Thursday, December 16, 2010

Did a wii workout plus cardio while watching a Christmas Movie.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Eric Recker's driveway/back
Distance: 2.2 miles
Total time: 35:38
Pace: 16:11 min per mile
1st Split - Deadend - 11:33
2nd Split - Railroad sign -  17:45
3rd Split - Deadend - 23:26
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 137
Cals burned: 553
I got out on the road just after Claire got on the bus. It was very cold out today.  I need to find a face mask if I'm going to run when it's 18 degrees out.  The temp wasn't the issue so much as the light wind. 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2.06 miles
Total time: 33:07
In zone: 27
Pace: 16:04 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:27
2nd Split - Mike's driveway
3rd Split - 21:43
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 139
Cals burned: 514
First snowfall today.  It was terrific.

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2.06 miles
Total time: 32:24
In zone: 28:48
Pace: 15:43 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:22
2nd Split - Mike's driveway: 16:25
3rd Split - 21:13
Ave. HR:  124
Max HR: 137
Cals burned: 508
I got out on the road at about 8:50:00 this morning. I got out there late because Claire got applesauce on her shirt, I tried to clean it, couldn't get it dry, ended up running her to school.  She cried, but I think she'll be okay.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Good grief, I really need to keep on top of this blog better.  I know I haven't gone since November 4 without running.  For now I will not be using the dead-end route because of deer hunting season.  I will be sticking to the main road.  I could hear shots all around me this morning.  My time was a little slow, but it has been a week since I last went out. 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Eric Recker's driveway/back
Distance: 2.2 miles
Total time: 34:50
Pace: 15:45 min per mile
1st Split - Deadend - 11:34
2nd Split - Railroad sign -  17:31
3rd Split - Deadend - 23:17
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 139
Cals burned: 540
I got out on the road just after Claire got on the bus. I really need to update this blog more often.  My time has improved since I last ran this route.  I am having to do more jogging to keep the beeper on my HRM from going off.  It was beautiful out this morning!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I got out on the road right after Clay's bus left.  Clare kept Grandpa company while I went for my walk (I was walking fast enough to keep the heart rate up without having to run.)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2.06 miles
Total time: 32:24
In zone: 28:48
Pace: 15:43 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:08
2nd Split - Mike's driveway
3rd Split - 21:13
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 134
Cals burned: 503
I got out on the road at about 7:00 this morning.  It was still dark so I took my flashlight again.  Saw Clay's bus twice.  :) 
Just can't seem to improve on my time, but I am going to keep plugging away.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Eric Recker's driveway/back
Distance: 2.2 miles
Total time: 36:17
Pace: 16:29 min per mile
1st Split - Deadend - 11:52
2nd Split - Railroad sign -  17:48
3rd Split - Deadend - 24:09
Ave. HR:  ?
Max HR: ?
Cals burned:?
Got out on the road at 8:15 after getting Claire on the bus.  I have so much to do, I almost skipped it, but I'm glad I didn't.  I love the Daily Mile website.  I can now track my routes with a satellite image.  It is very cool because I can't afford a GPS watch.  I went out yesterday too, but never got here to log it.

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2.06 miles
Total time: 33:03
Pace: 16:02 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:09
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 136
Cals burned: 505
I left this morning right after Clay got on the bus.  It was about 8:10.  I didn't quite catch the bus at the corner.  It was dark out so I took my flashlight.  I love these early mornings before the sun is up.  I could see lights in the houses on the road as people were getting ready for work.  I could hear the radio from Mike's barn as he did the morning milking.  Another reminder of why I love living in the country!!  I don't know why my time was slower this morning.  I ran on Sunday but forgot to post.  My chest hurts when my heartrate gets above 125.  

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2.06 miles
Total time: 32;32
Pace: 15:47 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:17
2nd Split: Moeggenberg's path: 16:13
3rd Split - Brian Recker's: 21:20
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 136
Cals burned: 505
I got out on the road at 8:08 this morning.  I went by myself - Claire wanted the morning off.  I have found a way to map my route on Daily Mile, which is very cool.  I now know that if I go to the driveway before Mike Moeggenberg's house, I have gone 2.06 miles.  I am coughing a lot and have been doing that since last winter.  When I go to the dr next, I will have that checked out.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I never got here yesterday to post yesterday's run.  It was the same as today's.  Claire and I did two miles - 1 mile to the west and then 1 mile back.  This morning we were fast enough to catch Clay's bus as it came back around the mile.  I don't time my runs with Claire because we often stop to look at things along the way.

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33.12
Pace: 16:36 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:25
2nd Split: Moeggenberg's path: 16:39
3rd Split - Brian Recker's: 21:43
Ave. HR:  124
Max HR: 135
Cals burned: 524
I got out on the road at 8:08 this morning.  Claire didn't have her running shoes with her so we didn't get the extra walk this morning.  It was absolutely gorgeous out this morning.  As I headed west I was once again reminded of why I love living in the country.

Daily Stats:
Route: Moeggenberg Path/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33.35
Pace: 16:47 min per mile
1st Split - Brian Recker's: 11:29
2nd Split: Moeggenberg's path: 16:43
Ave. HR:  123
Max HR: 136
Cals burned: 521
This was in addition to the 1 1/2 miles that Claire and I did this morning while waiting for her bus.  It is so beautiful out.  I just love Fall!!  I headed west this morning and did a 1/2 mile loop on Leaton road down to Mike Moeggenberg's and back.  His silage smells all appley and fallish!  :)  I jogged more than I ran this morning.  That's a good thing.  I have to jog more and more just to keep my heart rate in the zone.  That is progress.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/RRloop/back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 32:38
Pace: 16:09 min per mile
1st Split - Deadend - 11:41
2nd Split - Railroad sign -  16:21
3rd Split - Deadend - 20:54
Ave. HR:  124
Max HR: 136
Cals burned: 515
Got out on the road at 7:24  The bare cornfields were covered with frost.  It was very chilly, but very invigorating.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Peak's/Leaton Rd/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33.09
Pace: 16:34 min per mile
1st Split - Peak's: 9:34 
2nd Split:  21:15
Ave. HR:  122
Max HR: 137
Cals burned: 505
Claire did the first 1/2 mile with me.  Didn't think I was going to get out today because when I woke up, it was pouring out.  Now it's bright and sunny.  I guess it really is true: "Rain before 7:00, sun by 11:00."  I didn't do the deadend today, I went west instead.  I think I am doing better because I have to move more to keep my beeper from going off. 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/RRLoop/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 35
Pace: 17:30 min per mile
No splits today
Ave. HR:  119
Max HR: 127
Cals burned: 506

Today Claire and I tested out her new running shoes.  We went about 1/2 mile before she decided that we needed to walk the rest of the way.  I stopped my watch back at our house and then restarted it when she got on the bus.  I think my time was probably a little better than what is showing. 

My 1 1/2 miles was great.  The crops are all out of the fields up by the deadend.  I saw lots of deer tracks, and now that the corn is of the field on the south side of the road, I might actually see some.  The air is smelly due to the feedlot down the road. 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/RRLoop/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 32:58
Pace: 16:29 min per mile
1st Split: 11:59
2nd Split:  16:36
3rd Split: 21:19
4th Split: 32:58
Ave. HR:  124
Max HR: 141
Cals burned: 520
I got out on the road about 7:15 after watching Clay get on the bus.  It was nice out - cool and the sun was still low in the sky.  My time was a little slower this morning than my last run.  My lungs seem to hurt, and have been since last winter when I was sick for so long.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/RRLoop/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 32:42
Pace: 16:21 min per mile
1st Split: 11:39
2nd Split:  16:15
3rd Split: 20:58
4th Split: 32:32
Cals burned: 481
I got out on the road about 8:15 after getting Claire on the bus.  There was a light rain.  I like running in light rain.  I did better on my time this morning - spent more time jogging than yesterday.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/RRLoop/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33:52
Pace: 16:56 min per mile
1st Split: 12:23
2nd Split:  17:04
3rd Split: 21:50
4th Split: 33:52
Cals burned: ?
Got out on the road at 9:24 this morning.  It's a beautiful day out, just right for processing some mental stuff on the route!  My time was a little better because I was by myself.  I love living in the country on mornings like this.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Brown's driveway/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 37:38
Pace: 18:48 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 129
Max. Hr: 144
Cals burned: 643
 Got out on the road at 1:50.  On the way to the deadend I passed Clay and Claire's house and they were all ready to head up to the dead end.  Clay told me all of the great things about his first day to his classroom. Claire fell halfway and had a tiny melt down but recovered quickly.  It wasn't hard to keep my heartrate in the zone because on the way back we were walking against the wind.  

Friday, September 10, 2010

It's been a while since I've posted.  I have been so stubborn about trying to maintain running in the morning.  Well, you know what.  It ain't gonna happen.  I like morning because there are fewer cars, fewer people, and once it's done I don't have to think about it any more.  I have finally faced reality.  Either I want to get back to running or I don't.  Today I had to be at work early so I just finished my walk/jog.  On my route I stopped to pick up my granddaughter - the one who did the Maple Syrup race with me.  I got in 2 miles.  Speed suffered, but my heartrate was up enough of the time to make it a worthwhile workout.  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, I will need to get out in the afternoon, but on Wed, Thurs, and Sunday, I can go in the morning - whoo hoo!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hey all, I have fallen off the edge of the planet.  My schedule has been very chaotic lately.  Next week, when school starts, I will be able to plan better.  Also, hopefully, it will not be so hot/humid.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Loop/Back
Distance: 2.1 miles
Total time: 32:
Pace: 15:23 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 129
Max. Hr: 144
Cals burned: 552
Got out on the road about 7:40 pm. No knee problems at all tonight.  It felt great to get out.  The last time it was only 10 minutes and I don't think I even posted it. I jogged much more of the route.  As my weight goes down I plan to work toward running the whole 2.1 miles.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend/Loop/Back+a slight grandkid detour
Distance: 2.1 miles
Total time: 34:53
Pace: 16:36 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 140
Cals burned: 559
Got out on the road about 7:00 pm.  I have moved my workouts to late afternoon.  It's then or never.  :)  Now that I'm used to it, it's okay.  Plus it frees up my mornings.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

My new friend Loretta posted this video on her blog today. It speaks for itself.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

We did it.  We did it. We did it, Hurray!

We did the 5k.  I'm not even sure what it was for.  I think it was for cancer or some other worthy cause.  Our route was along the rail trail.  I didn't run much of it because my feet were tired.  I'm used to running first thing in the morning and this race began at 9:00 pm.  It was quite interesting to see bats dive bombing  us every 10 seconds or so.  I brought up the rear,  and I was 10 second behind my Highland Festival time.  Melisa, of course, was the winner of the 3 of us.  Anna moves at a pretty good pace for someone who doesn't train much.  She was about 1/4 mile ahead of me the whole way.  I was the last 5k person in, but I don't care.  When you know you're last, you can relax and enjoy the route.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Their is a 5k tomorrow that I will be participating in.  I have not been at all consistent with working out.  I am hoping to get back into the swing of things once this heat and humidity takes a hike.  Hopefully I can get a picture of the three of us.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

I have seriously been slacking off on my workouts.  I think my "perfectionist" mentality has been sabotaging me.  I had it in my head that if I didn't get my workout in first thing in the morning, I might as well forget it.  I was viewing it as something to get out of the way - not something to enjoy.  Why bother doing something if you don't enjoy it?  I mean I know why I need to do it, but I can enjoy the process too, can't I?  So tonight I went for a 2 mile walk.  It felt great!!!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Well, it's been a while. I just have not been motivated to do anything. I think a lot of it had to do with the heat and humidity, but my right knee has been protesting what it's been asked to carry. I made myself get on the treadmill today. It wasn't a spectacular workout, but I got some reading done and burned a few calories.

I have to confess that I have been keeping another blog.  I have some issues to work out and blogging helps me do that, but at the same time, I don't want it open to comments or misinterpretation by some of my regular readers.  Some day I may share it, but for now it is private.  That's why I haven't been here as regularly.

One of the reasons I opted for the treadmill today - despite how gorgeous it is outside - is because I am reading a book by Chantel Hobbs called The One Day Weigh.  It's very inspirational because she is completely honest about herself  - moreso than I could ever be on a public blog.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 23:48
Pace: 15:52 min per mile
In zone: 17:56
Ave. Hr.: 122
Max. Hr: 132
Cals burned: 363
************************
Got out on the road at 9:25. What a difference a week makes. The wildflowers on my route have grown so much taller. It's absolutely gorgeous. the scale has been moving steadily downward. It's gratifying to see. My right knee still feels a bit funny - not painful, just stiff, but like I have to watch how I walk on it. When I jogged, I didn't feel anything at all.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 25:56
Pace: 17:17 min per mile
In zone: 17:50
Ave. Hr.: 121
Max. Hr: 130
Cals burned: 389
Temp: 75
Warm and humid
Wow! My time really suffered today. Guess a little inconsistency is not great for improving time. I just could not stay in my zone this morning. I am now sneezing.
I went in for my post endoscopy consult. The good news is, no stomach ulcer, no colitis. The hiatal hernia doesn't sound like much fun, nor is adding another med (omeprazole), but I'm grateful that's all it was.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 22.29
Pace: 14:59 min per mile
In zone: 19:20
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 140
Cals burned: 361
Temp: 75
Warm and humid
Great run this morning. Today is official weigh-in day. Back in a few.

Okay, I'm down .4 from last week. Not stellar, but not bad. Melisa ran a race yesterday and did a 9 minute mile. Cheryl did her first race in under a 12 minute mile. I am inspired to get my rear in gear.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I'm headed out the door in a few minutes after having my usual argument with myself.  It's always worse after a few days off.  It's humid out and the air is heavy with the smells of the feedlot to our South.  But I know I will feel terrific when I get back, so off I go.

Daily stats
Route: Deadend/railroad loop/back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 30:49
Pace: 15:45 min per mile
In zone: 25 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 126
Max. Hr: 141
Cals burned: 502
73 degrees
Got out the door at 9:20.  Thankfully, the wind had shifted by the time I got outside. All I could smell was the hay bales up on the deadend and the smell of fabric softener from Recker's house.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I feel sick today.  Remember that endoscopy I had?  One of the indications said hiatal hernia.  Harold did not mention a hiatal hernia, but he may not have understood the doctor who has quite a thick accent.  That would sure explain the nausea and other fun things that have been happening.  I meant to get up this morning to go out for a run, but I turned off my old phone (which I used for an alarm) when I let Madison play with it and didn't wake up early enough.  Guess what food is a "no-no" with a hiatal hernia.  Chocolate.  Guess I'll be losing some weight now. 

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 23:40
Pace: 15:46 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 136
Cals burned: 379
Temp: 75
Warm and humid
Got out on the road at a little before 9:00. I had thought we would be on our way home from Ohio, but we got back last night. I took my flip video along this morning.

Here is the turn-around at the deadend.  Gosh, I sound very out of breath!

 This is the last leg of the route - my favorite.  :)

Here are the stones I picked up for today.  I cheated and picked up 2, but that's okay because one morning I was running late and didn't pick up any.

Here's a clip showing my "stone victory" garden. I would post more, but the bandwidth is again slow. The beeping you hear is my heartrate monitor telling me to get moving.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Can't wait to get back out on the road tomorrow.  I had an endoscopy yesterday.  Of course they didn't find anything.  What I think I need is an ultra sound. We're headed to Ohio today for a family reunion so tomorrow I resume my run/walk schedule.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

It's a little after 9:00 and it's already 80 degrees.  I better get movin' because it's not going to get any cooler.  :(
*************
Wow!  It is humid out there.  But I did it and I'm proud of myself.  If I get moving right away on a hot day, I find I am much better off.  If I start out slow, I'm lethargic all day long.

Daily stats
Route: Fencepost east of Mike's/back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 32:14
Pace: 16:07 min per mile
In zone: 25 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 128
Max. Hr: 145
Cals burned: 549
 I got out on the road at 9:35.  I should have been up before 7:00, but oh well, I got my run in.  I haven't taken this route in a long time.  I am hoping to work up to my Summerton route by fall.  That's 4 miles.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

I am very proud of myself for not succumbing to a binge last night.  Things have taken a very strange turn and I am feeling very insecure right now.

Daily stats
Route: Deadend/railroad loop/back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 31:42
Pace: 15:42 min per mile
In zone: 29 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 127
Max. Hr: 143
Cals burned: 521

I needed this run.  I know that God is with me, no matter what.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Daily stats
Route: Deadend/Brown's driveway/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33:03
Pace: 16:31 min per mile
In zone: 20 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned: 530

I got out on the road little before 9:00.  I fertilized my little garden this morning.  Added a bunch of new stones.  (Harold had the loading tractor out in the yard and it was a goldmine of rocks and stones).  I need to take a new picture of my garden.  It is the prettiest I've ever had.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Daily stats
Route: Deadend/loop/back
Distance: 2.25 miles
Total time: 35:22
Pace: 15:43 min per mile
In zone: 20 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 138
Cals burned: 500

I got out on the road a little after 8:00. I need to check the distance on my route. The stones continue to accumulate in my little garden! :) Today is a new month. I am going to concentrate on diet for a while. One thing I have learned. Late night eating leads to urgency at the end of a run; if you know what I mean.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 23:19
Pace: 15:32 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 138
Cals burned: 374
Temp: 60
Cool and Sunny

Got out a little after 7:00. It was crisp and cool out - great weather for a run.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 24
Pace: 16:01 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 123
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned: 373
Temp: 70
Humid


Got out on the road at 7:00.  My time wasn't as good today, and I'm thinking it's due to the humidity.  I saw lots of deer tracks, but the corn is so high on the east side of the path that I couldn't see them if they were there.  I added more stones to my garden.  I also bought a couple of plants yesterday.  I am slowly adding perennials to my little space.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

I had serious plans of getting up and going out this morning, but as the thought crossed my mind that I should get out of bed, I heard a thunderclap.  I came to some decisions the other day about my continual battle with food.  I mentioned that I've been reading a blog entitled Escape From Obesity.  In it, the author is very candid.  Much more candid and honest than a coward like me could be, but it's that candidness that keeps drawing me back to read about her journey. She has lost 80 pounds and is such an inspiration.  When she started she could barely walk because the excess weight was killing her knees. She writes about life inside the fat suit, as it were.  If you are looking for motivation, her blog would be a very good place to start.

Friday, June 25, 2010

It is 10:03 and I am sitting here arguing with myself as to whether I am going to go out for my run. Why, oh why, do I have these arguments with myself. I know I will be glad once I'm out there. Why do I have to keep talking myself into doing something I know I love and is good for me. Why?
*************************************
Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 23:13
Pace: 15:28 min per mile
Ave. Hr.: 125
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned: 326
Temp: 64
Sunny

I finally got my rear out the door at around 10:30
As predicted, once I was out there I was good to go. I am slowly heading back to a 15 minute mile. That's my first goal.

Food has been terrible this week. I have been fighting this battle with food for as long as I can remember. I tend to be a loner - I always have. I did have groups of friends, but never felt I really fit in. I'm still that way today. Other than hanging out with family, I am content to be a homebody. I do love our family get togethers, I love having the grandkids over, but the rest of the time I am content with being by myself. It's what I know. It's what I'm used to. But when I need to talk to someone, then my loner personality tends to suffer. So where do I turn? The same place I turned when I was a kid - when my parents were fighting, or when my mother got sick, or when kids teased me about my dark skin, or later when I was was chided about being fat. It's where I turn because it's always there. But then so is Satan. Accessibility is not necessarily a selling point - just makes it easier to get my fix.

Lately I've been reading a blog by a woman who has lost 80 pounds. It's inspiring to me because I can go back through her posts and see how she handled things when she was where I am now. Her blog is Escape From Obesity and it is excellent. Not only is she winning her battle over this enemy, but she is a wonderful writer.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Daily Stats:
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 23
In zone: ? minutes
Ave. Hr.: 122
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned:
Temp:
I got out on the road at about 6:30 this morning. It was humid out this morning, but still a good run. When I was done with my run, I apparently didn't hit the stop button so I'm not sure these stats are accurate. If they are I am almost at a 15 minute mile.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Daily stats
Route: Deadend/Browns Driveway/Rockpile
Distance: 2 miles
Total time: 33:17
In zone: 20 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 122
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned: 568

Food is in its place today and that's all I'm going to say about that. This morning's run was great. I still have trouble with endurance, but I think my time is improving.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Daily stats:
Route: Deadend/1/2 mile loop/back
Distance: 1.7 miles
Total time: 30:10
In zone: 18 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 121
Max. Hr: 136
Cals burned: 452

Got out on the road a little after 9:00 this morning. I stopped at Melisa's because the kids were going to walk the rest of the way with me, but she needed to drop some things off so they rode and I walked. Today felt sooooo good. It was perfect - an occasional drop here and there, a nice breeze, not too warm, and very little sun.

I collected some more smaller stones for my garden. Claire helped me water the flowers while I did my cool down.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

It's kind of a gloomy day out today - threatening to rain, so I opted for the treadmill. It's harder to keep my heartrate up on the treadmill and I'm not sure why. It seems like I'm working harder and I'm actually not. I much prefer outside; plus I don't get my reward of stones for the garden.

I discovered a new site yesterday thanks to a visit from Melanie. It's really cool. I like the training widget. You also have the option of posting your workout on Facebook. I did that, and then thought about taking it off of there, but then figure - oh what the heck, no one really cares anyway and it might inspire someone. I know I'm inspired when I see people who don't look like athletes posting on Facebook.

Food was a little shakey yesterday. I need to reign it in a bit.

My left foot started aching yesterday. It ached this morning and kept me from giving my all on the treadmill. I don't know if I pulled a muscle or what.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Route: Deadend/Browns Driveway/Rockpile
Distance: 1.7 miles
Total time: 31:14
In zone: 23 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 122
Max. Hr: 132
Cals burned: 476
Temp: 65

Got out on the road at 7:50. It was a nice jog. I noticed that I am running longer and resting less between beeps on my HRM. That's a good thing. Having parameters that basically involve one meal at a time makes it a lot easier to get back on track. Food was in its place yesterday and the scale rewarded me. But as I said, the scale is just a tool. My motivation now comes from how I feel when I am sane around food.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Food was not in its place yesterday. Not sure why I had a slip up but it is what it is and that was yesterday. Food is in its place today - the slip up makes it harder to stay the course, but I'm doing it. I didn't get out this morning - no hot shower water. Harold will be back tonight to fix it.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Food is still in its place - thanks be to God.
I got out on the road at about 9:10 this morning.
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time: 25:26
In zone: 15 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 120
Max. Hr: 132
Cals burned: 375
Temp: 63
It's cooler out this morning, but it is still humid. The soys up by the deadend are growing taller and soon it will be hard to see any deer. I didn't see any this morning, but I did see a flock of turkey buzzards up by Walter's Woods. They creep me out! My time was pretty good this morning considering that I stopped on the way back to pick up some stones I just had to have for the garden. I found a really big one just past Melisa and Justin's house. See how my garden is filling out?

I have all of the big stones I need for the porch area. I have been collecting smaller stones to fill in the bed.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

It's a warm muggy day and I didn't go out this morning.
I am on day 4 of food being in its place. I have discovered that the joy of keeping food in its place far outweighs the momentary gratification of that compulsive episode. It takes an incredible amount of mental discipline, but I'm thinking that the longer I do it, the easier it will become. At the moment I have clicked into a place where I am fairly comfortable most of the time. I check the scale daily, but only as a barometer of how I am doing with portion sizes. It is no longer a symbol of success or failure because this journey is about so much more than getting to a number on the scale. It is about reclaiming my life.

People who are not compulsive eaters could never understand that, in the same way that people who have never smoked can't possible understand what drives people to cigarettes. When I finally quit smoking for the last time, it was because I finally understood that I simply could not ever have "just one." And I haven't. Not one puff in almost 10 years. I would have to say that it was probably a couple of years before a day would go by when I wouldn't "mourn" the loss. But now I very rarely think about it, and never with the thought that I would ever want to go back. With food, it is a little different. You just can't quit food cold turkey. In OA I learned to define "abstinence" with food in terms of setting parameters. For me those parameters are accountability (logging my intake into my food software), limits (roughly 1600 calories), and time frames (4 meals spaced roughly 3 hours apart). If my food does not meet these qualifications, I am not abstinent.

Although it may sound constricting to have these limits, it's actually a very freeing process. It eliminates the bargaining, the arguing, and the rationalizing.
I am still more preoccupied with food than I would like to be, but not nearly as much as when there were no parameters. If an ANT pops into my head I say "no" and take three deep breaths. Interestingly enough, that was the same modus operandus that I used when I was quitting smoking. Hmmmmmm, only took me 10 years to have that occur to me.

Friday, June 11, 2010

I got out on the road at about 9:15 this morning.
Route: Deadend/Browns Driveway/Rockpile
Distance: 1.7 miles
Total time: 32:35
In zone: 22 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 122
Max. Hr: 134
Cals burned: 498
Temp: 66

I forgot to mention in my last running post that I saw 3 white-tailed deer up on the deadend. I saw their tracks this morning, but no sign of the deer. I did see a bunch of monkeys on the corner. Clayton and Claire were playing on the porch with their cousins Bryan and Sarah. The great thing about grandkids is that they are always excited to see you. Clay and Claire love to come over here. It's so much fun having them around. It's like I get to relive some of the best years of my life.

Back to this morning's route. When I got to the deadend I was greeted by the sight of rolled up hay bales. They smelled wonderful. It's mornings like these when I can pinpoint why I love living in the country.

I am happy to say that I am on day three food of keeping food in its place, one day at a time. Sometimes it's a struggle, but I when I am having a bad moment, I think of the people who have diseases over which they have no control and then I remember to be grateful for what I have.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

I almost hate to post that I think our wireless issues are behind us.  I have been slacking in the workout department, but I hope to make up for it in the next three days.  I have been going back to online OA meetings and food is in it's place - for today.  (focusing on the patch of ground in front of me).  The weather has moderated a bit and that is very nice. 

Monday, June 7, 2010

I got out on the road at about 7:10 this morning.
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time:  25:27
In zone: 7 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 118
Max. Hr: 126
Cals burned: 361
Temp: 45
It was chilly enough this morning that I had to wear a jacket.  I didn't move very fast today.  Just couldn't seem to get my speed up, but I did get out there.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

It's really hard for me to believe I haven't blogged here in a week.  Our internet service has been very unreliable and it seemed that every time I was ready to post something, we were down.  I put the "phone as modem" service back on for the time being.  It's been a very frustrating three months.  Yesterday we were up and running at lightning speed, but it didn't last.  Hopefully it will be fixed some time this year.

I've been out a couple times this week, but we've had a lot of rain.  The treadmill just doesn't seem to lend itself to deep thought, but it keeps the gears oiled, so to speak.

Lately I've found myself having to come to terms with the fact that I am now an "old lady."  When did that happen?  When did exercise change from a "vanity" thing to a "survival" thing?  It sounds so cliche when older people (of which I am now one) say, "it seems like only yesterday."  The fact is cliches have their roots in truth.  That's how they become cliches.

Now that I am pushing 60 (sheesh, I still can't fathom that) I find myself thinking, "who cares?"  Well, my grandkids do.  For some reason they find me cool.  But I can't do this for anyone else.  I have to do it for me, and I have to find a way to convince myself that it is worth the effort.  I didn't get on the treadmill today because I wanted to blog instead.  But that's an excuse.  I have all day to blog.

Once I'm out on the road, all is good, but it's the getting there.  Why is that so hard?  I find that transitions ARE hard for me, whether it's changing bosses, or just coming in the door after a long day.  I don't do well with transitions so I try to speed through them.  But in my dotage I am finding that transitions are often more important than they would appear.  One day we're changing the diapers of our babies and the next day we're changing the diapers of our babies' baby.  It happens in the blink of an eye and we don't see it coming and we don't see it going.  I think the key is to be present in those transitions.  Pay attention to what is going on, because it is there that life takes us in new directions. And if we're not paying attention, we wake up one day and find that we are suddenly 58, not 38, and we have no idea how we got here.  One day at a time we have told ourselves, "tomorrow, tomorrow is the day I take charge of my life. Tomorrow I will start that diet.  Tomorrow I will start exercising."  Sad fact is, the change takes place today - not tomorrow.  If you're waiting for tomorrow to make a change in your life, you will soon find that life has changed you. 

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Daily Stats:
I got out on the road at about 8:15 this morning.
Route: Deadend/Brown's Driveway/Back
Distance: 2 miles
Total time:  34.22 minutes
Pace: 17:11 minutes per mile
In zone: 22 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 121
Max. Hr: 135
Cals burned: 208
Temp: 68

As achy as I felt last night, I felt terrific this morning.  I had planned on taking the morning off because I didn't think I'd feel like getting out there.  I added another rock to my flower bed.  Soon I will be done with the rock border and will begin collecting stones to fill in the rest. The flower garden is my tangible testament to getting out there and putting in my time on the road.  I do a little bit of sprucing up each day.  Gardening is not my thing, but I love the results and in small time chunks (focusing only on the patch of road in front of me) I can reap great rewards.

I am focusing on diet again because, let's face it, you can run until you're blue in the face (literally) but if the food isn't in its place you get nowhere fast.  Again, this is a matter of "focusing only on the patch of road in front of me."  You will be seeing that phrase a lot from now on because it is my new mantra, if you will.

There is a lot to be said for living that way.  When you focus on your own progress, you are more content in life.  You learn to be grateful for what you have - you are more geared toward wanting what you have rather than looking to have everything you want.

I can't remember where I heard the saying, "you can't give away what you don't have."  Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is an investment in being able to be there for others.

My aren't I deep today.

*********Update****************
I just found the official postings for yesterday:

Anna: (5k walk)  45:57
Melisa: (8 mile)    1:20:52 
Mary: (5k walk/run)  48:28

Saturday, May 29, 2010 - Highland Festival 5K

 The race started at 9:15 in front of Dunning Chapel on the Alma College Campus.  I ran as a fundraiser for Youth For Christ, but I wore the Scott Johnston memorial tee shirt.  Hopefully I will get a copy of the Johnston clan picture that I can post here.

Route: West down Superior, East to Fairlane, and up Harvard Avenue
Distance: 3.1 miles
Total time:  48:28 
Pace: 15:57 minutes per mile
Ave. Hr.: 136
Max. Hr: 158
Cals burned: 460 (I am now dividing the number on my monitor by 2 - seems more accurate)

This race is a little different in that the streets are lined with people watching.  My group started at 9:15.  The 8 mile group had green bibs, my group (the walk/run group) had white, and the walkers had yellow. The walkers started 2 minutes later than we did.  Twenty seconds out, I was pretty much left in the dust.  I was the lone white sheeter behind a whole mob of others. Because the route doubled back on itself, I could see people who had passed me 2 minutes earlier meeting me on the way east. Then the yellow bibs started passing me.  Little old men in their 70s passed me. Fathers pushing double strollers passed me. Teenagers chatting breezily and effortlessly passed me.  People ambling along, and not all that fast, passed me (and this was when I was running).

On the last mile, Anna passed me - Anna who was doing her first 5K ever.  She just walked right on by and left me about 1/4 mile behind her up until the finish. (Remember, the girl started 2 minutes after I did.) After I crossed the finish line, I forgot to turn off my watch right away so my time was a little better than what I posted above.  Anna came in at 46 something. It wasn't until I caught up with her that I remembered to hit the time button. We headed for the water table and went back to join Justin, Clayton, and Claire, whom we had seen along the route, and waited for Melisa to finish her run. She did the 8 mile run.  I don't know what her time was because she, like me, forgot to look at the time clock.  Considering where she was a year and a half ago, it is nothing short of amazing.

As I sit here thinking about today's run, many thoughts run through my mind. When a person is out on a country road all by herself, it's easy to imagine herself as streak on the landscape.  5K races bring her back to reality.  Even though I am not a stellar walker, let alone runner, these 5Ks serve a very important function; they get me out the door on ordinary mornings with the promise of "someday." They also force me to take an honest look at myself.  Out on that country road, I am a long, lean running machine; I am reliving the 80s.  But the picture we took at today's race shows me that I am a long way from there.  I may never get there, but I will never give up trying.  That's me.

My time is better than the last 5K I did, but I worked a lot harder, went above my HR zone most of the time, and didn't have a 4 year old "holding me back."  (Actually, it was a bit of a struggle to keep up with the 4-year-old at the last race.) I am taking small bites and making slow but steady progress.  I am further along than I was last week, and next week I will be further along than I am now.

As I did today, I am tuning out the negative voices in my head that tell me how often I have failed, and I am focusing solely on the small patch of ground in front of me. It's all I can do.  It's all any of us can do because we can't run the mile until we've run the quarter mile.  If we never run the quarter mile because it isn't a big lofty goal, then we really never get anywhere.  The mile is made up of a couple thousand steps, and the ones at the end are no more important than the ones at the beginning.

Tonight I am walking like an old lady.  Every joint aches.  It's one thing to run 2 miles on a country road and quite another to do it on cement for 3.2 miles.  But tomorrow, come sunup, I will be out there again - a streak on the landscape - a long lean running machine - if only in my own mind. 

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Friday, May 28, 2010

I got out on the road at about 8:40 this morning. 
Route: Deadend and Back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Total time:  23:37
In zone: 18 minutes
Ave. Hr.: 123
Max. Hr: 137
Cals burned: 365
First split: Deadend:11:49
Second split: Home: 11:44
Temp: 64
It was a nice run this morning, a break from the recent heat and humidity.
Tomorrow is the Highland Festival Run - my 3rd race and a first time here.  I'm running as a fundraiser for Youth for Christ.  I raised $210.  It's strange because I only count $200 in pledges, but there is $210 in the envelope.  Oh well, it's a bonus. I am also running with the Johnston family in memory of Scott Johnston.  It will be a little warmer tomorrow, but not bad.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Got out on the road at about 9:15 this morning.  I went to the deadend and back and it took me 25 minutes.  That's about a mile and a half.  I walked most of the way, but kept my heartrate in the zone.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Last night Anna, Melisa, Clay, Claire, and I went to the St. Louis track for a workout.  It was pretty cool.  The plan was that the kids would have a picnic while Anna, Melisa, and I would do our training route.  On my third lap I looked over and Clay and Claire were running around the track too.  Clay was running barefoot.  Unfortunately he developed a blister which he proclaimed was going to kill him.  Saturday is the big day.  I've lined up my sponsors and have collected the money.  Now I just need to get out on the road this week.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Wow, I shaved some more time off my route!  I did my two miles in 32:48.  Not exactly a qualifier for Boston, but definitely showing progress.  I was able to go out without a jacket this morning.  There was a blackbird about a quarter mile down the road who hovered over my head squawking at me.  Guess I was invading his turf.  He was waiting for me on the return trip also.  I am slowly getting the hang of this HRM.  I now "run between the beeps."  It beeps when I am under or over my target heartrate.  I get into the zone and then walk until it beeps, run until it beeps again, then walk until it beeps etc.  There was a spatter of rain drops, and it's supposed to storm today. 

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I got out on the road at about 8:15 this morning.  Today wasn't a Maddie day so I could get out a little later.  Plus, I got to talk to my favorite youngest daughter before going out.  I was so inspired by last night's Biggest Loser.  I am so proud of all of those people for even finishing a marathon.  For now I am content with 5Ks, but seeing Mike and Ashley finish was so inspirational.  I really have no excuses.  I took some time off of my route this morning - I did it in 33:45.  I am still walking and running alternately, but I think I am doing more running than walking.  As I wrote earlier, I use my heart rate to determine how hard I work.  My heart rate is recovering faster which is good, but also means that I run more to keep it in the zone.  Baby steps.  I'm getting there.

As for the rest of the show, I will be voting for Daris. It had to be humiliating for him to stand up there and admit that he was stress eating.  He took responsibility for the gain and I'm hoping that the humiliation will be something that he feels when he is tempted to eat away stress.  I was really impressed with his running.  He runs like someone who has run for a long time.  If he keeps that up, he may find it easier to stay the course.

Monday, May 17, 2010

I got out on the road at 7:12 this morning.  I did my usual routed - deadend/Brown's driveway/back.
My time this morning was 34.01
I can't believe that last year I was running the whole route.  Oh well, I have to progress from where I am right now.  I saw lots of deer tracks up on the dead end again.  So far I haven't seen any deer - my favorite thing.

I was listening to a show on Saturday about insulin resistance and how diet is the number one treatment for that and a host of other insulin related diseases. I've been testing foods today to see the effect on my blood sugar. I did a pretty good job of picking foods that did not cause an insulin spike.  I am also reading another of Chantel Hobbs' books.  In this book she focuses on celebrating small victories every day.  I have two today.

Victory #1:  I did my route
Victory #2:  I kept my blood sugar below 90

Got out on the road at 7:15 this morning.  I am still having fits trying to figure out this watch.  Yesterday it beeped every time I was out of my heart zone.  Today, nothing!  Grrr.  I did my usual route - Deadend, Brown's driveway, and back.  I saw a lot of deer tracks up by the dead end.  Where are all these deer in November?

Today is the Girls on the Run 5K.  I would have liked to participate, but I have a rehearsal in Saginaw.  I'm reading a new book which I'll tell you about later.  

I got out on the road at 8:20 this morning. I took a different route because I was pretty sure it would be very muddy up by the dead end.  I went the opposite way down to Summerton and back.  I messed up the setting on my new HRM because I am still learning about it.  I probably did 30 minutes.  I'm excited because Anna is also going to do the Highland Festival 5K. 

Just got back from my route this morning.  I'm still getting used to my HRM.  The target heartrate is higher than on my old one and I'm not sure how to re-set it.  The instructions are no help at all.  For now I will keep the target that's there - 124 but it is kicking my butt.  It started to rain in the last 5 minutes.  They are predicting flurries for this weekend.  Grrrrrr.

New Title

Well, I found the book - the Hundred Days Challenge Book, but unless I read something earth shakingly new, I won't be doing a daily update on it.  It's cheap enough used at Amazon. I really don't like to quit, but I found myself less and less eager to post about it every single day.

I can't believe that I haven't checked in for 4 days!  I can't believe that.  The running has continued.  This morning's trek was cut short due to the call of nature.  It was a 24 minute jog.  My new HRM came yesterday and I am trying to get used to it.  Maybe I'll like it more once I figure it out.  My other one was hinking up due to needing a new battery so it was accurate yesterday.  The thing I like about my old HRM is that my heartrate showed no matter what screen I was on - so I could time my workout and still see my heartrate.  In this one I have to keep pushing buttons.

100 Days Challenge

Short check in before I head out the door - time on my route today was 34:30.  I never realized how much I depend on my HRM to keep me going.  I think it needs a battery change.  If that's the problem, I'll ask my daughter if she wants it when my new one gets here.

100 Days Challenge

Hmmm, I don't even know what day we would be on if I could find my book. I have to admit that I haven't been trying all that hard. I have found my groove. If I locate the book, I will continue to post each day's lesson, but for now I am looking at the 5K I will be running at the end of May. I went ahead and ordered a new HRM from Amazon. I have gift certificate credits there so I cashed some in and got a Timex. I used to use the Sigma Sport watches, but they always hinked up on me in less than a year. The one I ordered has some really good reviews.

I was listening to Focus on the Family on the way home from a meeting last night and heard them mention Chantel Hobbs. I went to the website and found some broadcasts. At the moment I am listening to the first one. You can find it here: Chantel Hobbs. 

I don't have time to listen to the whole thing at the moment, but I'm coming back later to listen to it later.

I got up early this morning. Woke up before the alarm. Amazing. I going to post on the other blog and then head out for my walk/jog.
*****************************
I did my 2 miles in 34 minutes this morning.  I am really glad that I ordered an HRM.  According to my current one, my heart rate hovered around 225 for most of the walk.  That sure doesn't sound right.

100 Days Challenge

This is for Deb.  Believe it or not I have never heard of the Hamster Dance or the song.  Such a sheltered life I lead.



***************************
Just got back from my walk/jog. I got out on the road at 8:40. I moved a little faster today. I went to the deadend, back to Brown's driveway, and home. It took me 33 minutes. I always stop and pick up a rock for my garden. I have the first row on the front of the porch almost done. I was hungry the whole way.

This is my training routine for now:
I warm-up while I pray the rosary. That takes about 15 minutes. During that time I get my heart rate into the training zone (121) and try to keep it there. Then I turn on the radio and do 50 steps running at a good pace followed by about 100 steps recovery- generally until my heart rate drops to 116. I rotate that until I get to the rock pile. I find a rock for my garden and finish the workout. Not exactly the training style of a Boston Marathon runner, but it works for me. I am in need of a new monitor. About 10 minutes into the workout, it will jump to over 250 and then drop down to normal which totally screws up my stats. Before my next 5K I am going to get a new one, I think.

100 Day Challenge - still can't find the book

Got up this morning and did my walk/run.  I really need to build up some endurance.  But I have to remember that it isn't going to happen in a week.  Right now my focus is keeping my heartrate in the 120s and watching what I fuel the bod with.  The sugar ban seems to be keeping me on track.  The scale was down again this morning and I am feeling really good.

100 Days Challenge

This afternoon it is my mission to find that book!  Anyway, it's been a very good week for me.  No sugar and a lot of exercise.  I am happy to say that it paid off.  I am down 6 pounds from last week. However, I am feeling the effects of wearing the wrong shoes for the 5K yesterday.  I'd like to do a few more races.  I didn't realize there were so many in our area.  For this year I am going to be content with the one I did yesterday.

I had a huge urge to ditch this 5k because I am so heavy and because I haven't trained much.  But you know what?  No one cares.  Everyone was very encouraging and supportive.  I was hesitant about posting my weight along with the picture, but Deb, from Learning to Just Breathe is my inspiration.   She has transformed herself.  In a recent post she mentions offering praise to a very overweight man who had finished a race.  I think most people wish the best for others.  I am going to remember that when I imagine people snickering at me for daring to enter a race.  I doubt very much that they are thinking negative things.  I know that I silently urge on people I pass on the road who are taking charge of their health and getting out there and doing something about it.

****************************

Okay, I lied.  After having said I wouldn't be doing any more races this year, I signed up for the 5k at the Highland Festival.  This one I'm a little nervous about because although we technically live in Alma, I feel less vulnerable in Shepherd.  But it's too late now.  The deed is done.  LOL!  I think this is what I need to keep me motivated.

100 Days Challenge

It's only a little after 10:00 am and it's already been a fantabulous day.  Claire and I finished the 5K.  I can't wait to post pics.  (My camera is at our craft booth.  I will post them tonight.)  The only downside of the race was that I put on the wrong shoes this morning.  I could feel the difference shortly before the race.  My running shoes are Aasic gels and I really missed that cushion this morning.  But it was great quality time with my granddaughter.  This is what memories are made of.  Back later with pics and updates.  Oh, and I think tomorrow will be a great weigh-in due to my sugar ban this week.

****************************
Okay, I am zapped. Here are a couple of pics and I am heading for dreamland.

Claire and Grandma are closing in on the first mile

Three generations did the 5K today!

100 Days Challenge

I still can't find my book.  Maybe after this weekend, when things slow down, I can get caught up on Challenge information.  In the meantime, I have not been slacking.  I am sugar-free for several days now and today I can feel the energy kicking in. My sugar numbers have stayed around 90 - go me!  I woke up this morning and told myself that I would skip the workout because we have so much to do, but once I was up I really wanted to get outside on this beautiful day!  The scale has been steadily moving down this week.  Today I have Mass with the school kids and then we have the craft show all weekend.  After Mass, I'll come home and pack a lunch for the day.  I'm having a higher carb breakfast this morning to get me through until lunch.  On days like this I have oatmeal with peanut butter.  Oh, don't look like that - it's really good!

Day 60: 100 Days Challenge

We're having internet issues again.  Today was good, but the last couple of days have been very frustrating.
Mondays and Tuesdays are hard days for me to get on and blog due to babies and kids.  I wouldn't have it any other way because I love my little peanuts - and they're growing up fast. I am so blessed to have them so close.  Monday and Tuesday I got up early to get my workout in.  I used to be able to jog the whole way.  I really hope to get there again.  I'll be going out in a little bit.  There's nothing like the country in spring time to inspire a person to get up early.  I cut out sugar yesterday and checked my blood sugar levels.  They never got above 100.  As hard as it is for me to come to terms with, I just can't do sugar or highly refined carbs.  They set me up for an all day food fest and my joints ache in the morning.  Today I got up pain-free.  I wish I could remember this when I am rationalizing that one or two chocolate-chip cookies won't hurt me. (And they probably wouldn't if I stopped there.).

**************
I know I am two days behind on Challenge topics, but I misplaced my book again.  This afternoon Claire and I practiced for Saturday's 5k.  I sure hope I can keep up with her.  I'm not kidding.

I got up this morning and did my walk/jog.  It looks like I'll be doing the Syrup Run with my little Claire bear.  That would be about right.  Except that I'm not sure I can keep up with her. We have to check and see if she needs to be registered. 

Day 59: 100 Days Challenge

We had to be at tax office early this morning so my workout had to wait for afternoon. I wrote yesterday about a solution the problem of an afternoon workout. Today I have pictures.

I'm telling you, Jillian is a peach compared to these slave drivers.  This actually solved a couple of things.  It gives me something to do with the kids, lets me get my workout in, and Harold's resistance bands are getting some use. 

Day 58: 100 Days Challenge - Heart Hunger

Well, I got all but 2 things done from today's list. I didn't get my candles made and I didn't get a chance to do my zone work. I did, however, get a very unique workout. This was a bit of serendipity. To back up a little, Monday and Tuesday are Madison days and she arrives around 8:00. I was good at getting up really early for a while but then I would fall asleep and be tired all day. Clayton and Claire are here for a couple of hours in the afternoon Tuesday-Friday. I had planned to workout after they went home. Melisa needed to work a little later so I decided that I would go outside with the kids and do what I could to get my heart rate going. Little Claire got tired after the first 10 minutes and asked me to pull her in the little read wagon. That kept my heart rate up, but walking with one hand pulling was a bit tiresome. Then Clayton decided he wanted a turn to be pulled. I had a brainstorm. Harold has this really big resistance band that he is no longer using for his back therapy. I hooked it through the wagon handle and was able to pull both kids with the weight equally distributed in front of me. I pulled them up and down the road and they thought it was really cool. I got a better workout than I did last night on the treadmill. Go me!!!

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Today's topic - Heart Hunger
Heart Hunger is a feature of an emptiness inside. I suspect that my first problems with weight came from this kind of eating. Things in my childhood contributed to this. My mom died with I was twelve. My dad died 34 years ago today, 10 days after our wedding. Yes, I suspect that this is the type of emotional eating that causes me the most problems. I was watching Biggest Loser tonight and Jillian was trying to get Victoria to figure out what got her to 358 pounds. Victoria couldn't name it right away, but she eventually came up with the revelation that it was because she didn't deserve to live life any differently - that she wasn't a good enough daughter. That resonated with me. I have always beat myself up for not being a good enough (6 years old - room cleaner)(8 years old - daughter) (12 years old - daughter and big sister) (14 years old - student, musician, stepdaughter, friend). As the years went by the list got longer. Lately the one "not good enough thing" in my life is being a mother. I look back and see how I could have done so much better. But I can't change it. The kids will have their issues with me and they may or may not forgive, or they may or may not forget, but I can't do a single thing to change the past. I need to decide to stop punishing myself. And I think that's what I've been doing. I have to stop doing that because even though I'm not a perfect daughter, mother, sister, friend, musician, wife, etc. I am still me. I wouldn't punish my worst enemy the way I have been punishing me. Sheesh. I think I just had a Jillian break through.

Day 57: Hundred Days Challenge - Head Hunger Insteads

I woke up today feeling like I'd been run over by a truck. My head is stuffed up, my nose is stuffed up, I'm coughing. I decided that I was not going to get through the day without a list of things I wanted to accomplish. Here was my list for today:

Laundry - done, but needs to be folded
Bills - done
Soap - lye water is mixed and oils melted - will make soon
Defrost and brown 4 pounds of hamburg - done
Mix up cookie dough (I either make them or buy them because the guys want them) - done
Decluttering - got rid of a ton of paper
Zone work - this week is the bathroom, but mine is always clean so I did Harold's.
Workout - Done - but my head hurts.
Make Christmas stockings -
Mondays I also have Madison so she helped me with all of this. Really - she made me laugh so I wouldn't get bored. Hahaha

Having structure to my day helps me stay on track with food. When the house is clean there is less chaos and far less stress eating.

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Today's topic - Head Hunger Insteads
You may have noticed that I am losing enthusiasm for this book. Not that it's not a good book, but I'm just not finding anything new here. Hopefully, my blog readers are finding some useful tips. I committed to 100 days so I am doing 100 days. Period.

Basically, as you might expect, we are instructed to make a list of "insteads." My instead is a "27 Fling Boogie" a la Flylady. As I declutter my body, I am also decluttering my house. It will take a lot of "insteads" to make a difference in each case.

I have finished my workout and am tackling the last three things on my list; I have to fold the laundry, finish the soap, and make a Christmas stocking.

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Did the soap - it's in the mold and looks beautiful. The stocking has to wait until tomorrow. I'm pooped.

Day 56: 100 days challenge - Head Hunger

Today was an unscheduled Madison day. I didn't work out. I could have. I was up early enough, but I have discovered that I have sinus problems. I thought it was a cold, but it's not. I felt like crud. Of course, once Madison got here, I felt better. She's a great distraction from stuffy sinuses. Not sure what tomorrow's weigh-in will bring. I am dreading the 5k I signed up for. I guess I'll be walking it. It's only 2 weeks away. I feel like I have not done real well on this 100 day challenge. Some of it is the internet connection problems we've been having, but mostly I have not been as focused as I should be. I have a hard time not having a fixed schedule. I need to learn to be more flexible and that's something I'm not comfortable with. Changes in plans and routines cause me to lose focus - and I also use it as an excuse to slack off.

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Head hunger, according to today's reading, is associated with the emotions of anger, frustration, or resentment. With head hunger we tend to choose "crunchy" foods. The theory is that we smash food in our mouth as a substitute to smash whoever or whatever is the source of our emotion. We are instructed to ask ourselves if eating will change the situation. Of course we know that it won't. What it does is put the bad feelings on hold for a bit.

Day 55: 100 days challenge - Food is the consolation prize

As I mentioned on my other blog, I went to Kohl's and bought some clothes. The tops were 2x's. The pants were "slimming solution" pants. Okay, now there is no way, no matter how "slimming" the pants are that I am going to look that much smaller that anyone would notice. But, they are comfortable. Everything fits. In the past I bought things that were too small promising myself that I would fit into them soon. After all, I don't want to "waste" money buying things that fit me now since I won't be in them that long. Okay, I've been telling myself that for several years now. I have punished myself by not wearing clothes that fit. How dumb is that? In addition to having gained weight, I am wearing clothes that are frumpy and old because I don't want to waste money buying something that fits. As if I'm not worth spending the money on myself until I am at a reasonable weight. Gosh, we beat ourselves up, don't we?

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"Food is the consolation prize."
This is kind of a continuation of yesterday. Food heals all wounds. It really doesn't but at the moment we are stuffing our faces, there is nothing you can say to convince us otherwise. The book suggests that when we are tempted to reach for food when we are hungry, to ask ourselves what it is we really want. Well, gee, what do I want? I've been asking myself that question for years. I can remember a visit to the doctor's office for vaccination shots and my mom promising me a hot fudge sundae afterwards. I'm not blaming my mom for my food problem. Most kids are bribed with food at some time. But I think that because my mom was sick, we didn't do a lot together. Food was a bond and I think I may still use food to bond with people who are not available to me in my life. Food is always there in a way that people are not.

Updates coming soon - I promise.

Day 54: 100 days challenge - Eating to Feel Better

Well, things have finally settled down from Holy Week and the bathroom remodel. I went way off track. This is one of the things I really need to work on. I have a tendency to start stuffing my face when I feel like my world is spinning out of control. I got up this morning and did 23 minutes on the treadmill. I argued with myself for about 20 minutes before actually getting on.

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Today's topic is "Eating to Feel Better."
I think we can all identify with this one. I can remember as a child, when my mom was so sick, how I often ate because I couldn't control anything else. After my mother died, I ate to keep from having to face my grief. I can remember stuffing my face with donuts the day my dad died. I didn't even notice I was doing it until my cousin touched my arm and I became aware of what I was doing. We do it because it works. It temporarily suspends our thinking and keeps us from having to deal with life.

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Sunday, April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday

Happy Easter!!

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I know that my posts have been sporadic this week, but I have not given up the quest.  Holy Week is intensely busy for me as a church musician.  I will try and update later today.

Day 53: 100 Days Challenge - Food is my best friend

I didn't get an extra workout in on Monday.  I had intended to do a video, but the VCR wasn't working.  Yesterday was pretty stressful.  It went very well, but was still stressful. I got up this morning and did a 38 minute workout so I have 63 minutes in so far this week.  I did an interval changeup on the treadmill.  It's a combination of steep inclines, fast walking, light jogging and then a wind down.  It was great!

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Today's topic is "Food is my Best Friend."  Yep, that about sums it up.  Sad, isn't it?  Cigarettes used to be the same way.  The difference is, you can quit cigarettes.  You can't quit food.  I often find myself reaching for food to avoid something - people, work, jobs I don't want to do, facing things I don't want to face - you name it.  This is another case of emotional eating.  It's all about changing patterns. 

Day 52: 100 Days Challenge - Food is an instant fix

Got up this morning and got in 25 minutes outside. I've been using Calorie King instead of Diet Power lately because I like the "good job" aspect and the tracking. I was one of the early subscribers so my cost is about $20.00 a year. Calorie King has you set a goal of so many minutes of exercise per week. I opted for 210 minutes a week. Tomorrow I won't get a workout in because I am going to Saginaw for the Chrism Mass. Talk about emotional eating. Tonight I am sitting on my hands. I am leading a couple of acclamations. When I started in the choir I was about 60 pounds lighter. So, besides being nervous about being up at the microphone, I am also stressed about how I look. But I need to remember, this is not going to be a shocker to anyone. It's not like I was a sylph last year. What I am doing is being as organized as I can about the things I CAN control. I have my music ready to go. I have my other liturgical issues taken care of. I have a to-do list for tonight. I have my dress pressed and ready to go. We wear black and white. I had a very nice suit, but the pants were too tight. Those pants are going to be a short-term "fit into" goal. I am doing a lighter workout tonight with a Leslie Sansone video to make up for missing tomorrow's workout. The bathroom is pretty much finished so that stressor is gone. I have the living room straightened up and dusted. I did a little bit of decluttering - not much, the dusting was more urgent.

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Today's topic is "Food is an instant fix."
The sub-topics are Procrastinate and Escape and Eating to Avoid Life. These are two of the main emotional reasons I eat. I smoked for the same reasons.  A job was too big and I didn't want to get started so I'd light a cigarette and pour a cup of coffee.  I would finish the cigarette, but still had half a cup of coffee, so I'd light another cigarette.  I'd finish the coffee but still have half a cigarette left.  And so on and so on.  I quit smoking and guess what took its place.

Day 51: 100 Days Challenge - What is emotional eating?

I'm strapped for time this morning, but am popping in to report a loss of 2.2 pounds for this week. Ditching the sugar seems to have paid off - and it was fairly painless. I'm off to try out our new shower!!!! Updates later.

Update: Our new shower is fantastic. Our new bathroom is fantastic. I never imagined it would turn out so beautifully!!

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100 Days of Weight Loss - What is emotional eating?
Emotional eating: Eating when you aren't hungry or in need of nutrition. Period! Boredom, stress, depression, joy, enjoyment - all of it is emotional eating. Emotional eating is my biggest problem with food. Actually, it is really my only problem with food (other than blood sugar issues which would probably resolve themselves if I got the weight off.) If I could conquer this I most likely would not have a weight problem.

Day 50: 100 Days Challenge - 10-Minute Solution

I have taken steps this week to lessen the stress level for next week. I got some of my work done early. The bathroom remodel is almost finished, but sometimes those little last minute details are more stressful than the big picture. This morning when the guys were putting in the vanity top, the wall on either side was gouged. I had to remind myself that it was fixable. When they were finished putting in the top, the wall didn't look as bad as I though it would. It will need to be touched up, but that's the beauty of a faux finish - those little imperfections are all part of the design. It's unsettling for me to have the guys working in the house. It's my problem, I know, but it's still a problem. I am trying to keep focused on the time when everything is complete and I can start putting the house back together. I took the vacuum apart this morning to clean it. I feel insecure without my vacuum. It's this kind of minor stress that will drive me to the cookie can. But, if I keep my focus today, I think the news from the scale tomorrow will be very good!

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SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING
Today's lesson is entitled the 10 minute solution. I have actually been employing this little pearl. Except that I use 15 minutes a la Flylady. It is amazing to me what can be accomplished 15 minutes at a time. There are some mornings I just can't seem to roll out of bed. I still do at least 15 minutes (usually 20 because glycogen (carbs) are used up in the first 20 minutes and then fat burning begins)

Ms Spangle suggests making a sign but I already have one that says I can do anything for 15 minutes except whine.

Day 49: 100 Days Challenge - Just Do Something

Got up early this morning to get a workout in. I only had 20 minutes so I did an interval workout on the treadmill. I am coming up on one of the toughest weeks in my year. As a church musician, Holy Week is very stressful - not just because of my musical duties but because there are so many details to keep track of and implement. I am determined to stay focused on my "healthy life-change" skills. They will make me better at my job!! I have 2 sugar free days behind me and the urge to continually eat is gone. Processed carbs make me crave more processed carbs. It is much easier to let them go than to continually fight against that urge to eat just one more chocolate chip cookie. I noticed this last time the even though I was eating, nothing really tasted all that good - at least not good enough for the price I was paying.

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ONE STEP LIGHTS THE FIRE
Today's discussion is about overcoming inertia. This is one of my biggest problems from exercising to major projects. It's kind of like when I was a kid and we went to the lake. That first plunge into the water was very unsettling. That's pretty close to the feeling I get when I need to get started on something. Once I'm into it, it's great, but the initial plunge is very hard for me. Ms. Spangle suggests doing the tiniest piece of the project and repeat that for a few days. This is kind of like the Flylady principle. Set the timer for 15 minutes and then just do something. This past week, when I put up the wall border in our bathroom, I broke it up into segments. It got done. It drives Harold nuts because he will get right into something and keep at it until he's finished. I can't work that way. I need to baby step my way into the whole business.

Day 48: 100 Days Challenge - you gotta want to

Woke up this morning feeling really good after having a sugar free day yesterday. I'm getting ready to head outside.

Biggest Loser last night. Hmmmmmm. Don't know what to say. Lance went home, but it looks like he's doing well there. Say what you want about his wife, she is a very strong support for him. I felt bad for Mike when he went home. Everyone one else had huge crowds and balloons and everything. His family seemed less than enthusiastic. It could be because of the grandmother though.

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This morning's workout was great, but I am walking quite a bit. That's okay. Walking is good. I keep my heartrate in the zone so it's good.

Day 48: Do you remember the old saying "can't died in the cornfield?" Can't usually mean "don't want to." Ms Spangle suggests substituting that every time you are tempted to use the word can't. It's really more accurate, don't you think?

Day 47: 100 Days Challenge - Kick the Can't

I don't know if it's the time of year or what, but lately I have really been down on myself. I think I have been too careless in my food choices. I don't want to face up to the fact that I just can't eat whatever I want. Even with counting points or whatever, there are certain foods I just cannot have. Sugar is poison to me, but for some reason I keep telling myself that if I just contain it within a certain amount of points, I'll be fine. I probably don't need to tell you that I am not able to contain sugar within a certain amount of points. Sugar makes me want more sugar. An example: The other day I was looking for a snack. I picked up a bag of Quaker Mini Chocolate Rice cakes. For anyone else, this would be a great alternative to a candy bar or whatever. But not for me. I ended up eating the whole bag. I might as well have eaten a Snicker's bar. I didn't stop at one serving which would have been okay. I COULDN'T stop at one serving. That ought to tell me something.
That being said, let's look at day 47 from 100 Days of Weight Loss.

It is "Kick the Can't." Okay now this can't is something different than "I can't eat sugar." Of course I CAN. What I should have said was, I feel really crummy when I eat sugar. I have a difficult stopping when I eat sugar. I feel tired when I eat sugar. No, the CAN'T that Ms Spangle is talking about is telling ourselves that we can't exercise, or we can't stick to an eating plan. We are advised to change that thinking to, "it may be hard, but I'll find a way." And then plan a way to succeed.

Earlier today I was hearing that sabotaging voice that said, "You can't give up sugar. You'll cave." Well, that may be true, but I KNOW that I can refrain from eating sugar for today. I've done it before. I don't know what next week will bring, or the next holiday, but for today I CAN do this!!

Day 46: 100 Days Challenge - If not food, then what?

Last night I watched Kirstie Alley's new show. (Between flipping to Fox to find out what was going on with the Health Care bill.) I used to love Kirstie Alley, but I find her vulgar language a huge turnoff. I have controls set to block out the F bomb and other words, but the constant bleeping paired with the fact that you can clearly see by their lips those offending words makes for a very annoying experience. I would love this show if not for that because it is real as far as weight loss. I like Biggest Loser, but, let's face it, most of those people will go back to what they were doing. The changes are too huge and too sudden to last.

Things are starting to come together now. The messiest work in the bathroom is done so I can now start doing some cleaning. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day so I am planning on getting in a workout this afternoon after my little sweetie pie goes home.  I just love this little peanut!

From day 46 of 100 days Challenge: If not food, then what? I can remember when I was a smoker, I asked the same question. If I don't smoke, what do I do? I think only a smoker could understand this. But I remember experiencing this long before I was a smoker. What do I do? It's hard to explain, but it's a restless feeling of needing to do something, but not knowing what. Ms. Spangle suggests making a list of things to do - clean out a junk drawer, file some papers, make a batch of candles, make a grungy lamp - those would be on my list of what to do instead.

100 Days Challenge

Well, in the chaos that is this house, I have managed to misplace my Challenge book. It amazes me that one room remodel can take over an entire house. I have found myself using it as an excuse for my lack of focus lately. I'm not sure which one is affecting the other. The workouts have come to a standstill. Yes, my treadmill is covered with drawers and other stuff from the bathroom, but I have workout tapes and there is always the great outdoors. My routines have gone out the window which has greatly contributed to the all round spinning out of control.

Okay, today's weigh-in. My total loss so far is 4.8. I don't know what the week's loss is because I forgot to weigh in last Sunday. I am very disappointed in my lack of commitment to this challenge, but I have to say, it's typical of my history to start out gung-ho and then fizzle out. But . . . I am not quitting. Good or bad, I will see this challenge through. I am angry - very angry - that I have let my issues with food control my life for so many years. Some how I will find a way to maintain focus when I am surrounded by chaos.

Last night we went out to dinner. We ended up at a different restaurant than we had intended. I got into the "before dinner nachos," (we were at La Senorita), but I did box up half of my order to take home. I am proud that I ignored my inner brat who was nagging me to just give it up for the evening since I was already on a downward spiral. I have learned over the years that it isn't what I do when things are going well that determines my success or failure - it's what I do in times like these when I am discouraged at myself for letting other things take over.

I am not looking forward to running the Syrup race because I can't even run a mile anymore. I will most likely walk it. I WILL NOT bow out of the race. I want to wear the tee shirt I paid for knowing that I'm not a quitter.

Update - 20 minutes later: I have cleaned off the treadmill. No more excuses!!

Day 46 and 47: 100 Days Challenge

Good morning.
Again I am behind on my blogging, but I WILL catch up sometime today. Still struggling, but finding my way out of the muddle. Once the stress of the bathroom and Easter is behind me, I am guessing that things will be a little easier. That persistant inner brat of mine is nagging me to put everything on hold until then, but I'm not listening. Remember my post of a couple days ago about "the right time." It's always the right time. I could put things on hold until after Easter and then be tempted to veer off track until the next stressor is past. There are always stressors in our lives. I can't keep using those as excuses.

Today is going to be one of those intensely stressful days. For today I am going to have to maintain focus hour by hour.

Back later.

Day 45: 100 Days Challenge - Food-important or not?

This last week I have really found myself losing focus. As I have written in previous posts, chaos is the hardest thing for me to deal with. Between the bathroom remodel (which IS a good thing, but chaotic), our on again - off again internet connection, and the approach of Holy Week, I just feel things slipping way out of my control. I would do well to take control in the one area I can, but I am really struggling. I am going to have to do what I do with Flylady stuff. Focus on very small things. Today I am going to focus on today. I know that's what I should be doing all the time, but I get distracted very easily. For today I am going to focus on the things I CAN take charge of and kind of let the other stuff take care of itself. I know that when the bathroom is done, things will be much better. Not only will we have a terrific bathroom, but the other rooms can then be cleared out too.

I didn't workout today, but I am going to try and get something in later. Clay and Claire are coming this afternoon. They love to play outside. I can get some walking in then.

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Today's reading from 100 Days of Weight Loss is about the importance of food in our lives. Do we think about it constantly? Ms Spangle suggests setting aside specific times in the day when food is important.

How often during the day do I think about food? More than I should. I deliberately put off breakfast because I'm afraid once I start eating, I won't be able to stop. Lately I have been saying a short prayer along with grace "Please God, let this be enough." I often feel guilty because I know there are people in the world who won't have enough, so I often buy food for the St. Vincent de Paul cupboard at church. My overeating is not going to feed a hungry person, but perhaps setting aside funds to contribute to help someone else can help heal my issues with food.


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Day 44: Hundred Days Challenge - It's not the right time

I think it's time to start setting a limit on food. Because I am a compulsive eater, it is very hard for me to stay on track without some accountability with regard to amounts. I am going to use the points system to keep accountable - not because I think points have more magic than calories, but because they are easier to keep track of and encourage the eating of more fiber. I have acquired and electronic points calculator that is very cool.

I didn't get a workout in today. The first half of the day I was having a terrible pain in my knee, but it got better as the day went on. I had kids all day, but I still could have gotten a workout in outside playing with them. I am also finding myself stress eating. That needs to be addressed.

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From "100 Days of Weight Loss" is It's Not the right Time. We all know that one, don't we. It's why we always start diets on Monday, and we re-start every Monday all through the year until January 1 when we start all over. My inner brat keeps popping up - especially when I slip - insisting that I just let go and start again tomorrow. This is one of the biggest challenges I face.
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Days 40, 41, 42, 43: 100 Days Challenge

The internet is up and running for now. Today had all the makings of a very bad day. It started at 4:30 when I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. So I thought, if I can't sleep maybe I can catch up on my blogs. But of course the internet was down - again!!!! I was so tired that my head hurt. I was planning to skip the workout since the treadmill room is full of junk because of the bathroom remodel. But then I decided that if this day was going to turn around, I had to turn it around. So I got on the treadmill. Enter Little Miss Madison. The day was getting better already. Her routine is to take a morning nap so I took one with her. I felt so much better after we woke up. The day improved dramatically from then on. By the time my little punkin went home, the internet was up again and I found an order from the website.

Food was challenging today, but I muddled through and am calling the day a success.

Day 40: 100 Days of Weight Loss - Having an Eating Experience. This chapter talks about enjoying the context of food. I would rename this, enjoying food as part of a Social experience. You may notice that I am losing my enthusiasm for this book, but I made a commitment so I will finish.

Day 41: 100 Days of Weight Loss - Motivation is a Choice. This is very good news, because if motivation is a choice, then it is within our control. We are proactive - not victims - not dependent on the mercurial whim of the Motivation Fairy.

Day 42: 100 Days of Weight Loss - Make it Matter. Remember why you're doing this. Write it down!

Day 43: 100 Days of Weight Loss - Choose to, not Have to. Exercise is used as an example. I choose to workout, not, I have to workout. I'll go one even better. I am blessed to be able to work out. Many people would love to be able to get out and do a brisk walk on a beautiful day.