VA-CA-TION is all I ever wanted...

Vacation time is upon me. I've been a bit worried that all this hardwork will be a loss. So, as I prepare my lists of those things I need to pack and prepare for, I am adding, diet and exercise. I don't want to lose all these 4 months of hard-work over a chocolatey melty smore or bags of salted chips. NO! I must plan - prepare. Make decisions before I have to make the decision in a time of weakness (or forgetfulness or neglectfulness or not really caring-ness.)

I know that I can go swimming in the lake (Lake Ontario). I can make time for a few laps back and forth to get in some of my cardio time. I could get my bike ready and take it with me. That would be an opportunity to get some cardio. I could also just bring my running shoes and hit the trails and fields for a good ol' fashioned run. That's how I will prepare. I'll know what I will do before I get there.

Yes, there will be plenty of fishing and sitting around. There will be plenty of sitting in a canoe in the middle, not quite the middle of the Lake (I might get hit by a tour boat or a barge between Canada and America). There will be lots of card games and sitting around the campfire. I need that kind of relaxing. But there shall be plenty of activity: running, biking, swimming, canoeing...Maybe some volleyball and frisbee.

Now the diet. That's going to be interesting. I just have to plan ahead. Keep the low-carb afternoons and evenings. I can eat the big breakfast and keep to sandwich meat and grilled meats and veggies for lunches and dinner. It doesn't have to be difficult, just well-prepared. I will allow for a s'more. Maybe two! (Just not on the same night). I can definitely pass on the chips. That won't be too difficult. I will bring my own chopped veggies: carrots, celery, peppers. I can cut them and put them in little baggies. My own snack baggies.

Alright, I'm dreaming way too early about this. Vacation is not for another 2 weeks. Until then, let's hit the gym and hit it hard!

It's Sunday night.

The lazy days of summer are upon us. I went for a nice walk this evening and had the "urge" for a water ice. So, that's just what I did.

I GOT MY WALK IN! What more do you want?!!!

Tomorrow is the start of a new day - a new week. Back to the gym.

I'll be there after work - maybe I'll see you there.

Saturdays...ahhhh...lazy Saturdays - NOT!!!

I have had a pretty busy day so far.

I put in some guitar practice, 2 loads of laundry, unloaded/loaded the dishwasher, put away a bazillion loads of laundry and matched 105 pairs of socks! I even put in almost 40 minutes on the treadmill!

I even ran part of that time on the treadmill. Interesting thing - I haven't wanted to run in weeks. So, I haven't. But today was different. I just got a new CD by Superchic(k). I don't know exactly what it was, the music or my ambition, but about half way through my walking routine on the t-mill, I just got the urge to press the "4" and then the "5" on the treadmill. I even had the thought (didn't follow through - phew) of pressing "6". It felt so good. I think this is the start of the next round of running for me. I've been wanting to start training for a 5k. Maybe the Moyer 5k on the 9th of July (maybe...).

It felt so good! Can't wait to do it again!

The Results are in!

I have finished. The 14-day challenge is over.

The results are in....

I've lost just over 3 lbs. Woohoo.

It's not much, BUT IT'S SOMETHING! Maybe I'm not a BIG Loser...more like a little loser!

I've been to the gym everyday but Fridays for the past 14 days.

I've met with my trainer twice.

I've gone to the doctor once (blood test results are in next week and a follow-up appointment will be on 7/7).

I'm doing my part. I'm seeing results. I have to keep going.

So what are the REAL results? This 14-day challenge will be extended. I will keep going. I will continue giving this EVERYTHING I have - in fact, I'm willing to donate 50 lbs for FREE!

Anways, I'm going to continue to eat lo-carb (with most of my carbs at breakfast). I will continue to eat protein at every meal. I havent' eaten a single french fry over these 14 days. I will continue to skip out on the fries. Wendy's gourment salads are an everyday staple for me. I will continue to eat those Chicken BLT and Cobb salads - yum! I've even gone days without drinking any diet soda. I haven't yet given those up - maybe, maybe not...

Keep cheering for me. Pray for me. I'm believing I'm being a good steward of the body that God has given me. I want to be as healthy as I can - for HIS purpose.

Alright, let's go for another 14-days. We'll go from there!

Day 12 is finally over!

It's been 12 days since I started the 14-day challenge.

How've I done? Well, I have been in the gym almost everyday at lunchtime. (One day I went for a walk instead of going to the gym). I've been to the trainer twice. I've spent hours on the Weekends doing cardio and strength training. I've eaten a salad for lunch just about everyday. I've eaten chicken and some green vegetable almost every dinner. I've even cut down on the Diet Coke. I've done everything I said I would.

What are the results? I weighed in today at 222.25 lbs. When I started training, the day I weighed in - I hit 226 lbs. When I started the 14-day challenge, I was close to 229 lbs. So, since I started the 14-day challenge, I have lost 6.75 lbs. Ok - so some of that may be water fluctuations.

BUT - I'LL TAKE IT!

Alright, only 2 more days to the challenge. Let's see where it takes me. Who knows - the challenge may become my lifestyle!

Went to the gym today...

i went to the gym.

ran into my trainer just as I was weighing in.

she asked how I was doing.

i spewed my emotional guts at her.

had a great workout.

went back to work feeling a little more energized.

now it's almost time to go home.

yeah.

It's just Tuesday

I couldn't think of a better title. It doesn't matter - it's just plain ol' Tuesday. It's a blah day. If I were out of work for the summer, it would be one of those lazy summer days, lying in a hammock being lazy all day long. I don't own a hammock. But if I were out all summer, I would buy one and hang it in the yard on the tree and lay in it all day.

I got almost 9 hours of sleep last night and I feel like I do when I only sleep a few hours. I don't understand. I feel run down and exhausted. This shouldn't be. I'm eating healthier. I'm going to the gym - EVERY DAY! WHY? Why do I feel like this???

I have to fight my way through this day and make it until lunch-time when I'll hit the gym. Hopefully that will give me the jolt I need for the remainder of the day. Maybe I'll do some of those squat thrusts ---ummmm, maybe not!

Ok - back to the blahness of this Tuesday...

Going to the gym is becoming a habit.

I got a new gym buddy today. Another fellow ASI-er and I are now carpooling. Going to the gym is OK, but it's even more fun with a buddy.

I got to watch another couple of episodes of "I Love Lucy" as I sweat away on the elliptical and the treadmill. I felt like I got in a pretty good work-out. It's so needed!

In case you're wondering, I still haven't gotten anywhere with the weight loss. I'm still fluctuating a few pounds up...a few pounds down. All while eating low-carb and going to the gym everyday.

I took the next step in trying to figure this whole thing out and scheduled a complete set of blood tests with my doctor on Friday. I just thought I'd get the numbers and ensure there's not a medical reason for not losing weight. I know weight loss takes time and hard-work, but at this rate, I'll lose 1-2 lbs a year and it'll take until I'm over 90 to reach my goals!

SO if you think of me, pray for my appointment on Friday morning. It's a complete fasting work-up. I have to drink lots of water. I should be fine - although, I'll be craving that cup of Jo' immediately following!

Hope to see you at the gym.

A Long, Sunday Walk...

Instead of a trip to the gym today, I decided to go for a long walk. I enjoyed the nature, the invigorating energy and the humidity! I started out on the treadmill and had that "this is stupid" idea flash through my head.

"It's nice outside. I shall go for a walk."

I grabbed my Ipod and went for a 45-minute walk. Between the speed I was walking and the heat, I worked up a pretty good sweat. I was glad that I was able to get the fresh air.

You ever just have one of those weeks when you just thought you'd cry if someone looked at you just the right way? That's been my week. The brisk walk and Rita Springer on my Ipod were just what I needed.

So, this wasn't necessarily the inspirational blog you'd come to expect. Sorry about that. It's just the way it is.

I curse "THE CURSE"

It seems to me that the 4 lbs "fluctuation" in my weight earlier this week may just have been a result of that blasted CURSE! Water weight. That's all it was. I work and work and WORK and what do I get, a dang fluctuation due to THE CURSE!

So, it's back to the gym I go.

Not that it would matter. I would still go. It's part of my 14-day challenge, minus yesterday because my schedule did not permit a trip to the gym. (Although, playing mini-golf and swinging at some pitches in the batting cages should count for something). I have a graduation party tonight that threatens my choices to maintain "low-carb". I know I will be watched to see if I take some of that baked ziti or not. I shall speak of it no more!

I am still VERY sore from Thursday's workout. My shoulders and side muscles (pardon the technical terms) are sore even to the touch. Typing on this laptop also brings about a small amount of soreness. But alas, I am determined that these types of set-backs will not hold me back. I think my legs and buttocks are sore too, but I can't feel them from the aching in my sides!

No. I am not a quitter. Anyone who knows me knows that. Even if all seems lost or a waste of time, I will continue because I have committed to doing so. I will be the BIGLOSER that I've set out to be. It just might take me a little more time and some harder workouts!

I am convinced that the perseverance will at some point be rewarded. If not with weight loss - than a trip to Rita's (which by the way, I haven't been to but once since they opened in March). I'm not that easily swayed.

So off I go - again, for another 2 hour weekend session at the gym!

KILL THE TRAINER!!!

(I put the title in just for my trainer)

Alright, my favorite phrase came out while I was at the gym in my training session.

"We're going to have some fun."

Squat thrusts are from that really HOT PLACE reserved for the DEVIL and HIS LEGION of DEMONS!

I haven't done a squat thrust since High School. And there's a reason for that! Today, I did 24 of those awful things. I can only imagine my trainer holding back the laughter as the BIGLOSER was fumbling her way through. Squat down. Place my hands out. Kick one leg and then the other (because I couldn't do both). Jump and bring both legs back up (hahahaha). And stand up. The standing up part was probably the most difficult.

I am EXHAUSTED. That has to be the hardest workout thus far. BAR NONE! I just want to go home and curl on my bed in a fetal position, cover my head with a blanket and not come out until daylight tomorrow. I am definitely going to feel this one (even worse than I am now) tomorrow.

I better have lost at least a pound, no - 5! Those squat thrusts are at least worth 5 - no 50 pounds!

Oh - I can't think anymore. I'm going to go home now.

IT'S WORKING!!!

My challenge is working...at least I think it is.

Today, I hit the gym scale at noon - 224.25, the home scale was 219.4. I'm headed in the right direction! What does that mean? Since Saturday, I have lost exactly 4 lbs. (on both scales)! IT'S WORKING!!!

The low-carb meal plan is still working for me. In fact, I'm eating my grapefruit right now. Yum!

Gotta hit the gym at noon!

So I'll sing my new mantra: "Keep going - it's working!"

Keep going...

So today marks the 4th straight day of hitting the gym for those 45 minutes of cardio workouts. I found this machine in the back of cardio room #2. It's sort of like a gazelle - swing your legs back and forth - machine. After about 2 minutes, I was ready to jump ship, but I thought to myself, this is an opportunity to push myself. And indeed I did. I pushed myself for 20 minutes straight on that thing. Then I jumped over to the treadmill for the remainder. I had surely worked up a sweat.

How do I get through 45 minutes (you may be asking)? I watch the travel channel! It's so cool. I am learning all the quaint places to eat and buy watches in Switzerland. On Saturday, I watched and waited for an entire hour on the strange phenomenon that is known in Roswell, NM. You can't visit Site 51, but the show was cool. Now that kept me peddling for longer minutes than I anticipated.

I found that "I love Lucy" is on during the lunch hour. That may become a favorite too. Or "Fresh Prince" - that's just plain funny stuff.

Ok - so back to work I must go...until next time, "Keep going!"

14 days...

I'm going into a 14-day challenge where I will go to the gym EVERYDAY for 14-days straight. During that time at the gym, I will get in 45-min of cardio by either using the elliptical, treadmill, stairmaster or bike OR a combination of the 3. On some days, I will include a strength-training regimen and everday, I will do some ab work.

I am tired of not seeing any results after 3 months of training and going to the gym.

This is my trial. If I can't lose anything in 14-days, then something is definitely wrong!

I am also going to go on a strict low-carb meal plan. Last night, I grilled a steak and had some green beans. I started my day with a 3 egg-white omelet with low-fat mozzerella cheese and a coffee for breakfast. My goal is to stop and get a chicken salad at Wendy's on the way from the gym at lunchtime. Tonight, a veggie burger and some spinach. If I plan ahead, I should be able to do this.

I am also going to make an appointment with the doctor for some blood tests. I want to rule out any health-related issues.

It's my own personal 14-day challenge. I'm going to attempt to keep a daily record of what I'm doing and how it's going. Today, is day 2.

Maybe, I'll see you at the gym!

You Can't Give Up!

Alright. So, I've just completed my 10th session with the personal trainer. I have not only NOT lost weight, I've gained 2 lbs! During that time, I trained for a half marathon and made a lot of changes in my diet and exercise regimen.

But - I can't give up!

• I signed-up for another 10 weeks with Trainer Sue.
• I am going to make some more changes in the choices I make.
• We're going to hit the gym more - for longer periods of time. I started 45-min cardio sessions - 15 min on the elliptical, 30 mins on the treadmill with each trip to the gym (3 times a week).
• I'm going to cut more carbs from my diet.
• I'm going to drink Diet coke only (blleeeechhh).

I also think I'm going to make a trip to the doctor to ensure there's nothing wrong with me - say like a thyroid issue or something. I just don't understand...

But, I'm healthier. I have been checking my blood pressure pretty regularly at the Wal-Mart. I was at a borderline number at High Normal. I've been averaging lower numbers. Which is probably good since I work a pretty hectic, stressful job.

I took some pictures today when I went to the gym. I am so beautiful in training gear! What's interesting is all the nooks and crannies I hid the camera in to get a picture without anyone noticing. Vuoyerism kept coming to mind! :)

You know you're in trouble when...

...your trainer tells you specifically while do a certain exercise, "Oh, by the way, you're going to feel this one tomorrow" and you're already feeling it then.

...you have to do exercises that involve snapping your hips, locking your knees and keeping your chest out - all while swinging a 24-lb ball with a handle on it - between your legs and up to your shoulders!

...your trainer tells you, "Today, we're going to have fun." ('cause you know I'm not the one who is going to have fun - she is!)

...you eat hummus and sprouts on Ezekiel bread before going to a training session and you're asked to do crunches as fast as you can! (can you say beano?)

...you're allergic to deodorant and use all-natural deodorant that lasts maybe 4 hours and you put it on at 6:00 a.m. and it's now noon and you have to do an intense work-out where you're really close to your trainer the entire time (ok - maybe I'm not the one in trouble - heehee - see #2)

Just a little fun from yesterday's training session. I am a little sore in my shoulders, but other than that - it's not too bad.

Everyday...

Choosing to be fit is an everyday occurance.

I have been constantly thinking about the choices I make on a day-to-day basis.

• Homemade breakfast or stop at WaWa for a breakfast sandwich...
• Regular or diet soda or no soda at all...
• French fries or a salad...
• TV, sleep or go for a walk...
• Work late or go to the gym...
• Potato chips or sugar free chocolate pudding...

I don't always make the right decision, but I am noticing the thought process more and more.

I have been planning my trips to the gym so as not to leave it to chance. I have been planning ahead for my breakfast and lunch - allowing enough time to prepare both of them. I'm even thinking ahead on plans for the next few days and weeks.

Thinking thin is an everyday occurance. It's not a once and done or miracle pill in a bottle. It's a choice I make everyday to make choices - the right choices!

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us...

It's that time of year...

It's HOT! There's no other word, but HOT. There's heat and humidity and sunburns and lots and lots of air conditioning! Thank God for air conditioning.

Saturday was one of those days. I spent a few hours at work and the air was fine until about noon when it shut off. It slowly got more and more thick in that place. So, I decided to go to they gym.

Yep. I went to the gym even though it was 97 degrees outside. I performed multiple feats of aerobic activity: 15 mins on the elliptical, 15 mins of jogging on the treadmill and then 15 mins of riding the bike. Got my 45 minutes of aerobic activity in. Then...oh yes, there's more. I did a few sets of push-ups (my lower arm muscles are now swollen - not just sore, swollen). I did a few sets of reverse push-ups (sort of like a pull-up with your feet on the ground). I did some bicep curls, lower ab crunches. upper ab crunches and some tricep "skull" crushers (I like that one - but fearfully, when your arms are tired, holding weights over your head and lowering them behind your head - I understand the whole skull-crusher thing.).

Then . . .

Just kidding! I was done. I had to run home for a shower because not only was the gym muggy, I was nasty sweaty...

I got my gym bag with me today. I plan on a trip to the gym at lunchtime today. I think I'll just get in some aerobic activity - treadmill or elliptical - or maybe both. Maybe some ab-work - since that seems to be the most troublesome spot for me.

The dog days of summer might be upon us, but that's no excuse for us to either lazily lay around in a hammock in our backyard sipping ice-cold tea or lying on our couches, taking in as much TV as one could possibly take in. No, its time for activity. It's time to get out there and keep the momentum that has so slowly been building.

So, as long as you're going to sweat, you might as well sweat while doing something useful!

No Pain, No Gain!

...at least - that's what they say!

I can barely walk today. My sitting down is more like controlled falling into a chair (try doing that with a desk chair with wheels...).

I hurt! I'm stretching and rubbing down my muscles, but this is bad!

I just took some Excedrin in hopes of dimming the migraine being produced in my head since I woke up this morning.

Jane Fonda coined the phrase: No Pain - No Gain!

It should be: No Pain - No Loss!

I don't want to gain while I'm working out - I want to lose!

Thus my title, "Big Loser".

That's all I have to say today!

It's TRAINER - THURSDAY!

Interesting thing happened at the gym today. Today was session 9 of 10 sessions that I purchased. So, the trainer was talking to me about some options - keep going, etc... Well, she shared that she cannot continue doing the 5:00 a.m. slot on any day. She thought she'd try it, but it's not working for her.

Surprise! It's not the best time for me either! I was doing it because I thought it was the only time slot available for me. She was doing it because she thought it was the only time slot for me. Now we both wish we had this little talk long before today!

Starting next week, it will be TRAINER WEDNESDAYS - at NOON!

In one way, I'm sad - no more Cosby show at 4:00 a.m.

In another way, I'm happy - one or two more hours of sleep!

Either way, I will be more awake, more limber and ready to do some exercising!

Ok. So, here's your daily pep-talk.

Lifting weights is fun. Strength training can be fun. But where the rubber meets the road is tying that in with aerobic exercise (you know, running, cycling, getting your heart rate going). I haven't been doing a very good job of that lately. It shows.

I'm still not losing any weight. I'm not gaining any either...but it's time I start seeing some results.

I need to add 45 minutes of one or more aerobic activities - per day. Yep. PER DAY! That can mean a walk, some biking, some rollerblading, some ellipticalling, some running...Whatever. Just need to add 45 minutes of it to my day. That's been the difficulty.

How do you balance? I have 10 hours of work per day (at least). I'm learning bass guitar. I go to the gym. I'm taking some online courses. I have the daily work that needs to be done - house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, bill paying, ... Daily devotionals. Keeping in touch with friends and some of the youth I've invested in. And, still get 8 hours of necessary, required, can't live or function without - SLEEP! It's not easy, but the balance can and will be found.

Just get into a routine! Plan - plan - plan!

Alright, I have to get back to work - lots o' stuff to do today!

Don't forget - 45 minutes - get that heart rate pumping!

Temperature Guage...

I had to go out of town on a "family" emergency this weekend. It was a 4-day, unplanned excursion away from home. I found myself immediately drawn to fast-food and the TV. Not the best when you are trying to get into a routine with exercise and eating right.

I found some dumb-bells in the house I was staying at. I did some lunges and arm lifts. I found some bungee cords that I used to do some archer pulls. I moved the lawn for over 45 minutes. I went for a walk, used the treadmill. The only thing I didn't do that I could/should have is ab work.

So take my temperature...how am I doing?

I'm making better choices - still not the best, but better choices. I ate cereal with skim milk for breakfast. I also had a jelly donut on the way to the hospital :)

I had a huge taco salad for dinner (ate the whole shell). And a green tea frappucino at Starbuck's. Ok. So, we're not there yet, but we're getting closer.

I was reminded that this is a decision I have to make daily. Eat well. Exercise. Make good choices. It's not always easy. Even more difficult is when you're taken out of your element without planning or preparation. But what do you need to do next...

Get up. Make good choices. Exercise.

Make Better Decisions!

How's my temperature?