I haven't posted for awhile - mainly because i've been so down and out on myself that i really didn't see any reason too.
This past week was a new low. I stepped on my scale hoping to see that i'd gone down 5 or 6 lbs (I haven't weighed myself in over 2 weeks). What did I find- that no, instead of going down 5 lbs, i've gained 7. In typical Leslie fashion - I reacted calmly and rationally and declared that " it was the end of the world".
Honestly, I have a good reason to react this way. I work at a small non-profit where the staff is incredibly focused on weight. Scarily so. Which makes it difficult to keep a healthy body image and healthy relationship with food. Everyone knows that i'm trying to get back into better shape- so the constant feeling of failure is everywhere. There have been a few times when i've actually contemplated going back to the extremes that ruled my life in college so that I could fit in a size 6.
Then, later on this week - I woke up. I realized that my clothes are fitting differently, that i'm running faster and longer than I ever have before- and if that isn't progress, I don't know what is. On Thursday, I threw out my scale. I don't need it or what it represents. What i'm trying to do is adopt a healthy lifestyle- not achieve a number on a scale or a certain clothing size. I have a weight range that my doctor and I have determined would be healthy for me and that's my goal.
I will now weigh myself once a month at the scale at my gym and rely on my trusty tape to see how i'm progressing. I wish that I was one of those women who could weigh themselves daily but for me it becomes too much of a slippery slope.
To all my blogger/runner/fitness friends- how do you keep a healthy motivation during plateaus. Also, how do you handle the pressure from friends/family/coworkers when they know you're trying to lose weight/ be healthier?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Suffice to Say
That I have a lot to catch up on.
I've been in such a RUT lately. Workouts seem boring, runs lost their appeal and the heat and humidity SUCK. So I was down, not being very vigilant in my workouts and of course, i've gained 5 lbs.
DAMN!!!!
I didn't realize this until I stepped on the scale today. I broke my rut yesterday with a 4 mile buddy run with Jenny (feetoffancy.wordpress.com) and then a mile run back to the office up 17th street. The D.C. humidity made it feel like absolute torture, but in a good way (if that makes any sense at all). 5 miles in about an hour and 15 minutes isn't terrible, so i'll take it.
Today was a different story. I'm following the Army 10 miler training program, so I know i needed to get some cardio in. So I did a mile warm up on the treadmill, then 30 minutes on the elliptical, another mile on the treadmill, and then cool down on the rowing machine. It was nice to bounce around to the different machines and my knees were happy from the break.
I've started taking another class- Bodypump, but i'll talk about that on a later date. I really want to get into the class before commenting on it. I can't really give an accurate portrayal of the class until I can get through it without feeling like i'm going to die.
I am not going to weigh myself for at least 2 weeks- that way i can get back into my running routine. I'm pretty sure that once i add in the weights, the lbs will start coming off again. *fingers crossed!*
I've been in such a RUT lately. Workouts seem boring, runs lost their appeal and the heat and humidity SUCK. So I was down, not being very vigilant in my workouts and of course, i've gained 5 lbs.
DAMN!!!!
I didn't realize this until I stepped on the scale today. I broke my rut yesterday with a 4 mile buddy run with Jenny (feetoffancy.wordpress.com) and then a mile run back to the office up 17th street. The D.C. humidity made it feel like absolute torture, but in a good way (if that makes any sense at all). 5 miles in about an hour and 15 minutes isn't terrible, so i'll take it.
Today was a different story. I'm following the Army 10 miler training program, so I know i needed to get some cardio in. So I did a mile warm up on the treadmill, then 30 minutes on the elliptical, another mile on the treadmill, and then cool down on the rowing machine. It was nice to bounce around to the different machines and my knees were happy from the break.
I've started taking another class- Bodypump, but i'll talk about that on a later date. I really want to get into the class before commenting on it. I can't really give an accurate portrayal of the class until I can get through it without feeling like i'm going to die.
I am not going to weigh myself for at least 2 weeks- that way i can get back into my running routine. I'm pretty sure that once i add in the weights, the lbs will start coming off again. *fingers crossed!*
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day
As a Army daughter myself- this day is about more than the parades and the one liners, it's about remembering people. Maybe it's just me, but I think the concept of remembering someone is more important than demonstrating it. Just my thoughts, I'm not about to start a fight on my blog.
__________
The boyfriend and I have decided that we need a house with a legit backyard so that we can host BBQs. He loves to grill and we have 2 of them - but apartment living limits the ability to BBQ. LAME.
So we are making our own version of surf and turf- Sirloin tips and Shrimp and salad. Woke up today to go to an hour long spin class. OMG. My legs were dying and screaming by the end of it (not to mention the room was about 85 degrees by 9am. It was an amazing workout and now that the boyfriend has agreed to start going with me in the mornings to the gym- i'm envisioning whipping myself back into shape quickly.
Just a small quick update for the day. Time to go chug some water and try to prepare myself for going to work (AHHHHH!) tomorrow.
__________
The boyfriend and I have decided that we need a house with a legit backyard so that we can host BBQs. He loves to grill and we have 2 of them - but apartment living limits the ability to BBQ. LAME.
So we are making our own version of surf and turf- Sirloin tips and Shrimp and salad. Woke up today to go to an hour long spin class. OMG. My legs were dying and screaming by the end of it (not to mention the room was about 85 degrees by 9am. It was an amazing workout and now that the boyfriend has agreed to start going with me in the mornings to the gym- i'm envisioning whipping myself back into shape quickly.
Just a small quick update for the day. Time to go chug some water and try to prepare myself for going to work (AHHHHH!) tomorrow.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Bummer and HELP!
So I went to the doctor today.....
I have been having back pain for as long as I can remember, and never thought it would really affect me. Normally, i'd just down two advil or another over the counter pain reliever and i'd go about my business.
About 2 years ago, I started getting severe migraine headaches. I never tied the two together until the last semester in grad school. I was in complete and total pain pretty much 24/7. My shoulders and lower back ached, i'd get at least one horrible headache a week and i knew something had to give.
I went to my PCP and described the pain and all she told me was that they could give me some muscle relaxers and some pain pills. This wasn't what i wanted to hear- i wanted to find out what was causing the pain- but that's all i got. So a friend of mine convinced me to try a chiropractor. My doctor referred me and i had my first initial visit on Monday. He and i met today to discuss my x-rays. My back is a mess (surprise, surprise). I have neck pain and lower back issues and my spine, instead of looking like a pretty S curve, looks more like my s from kindergarten (read as.... not good).
For the next 30 days i'll have 3 adjustments per week. I'm banned from running for 2 weeks but really really want to keep trying to lose weight. This is where i need your help - blogger friends! How do you lose weight when you can't run, what are some good exercises and low impact things that i can do to burn those calories?? Two weeks isn't the end of the world, but i'm definitely not the 30 minutes on the elliptical type. I'll get bored after 10 minutes!
I have been having back pain for as long as I can remember, and never thought it would really affect me. Normally, i'd just down two advil or another over the counter pain reliever and i'd go about my business.
About 2 years ago, I started getting severe migraine headaches. I never tied the two together until the last semester in grad school. I was in complete and total pain pretty much 24/7. My shoulders and lower back ached, i'd get at least one horrible headache a week and i knew something had to give.
I went to my PCP and described the pain and all she told me was that they could give me some muscle relaxers and some pain pills. This wasn't what i wanted to hear- i wanted to find out what was causing the pain- but that's all i got. So a friend of mine convinced me to try a chiropractor. My doctor referred me and i had my first initial visit on Monday. He and i met today to discuss my x-rays. My back is a mess (surprise, surprise). I have neck pain and lower back issues and my spine, instead of looking like a pretty S curve, looks more like my s from kindergarten (read as.... not good).
For the next 30 days i'll have 3 adjustments per week. I'm banned from running for 2 weeks but really really want to keep trying to lose weight. This is where i need your help - blogger friends! How do you lose weight when you can't run, what are some good exercises and low impact things that i can do to burn those calories?? Two weeks isn't the end of the world, but i'm definitely not the 30 minutes on the elliptical type. I'll get bored after 10 minutes!
Getting back in the groove
Not going to lie, these past few weeks have been more stress and less working out than normal. Right before the biggest work event (fundraiser dinner) of the year, I came down with what I thought was a cold. This cold quickly morphed into full on bronchitus- so running (or walking, or staying awake) was not an option. It took me well over two weeks to get back to being able to walk around the block without hacking.
About that time- I started having sever back pain. In between my shoulder blades and radiating down my back. It was so bad that it triggered 4 migraines in a weeks period. All my doctor would do was offer to prescribe pain pills and muscle relaxers (no thank you!) so I took a leap of faith and contacted a chiropracter that my coworker referred me to. The inital exam was awkward and he took about 15 xrays of my back. I don't know the results yet- I have an appointment today- but he thinks he will be able to help me AND (unlike my regular doctor) told me that he wants me to increase my running and focus on my form. YAY!
Then came graduation, which shouldn't have been that stressful. I finished my last class in January so technically i've been done for awhile. The stress came from my parents meeting my boyfriend's parents (we've been dating for over 4 years). Our parents had never met before so while the boyfriend was at work i had the responsibility of introducing them and then RUNNING (yes, i mean it) to graduation so I wouldn't be late.
With all this going on- running and working out in general has taken a back seat. I haven't gained any weight but I don't feel as strong as I did a month ago. Before I knew it- I hadn't run in over 2 weeks and was feeling very down. Thankfully I have some AWESOME blogger friends to look to for inspiration. A mid-week mall run with a local blogger buddy was amazing for my spirit- not to mention it made me twice as productive when I got back to work. I am hoping to make this a weekly occurance, it is nice to have a running buddy to pace with and not feel the slightest bit of competition!
I hope everyone has an awesome Memorial Day! I was intitally going to go visit my parents back home- but because of the weather that plan fell thorugh. Hopefully i'll get the boyfriend to take me out on the kayak this weekend! *crosses fingers*
About that time- I started having sever back pain. In between my shoulder blades and radiating down my back. It was so bad that it triggered 4 migraines in a weeks period. All my doctor would do was offer to prescribe pain pills and muscle relaxers (no thank you!) so I took a leap of faith and contacted a chiropracter that my coworker referred me to. The inital exam was awkward and he took about 15 xrays of my back. I don't know the results yet- I have an appointment today- but he thinks he will be able to help me AND (unlike my regular doctor) told me that he wants me to increase my running and focus on my form. YAY!
Then came graduation, which shouldn't have been that stressful. I finished my last class in January so technically i've been done for awhile. The stress came from my parents meeting my boyfriend's parents (we've been dating for over 4 years). Our parents had never met before so while the boyfriend was at work i had the responsibility of introducing them and then RUNNING (yes, i mean it) to graduation so I wouldn't be late.
With all this going on- running and working out in general has taken a back seat. I haven't gained any weight but I don't feel as strong as I did a month ago. Before I knew it- I hadn't run in over 2 weeks and was feeling very down. Thankfully I have some AWESOME blogger friends to look to for inspiration. A mid-week mall run with a local blogger buddy was amazing for my spirit- not to mention it made me twice as productive when I got back to work. I am hoping to make this a weekly occurance, it is nice to have a running buddy to pace with and not feel the slightest bit of competition!
I hope everyone has an awesome Memorial Day! I was intitally going to go visit my parents back home- but because of the weather that plan fell thorugh. Hopefully i'll get the boyfriend to take me out on the kayak this weekend! *crosses fingers*
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday Update
I'm horrible. Clearly horrible at blogging. So a quick update is necesasry.
I had been doing extremely well with training. Lost 2 more inches from my waist (HURRAH) and 1 more inch from my thighs (take THAT fat!). The scale is going nowhere, but my clothes are fitting much better and looser so I know something is working.
I finishe the Couch to 5k program and have started using my Nike + Ipod to train for a 10k. I liked doing a longer run and focusing on time rather than stressing over distance. I also like that the Nike + app has programs that help with speed training and cross training activities. I need that. Running on a treadmill is getting so boring, especially when it is getting so nice out.
Last Saturday I had my longest run to date- 4.67 miles with no stopping. I ran this in approximately 42 minutes. I say approximately because on the last stretch up the hill to my apartment complex i tripped over a tree root and sprained my right ankle. LAMMME. So I rested it on Sunday. Monday came along and I thought (in typical coach's daughter fashion- "oh i'll just tape it, it will be fine"). FALSE. I got a mile into the run and was in so much pain I had to call it quits.
I've rested it and done some ab and arm work for the last few days. I tried the bike but got so bored that I literally dread getting on that machine again. I'm like a child sometimes, with my constant need to be entertained or find something to occupy my mind. It just makes no sense for me to be cycling and going no. where.
I'm planning on getting back out there this weekened. Can't wait. Bought an ankle brace to help me and hopefully will avoid this in the future. I've also planned to start biking to work. I've only trail biked and never biked in the city, but it will save me almost $200 a month in commuting fees and gas fees- so that alone is worth it. Anybody bike into the city from Alexandria? Want to give me some tips on trails, areas to avoid?
I had been doing extremely well with training. Lost 2 more inches from my waist (HURRAH) and 1 more inch from my thighs (take THAT fat!). The scale is going nowhere, but my clothes are fitting much better and looser so I know something is working.
I finishe the Couch to 5k program and have started using my Nike + Ipod to train for a 10k. I liked doing a longer run and focusing on time rather than stressing over distance. I also like that the Nike + app has programs that help with speed training and cross training activities. I need that. Running on a treadmill is getting so boring, especially when it is getting so nice out.
Last Saturday I had my longest run to date- 4.67 miles with no stopping. I ran this in approximately 42 minutes. I say approximately because on the last stretch up the hill to my apartment complex i tripped over a tree root and sprained my right ankle. LAMMME. So I rested it on Sunday. Monday came along and I thought (in typical coach's daughter fashion- "oh i'll just tape it, it will be fine"). FALSE. I got a mile into the run and was in so much pain I had to call it quits.
I've rested it and done some ab and arm work for the last few days. I tried the bike but got so bored that I literally dread getting on that machine again. I'm like a child sometimes, with my constant need to be entertained or find something to occupy my mind. It just makes no sense for me to be cycling and going no. where.
I'm planning on getting back out there this weekened. Can't wait. Bought an ankle brace to help me and hopefully will avoid this in the future. I've also planned to start biking to work. I've only trail biked and never biked in the city, but it will save me almost $200 a month in commuting fees and gas fees- so that alone is worth it. Anybody bike into the city from Alexandria? Want to give me some tips on trails, areas to avoid?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Bad Blogger
I am a horrible blogger- this we know. I do however, have an excuse. This time of the year just sucks epically in this household. Why? Well it's this lovely little thing called TAX SEASON.
My boyfriend love of my life significant other is a tax accountant/attorney. I probably haven't seen him for more the 2-3 hrs at a time since the beginning of April. It sucks. Monday (the 11th) was my birthday - so now i'm an ancient 28! AHHH
Running has been going surprisingly well. I've been getting in at least 3-4 runs a week so i've been pretty happy with that. My time isn't improving as much as I want it to and my shins have been killing me, but i've found that a rest day in between and lovely ice baths have been helping considerably.
I started the bride to 10K program. The first run was on a treadmill and I got bored by the third mile. Today I took it outside and found this lovely little path by the apartment. Running outside is so much harder- but i'd rather have a harder run than be bored to tears.
On a side note- i will be so happy when the pollen departs. I forgot to take claratin this am and now i have that dreaded allergy eye look. :(
My boyfriend love of my life significant other is a tax accountant/attorney. I probably haven't seen him for more the 2-3 hrs at a time since the beginning of April. It sucks. Monday (the 11th) was my birthday - so now i'm an ancient 28! AHHH
Running has been going surprisingly well. I've been getting in at least 3-4 runs a week so i've been pretty happy with that. My time isn't improving as much as I want it to and my shins have been killing me, but i've found that a rest day in between and lovely ice baths have been helping considerably.
I started the bride to 10K program. The first run was on a treadmill and I got bored by the third mile. Today I took it outside and found this lovely little path by the apartment. Running outside is so much harder- but i'd rather have a harder run than be bored to tears.
On a side note- i will be so happy when the pollen departs. I forgot to take claratin this am and now i have that dreaded allergy eye look. :(
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