Friday!!!!!!!!!

So once again I find myself on a Friday counting the hours until the weekend after another week of not being incredibly gung ho. I think it's the arrival of spring and that Vancouver is now one week away that gets me so distracted.

I've made an appointment with a sports nutritionist for the first week of June. I want to properly prepare for the Honolulu Marathon.

So I went for the drink last night with the 1st boy from speed dating. It was alright, we talked for just under 2 hours. I thought for sure we'd be done in like 30 minutes. Not sure if it will go any further, it took until the last hour or so where we discovered our mutual love of british comedies and animaniacs...not so sure there's anything else we have in common. He's cute and all but I just don't know...ya know? I think I confused the heck out of him in our parting comments.
Me:"Well it was great talking to you and if you want to do this again let me know, and if not good luck with the rest of your dates" (Ya see I know he's contacted my friend and they will probably also meet for a drink in the near future)
Him:"Ah you too"
Maybe I'll send him an email later on today.

Fell victim to pastries this morning but I didn't have a morning snack.

So my office is supporting this thing where you can order dessert trays from this catering company and all the proceeds go to make a wish foundation. Fantastic charity but lousy desserts. I had the little piece of carrot cake, one bite of half buttertart (I make them so much better and they just weren't worth the points), broke off a tiny piece of oatmeal cookie to discover it didn't taste like anything. Which is probably a good thing or else I would have eaten way too many treats.

Have a good walk planned for tonight, then a patio for a beer and then grocery shopping. So I can't possible have more than one beer or that will result in foolish purchases at the grocery store :)

Have a great day everybody!

The Battle

Wouldn't it be great if we could lose weight just as easy as gaining it. I consider it one of the great injustices of life but a battle, a battle that I'm perfectly willing to take on.

I also know there's days that I won't feel like fighting the battle and I might cave and eat something incredibly bad for me and then feel guilty about it. But not for long...because all I have to do is look at my paperclip chain on my fridge. 30 paper clips hang there, one for every pound I've lost. All I have to do is remember how climbing up a flight of stairs would but me out of breath or how much I hated having to wear rectangular shaped clothes in order to hide myself.

One bad day will not get me off plan or derail my efforts, one bad week won't do that either. I simply won't let it destroy all I've accomplished this far. I go back to day one everytime I get discouraged.

I know I'll be doing WW for life even after goal. I've followed weightwatchers for about 3 years going on to 4. I've lost 30lbs. Loads of people have gotten to goal faster. That's o.k, I congratulate them. Every person who strives to get more fit must follow their own path and face their own demons. I also know this is the year I get to goal.

The most important thing I've learned from Weightwatchers and the Bloggers is that I'm not in this alone.

I have to learn the lessons for the rest of life not a magic number. I really want to thank everyone who shares their stories, their frustrations and their successes.

We are truly in this together.

On another note: I'm meeting the first boy from the speed dating thing tonite for a drink. I have a feeling that he'd be better suited for my friend. Oh well we will have to see.

Random Musings

Oy vey what a day!
I remembered my friends tupperware container which I've had in my possession for a week, I remembered the vhs tape with all the Gilmour Girl episoded that I taped for her.

I forgot my sports bra, fuel belt and wallet. The good thing about forgetting your wallet is I can't buy any unplanned treat or food item that I want instead of what I brought with me. I'll have to borrow moolah from her in order to purchase supper from Subway.

So it seems that the redo work at the dentist is working. I have way less sensitivity on that side then before, I feel a little sore from their attempts to strangle me with all their doo hickeys. I'm sure that will get better.

It's 20 degrees outside and I'm stuck inside for another hour and 15min. I'm not a sun worshipper especially after having a melanoma scare a couple of years ago. Luckily it was caught early but I'm now obsessed with sunscreen and uv rating. I don't think it's a bad thing but it does make me cringe at peoples obsessions with tans. The only tan I will ever have is a fake one. I don't avoid the outdoors either I just make sure that I'm prepared. So I did remember to bring sunscreen with me.

Stepped on the scale this morning and it showed 174 which in my WI terms would put me at about 172. Don't want to get my hopes up, I just want to stay focused until Saturday morning. So it will be one day at a time for me.


I will do it!

Dentist Spa

O.K so I must be weird, but today I had a dentist appointment to re-do some replacement fillings that a loser dentist did 2 months ago, that (to make a long story short) resulted in me becoming on a first name basis with the dental receptionist. To the point where she now knows my voice.

The weird part...I found it strangely relaxing. If only they could make the drills sound better. I seriously almost fell asleep. It was like meditating, just slowly breathing in and out through your nose...I know bizarre.

Apart from that I treated myself to the Tomato Tuscan Bisque from Safeway for supper since I couldn't really chew anything. Trust me you do not want to see the nuritional information on this baby but it's really really good. I might make it my mission to figure out to make a "healthy" version of it.

Points wise I still had a decent day since I ate pretty low for morning and lunch suspecting that I'd have a higher point supper. Walked home so that would earn me about 1AP. I have a 5k walk planned for tomorrow...must taper off for Vancouver.

Anybody got any must see shops to recommend in Vancouver. I don't have a ton of time there this trip but I will have time to shop. I have to find breakfast options for god forsaken early on a Sunday. Simple stuff like bagels or english muffins. Race starts at 7am so breakfast has to be no later than 5am. Listen to me, I sound like a serious athlete.

Apart from that not a lot to comment on today, I read through all my favourite blogs really quickly this morning so I'll have to recap and put my thinking cap on.

Hope everyone had a great day!

Down 3.2!

Whoo hoo, I finally crossed the lost 30lbs mark - I am so happy!
It took me forever but I'm o.k with that because it had to happen that way for me so I learned the lessons well.

I'm going to do the Relay for Life for the Cancer society again this year. Did it last year and had a blast. It's an incredibly touching event. Especially the luminaries that are dedicated to all the people who've been lost due to this terrible disease.

On the speed dating note, I received an email from Brad on Thursday, emailed him back on Friday. He had given me his number so I replied with mine and he called Friday night. I really couldn't talk much so I called him back on Sunday. We'll be meeting for a drink this Thursday. I'm not so sure about him. He told me a lot about his family, work and weekend but didn't ask me much. I got emails from two more guys so we'll see.

For those who asked about it, I definitely suggest trying it. I had a lot of fun, but I also went into it with no expectations. I just gave myself the challenge of talking to 25 guys I've never seen before.

Going to head over to MEC and Running Room tonight to figure out what the heck I'm going to race in. I attempted to do that on Saturday but it was snowing and I just didn't feel like standing in the middle of a snowglobe. It's probably better to go tonight because it won't be as busy anyway. Instead I went in search of dress pants, all of my current ones are too big (yeah). I finally found some at Sears that fit really well (size 12!). I just need to hem them.

Apart from that it's been an o.k day so far. Everybody loved the cake I made for the birthday in the office and I had a major NSV. When making it I had leftover whipcream with cherry pie filling folded in...I tossed it. 30lbs ago I would have eaten it.

I would so love to be 168 before my doctor's appoinment on 9th that would put me at exaclty 20lbs down from my last visit. That's 5lbs in two weeks, it's possible. 164 would be 40lbs down from start way. Not sure I could pull off a 9lb loss but it's not like I won't try.

Other than all the above not to much to report today. I hope everyone has a great day!

Whoo hoo it's Friday!

Probably stating the obvious there but I'm excited. I'm not even doing anything special just excited.

Saw "Thank you for Smoking" last night, it's funny probably about 20min too long but funny. Survived Earl's finally decided on the Thai Noodle Salad without peanuts and drank just water. Stepped on the scale this morning and I was down 1lb. Now I just have to get through today and tonight and WI will tell if pulled my decent into madness week out of the fire.

I'll be in Vancouver in two weeks! I'm so excited and so hoping it's not raining on race day. I can dress for -30 but not rain.

This weekend I'm going shopping for race clothes and dress clothes. Every single one of my work bottoms (pants and skirts) are too big. I'll keep what I can still get away with or alter on my own. Anything else goes and gets replaced. Now I just hope that I don't get frustrated with the goofy and all over the place sizing of clothing stores. Mind over matter I tell ya.

I need to figure out what to make for lunch next week. I can now highly recommend the Red Ladle chili in the ESBM cookbook, it was excellent. There's a couple of casseroles that intrigue me but some have huge serving sizes and I get bored easily. However it might inspire me to clean out my freezer.

I actually got an email from one of the boys from speed dating, what's funny is it's from one I don't quite remember...I'll have to check my notes. He even gave me his number...not getting any hopes up just feeling a bit like a goddess today :)

Go forth and have a great weekend!!!

One Day OP!!!

Whoo hoo, I got through yesterday without going off plan. I even resisted the temptation of my good friend who also does WW. We were just finishing our walk with Running Room and it was gorgeous out. We started talking about patios and then there was a suggestion about a drink on a patio, I turned to her and said "NO". We have been very good at leading each other astray this week (I am equally guilty, the 3 desserts was my suggestion after all).

It's hard to believe that Sunday will be the last day of my clinic. It's been such a big part of my life for the past 6 months. I can't believe I'll be in Vancouver very soon and competing in a freaking marathon. Feelings of being a total fraud are starting to pop into my head. I quickly brush them aside with the statement "I don't have to win, just do it".

I'm going to do a tour of outdoor clothing stores on Saturday to figure out what I'm going to wear to race in. The problem is I'm quickly collecting a wardrobe of "performance" items and have no place to put them. I should also weed out my chest of drawers this weekend.

Weighed myself this morning and I was down 2.5lbs from yesterday. It's so bizarre how your body weight fluctuates throughout the day and week.

Going to Earl's tonight- probably one of the worst non point friendly restaurants out there, well I think Boston Pizza is worse. I have a plan: Chicken Tenders (8pts) and Edamame Beans (2pts) and loads of water. Their NI info is awful and most of their entrees are over 1000 calories with over 30g of fat. I wonder what the heck they cook with.

After dinner it's off to see Thank You For Smoking, I've heard good things about it so far.

It's so nice out today +21, of course this is Calgary so it's supposed to be 5 on Saturday. We have a saying here...just wait 10 minutes and the weather will change. I have a theory that every Calgarian owns a jacket/coat for every 10-15 degree temperature difference.

I get to head out soon for a bit and I can't wait.

Have a great day everyone!

Day By Day

OMG did I have fun last night, my friend and I went speed dating. I had never done it before and she's tried it once.

It was a blast, I'm a recruiter by profession so "interviewing" people for 3 minutes isn't difficult for me. I can usually strike up a conversation with anyone. I probably ticked off about 10 guys as yes. I figured the worst thing that can happen is you go out for coffee and realize you don't click. The really interesting part was compairing what I informtion I found out with what information my friend found out. Matches will be posted in two days. I won't be disappointed if I don't have any and I would try it again. It's a super entertaining way to spend an evening.

Food wise I was doing just fine until about 3pm yesterday when I took my stressed colleague out for ice cream. The plan was to go to DQ and I would get a dilly bar. DQ was closed, I was shocked. So instead we go to the local convenience store and get an ice cream. I actually went to the cash with a fruit pop that clocked in at 56cal. At the last minute I traded it in for something much worse. At speed dating I stuck to water but then my friend and I went for a drink to discuss and we had delicious szechwan green beans and the 3 dip Med Bread at Moxies. This was a like 10:30pm, I never eat that late.

I've been following the advice of The Biggest Loser book and recording my weight each morning. I did not like what I saw this morning. Mind you I did eat super late and it's probably loaded with salt but it did shock me into better behaviour today. I have 3 days before WI to get my act together. So I have a pretty low day planned to shock my metabolism from the barrage of badness.

Onward and hopefully downward :)

Run Over By The Wagon

Yesterday I did not just fall of the wagon, I was run over and am covered in tire tracks. Not sure what happened or how the decent into madness started.

Did a good walk, great pace 8km in total. Then went to Good Earth and had a nanaimo bar, then my friend and I started talking about the Blarney Chips at the Pub. So we went there and shared an order. Then the waitress mentions dessert, so we get a berry oatmeal crisp to share...thinking relatively healthy. It comes to the table and it's tiny, so we gobble that up and then order two more desserts to share. She ordered the lava cake and I ordered their version of an ice cream sandwich. Her's was amazing and mine was so-so.

WE HAD 3 DESSERTS...WHAT THE HECK?

I know this program, inside and out, I can preach it from the rafters...yet I still blow it. I know not to feel bad and to refocus and start new but still why did I let that happen.

It's just been one of those days I guess.

Going speed dating tonight...never done it before. Should provide interesting stories for tomorrow :)

Ciao :)

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and to those who have today off as well...Lucky you :)

It was painful getting out of bed today just because I love my bed plus I was woken up at 2am by the sound of someone tossing their cookies. That just doesn't usually happen in my neighbourhood so it was a bit surreal.

Didn't go to run/walk club yesterday due to transit being goofy because of the holiday so instead I went out on my own at 8:20am yesterday did 13k in total. Kept it at a relatively slower pace, part of my excursion was on this nature trail that winds itself down the side of a cliff and hooks up with the main pathway system. It was beautiful, completely surrounded by giant trees and pretty good workout since you're hiking over uneven terrain. Came back the same way and had an even better workout by climbing all these erratic stairs. The stairs are built into the dirt so all the heights are different and on the way out it was frozen mud on the way back it wasn't frozen.

There were a bizillion runners on the pathway and some of them just made me giggle. There were packs of 10-12 people all running so close to each other I thought someone was going to get kicked. I also came to the realization that I must return to MEC and purchase spring/summer outdoor workout clothes. I still don't know what to wear for the 1/2 marathon. I'm thinking these adidas capris that I have but my friend was concerned on how comfortable they'd be at 21km. I'm thinking they were fine on the treadmill and the last two times we've done 21k I was wearing track pants that are made out of cotton, so my adidas which are not cotton will probably do just fine. Since cotton is evil on any long distance anything.

This is the last week of my 1/2 marathon clinic, it's amazing how fast 16 weeks go by. I'm going to miss it, the thing I'll miss most is the routine. I have to keep this up because it's really working for me.

My friend was down on Friday and she just started WW online. She told me she eats the majority of her points at the end of the day. I couldn't get my head around that probably because that wouldn't work for me. By the time I got home I would eat the contents of my fridge. I encouraged her to come to my meeting on Saturday...she didn't which is fine she might want to another time.

I stayed exactly the same this week which was a bit of a shock since I've been a snacking fiend this week plus retaining water so technically that would mean I lost. Now I just need to keep it up. I want to be at 174 on Saturday which means I'd have to lose just under 3lbs. Considering I've had a gain, then stayed the same it is a possibility. It's just that 174 would put me at officially 30lbs down and 34lbs from goal. I remember saying I'd be at goal in July back in November. That might be a tad unrealistic but I will definitely be at goal in December and I want to comfortable in a bikini in Hawaii.

So my goals today are:
3L of water
Have walk clinic tonight so activity is good
Stick to what I've journaled...I have the whole day planned out.

I made a healthier egg mcmuffin this morning. Whole wheat english muffin, egg (I used the egg ring I bought from Williams and Sonoma..so neat), light cheese, fat free ham 1 slice. The whole thing came to 5pts. It still didn't quite taste like the original. Tomorrow I'll try a bit of becel spray on the english muffin and see if that's what was missing.

To everyone who has added me to their blog lists...I am so incredibly honoured and if I had a clue on how to add you I would. I love reading all of yours and find your observations and comments to be tremendously insightful.

Have a great day everyone!

Spring is in the air

I love how spring gives you new inspiration and a bit of a pick me up. It's the wonder of how everything is new again. The clothing stores are full of colour, the tulips are starting to come up and trees are turning a pale green.

We had a great walk last night. Started with Fartleks (it always sounds like your swearing when you say that). So we did from one light post to the next light post as fast as you can go and then recover for two light posts. Apparently it helps your endurance. You don't do it for a long time maybe 30min max. Then after that we did a nice walk, we were going fast too which was nice. Then we stopped at Good Earth. My friend had a large mac n' cheese (they make the best). I was sitting there with my rice crispie square and coffee and then got a small mac n' cheese. Apparently not the greatest combo since I got sick later. Feel perfectly fine now which I'm grateful for.

Picked up a mag I've never read before called Fitness RX for women. It's hard core fitness guru stuff but it's neat how it has a section on all types of different fitness opitions like yoga, pilates, traditional gym and classes. It's not cheap but it's got loads of info to read, lots of ads for curious supplements too.

I can't wait for this long weekend. I feel like I've had no get up and go for the last week. Probably due to the week before TOM. So far the snacking hasn't gotten too out of control and my water intake has been good.

Tonight I think I'll swing by Walmart and pick up this Garnier highlighting kit I've been eyeing. I just did my colour with Loreal Colour Experte in Brioche, it was sort of auburn red before. My natural colour is a mousy brown, blond with red sort of mess so everytime I use any colour with a bit of red my hair totally absorbs it. So I wanted to try a light brown to tone it all down. Well no one in my office noticed a difference, my friend did so kudos to her. When I was doing it I was too tired to go indepth with the highlighting part so now I'd like to add more. We'll see how it turns out.

My friend from Fort Mac is in town tomorrow so I'll probably be running around with her all day. The challenge will be to stay within my points since WI is Saturday. She joined Weightwatchers online but I'm not sure how much she's embraced the concept. So we'll just have to see.

I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend.

Yippee my Garmin seems to be o.k. That makes me so incredibly happy. I am totally addicted to this thing. I love how it tells me how many calories have been burned and keeps track of every single walk so I can see that we've improved our times. I am such a geek.

Speed training tonight...I hate it. Much prefer hills which is scary to say. Only two weeks of the clinic left, it's hard to believe it started in January.

Not much else to say today

3 out of 100

I am so incredibly proud of my half marathon group. Yesterday my walking buddy and I were doing a pace of 8 minutes and 30 seconds. We were bringing up the back of the pack. Everyone was ahead of us, normally we're the leaders of the pack but we had a pretty hard core walk on Sunday so we decided to take it easy. Wow everyone totally turned it on. Everyone is going to beat their goal times at their races. I'm so excited for everyone.

I don't know what's wrong with my Garmin Forerunner (I love this thing, it's like the best training partner). Last night the screen froze, can't turn it off or anything. I left it on all night and today so hopefully the battery will die and then I can recharge it. Of course I have no idea where I put the receipt so then I can't use the warranty so that sucks. Oh well I haven't given up yet.

So my food plan has been going well, I left my journal at work yesterday and I actually felt lost without it. When I came in this morning I discovered I had already journalled my breakfast and lunch for today so I was bang on for points. I know have 9 pts for dinner and the options are endless. I could also do a lower point dinner to compensate for some of my weekend shenanigans. It would seem that day 3 is going well.

Finally tried the Biggest Loser DVD, OMG I did the low impact workout and couldn't get through it...mind you I also completed a 2.5hr walk that day so it probably wasn't the best day to try it.

Tonight I will walk home from the library (about 20min) and do the Core Secrets DVD for strength training.

Lately I've been obsessed with Strawberry Buttercream Icing...not to eat it...to make it. A couple of weeks ago my friend and I went to Crave in Kensington and I tried the mini princess cupcake. Buttercream icing infused with real strawberries. I think my walking group might get cupcakes on the last night :)

4 Day Work Week

Someone said Happy Tuesday to me this morning. I thought that was funny I'd rather think of it as Monday and a short week then to think I lost a Monday. Whenever a holiday lands on a Monday I always feel like I'm running behind for the week.

Perception is everything :)

Well I was up 1.6 at WI on Saturday. I officially started the 100 day challenge on Saturday so I have a bit of catch up to do. The weekend wasn't great eating wise but on Sunday we did a 16k walk on a route we haven't done before. It was really nice even with a ton of people taking part in a race that were all over the pathways.

I had a feeling that I'd be up but not by that much. I weighed myself this morning and I was two pounds down from Saturday. Yes, I am a scale addict. I don't let the number ruin my day or anything. I look at it in a more analytical way. So my challenge this week is to stay OP for the next 5 days (taking the 100 days a few at a time). Friday will be hard because I'll be home. The weather is supposed to be nice so I think I'll create a walk around the hood. I don't think I'll go to Running Room on Sunday. It's the day of the Chinook Half so the pathways will be nuts and it seems only two people from my group will be there and then add that transit will be on a reduced schedule...so not fun.

I made the chili from ESBM yesterday and it's not bad. Huge amount of fibre and loads of veggies so it should be a full meal. My supper will be at subway this evening or some other healthy option. I'll check the salads at Good Earth. For having a name like Good Earth they have an awful lot of stuff which isn't all that healthy.

This week will definitely be challenge. The desire to snack will be strong but I shall be stronger.

Only 4 days until I get to sleep in...bliss

Friday!

Is it sad that I live for Fridays? It just seems like this week dragged on. Plus had a hard time staying OP this week and I think I figured out why. Last week I had a 3lb loss, the week before I had a gain. The week I had a gain everytime I was tempted by something a voice in my head would say NO!. However after I've had a great loss the mindset changes a little, I still now it's bad but the will power is not quite as strong...interesting.

Well the truth will be told on Saturday. Then I'll go from there. The last two days have been good and my water intake has been good. Of course 2 days doesn't make a week.
I need to learn how to get into strength training. The Vancouver Half Marathon is now 29 sleeps away. By the 17th km I'm told that one can get tired in the upper body so strength is important.
I'm really good about it periodically but have never really made it a habit.

So I was reading all my favourite blogs this am and Michelle has started a 100 day challenge.
The Goals:
Stay OP for 100 days - Will Do
Workout for at least 4hrs per week-Will Do and will include weights...dang it!
Now the next one is a weight goal so I'll say to lose 35.2lbs by July 15th which will bring me to goal.
I'm going to add drink at least 2L of water a day. Water is always my downfall.

I really want to feel comfortable in a bikini by the time I get to Hawaii in December but by summer here would be icing on the cake.

As Yoda said "There is no try...just do"

Have a great weekend!!!

Oy Vey it's only Thursday

It's been raining for two days and I don't like it. At least it can be sunny and snowing. At least you don't have to shovel rain :)

Was supposed to go out for dinner tonight and see a movie but friends had logistical challenges and rescheduled for two weeks from now. I'm kinda blah about that, I was looking forward to this even though it made my points for today a bit of a challenge. Now I can have a lower point dinner since we had lunch provided I had no idea what to count it as. There were wraps from Jugo Juice. Now even though Jugo sounds healthy most of their smoothies are huge in points and I don't hold too much faith in their wraps. I did pick a whole wheat one and they were pretty skinny so I guessed.

So now I'm fighting the urge to go shopping and go home and clean my house instead.

Reserved a hotel room in Hawaii for December. It's funny I haven't even done the half marathon in Vancouver yet and I'm alread looking forward to Hawaii. I need to learn patience :)

Wowsers, I can't believe it's been so long since I've been on here. It was just a super crazy week and now I'm exhausted (probably due more to the time change than anything else).

Went to the Gap on Sunday and I actually fit into a size 12, too bad the skirt still looked dorky. The last time I was in that store I could barely put on a size 14. On that note I was down 3lbs on Saturday so I was super happy with that. Now I just have to make sure I don't follow the trend of great WI and then two weeks of gain.

Sunday morning we did a 14k walk and the weather was gorgeous. I love spring, I love the newness of it and the flowers blooming. It's such a season of promise and new beginnings.

I highly recommend the Eat, Shrink and Be Merry cook book. I've made 4 things out of it so far and my friend has made about 4 more things and everything has turned out great. The Indian Appleous 500 was fantastic and mild on the curry, the great thing is you can tweak the spices and play around with it. The next thing I want to make is the chickpea/couscous salad.

Can't think of much to tell at the moment, oh well it's a new week with many potential stories :)