before and to just enjoy my time here. After this we head to Boston, another city that I'm REALLY looking forward to. I've only been to Boston one other time in my life and that was for a long weekend.
Alright my friends its time for me to get ready for my day. Have a good one!
Last Weight: 223.3
Weight Gained: 4.9
Okay, I'm back in this thing. Obviously I've been off the wagon for a while, as you can see from the weight that I've gained in the last few weeks. But I'm ready to shed this current gain and hopefully even more.
As I mentioned in my last post, I joined another Diet Bet, but this one is slightly different. It's a six month long bet, and I am betting that I will lose 10% of my starting weight rather than the 4% in a month. I like that it's a slow and steady kind of race, rather than the extreme of the other one. Each month has weight loss goals and each month you place money on making it. Like for instance, this first month's goal is to lose 3% of my starting weight, and I bet $25. If I don't make it, the goal for the second month is another 3% (for a total of 6% of my starting weight). If I don't make the first month's weight goal, the weight goal for the second month doesn't change, it just means I have to play catch up. At the end of each month, if you make your goal weight, you can win money but if you don't make it you are still eligible for the next month's bet as well as the grand prize pot at the end.
My weight goal for this first month is 221.9, and the weigh in days are October 3rd and 4th. I'm obviously not going to make that weight, but I'm okay because I'm doing this for the motivation and to have set goals to strive towards. I was late joining the game, and I really only found my stride and motivation this week. My eating is pretty much back on track (no really! We have kitchens in our hotel this week and I've been tracking everything I eat! Yay!) and I've been really good about exercising. So, while I might not be able to drop 6 pounds in a week and a half, but I might get pretty darn close. The bonus is if I make my 10% goal, I will be at 205. That's a great number to see on the scale in March when this thing ends. I really can't wait to see that number on the scale!
Other than this Diet Bet, I've just been adjusting to life back on the road. For this week and next week I'm in Washington DC, and my show is playing at the Kennedy Center. It's gorgeous weather and I'm really enjoying being here. I can't wait to see some of the sites I've never seen before and to just enjoy my time here. After this we head to Boston, another city that I'm REALLY looking forward to. I've only been to Boston one other time in my life and that was for a long weekend.
Alright my friends its time for me to get ready for my day. Have a good one!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Oops I forgot!!
Sorry for no weigh in yesterday! I have been a bit busy with work and preparing to leave NYC to hit the road and I honestly just plain forgot!!
To be honest, I'm okay with forgetting. I'm feeling really gross right now. I just feel puffy and disgusting and I think it's because my diet has been sub-par and my exercise almost non-existent. I'm ready to get back out on the road and back into my routine. I've enjoyed being in NYC but I've allowed myself to cross that line of "relaxing and enjoying myself" over to "giving myself excuses to eat poorly at every turn." I think I needed to finally cross that line so that I could mentally be ready to get back on the bandwagon. I was burned out before and needed to hit the point that I'm at now.
Which brings me to my next point...
I know you're probably all wondering why I'm doing this, but I've decided to do another Diet Bet. This one is different than the others though. The website has set up a beta version (by invite only actually) of a 6 month version. In this 6 month version you are betting that you will lose 10% of your starting weight. You are actually betting every month and you are actually held accountable each month (and have to pay additional money to the pot each month) and still have goals that you need to meet each month in order to continue on with the bet (this way you aren't crash dieting at the last minute.) This first month I need to lose 3% of my body weight, or about 7 pounds. I don't honestly care if I win this bet or not, but I would like to have this bet to keep me accountable and on track so that I don't allow myself to completely let go this next year. Plus, if I win this bet I will be at my goal weight. I would LOVE to be at 200 pounds 6 months from now. I would actually LOVE to see a 1 at the beginning of my weight, but I'm getting ahead of myself there.
We'll see how I do with this one. I may end up hating this bet and getting burned out and quitting. Or, I could end up loving the different structure and killing it on the scale. Only time will tell.
I do know that I will be changing up my workout routine for sure this year. I'm going to only run AT MOST 3 times a week. I want to try and find Zumba classes while out on the road (whenever that's possible at least...) I want to continue using my Jillian Michaels' DVDs. I want to crosstrain and lift weights. I want to start toning up my weaker muscles. I know how to do cardio, but I don't really know how to get fit. It's time to get fit.
Alright, that's the current game plan guys! I'll post my official starting weight for the Diet bet tomorrow. I might even post my official weigh in photos - we'll see how I feel.
I'm ready to start feeling better again.
To be honest, I'm okay with forgetting. I'm feeling really gross right now. I just feel puffy and disgusting and I think it's because my diet has been sub-par and my exercise almost non-existent. I'm ready to get back out on the road and back into my routine. I've enjoyed being in NYC but I've allowed myself to cross that line of "relaxing and enjoying myself" over to "giving myself excuses to eat poorly at every turn." I think I needed to finally cross that line so that I could mentally be ready to get back on the bandwagon. I was burned out before and needed to hit the point that I'm at now.
Which brings me to my next point...
I know you're probably all wondering why I'm doing this, but I've decided to do another Diet Bet. This one is different than the others though. The website has set up a beta version (by invite only actually) of a 6 month version. In this 6 month version you are betting that you will lose 10% of your starting weight. You are actually betting every month and you are actually held accountable each month (and have to pay additional money to the pot each month) and still have goals that you need to meet each month in order to continue on with the bet (this way you aren't crash dieting at the last minute.) This first month I need to lose 3% of my body weight, or about 7 pounds. I don't honestly care if I win this bet or not, but I would like to have this bet to keep me accountable and on track so that I don't allow myself to completely let go this next year. Plus, if I win this bet I will be at my goal weight. I would LOVE to be at 200 pounds 6 months from now. I would actually LOVE to see a 1 at the beginning of my weight, but I'm getting ahead of myself there.
We'll see how I do with this one. I may end up hating this bet and getting burned out and quitting. Or, I could end up loving the different structure and killing it on the scale. Only time will tell.
I do know that I will be changing up my workout routine for sure this year. I'm going to only run AT MOST 3 times a week. I want to try and find Zumba classes while out on the road (whenever that's possible at least...) I want to continue using my Jillian Michaels' DVDs. I want to crosstrain and lift weights. I want to start toning up my weaker muscles. I know how to do cardio, but I don't really know how to get fit. It's time to get fit.
Alright, that's the current game plan guys! I'll post my official starting weight for the Diet bet tomorrow. I might even post my official weigh in photos - we'll see how I feel.
I'm ready to start feeling better again.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Three Year Fativersary (and Weigh in!)
Starting Weight 9/4/10: 310.0
Current Weight 9/4/13: 223.3
Total Weight Lost in Three Years: 86.7 (gained 1.5 since last week)
Total Weight Left to Lose for Goal (200): 23.3
Well here it is folks! Today is the third anniversary of having an epiphany and deciding to take control of my life. I really can't believe that it's already been three years! Time really has flown by!
I look back at my old self and I don't even recognize her. I never even could have imagined what my life would be like now. I know I say this every year, but I'm really proud of myself for having recognized that I wasn't happy and changing my ENTIRE LIFE. I really think that almost nothing is the same as it was then. (Well, except maybe my shoe size...) I have completely transformed into a different person and I have to say that I'm quite fond of this new Maia.
Maia circa 2013 is a strong, healthy and (most importantly) happy person. I struggled a bit this last year, not with the health and weight loss portion of this journey but with the happiness aspect. I found myself getting angry and frustrated all the time and I started to not like myself. So what did I do? Basically the same thing that I did before! I told myself that I was going to change it, and I did! I feel like I'm looking at things in a brighter light. I find myself smiling more. I find myself laughing more and honestly, I'm just enjoying life more!
I'm hoping to take this new perspective back out on the road with me when I leave NYC for tour once again. (I depart September 17th! I can't believe it's right around the corner!) I still have this last bit of weight that I want to lose and I'm determined to lose it, but I also want to enjoy myself a bit more this next year. I was so gung ho this last year that I actually very rarely went out and enjoyed myself in the various cities we visited. I'm going to allow myself a few more indulgences this year and not let them stress me out like they did last year. Last year, if I had a popcorn at the movies I was beating myself up for days! That's no way to live life... We'll see how it goes!
I can't wait for this next year of this journey. I'm sure that so much will change and I'm ready for the new adventures that life will bring my way.
Life is good.
I'm happy.
And that's awesome.
Current Weight 9/4/13: 223.3
Total Weight Lost in Three Years: 86.7 (gained 1.5 since last week)
Total Weight Left to Lose for Goal (200): 23.3
Well here it is folks! Today is the third anniversary of having an epiphany and deciding to take control of my life. I really can't believe that it's already been three years! Time really has flown by!
I look back at my old self and I don't even recognize her. I never even could have imagined what my life would be like now. I know I say this every year, but I'm really proud of myself for having recognized that I wasn't happy and changing my ENTIRE LIFE. I really think that almost nothing is the same as it was then. (Well, except maybe my shoe size...) I have completely transformed into a different person and I have to say that I'm quite fond of this new Maia.
Maia circa 2013 is a strong, healthy and (most importantly) happy person. I struggled a bit this last year, not with the health and weight loss portion of this journey but with the happiness aspect. I found myself getting angry and frustrated all the time and I started to not like myself. So what did I do? Basically the same thing that I did before! I told myself that I was going to change it, and I did! I feel like I'm looking at things in a brighter light. I find myself smiling more. I find myself laughing more and honestly, I'm just enjoying life more!
I'm hoping to take this new perspective back out on the road with me when I leave NYC for tour once again. (I depart September 17th! I can't believe it's right around the corner!) I still have this last bit of weight that I want to lose and I'm determined to lose it, but I also want to enjoy myself a bit more this next year. I was so gung ho this last year that I actually very rarely went out and enjoyed myself in the various cities we visited. I'm going to allow myself a few more indulgences this year and not let them stress me out like they did last year. Last year, if I had a popcorn at the movies I was beating myself up for days! That's no way to live life... We'll see how it goes!
I can't wait for this next year of this journey. I'm sure that so much will change and I'm ready for the new adventures that life will bring my way.
Life is good.
I'm happy.
And that's awesome.
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| Sharing my happiness with Mr. Darcy |
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