The Eve of Shopping

I am going shopping at the mall tomorrow. I don't typically like to do that. However, it is a necessary evil at this point. I have got to get a few more decent things to wear on my trip for New Years. I am not to stylish so I am counting on two of my chic sisters and my mother who is becoming more trendy these days. Here is my list:

- skinny jeans
- panty hoes
- Victoria's Secret Angels Secret Embrace Demi bra in beige
- black sweater or two

The exciting part about this is that all of these things will have to be in sizes I haven't worn in years. So as much as I hate to shop I will enjoy getting some family girl time and being thin while getting some family girl time. I really think they can help me pull it together. I'll let you know how it goes.

Rejoice!

Merry Christmas. What a wonderful day! Things are crazy here so I have been neglecting my blog. My husband is home, the holidays are here, family in town, etc. My workouts are going well. My eating is going well. I did go off program one day to have Mexican w/ my hubby.... but its all good. I am not writing anything down just as my counselor advised. It is difficult. I have stopped myself from logging and counting calories several times. But I think I am definitely less stressed b/c I am not logging. I can honestly say I have enjoyed the holidays w/o overindulging. And that feels great! (Now I just have to make it through New Years!)

I am weighing in early this week. My appointment is on Friday instead of Saturday b/c I am going out of town. I am nervous about losing that extra day but I'll have to get over it. I have been feeling really good the past few days. My hamstrings are sore but that's life. I am going to go drink some flavored water now and go to bed. Peace on Earth!

Merry Christmas from The Napier Family!

Weighed Down

Well my weigh in didn't go so well today. I am down .2 of a pound. This stinks. I had a long talk w/ my counselor and another counselor. They still think I am possibly not getting enough calories. I hate hearing this b/c it defies logic. They also think that I have put a lot of stress on myself mentally. At first I argued w/ this but after talking w/ them I believe they are right. My diet and calories are controlling me. I wish I would have seen it sooner. This has happened my whole life. I get really OCD about something and before I know it I am not in control anymore. Anyway, this may sound silly but it is just how my mind works and always has. Here is my latest example: Jenny Craig is designed w/ a menu of food for you to eat each week. The calories are not listed on the menu. They are pre-counted out for you to equal what your daily intake is supposed to be. I, however, feel I have to write down each calorie before I eat it. So even though I have a menu I keep a little notebook w/ a page for each day and log everything down. At the top of each page is the date and what I weighed at 8:50 am that morning. I write down everything I eat, how many calories it has, and at what time I ate it. At the end of each day I add the total calories up and circle it. Everyday I eat between 1450 and 1500 calories. There are a hundred other examples of how my food is controlling me. They include: what time I eat, how I prepare my meals, in what order I eat my food, who is w/ me when I eat, etc. I could go on. I've been like this before and I am really shocked that I didn't notice these behaviors slipping back in. My counselor thinks this is all putting stress on me w/o me realizing it. So my assignment this week is to not write anything down!! That is so hard for me but I think I can do it. Also, tonight I can have a piece of pizza at Lisa's birthday party in exchange for my dinner. Yay! The counselors are hoping that if I lighten up a little I will lose more easily. I don't know if that will work but I'll try anything at this point. I also need to have about 100 extra calories on days that I run. This all defies logic... but as you can see... I am not always logical! Peace out!

No pizza for me

I have been really MIA this week. Things have been crazy. However, I have not cheated on my diet or skipped my exercise this week. And it has not been easy. But nothing ever is. Tonight I went to a pizza-birthday party and had nothing there. And it was Pizza Hut pizza... which I love. I just ate my Jenny Craig Anytime Bar in the car and drank 34 ounces of water before I went in. Tomorrow is my weigh in and I am nervous as usual. But I've been doing the work so I hope it pays off. I'll be checking in tomorrow evening.... after I finish hosting my own pizza-birthday party for my daughter! I am a glutton for punishment.

A Happy Ending

Tonight was the finale of The Biggest Loser. It was awesome. I really got so much motivation and enjoyment from watching this program this season. I've never watched before but I can honestly say that now I am hooked! The winner is Bill. He started at 334 pounds. He lost a total of 164 pounds and now weighs 170!!! Isn't that amazing? He lost 49.10% of his total body weight. I was just amazed by this. I sat alone on my couch for 2 hours and cheered out loud for each person. They are all so inspiring. And I have watched every single episode so I feel like they are my friends. Below are Bill's before and after pictures. AWESOME!!! The best thing about this show is that everyone loses weight. So everyone is a winner.... or loser. You know what I mean. Congrats to Bill and all the rest!

A Big Birthday!

Today at my all strength class we celebrated Bettyann's 83rd birthday. Yes, you read that correctly. Bettyann is 83 years old. She is the strongest and most in shape person I know over 60. Bettyann takes all strength class 3 times a week. After our class she goes to play tennis w/ a friend. On her "off" days she takes a Pilates class. She is really amazing. Today we were doing wall seats. You know, where you put your back against the wall and scoot down like you are sitting in a chair, then hold it. Bettyann can hold them longer than anyone. And while we were all struggling to stay in the sitting position and complaining about our legs burning she said, "I just don't know why this doesn't hurt my legs." So funny! Happy birthday, Bettyann. May I be as fit as you are at 83, by the time I am 33!

Getting Somewhere

My weigh in today went MUCH better. I am down another 1.2 pounds for a total loss of 46.8 pounds. I feel much better this week. Perhaps my changes to my workout and food made a difference. I feel like a weight has been lifted. I was getting so sad. But when I see results I have hope. That is all I need... a little 1.2 pounds gives me some hope. I feel like I can do this now. My goal for this week is to lose another 1.2 pounds. I think that is reasonable and obtainable. Wish me luck! Ha! If only this was based on luck!

Groceries

I went to Kroger today to get a few things. It was a mad house!!! At first I couldn't figure out why. But then I heard two women talking about the coming "storm" and realized that all these people were here to stock up. The forecast is calling for some snow starting tomorrow afternoon and lasting until Sunday morning. Between 4 and 9 inches. And people around here are going crazy about this. Whole shelves in Kroger were bear. Everyone was rushing around. It was so packed. Anyway- I started cart watching. People really consume a lot of crap. I saw a man w/ a ton of beer in his cart. Another guy w/ 2 kids had several bags of marshmallows. There was a soup lady.... every kind of Campbell's imaginable. What are people doing w/ all this stuff? So much junk.... are they really going to eat it? I started to get cart envy. I couldn't even LOOK at the carts w/ pretzels or any kind of salt product. I really tried hard to make sure I was an obvious non-stocker. I don't let the weather change my grocery list. I had apples, bananas, fat free cottage cheese, lettuce, pickles, yogurt, teddy grahams, cheerios, formula, diet coke, and soy milk. Nothing fun. That is okay. I eat healty food now. You are what you eat. Right? That is what I keep telling myself.

A need for speed! (Part 2)

News Flash: I need to run faster!!! Oh, yeah. I totally forget about that sometimes. Today, in an effort to burn more calories, I really pumped up my speed. I started w/ intervals. But then on my second interval I realized that I could probably go a little faster. So I kept my pace at that speed. The higher interval speed. Hmmmm. So maybe I wasn't going so fast to begin w/. I ran this faster pace for the remainder of my 2.5 mile run.... I had about .75 of a mile left. It felt really good and not nearly as hard as I would have thought. And my leg didn't hurt at all. It seems like I need to pick up the pace a little more.

A need for speed

I feel a little better today. Not so depresso. I just finished a run on my treadmill. I did speed work again, like I did Sunday. I really enjoy doing this. It feels so good. I wear my heart rate monitor so I can see my rate go up and down. Heart rate intervals are key for faster weight loss. I am planning on getting 3 of these runs in this week. The only thing that bothers me is, of course, my right leg. When I speed up there is this little catch behind my knee at the base of my hamstring. Hmmm. When I asked my doctor about it he said my hamstring was "waking up". Well, good morning. He said that it is adjusting to functioning properly. Now that my hips are in the right place and my IT band is not strained my hamstring will be working the way it is supposed to. Anyway, this must all seem so tedious to others but it is all I think about these days. I have to get the rest of this ridiculous weight off!

No Mojo

I'll admit I am not so motivated these days. I took Saturday off exercising. My first day off in weeks.Today I did not go to my all strength class. I did Tae-Bo here at home. I am trying to change things up like my counselor suggested but I don't feel the same. As each weigh in shows little results my motivation just really slows down. I am not sure how many weeks I can go on like this. I need to see fruits of my hard work. My counselor will call me tomorrow to check in and I plan to discuss things w/ her then. Good night.

I am NOT the Biggest Loser!

Well, I was right to be nervous yesterday. I am only down .4 of a pound. I am pretty discouraged. My counselor is saying this looks like it could be a plateau. I have been hovering around the same 3 pounds for a month now. THAT is so upsetting to me. My counselor says I need to switch it up. I tend to agree. I probably need to change my workout routines somehow. My body is used to what I am doing now and needs a change. I don't know exactly how this works but I've heard other people say that their exercise needs to vary to burn maximum calories. So, I've been working out a plan. I think I am ready to do some running intervals again and plan to do them twice this week. That will be great for burning calories. Also, I am going to be doing Tae-Bo a few days as well. I have also switched around some of my snacks. We will see if these changes make a difference. UGH!

Nervous Nelly

I weigh in tomorrow morning. I am so nervous. I have ate exactly 1500 every day. We will see if I am down anything! I am so nervous and sick to my stomach about it. I don't know what else to do. I have worked out 7 days this week as usual. I guess if I don't lose anything I will have to change something about my workout. Maybe I'll add Billy Blanks to the days when I have all strength class..... I just don't know. As you can probably tell this is all I am thinking about. I will post tomorrow how things go. Geesh... I am so tense. I need to chill out and go chew some gum. Peace out.

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

Today has been especially difficult in the food area. Below is a picture of how hungry I feel. I just keep chewing gum and drinking water so I am not constantly eating. Don't worry about me... I am sure I'll make it.

Braving the Weather

I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow. I called the YMCA and my class was not cancelled. I checked the weather and traffic. There were accidents all over the interstate. I thought about it for a while and decided I needed to go. I am a safe and very cautious driver. And I only have to drive 8 miles to get there. So I bundled up the kids and headed out. The roads were yucky, but nothing I couldn't handle. And everyone else seemed to be driving carefully too. Only 3 people showed up for class.... but it was a great class. As always... I am glad I went.

I'm a 10!

I went shopping w/ my Mom today for my Christmas presents. I tried on a lot of clothes.... which I haven't done in a long time. Years probably. But trying on clothes isn't so bad when you look nice in them. I am definitely in a 10 and I am so glad. No, a ten isn't small and it is not where I ultimately want to be. But it is a hell of a lot better than an 18, which is where I started. I like being a 10 much better.

It's All Good

I don't have a ton to report today. I am feeling great. My all strength class is still good. My running is getting better and better. (Code for "my IT band is okay") I got to run outside at my parent's house yesterday. It was so refreshing. My Mom is going to watch the kids tomorrow so I can run outside again. I am really hoping to see some more results this week. I am over my discouragement from Saturday's weigh in. I am feeling so much better. Peace out!

Not so much...

I am my own worst enemy. Really. I know this. My weigh in today was terrible. I only lost .2 of a pound. I know, I know. It is still a loss. But I was hoping for a little more. This is totally my fault too. I thought I was being clever... cutting back calories on my own. Medical science says I need 1500 calories. For some reason I think I know more than medical researchers. Like I'm different than every other person they have ever studied. Ahhhhh! Duh, Sarah. My consultant made it very clear to me. As long as I am at this weight and exercising 5 to 7 days a week I need 1500 calories in order to lose weight. Period. I know this. In fact I have been telling my Dad this myself. Okay- This week I am committed to eating 1500 cals every single day. No funny business.

A toast!

Today is my 2 month anniversary w/ Jenny Craig. I am still in love. My sole source of nutrition for this time has been Jenny cuisine and I am so glad! I've added 20 pounds to my total weight loss just since joining Jenny! So- Here's to double chocolate cake, chicken fajitas, walnut brownies, cheese enchiladas, turkey burgers, and beef chow mein!! May we spend many more happy, non-hungry, months together! (But not too many.)

Won't Take This Sitting Down!

I've slacked on blogging this week. There is only one reason for it, really. I CANNOT SIT DOWN!!! My all strength class on Monday was really tough. The class meets 3 days a week but we have a different teacher for each day b/c the regular instructor is on maternity leave. So on Monday's Cindy is our teacher. Cindy is a friend I've made at the YMCA. She is a super-nice, cool, Christian, mother of 4. Our daughters are in swim together. Anyway- Cindy gives the toughest workout of all the instructors. This is the second week in a row that my legs hurt so bad that I can barely get in and out of a sitting position. And it is Wednesday night! Class was over 48 hours ago!

Over It!!

I ran today. It was super-good. I didn't run yesterday b/c my leg hurt worse than normal. Worse than normal? What the heck does that mean. I've been thinking a lot about my IT band issues and frankly, I am getting pissed. I don't know much about this IT band but I do know this... it is slowing me down. I've got places to go, things to do, and weight to lose. This wimpy band is getting in my way. It started to really hurt on October 23rd. That is over a month ago! I have done everything I've been told to do: stretch, take anti-inflammatory meds, see a chiropractor, stretch, get new shoes, run outside when possible, stretch, take time off from running, strength train, ice, wear a brace, get a medical massage, and of course, stretch. I am stretching as I type this! So now I am getting a little impatient. Having this injury is highly inefficient. I simply don't have time for this. Last night I almost went through the roof when my 3 year-old said to me while I was stretching "Is that your IT band Mom?" Ahhhhh! I seriously need this to stop consuming my life. I think the reason I am most frustrated is b/c it is effecting my weight loss. Running 4 days a week really helps my weight loss go faster. I guess I am still meeting my 4 pound a month goal. But last month I lost like 14 pounds or something ridiculous like that. That is certainly not going to be happening this month. This is just really a mini-vent. I am still losing weight and I was able to run today... so maybe I need to chill out. But I am going to stop typing about my injury now b/c it is making me unproductive again. Writing about my IT band is just another way I am letting it control me!
P.S. I looked up "running injured" and this is one of the pictures I got. So sad.

Thanksgiving doesn't hold me down!

Today's weigh in went much better than last weeks. I am down 2.2 pounds!! Take that! Who knows what the difference between this week and last week is. Maybe it is the added calories of a take-out Mexican meal? Maybe I need to do that weekly..... I am so kidding. I do know that I had to bring my calories down to 1200 on a few days. The computer program at Jenny Craig says that I do not need to go down to 1200 calories until I've lost another 10 pounds. Scientifically, I should still be losing weight at my current weight and eating 1500 calories 7 days a week. But I have a theory that my metabolism is a little messed up from years of overeating, dieting, and diet pills. So I think I may need to go down to 1200 calories a little sooner. I plan on eating only 1200 3 days this week. We shall see what the scale says next week! I am so happy to have made it through Thanksgiving. I feel like I've really accomplished something by still losing weight this week. Peace out!

And it is done!

Okay- It is 11 pm on Thanksgiving evening and I think I've survived. I have avoided my Mother's wonderful cooking- potatoes, stuffing, turkey, pies and all! That was difficult. I ate my teeny Jenny Craig Turkey w/ stuffing and gravy meal and a salad. My plate was microscopic in comparison to the plates of everyone else. That is okay. I allowed myself an extra pickle for good measure. I had to keep telling myself that I cannot eat what everyone else eats... It obviously does not work out well for me. Next up I avoided pizza, bread sticks, and peanut buttercup cookies w/ our closest friends. This was also very difficult. I had my Jenny Craig Pesto Pizza meal and another salad. I tried to eat slow and drink a lot of water. Actually I've drank 2 gallons of water over the course of the day. I chewed a lot of gum too. Oh yeah, I also had another pickle w/ dinner. (It is okay... really. I knew this would be tough. I allotted room for extra pickles today.) Last night I wrote down everything that I would put in my mouth today. I left enough room for a glass of wine.... which I did have at my parent's house. I stuck to my plan exactly. Days total calories= 1500!! Not a bit more! I am emotionally exhausted. I'm going to bed before I eat something.

Bracing Myself

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Here are some facts. Most are mildly disturbing.

-The average person consumes 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.

-Americans feast on 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

-The top five most popular ways to serve leftover Thanksgiving turkey are: Sandwich, Soup or Stew, Casserole, Stir-fry, and Salad.

-One cup of cranberry sauce contains about 400 calories.

-James Madison declared Thanksgiving twice in 1815! (Who could do this twice?)

Geesh! Wish me luck!!

The cupboards are NOT bare!

I am focused now... after my little slip-up yesterday. I am concentrating on my Jenny Craig food and how much I love it! And I have plenty of it to get me through the week. Here are some pics of just how much Jenny food I have. The first one is of my pantry w/ all my dry food. The second one is of my freezer w/ all my frozen food. This looks like a lot of food but it is just a week's worth. Some of the food I am having this week include lemon cake, a s'mores bar, cheese curls, a turkey burger, and chicken tortilla soup! Yummy!!

El Cheato

It was a calculated attack. It was thought out. Planned. I went off my diet. Just for one meal. I didn't have cookies, rice crispy treats, Swedish fish, Starbursts, Skittles, Chocolate Cookie dough ice cream, or a "Blondie" from Applebees. No- I had Mexican. Of course. My 2nd biggest weakness. (After my number one trigger food....pretzels.) I had steak fajitas, beans, rice, and chips and salsa. It was good. But, boy do I feel terrible. The guilt is overpowering. How can something so yummy make you feel so bad? So I've estimated the calories from my "meal-o-shame" and will be taking it out of my daily intake over the rest of the week. I can honestly say it was not worth it. But I guess I had to figure that out for myself.

Going Down.... Barely

My weigh-in today was okay. I lost .4 of a pound this week. Hmmm. It is my lowest weekly weight loss to date and is a little discouraging. I know that I will have low weeks but I still don't like it. I followed Jenny Craig exactly. But I did miss a couple days of running b/c I've been sick. I am not sure why my loss was so small. Hopefully next week I will make up for it.

Under the Weather

This is me. I am not doing well. Sick. Sick. Sick. Didn't make my run today. Didn't do much today. I did feel up to brushing my teeth... that is about it. I also have two sick children to take care of, which has been challenging. I have been toting my sick, whiny, 40 pound, 3-year-old around.... not good. I re-injured my leg doing this. Not good. Anyway, so many bigger things have been going on in the world today.... this is just little, 'ole, sick me. Achoo!

Weighty Issue

My Mom came and watched my sick children today so I could go to my all strength class. (Thanks Mom.) I am trying to decide what size weights to use. I know it is said that heavier weights will bulk you up and lighter weights will tone you. But what is heavy for me? I mean the 5 pound weights seem so heavy during my class... But I carry my 22 pound, bruiser of a son everywhere! I just can't figure it out. Everyone uses 2 sizes- a pair of light weights and a pair of heavy weights. We use the light weights for triceps, shoulders, and chest... and whenever we get tired w/ the heavy weights. We use the heavy weights for legs, back, and biceps. I can't figure out what should be my lights and what should be my heavies! Right now I am using 3 pound lights and 5 pound heavies. I am the only one using these sizes. Everyone else uses 5's and 8's or 8's and 10's. Maybe even more.... it is hard for me to tell always. Geesh, I am so nosy. Anyway, I want to be getting the most out of this class so I am constantly wondering if I should be lifting more. I really have no upper-body strength. The sad thing is all these ladies lifting more than me are a lot older. Like the one closest in age to me is at least 10 years older!! I am such a wimp!

Getting There!

I made it to all strength class today. Barely! Lisa was sick all weekend so I figured I would take her temp. this morning and if she had a fever I wouldn't go. Well, her temp. was just in the low 99's.... but I was sick!! Stuffy nose, sore throat, etc. I wasn't going to go. But then- at 7:15- I was like: "I will probably have a ton of missed classes this winter b/c of sick kids. If I am the only one sick, I am going!!" So, I bundled the kids up, threw a bottle at Baby Jack, threw a bag of Kix at Lisa, and hopped in the car. I made it to the Y by my 8 am class and I am so glad I went. It is not that class was super (it was good) but I am glad I made it b/c I just don't want to start missing classes for minor illnesses. That would not be something good for me to start! (Sorry no pic today... my computer is really messed up.)

Weighing Wonders!

I weighed in at my Jenny Craig center today. And, what do you know, I am down another 2.4 pounds!!!!!!!! I just can't believe it. I was made to do this program! I think I am addicted to it. Seriously, even after I lose all my weight I think I will continue to go to my center and I will for sure keep eating their great food! Speaking of Jenny food-- They added a new menu. Jenny has always had 2 weekly menus. A client just rotates back and forth. Week 1. Week 2. Week 1. Week 2. And so on. But now they have added a third week and I am so excited. They added some new foods and mixed in some of the old ones. The new foods are so cool. I can't wait to try them all. New foods include: broccoli and cheese stuffed potato, turkey and cranberry salad, meatball stuffed sandwich, wedding soup, chicken and tortilla soup, pasta fagioli, gingerbread men cookies, and chicken carbonara. This new menu will bring some variety to my meals... which is super. I tried the chicken carbonara tonight and it was great. I have lost 14.2 pounds in the 6 weeks I've been back w/ Jenny. That is an average of 2.36 pounds a week! YAY!!

A little to the middle....

I went for a medical massage today. It was fabulous! I love how I was able to relax. She worked on my hamstrings and my IT band a lot. Massage therapists are so fascinating to me. This woman was so sweet and soft spoken. She talked a lot about the rhythm of the body and the internal connections of all the organs. Everything is always so light and fluffy when you talk to these natural-types. I do buy into their manner of thinking to some extent. Don't get me wrong... I am not about to move to Boulder or anything.... but they know things about the body that are really interesting. This woman is for sure in the right profession for her. I was so at ease and feel so much better now! I want to go back tomorrow!

Picture This....

This is me a little over halfway to my goal. I was going to post a "before" pic too. However, after looking at them, I am just not that brave at this point. Maybe when I have lost all my weight. For those of you who haven't seen me in a while, I hope I look slightly different to you! I sure feel different.

My Mom also took some pictures of the kids and me. I have very few pictures taken over the last few years b/c of my weight. So there aren't too many captured moments of me w/ Lisa and Baby Jack. I am feeling a little better about being in front of a camera.

Back in the Saddle Again

I just finished my first run in a week and a half. It was exhilarating. I am so glad to be running again. I took it really easy. I plopped the kids in front of Dora and jumped on the treadmill. (Baby Jack started giggling like crazy when Dora came on. I looked at Lisa sitting near him w/ her Dora doll, Dora phone, and Dora shirt and it dawned on me.... I think Baby Jack thinks Dora is his other sister.) Anyway-- I did 2 miles alternating walking and running for quarter miles. My knee and leg did not hurt at all. It was a little stiff in the beginning, but no pain. I stretched for 5 minutes before and am still doing my post-run stretch. BTW- The new shoes are fabulous! Very light. Tomorrow I will be doing a photo update on my blog... At Ria's suggestion. See you then! Peace.

Awesome All Strength Class

My All Strength class was great!! I think I am really going to like it. There are about 10 ladies in it of various fitness levels. We worked so many muscles today. I am already so sore and I know I will be even more tomorrow. But that is good. I don't know all the official muscle names, but in layman's terms, we worked: arms, thighs, calves, abs, back, and bottoms! We used different size hand weights. It was fabulous.

In other news- My doctor says I am cleared to run starting tomorrow! Yay!! I have to go reeeeeeeeeallllllllllllllllly slow. Like a run some/walk some slow. I am excited to start back. I don't know how much longer I could have stayed at 1200 calories!!! I am starving. So I will be moving the calories back up to 1500. Anyway- before my run tomorrow I have to stretch a lot. Got it. Also, I have to stop if I have any knee or hamstring pain. Got it. Can't wait to try my new purple Mizunos! Wish me luck.

The Shoe Fits

I had a great time the past few days hanging out w/ my folks. We went running shoe shopping on Saturday at this great shop in Cincinnati. Bob Roncker's Running Spot is one of the top 50 running stores in the United States. It is such a cool shop and I really liked it. I was fitted for my new shoes by a nice guy named Matt. Matt seemed very surprised that I was running the shoes I have been. I have been running in a stability shoe. When I last shopped for running shoes I was adamant that I wanted support b/c I was worried about my weight hurting my knees and ankles. Well, that is what I was sold. So it may have been my fault. But Matt says I should NOT be in a stability shoe b/c I supinate slightly. (My foot roles outward when I run.) A stability shoe supports your arches so much that it pushes your foot up and out b/c it is made for people whose feet roll in. So these stability shoes that I've been running in, have been making a very small problem worse. And I didn't even know it! I tried on 5 different styles of neutral running shoes. I really tried to make the 2 pair of pink styles the best fit... but they just weren't. That is okay. I ended up w/ the Mizuno Wave Rider 10's and they are purple! They have a lot less cushioning then other shoes and remind me of my racing flats from when I ran track in high school. They are light and airy. I think I will really like them. Now I just have to be released by my doctor to run again.

In other news- A new session starts at the YMCA tomorrow and I start my new workout class. I will be doing a weight lifting and toning class called "All Strength". It is from 8 to 9 am. I am excited about it. I've been talking to a lot of people about my classes (my best friend, my doctor, ladies at the YMCA). The advice I have received has been to take a weight lifting class... especially since I got injured running. Everyone says the stronger I am the less likely it is I will get hurt. I tend to think that is true. However, I will be missing all the cardio I took last session. I am considering taking a Tuesday/Thursday cardio class of some kind. I plan to decide that by the end of this week.

No Need to be Nervous

I was able to maintain.... and then some!!! I am down 1.8 pounds this week!!!! Yay!! I am so happy and surprised. I was really so nervous about it. I've hit a milestone w/ this weigh in. I am at my pre-baby weight. (That being my before Lisa weight.) I was a little over weight when I got pregnant w/ her. But I am so happy to be here. I was also at this weight briefly in 2005 and have not seen it since. It is a small moral victory for me. I am so excited that the pounds are still coming off. I have now lost 40 pounds since the birth of Baby Jack!!! I can't believe it. I have 3o more to go. That is a little daunting to me.... As a wise woman once said: "I don't want to think about that now. I'll think about that tomorrow."

Nervous

I am a little nervous about tomorrow's weigh in. All I want to do is maintain. Just maintain my loss from last week. I don't feel that is a lot to ask. I have stayed on the diet plan all week.... as always. But b/c I have not been doing any cardio I am worried. I will keep you posted. Peace.

Trying to Maintain

Today my therapy and adjustment went well. My doctor has added a new element to the practice. A medical massage therapist! Word. She gave my injury a free 10 minute massage and I think she just does that to get people hooked. She was talking about how I have to get my hamstring and IT band to relax in order to heal completely. I agree. I have a medical massage next Thursday. I am feeling better and walking better today. I was also able to do Pilates so I am doing better. My doctor is not sure that I will be able to run by Saturday.... I am really hopeful. Also- my weight goal for the week is to MAINTAIN my loss from last week. Even though I did lower my caloric intake, I am still concerned that the lack of exercise will confuse my metabolism and stop my weight loss. So I am aiming to not gain anything back. As usual, I cannot wait for my weigh in. Ummmm... I googled "stretching" and got a picture of this kitty. I am doing so much stretching of my muscles these days this is what I feel like.

Ice, Ice Baby

No Pilates happening here today. I had an adjustment and some therapy this morning. You know how when you see a chiropractor sometimes the first week is a little painful? Well, it is usually that way for me. And so now I can barely walk. My doc really wants me to ice so I bought a 2 pound bag of frozen peas and just keep applying them to my knee, leg, hamstring, etc. Right now I am on my 9th ice application for the day. Every time I sit down I grab the peas. I am really cold. Really cold. Will be glad when this is over. Peas out!

Stretching Sarah

As much as I am missing running, I am really enjoying my new Pilates DVD. I have always LOVED Pilates but have not been doing it much lately. Check out this article on the benefits of cross-training w/ stretching and strength techniques. Also here is the picture of the set I bought at Marshall's for $7.99. Nice and cheap! And the work out is 42 minutes long which is so doable. I have to say I am enjoying all the stretching.... so is my IT Band!

My Stats!! Yay!!

My weigh-in today was successful on so many levels. I could not be happier about it. My goal just for this week was to reach my half way point. I exceeded it!! My over all goal is to lose at least 4 pounds a month. I exceeded that as well!! Here is where the chips fell:

- This week I lost 4.4 pounds

- September I lost 10 pounds

- September I lost 10.5 inches

- Total pounds lost since baby= 38.6

- Total inches lost since baby= 31.5

I am so happy to be achieving my goals. I cannot believe that I am more than half way there. This second half of the weight is going to be harder to lose. But that is okay. Jenny makes it bearable and possible. I can't believe that I have lost 10 pounds in the month since I've rejoined the program. It is all so worth it. I never want to break up w/ her again.

The only thing that has got me down is that I can't run. I have cut my calories down to 1200 from 1500 to compensate for the lack of exercise. And I got a new Pilates DVD today b/c all my other ones are on VHS. It is a pretty good stretching and strength workout and I plan to do it all week. I am not too down about running (just a little) b/c I am just so happy w/ my stats this week.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have a Double Chocolate Jenny Craig Cake to go eat. Peace!

On the sidelines

A visit to my chiropractor has confirmed that I do have Iliotibial Band Syndrome. It has been caused by my hips pulling up my right leg and making it shorter than my left. The right leg has to overcompensate then and it causes your IT Band to become inflamed. My doctor has me taking a week off running, spinning, step, Tae Bo, basically anything that could aggravate the injury. I see him three times next week for therapy- electric current and manipulation. A week from today I can start running- slowly. I take it slow for 2 weeks. About 3 weeks from now the injury should be healed and I can run faster and farther. I've actually had a few problems over the years w/ my hips pulling my right leg up and making it shorter. Especially during my pregnancies. But it has never caused this much pain. I am so happy to have the problem identified. I am relieved that it will only take 3 weeks to get back to normal. I plan to do pilates over the next week to keep active. I am feeling okay today.... but I do miss running already.

Putting Along....

I did run today. Very slowly. It was not the greatest but I don't want to lose my mojo. I ran outside and my Mom watched the kiddos. My knee still hurts. Am looking forward to seeing my chiropractor tomorrow.

Down- Not out!!

Last night I hurt my knee during my interval run. I am so upset. It really started aching in May but I assumed it was just b/c I was so overweight. Then I took 8 weeks off from July to September and figured that would take care of the ache. No such luck. It started hurting again a few weeks ago... only when I run. Then- last night it hurt so bad while I was running and is killing this morning. I am limping. I can't believe this. I do not want to stop running. I am so bummed. I didn't go to step aerobics this morning. And I won't be attending it or spin the rest of the week. My POA is: rest, ice, compression, elevation, more stretching, Motrin, slower runs for a few a week or two run outside whenever possible, and a return to my chiropractor. In my research online I've found a few different injuries it could be. I am leaning toward thinking it is ITBS. I found a website that said the number one cause for ITBS is having legs of different lengths. My left leg is longer than my right so I am thinking this is it. If so, my chiropractor can get them back to the same length in a few sessions. I really hope I can get this resolved w/o too much a change to my running schedule. I will not be stopped. I am determined.

Try, Try Again

Baby Jack is feeling better today. He should. He's been sleeping for 2 days. We are going to try to work out again at the YMCA tomorrow. I think he is up to it. Today, while he was briefly awake, he played in the exersaucer while I ran intervals on the treadmill. He was happy the whole time. So- it is back to step aerobics tomorrow. It will be a challenge b/c Lisa has swimming beforehand, so on Wednesdays we are there a little longer than the other days. Wish me luck. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Girl Interrupted

The nursery at the YMCA is great. I bring the kids there 5 days a week for an hour a day. No problems. Lisa gets to play w/ other kids her age. The baby sits in an exersaucer or is held the whole time. Nice set up. Works great. Until last week. On Tuesday I was called to the nursery over the intercom system for the first time. It wasn't a big deal. I was already done my workout. They said Baby Jack was tired. Then, Wednesday I was called on the intercom for the second time. I only had the cool down left and I was concerned about the baby so I didn't mind at all. They ladies said he wasn't right. I went to his pediatrician and he had an ear infection. So, I kept him home from the nursery on Thursday and Friday. Today I was called to the nursery for the third time this session!!! Poor Baby Jack. They just didn't think he was well enough to be there yet. This time I was only 30 minutes into my workout. I was frustrated b/c I really thought he was doing better... or I wouldn't have brought him. So w/ only a half hour of working out done today I still had more calories to burn. And where did I turn... good ole' Billy Blanks. I have his Boot Camp series. It is amazing. You use the "Billy Bands". A-MA-ZING!!! I am exhausted now. My sisters and I really love Billy. We've been following him for years. It was nice to do Tae Bo again. He really cleaned my clock. If Baby Jack is up for it I will be heading back to the YMCA in the morning. If not... see you tomorrow Billy!

With Gratitude

Today, while running a route in my parent's neighborhood, I was overcome w/ emotion. I felt so good. I cannot describe how good I felt. Sure I was tired and maybe even a little sore. But it was nothing compared to the joy I felt at being able to run again. I ran for 45 minutes. Straight. No walking. I know it is not much, but it has been so long since I've been able to do this. And even if I have forced my body to run for 45 minutes in the last 15 years, it was not w/o great amounts of pain. Possibly days of pain. And days of drugs. Tears streamed down my face as I putted around the suburban streets. I didn't have to stop. I could keep going. I really felt like I could have run another hour or two. I was saying a prayer of thanksgiving as I turned into my folk's driveway.

Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with two children. Thank you for my husband, family, and friends who supported me during years of illness. Thank you for speaking to me through all of those people and giving me the courage to take care of myself. Thank you for giving me my life back. It is nice to be me. Amen.

Happy Days are Here Again

Okay- You may disregard my previous posting. I feel better today and am not depresso anymore. My weigh in was better than I had hoped for. I lost 1.6 pounds this week!!! Yay me!! I was super nervous about weighing in. This result makes me feel great. It is like I talked about last week. Effort=results, right? Well, this week that is the case anyway. So I will stay away from Chipotle for one more week. Then, after my next weigh in, I will reevaluate my need to boycott this fine establishment.

Next order of business... I am seriously contemplating not weighing in at home anymore. Every morning I get up and weigh in. Does it cause confusion or is it motivating? I am not sure. Of course the scales are different by about a pound and a half but I account for that when weighing at home. Still I am not sure if this is beneficial. According to Jenny's scale I am down 5.2 pounds for the month. This brings me past my monthly goal of 4 pounds a month. But according to my scale I am all over the place. There is often a 3 to 4 pound difference between days. I change the battery monthly so I know it is not that. And it is not a cheap scale-- it is the expensive Weight Watchers scale. (Shhhh. Don't tell Jenny.) Please tell me what you think. Should I stop weighing myself at home everyday?

And finally, a little shot out to my parents.... who are pretty cool these days. They are willing to help me w/ my long run on Sundays. (See previous post.) Yes! Thank you. When Jack is out of town I always meet them at 9 am Mass and then go out to breakfast. Well, my Mom suggested that instead of going to breakfast we go back to their house and they watch the kiddos while I run. Perfect. I always say- Mother knows best. Thanks Mom and Dad for all your help!!