Sunday, January 29, 2012

Weigh In #4

Complete lost track of time last week and forgot to post my weigh in #4 results...

Weekly:  -1.6lbs

Total Lost to date:  -7.8lbs

I really feel like the weight is not coming off as quickly as it has in the past.  However, I keep reminding myself that I don't have as much to lose as I have in the past... and I am already very active, so I my body is used to workouts.  I know that as I continue to increase my mileage, I will continue to see results and it will really help in my weight loss.  However, I am building muscle - which doesn't always help you lose a ton of weight.  I definitely see the "shape" of my legs changing - becoming much more defined and less "jiggly" with all the running I am doing!!

At any rate, I am still please with my results so far, and look forward to week 5 weigh in!


Monday, January 23, 2012

A Weekend Review

Friday night we stayed in, mostly because I had to be up before 7 to head to my training run on Saturday morning.  It was Ryan's birthday Friday... the big 2-9!  So we celebrated with dinner and he opened his presents :)  Then I told him I would make him mini cupcakes or we could go to Dairy Queen... Ryan chose Dairy Queen.  I stuck with a small vanilla cone and it was worth every point! :)

Saturday morning at 7:30, I stepped out in the -1 degree weather for a 4.5 mile training run in Ashwaubenon... and boy was it chilly!  I layered up with my running tights under windpants, 2 pairs of wicking socks, and 4 layers on top - tank top, long sleeve, zip up track jacket & northface fleece.  Topped off with a fleece hat & running gloves.  I am sure I looked pretty silly but I stayed warm... and eventually got really warm.  The most I had to do though was unzip my fleece.  Everything else stayed put!  My final mileage for the day was 4.65 in 51 minutes :)  11:07 pace.

I came home to warm up and relax while Ryan went to work... Colby and I lounged :)
We spent the afternoon playing tetris on the Wii before heading out to dinner @ Chefusion, downtown Green Bay.  We didn't make reservations because someone Ryan works with said we really didn't need them if it wasn't a holiday weekend or home Packer game.  The hostess was slightly rude about "finding us a table" when in front of us was an entirely empty dining room.  They sat us at the smallest table in the corner of the restaurant.  Our waitress was super nice though, and our service was fast.  Ryan got steak & I got Mushroom Risotto.  I enjoyed my meal but Ryan was not overly impressed with his steak.  I tried to sneak a picture of my meal, but it was pretty dark in the restaurant.

We came home after dinner and played two very serious rounds of Skip-Bo.  We are tied 1-1 and have yet to play the tie-breaker game :)
Sunday my dad, step-mom and brother came over to visit & deliver my Christmas present...
My last kitchen cabinet got installed... it's beautiful and I absolutely love it!!!  Hope you had a great weekend!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Week 3 Weigh In

Today was my 3rd weigh in since I have been back on Weight Watchers.  In 16 days, I am happy to report that I have lost 6.2lbs!  It's amazing that this plan seriously works as long as you have the determination to stick to it!!

I only hope that I continue to have success :)

I got bit by another cold on Sunday - but this one was strictly achy ears & sore throat... no cough or runny nose.  My ear and throat pain hasn't gotten better, so I went to Urgent Care this morning... negative for both strep and ear infection.  I just have "what's going around!"  What a waste-o-money!

Because I was not feeling well yesterday, particularly with the pain in my ears - I didn't run, and took a 3 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon instead (huge bummer - because I didn't work Monday and had big plans for a longer run).  I know my body needed the rest... but I am bummed about missing my first run on my training schedule.  Tonight I had volleyball, thus was not able to run either, so my goal is to get my makeup run in tomorrow & then be back on track for Thursday.

Over the weekend I made two yummy dishes
1) Milk Chocolate Chip cookies.  Ryan's parents came to town for the Packers game... so I decided I could make a sweet treat.  I did the smart thing and sent the rest of the cookies to work with Ryan instead of keeping them in the house.  Even though I was bad on Sunday & ate 4, YES 4 cookies... I still managed to lose this week!  WOOT!!

2) For lunch on Sunday while his parents were here, I made Chicken Stir-Fry.  It is my dad's recipe, and I am happy to report that I was actually able to live up to his cooking and got it to turn out the same :)  Only bummer is, I was so busy cooking and baking... I didn't take time out to snap some pictures.  The next time I make it, pictures will happen!

Happy Wednesday...already... tomorrow... heck yes!!  I love being 1/2 way through the week after 1 day of work :)

Monday, January 9, 2012

Run, Run, Run

Today was one week that I was back on Weight Watchers... I have an OCD personality when I am trying to lose weight and I weigh myself daily.  Tomorrow is my official weigh in, and I am hoping to be down 3lbs from last Tuesday :)  Here's to hoping!!

I also started my half marathon training.  The official training calendar started on Jan 5th, but I chose to start on December 31st.  I also set a minimum running goal of 10 miles per week.  Last week I hit my goal - 10 miles exactly:  2 days @ 2.5 miles each (Monday/Thursday) and Saturday I did 5 miles.  I truly believe we are being blessed with this amazing weather.  Never thought I'd be running outside on dry ground in JANUARY!

The route I took Saturday was almost all hills... let's just say my calves and shins were still screaming in pain today :(  Here's one of the steady incline hills.


Here's an action shot running up that steady incline... ugh :(


Lately after I run more than 2-3 miles, I get incredibly nauseous about an hour after I finish running.  It's horrible to the point that I have to sit with my head between my legs because I feel like I will be sick.  The only time I didn't experience this after a longer run, is when I drank a glass of chocolate milk after I ran... it seemed to help coat my stomach.  I think I'll have to start keeping chocolate milk in the house!!

Sunday I finally got out my air popper that I got for Christmas.  It's official... I will NEVER buy microwave popcorn again!! :)  Unless I happen to come across a bag of Pop Secret Homestyle, that I just can't pass up!  Anywhoo... 1 cup of seeds produced two HUGE bowls of popcorn.  Ryan and I enjoyed munching while watching the Falcons/Giants game.  Turns out the Packers will face the Giants next week in Week 2 of the playoffs... eek!   


And finally, I ended Sunday evening by relaxing with my puppy :)  He used to sit in the recliner when he was a puppy all the time.  Then he stopped, I think he felt he was too big.  Well, we rearranged the living room after taking down the Christmas tree... and he decided the chair was his domain once again.  I just had to post this hilarious shot of him sleeping.  And yes, he is eyes closed, snoring SLEEPING!  What a dog.


I kicked off the week making stuffed peppers for dinner & completed a 3 mile run tonight at the Y.  I did 2 miles on the track (my iPod ran out of battery after about 20 minutes and I couldn't stand running without music so I finished the third mile on the treadmill).  Either the NY Resolution gym-goers have already given up or they go earlier, because I haven't seen any increase of people at the Y.  That gives me a big happy face! :) :) :)  P.S.  Happy 2 year anniversary to Ryan & I :)  Here's to hoping for a very happy future for us!!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

My Dad

My dad is an amazing person.  He's one of the coolest guys I know, amazingly helpful  - to everyone he meets, creative, talented, generous, an amazing cook, and rarely ever thinks of himself.  He's always doing for others and expects nothing in return.

He's about to turn the big 5 - 0 in March... and today he made me so excited... he told me he registered for the HALF MARATHON!!!!  He will be 50 when he runs his first ever half marathon... and I know will whip my butt with his time... he has a natural gift to run!

Here is my dad & I after the 2011 Bellin Run... doesn't even look a bit tired after running 6.2 miles :)  I can't wait to take a father/daughter picture following the Cellcom on 5/20/12!


GO DAD!!!