More on my parents..

OK, so this is too cute. My mom and dad have a 2nd house in the country where they do not have access to a computer. I just got a phone call from my mom asking me to log in all of her food for the day onto fitday.com so she could see where she stands before eating her 6th meal. I'm so darned proud of them!!!

Update on my parents....

Just wanted to give a quick update on my folks. They weighed in yesterday before their free day and seemed to be a little disappointed as they each lost 1 lb. LOL Well, then my mom decided to get the tape measure and just see if it was her imagination that her shirt seemed to fit better. What she found was, she has lost 3.5 inches off both her waist and her hips and 0.5 inches off her thighs in 2 weeks! Purely amazing!! We didn't measure her arms before they started (wish we would have) but now she's measured and written that down. I hope this keeps them going. My dad lost 3 inches off his tummy too!

I have 3 weeks left until the cruise. Yesterday was my LAST free day until I leave. I will do a slight carb load on Thursday night and Friday night before the race on Saturday, but other than that....strictly following plan. I've tried increasing my weights and I hope there will be some popping abs by then end. I'll take some photos at that point. YAY, go me!!!!

Reporting in...

OK, so I haven't updated in a few days. I've done well with eating and working out. Yesterday, I did my 10 mile run to prepare for the 20k (12.4 miles) Race next Saturday. MelissaB is coming up Friday and we'll run together. OK, well so how did the 10 miles go, you ask? Umm, lets just say I don't think I'll be finishing in 2hrs or less unless I get wings and fly...which could happen! I finished in 1:48, which equates to finishing the 20K in 2:14. Thats the same time I finished 2 years ago. Well, as long as it's not worse, I'll take it but I'll try better...I promise. My weight is the same, measurements...same, body fat...same. I've really not accomplished very much in this 4 week mini challenge. One day this week, my weight dipped down to 137.5! YIKES!! Not really what I wanted, but its back up again today. I've pretty much stayed in the 1400 calorie range and pretty darned close to the 40/40/20, as have my parents (who just completed week 2 btw.) Anyway, lots of stuff going on and well, at least I'm maintaining...I think. My abs have completely disappeared for now but I hope to have them popping out by cruise time. Still 3 weeks to go.

Lori, about that guy: nothing new to report regarding him. I saw him in the gym one morning last week and we spoke for a few minutes, but he was working out and I didn't really want to bother him. I've not gone back to the store where he works as I didn't want him to think I was stalking him, which is terrible since I want to look at some running clothing. I'll go later today.

Suz, about the "other" prospects: no one ever called so apparently, there are no prospects. LOL

Totals for The Day

Well, nothing new really to report. I'm feeling overly fat and out of shape these last few weeks. The weight is pretty stable on the scale, I'm eating well (no cheats) and workouts have actually been pretty darned good. I'm sore a bit these last 2 weeks for the first time in some time. So, why are my measurements going up and why have my abs disappeared in a pile of blubber? I don't get it. It's NOT my imagination, so please don't say it is. Instead of getting smaller, it just continues (it being my belly) to get bigger. My waist measurement was up over 1 inch today. I just keep plugging along.

Total: 1445 calories
Fat: 34 g (22%)
Carbs: 131 g (36%)
Protein: 151 g (43%)

Totals for Today

My totals:

Total: 1273 calories
Fat: 20 g (14%)
Carbs: 150 g (44%)
Protein: 131 g (41%)

My mom's totals:

Total: 1333 calories
Fat: 27 g (18%)
Carbs: 142 g (40%)
Protein: 140 g (42%)

Damn, she's doing better than me!!! Nothing new today, except a cute boy at Sports Authority was hitting on me when I was buying me some new weight gloves and a dumbbell rack. I'll follow up on that if something progresses. :o)

Today's Totals and stuff

I forgot to say that I worked out everyday while in GA. I had some really great workouts and got sore a bit. Not sure if it was from me increasing weights, or doing double (one day even triple) workouts...my own, and with my parents. I ate healthy the entire week and thats why I made my free day Saturday while driving back. Still quite tired but had a good LBWO this morning then went back to the gym this afternoon and walked on the treadmill for about 20 minutes then did some more quad stuff. I'm determined to lean out these legs in the 4 weeks I have left for the cruise.

Eating went well today. Here are my totals:

Total: 1434 cals
Fat: 30 g (19%)
Carbs: 155 g (41%)
Protein: 143g (40%)

Oh and just for fun, this was my mom's total today from fitday:
Totals 1235 26g (19%) 134g (41%) 122g (40%)

She said their day without me went smooth and they did well. They tossed the 1 lb dumbbells and bought 8 lb dumbbells. LOL They are changing weights already! Go Mom and Dad!!!!

Home Sweet Home

< OK, well I'm back! I had a great 1 1/2 weeks in GA with my parents. They completed their first full week of BFL and are doing well. My mom lost 4 lbs and my dad lost 8 lbs in the past week. My mom is dreaming about hammer curls and bicep curls. She kept getting them backwards and in her dream, she said to herself, "No, thats not right" and then did it the correct way. I think its a good thing that she's dreaming about it. I checked with her last night and she entered all their food into fitday. I told her to try and keep it as close to 40/40/20 as possible but dont get upset if its not EXACT. So, she says she entered everything in and it was EXACTLY 40/40/20! Go figure!!! She's excited that today is free day but says they will not eat everything in the house. I think they are gonna make it!!!

Sam and Zoey (my cat and my parents dog) got along well. They really wanted to play with each other and Sam would chase behind Zoey. But, Zoey just had the feeling that she needed to protect her face from Sam. She must have been slapped by a cat in the past. But, they didn't fight and weren't jealous of each other.

So, the drive was LONG but I made it. I stopped in Atlanta and met Kate (kajole). It was a short meeting but fun. She's a riot and her pictures on tracker do not show how beautiful she really is!! She looks really good, to me, and she's doing great on her program!! We are gonna rock that cruise. I'm glad she's going to be my cruisemate!!!!

Anyway, I ate like CRAP on the drive home yesterday but it was my free day. I ate something like 3500 calories while driving and 60% of it was carbs (damned twizzlers!!!) Today, I've eaten well so far and plan on going to the gym for a 20 minute HIIT. I'm still pretty tired but think I'll be able to make it.

Everyone please put up their 5 upbeat inspirational cardio songs. I only have 2 weeks left to train for this race and would really like some good songs from you. Thanks Suz for your input already! Hope everyone is well.

Officially Registered

I just officially registered for the "Dam-to-Dam" 20K Roadrace to be held June 3, 2006 at 7 am. I'm pumped to be doing it again for the 3rd time in 4 years. You all know one of my goals for this mini challenge is to finish this run in 2hours or less. Now, my training hasn't been going the greatest, but I think I still have the potential to finish in this time frame. But, I need your help. How can you help me you might ask?? Simple. I would like 5 songs from each of you that keeps you motivated throughout your cardio. These should be, of course, upbeat so that I can keep tempo but doesn't have to be "Speedy Gonzalez" music. As they come on my mp3 player, I will be able to think about each of you and I believe that will motivate me through the 12.4 miles to the finish line. Each one of you has been inspirational for me over the last 4 months and would like to think of you as I run. Sounds sappy doesn't it?? LOL Maybe so, but motivational to me. Please give title and artist.

Update on my parents: just completing day 5 of the program and doing well. Both are very motivated. My dad is sick with an ear infection but is still doing everything as scheduled. Talk about determination. I just hope they can keep it up after I go home. I've shown them fitday.com and my mom knows how to add foods into it. She seems pretty gung-ho to keep going. I speak to them daily when I'm at home, so I will do my best to keep them motivated.

Vacation Update

Well, I don't remember when I posted last, but wanted to do a quick update. The drive to GA was uneventful but LONG!! Sam, the cat did well but didn't like the hotel when I stopped to sleep a few hours. He spent the 3 hours I was there crying so I just got back up and left again.

Hanging out with my parents is always a treat. I was kind of worried about coming here especially with about 5 weeks until the cruise. My parents love to eat and they like not so healthy stuff. So, the first 3 days, we ate not the greatest and then yesterday...

BOTH OF MY PARENTS STARTED BODY FOR LIFE!!! I am amazed. They both did their upper workout (with my guidance) and today they did their cardio. We've eaten eggwhite omlettes and oatmeal, cottage cheese and yogurt, tuna and veggies, chicken, veggies and brown rice. It's been great. They made me take their before pictures (only with the agreement that I *NEVER* post them anywhere and immediately delete them once I download them into their computer. My mom needs this the most. But, she has great determination and once she sets her mind to doing something....she does it. I only hope that the 1 week I have to show them sticks and they will know what to do after I leave on Saturday. I got them the book and have downloaded the exercise sheets for them. I speak to them daily and I hope it will keep them motivated and that they don't get discouraged. They are starting with light weights. I told them that was fine because, of course, the most important thing is to have proper form. After that, *then* they can up them. Their goals are just to lose weight. My mom doesn't want muscles but she wants her belly to go away. So, we will see. I have to say, I'm proud of them just for even starting this in their 60s!!! GO MOM AND DAD!!!

As for me, since yesterday everything has been right on schedule. My totals (as well as my folks) were:

Calories: 1447
Fat: 26
Carbs: 152
Protein: 151

I did THREE UBWOs yesterday. I did my own first thing in the morning followed by my mom's about 3 hours later and then did another with my dad later that evening. Today, cardio was great. I got up and went to the gym and did my 20 minute BFL style cardio followed by another 40 minutes of just straight running for a total of 5.5miles. Not sure how I'm going to fare on my 20K but I'll at least finish at this point.

OK, so thats my update for today. Keep my folks in your mind that they will have the courage, strength and discipline to go the 12 weeks and beyond!!!!

Totals For The Day

Total: 1335 calories
Fat: 16g (11%)
Carbs: 138g (38%)
Protein: 162g (51%)

Just a quick note, as it's late. I didn't really eat that much today for some reason. I wasn't hungry at all and basically, I had to force myself to eat when I did. It was a good day and I ran 4 miles in 37 minutes. I'm off to Georgia tomorrow after work (around 2-3pm) and so I may not post as regularly. I'll do my very best to eat as well as possible and still workout! I'll let you know how it goes!

Remember, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Ummm, totals? What totals? I don't see any totals....

OK, so today was my day to blow it. I ate a good breakfast, and had my bar for my snack. I had a healthy lunch (tuna, sugar snap peas) and had every intention on eating my apple at 2pm for that craving I always get. But, instead....this week just has to be Nurses week. So, all the staff brought food in for the nurses in our clinic. Instead of eating my apple, I went back to the breakroom to get some water and there was a whole tray of chips and salsa sitting there. Mmmmmm, chips! So, I ate a few. Then a few more and a few more turned into a few more. If that wasn't bad enough, later I went back (to eat more I'm sure) and now there were PIES sitting there. MMMmmmmm, pies! So, I also had a piece of French Silk pie! It was a small piece, but none-the-less, not a stellar eating day. I skipped my snack since I ate all of that. I ate a healthy dinner but the damage has been done! I gained like 7 lbs since yesterday! YIKES! I'm not sure what the problem was today. I didn't really have a free meal yesterday like I normally do. I can't blame it on TOM as that was last week. Perhaps I'll blame it on Suz's TOM. Yeah thats it. I ate like crap because Suz2Lose has her period. Yeah. Sounds legit to me!

I did do my LBWO this morning but had to do some errands after I left work, so didn't get home until nearly 7pm. I will get up in the AM to do my run, but it won't be 7 miles. I'm so not doing well with training!!! SOMEONE HELP ME!

I still have lots to get ready for my trip. I have NO clothes to wear and so I'm just gonna look like a bum when I get there. I guess my parents are used to that! LOL Anyway, I'm off to bed early tonight. Hope everyone else's day was better than mine! Just remember,

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

Totals For The Day

Total: 1311 calories
Fat: 26 g (19%)
Carbs: 31 g (39%)
Protein: 30 g (42%)

Almost didn't make my calorie count. Its a little low, but I didn't do anything all day either, so I think its okay. Tomorrow, I *must* run 7 miles!!!

Pretty Much a BORING weekend...

I did absolutely NOTHING this weekend! I didn't go run, I didn't go out anywhere...I just sat at home. I kinda felt a bit under the weather since yesterday, and today had a bout of illness, but I think pretty much I've just been lazy. I did manage to get my food for my trip, plus do 3 loads of laundry--all washed, dried, folded AND put away. So, thats one less thing I have to do.

Eating has been okay. I'm a bit behind in calories today, but by the time I add in dinner and snack, I'm sure it will all come out okay. Haven't heard from Jennifer since she posted on Friday, so not sure how she's done over the weekend. I'm sure she's back to her gung ho self!

I have to laugh at Kate (Kajole.) She is going to be my roomie on the cruise and she is an absolute RIOT. She went and got her tongue REpierced yesterday. She apparently liked it previously but took it out for something and it closed up before she knew it. The funniest reason she got this done again was because she knows she can't eat foods for several, several days! So, she's sipping protein shakes hoping it will kill the carb cravings and eating ice chips like crazy! I called her up just to listen to her and laugh at how she talks. Well, if you think about it, having a steel rod shoved through your tongue is bound to make you talk funny. She and I were chatting on yahoo and I couldn't understand what she was saying. She said something like 3 times and then I said you sound like someone who is deaf and just doesn't know how to pronounce the words right. About that time, she types through that the people and the W&B store thought she was deaf and couldnt understand her. THEN, she goes to the grocery store and spills her cup of ice. She motions to the Pharmacist and says to him that she spilled her ice on the floor. She didn't want anyone to fall. The Pharmacist had absolutely NO clue what she was saying so she told him again "I spilled my ice on the floor." He starts around the counter and shes literally yelling at him to stop, so he won't trip on the ice, but he doesn't understand her. He comes around and.....yup, you guessed it, trips on the ice and does a face plant. Apparently he's okay! He thought she said "I cant open the ice door" as she was standing next to the ice dispensers. LOL I'm sorry, but that is FUNNY!!! I have to think she and I are going to have a blast as roommates on this cruise, as long as she learns to speak again!

Totals For The Day

Total: 1443 calories
Fat: 28g (18%)
Carbs: 174g (40%)
Protein: 147g (42%)

All-in-all, not too bad of a day.

Need Snack Ideas

As you probably have seen, I'm driving to Georgia this up coming week. Its a 16-17 hour drive! YUCK!! Last year, I drove it all at once. This year, I think I'll drive for about 6 hours or so, then stop. I want some healthy snack alternatives. I always am hungry when driving that far. Its boring and theres' nothing to do BUT stick food in your mouth. So, I usually get the Village Hearth lite whole wheat hamburger buns (only 15 carbs for 1 whole one) and I'll put a chicken breast on it. I can eat that as my dinner while driving. But, then I'll need something that I can munch on constantly withouth feeling guilty or damaging my progress. I will bring some fruit and veggies (carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes) and well, I can bring bars, but dont want to eat a TON of those while driving. So, everyone, give me ideas!!!!

Yesterday's eating day went well and today, while I have been super SUPER lazy, I'm actually too far under my calorie count than I should be. I didn't wake up officially until 11!!! I haven't done my 7 mile run (now I'll have to do it tomorrow) and I've just basically sat here all day. I just have no motivation to do much.

My weight was down a little this morning. I had my body fat tested yesterday at the gym with 8 point measurements via calipers. The result was very close to the Navy site: 19.4% I knew it had gone up just a bit since finishing my 12 weeks so I'm really confident that my official 18.5% was accurate. I was pretty nervous to have the calipers done by someone else but overall pleased with the outcome. I asked the trainer girl what I could do to help with my legs, and she just thinks I need to add in an extra leg workout to make each week have 2 leg workouts. So, I will give it a shot. She also thought that maybe I needed to push the intensity a bit more than I have been doing. She's right on that!

Anyway, a whole lot of nothing today. I'll post my food totals later this evening.

Wishing a speedy recovery to my friend, Suz2Lose, who's feeling a bit under the weather. Get well soon Suz!!

Stealing Post from Others Blogs

OK, I'll steal from Suz and Jen and try this myself.

1. I'm 38 going on 12 (I'm a child at heart.)
2. I love Christmas, however living on your own away from any family makes holiday times difficult and sad. I always give more than I receive.
3. I was born in Wuerzburg, Germany and lived there until I was 3. Then moved to Augusta, Georgia where I stayed until I was 26....then moved to the SW burbs of Chicago, until I moved to Iowa in 1999.
4. My parents have been married for 42.5 years. They had 3 children: 1 boy and 2 girls. We weren't rich or even considered 'middle class' but I never remember going hungry or doing without. We were lucky and I have lots of fond memories growing up.
5. My brother was diagnosed with kidney cancer at age 28 and died 18 months later. My sister was diagnosed with melanoma at age 28, thankfully caught early enough and is fine as of this date. I am fortunate that I passed age 28 with no problems.
6. The only bone I have ever broken was my nose. I was 4. After going to the hospital, I told my mom I wanted to grow up to be an xray tech.
7. My first job was at Burger King. After graduating high school, I became an xray tech. I am now a Physician Assistant.
8. I have always had a weight issue. I remember pictures of me at 12 having large thighs. My highest weight was 199. My lowest adult weight was 136.
9. I want to learn to play the guitar and I'd like to do a tandem jump.
10. I have never been married, have no children and own a cat named Sam (who thinks he is a dog!)
11. My first true love was a guy named Douglas Hardin.
12. Every man I have ever dated seriously has been involved, somehow, with the military. I like tall men. I've only dated one guy with dark hair.
13. I am an optimist. I'm very open and honest, love to laugh, and love to make people feel good about themselves. I like to be in the mix with a group of people, but don't like being the center of attention. I love to give to others. However, am sometimes naive and too trustworthy. I try to see the good in everyone.
14. I collect angels. Not sure really how it started, and it's only a small collection.
15. I LOVE coffee, tea and wines. I was 13 when I got drunk for the first time. I do not drink often and I don't drink alone. I have never taken any illicit drugs.
16. I was in the band throughout high school. I played trumpet and was the Head Drum Major my senior year.
17. I've completed 2 full marathons, 2 half marathons, 2 20Ks, 3 10Ks and numerous 5Ks. I have exercise-induced asthma.
18. I don't claim any political party, but tend to lean towards the Democratic Party. I hate discussing politics in general.
19. I like any type of music EXCEPT rap. I grew up with country music, but like the music of the 70s/80s (hair band ballads.)
20. My goal in life is to be a good practitioner, help people whenever I can, hopefully get married and have kids.
21. I would like to be comfortable financially, but not rich.
22. The perfect night would be a candle-lit dinner on a beach with my soul mate with soft music playing in the background.
23. I do not have a best friend or even a lot of close friends.
24. I have been to Germany 13 times but never been further west than Nebraska.
25. My biggest fear is dying alone.

OK, so I'm looking at all of this thinking "damn, you are boring!!"

Mini Challenge Day 4

Ok, I did not cheat, I did not cheat, I did not cheat! YAY! I had a good day today. I didnt start out well, as I didn't wake up in time to go do my run before work, but I went after work and felt great. I ran 4.5miles in 45 minutes, so for me...not too shabby. Slowly building my miles up, getting ready for the 20K. Now, 45 minutes is too slow in order to finish the 20K in 2 hours or less, but I felt really good. I did the whole run BFL style HIIT with the last minute of the run being 9.0mph. I could have gone longer, which is really crazy! I normally get really short of breath. I didn't have the right device in which to take my inhaler before I ran, so I pulled the pill apart and sucked the powder right out of the shell. LOL I didn't think it was going to work, but apparently it did!! It sucks to try to run distances when you have asthma! But, I manage fairly well.

Anyway, here are my totals for the day. Not too bad, I think.

Total: 1441 calories
Fat: 27 g (18%)
Carbs: 143 g (37%)
Protein: 157 g (45%)

Bring on tomorrow!!!

Major Public Annoucement:

This is an extremely important public announcement:

I WILL NOT CHEAT!!! I WILL NOT CHEAT!!! I WILL NOT CHEAT!!! I WILL NOT CHEAT!!!

I return you to your regularly scheduled program, to begin later tonight. Thank you.

Mini Challenge Day 3?

OK, so Day 3. Things going well. I was actually down to 139 this morning. I did a great LBWO at 515 AM and have eaten well today, minus the 5 mini dove promises (yikes: 13 g of fat!!) After a busy day at work and then to the in-patient psych unit to see 6 patients, I headed back to the gym to do my 3 mile run. Took me 31 minutes, so a bit slow.

I'm not sure why I came up with the time of 2 hours for the 20K run. Thats really fast and for a slow runner (me) kind of intimidating. None-the-less, I said it OUTLOUD and so I will attempt to do my very best. This Saturday, I'll run 7 miles. I can't believe I only have 4 more long runs to train for this. I've really not done very well in my training, but since I've added the goal to this Mini Challenge, I *must* *Must* *MUST* try harder to get this done!! The sucky thing is, my friend that I normally run this with, isn't even going to be here. She's going to Australia...like that is so much more important than running the annual run! How dare she???!!! LOL

Anyway, here are my totals for the day:

Total: 1600 calories
Fat: 37 grams (22%)
Carbs: 162 grams (36%)
Protein: 166 (43%)

A new day...

Nothing really new to report today, although it has been a good day. I had 1 slip with a hershey's chocolate kiss (a rather large one) at about 2pm. I checked my blood sugar when I was having this horrid craving and it was, again, about 75. This was just 1 1/2 hours after eating lunch. I think, maybe, I'm not eating enough for lunch and I might need to up my portion size just for that meal. Maybe that will take care of things. Everyday, at exactly 2pm I start feeling this way. I'm posting my totals from yesterday and today. As you can see, the kiss certainly bumped my total fat grams up, but not in an overwhelming way. Maybe I need to add more fat in my diet. What do you guys think? I'm usually about 15-20g per day, but other people seem to think I should be eating more. How do *you* get your fats in?

Today May 2, 2006
Total: 1557 calories
Fat: 38 grams (22%)
Carbs: 165 grams (39%)
Protein: 147 grams (38%)

Yesterday May 1, 2006
Total: 1244 calories
Fat: 20 grams (15%)
Carbs: 131 (39%)
Protein: 137 (46%)

The Mini Challenge

OK, so I've had 4 days of really good eating. Now, its time to kick it up into high gear. I've got about 7 weeks to kick some serious bootay before going on the cruise. I am pretty sure I can kick it up a few notches and get some serious results before June 19th. I'm really PUMPED about it and ready to see some new changes...somewhere!!

The drawback: I'm driving to Georgia next week for 10 days to spend Mother's Day with my parents. You may wonder why is this a problem?? Well, my mom is like one of the best cooks EVER!! PLUS, she's 100% German so everything she makes is fattening. It's going to be a tough 10 days.

The positive side: When I entered the challenge and filled out my transformation essay, I read it to my mom. She stopped me mid-way through reading it and said "where can I get this book? Do you think *I* could do this?? I'm not sure I could to the weights but I certainly could eat that way. Bring me a book home!" I was SHOCKED that she asked. So, it seems like she's motivated enough to do this. So, I'm buying her the book and hopefully, after I get there, we will be on our way to healthier lives. One can only hope.

So, I'll write down my goals for this challenge:
1) Eat properly --No Cheating!
2) No missed workouts-push a bit harder
3) Maintain my weight and try to drop to about 18%
4) Attempt to finish this 20K in 2 hours or less (the fastest I've ever done a 20K -- 2:14:20) I'm not holding my breath!!!

I'll need all of your support, tips and guidance. All I know is, *I feel great!*