Rest and Recovery

Please excuse the randomness of my thoughts today. Stick with me...I do get somewhere at the end.

During the typical week, it is very easy for me to schedule a "rest" day from exercise. I look at my calendar, choose the busiest day, and call that my "rest" day. I use the word rest lightly- I am a wife, a mom of 2 children and work full time. Rest is a relative term.

Tomorrow, I am doing a killer workout (SOOO EXCITED!!!!!) with a group of friends from my gym. I'm looking froward to a great Saturday workout and on Sunday I run. That's what I do on Sundays; I run. That leaves today (Thursday) to be my rest day for the week. The weather has been pretty crummy around here and when I woke up this morning it was actually perfect running weather.

I want to run today. I know that rest days are important. I am sore this morning and want to be in top condition for my workout tomorrow. I googled "Are rest days important for exercise" and got back 19,300,000 results in .19 seconds.

I've started looking at training plans for my 1/2 marathon (I'm starting to hate the 1/2 part of that..... It sure doesn't feel like 1/2 of anything!). All of the training plans call for 5 days of running and/or cross training and 2 days of recovery. 2 days?!?! I work out 6 days a week. 2 days!??!? Am I unusual for working out 6 days a week. Isn't that normal for people that are into healthy living?

The same behaviors that caused me to get up to 356 pounds, have also caused me to lose 165 pounds.

excessiveness (eating til I wanted to puke), addiction (candy bars in the checkout isle), and routine (night time ice cream)

excessiveness (restricting calories- sometimes too restrictive), addiction (It's Sunday; I run on Sundays), and routine (oatmeal and a banana for breakfast)

This post isn't really ending where it started. I'm going to "rest" today. I'm getting a hair cut, going out to lunch with a friend, and driving around to look at Christmas light tonight. I might go for a walk, but it won't be rigorous and I won't even strap on my heart rate monitor. Rest doesn't have to mean total lack of activity.

~Kari

Needing motivation?

Quick post....wanted to share this video. (Thanks Brad for passing it on to me...) It makes some great points about the importance of exercise and the amount of time really needed to make a difference in your own health. I love the idea of finding three 10 minute chunks of time to exercise on those days that seem too full to fit in 30 minutes of exercise!

~Kari

2011 Accomplishments

Kelly encouraged everyone to take time to reflect on what they have accomplished this year before setting new goals for 2012. My plan was to start off this post with amazing stats about all of the weight that I had lost and inches that are banished forever. Things don't always go as planned.... Hubby measured me today and when I compared them to last years measurements they are...exactly the same. That's not entirely true, my stomach and arm measurements are quite a bit lower, but that's because of the surgery. Hmmmm... Let's look at my weight... 200.2 in December 2010, 194 in December 2011. Not much change there either. OK, so my body hasn't changed in terms of numbers, but there are many things that have changed that I can be proud of.

1. Since March (when I got my Nike sensor), I've run 104 times for a total of 309.37 miles, 68 hours and burned 40,000 calories!

2. In February, I was published in my school districts newsletter. I was able to share with many the journey that led me to my current weight. It was scary and exciting to put myself out there is such a way.

3. Since October 2nd (as far back at my HR monitor goes), I've exercised 68 out of 82 days, 53.4 hours, and burned 32,422 calories. (My runs, since October, from #1 are included in these totals).

4. In March, I was approved for health insurance at an amazing rate.

5. In May, I had surgery to remove the excess skin that I had created through years and years of not caring for my body. It was a big step for me to have this surgery because I knew that it was only something that I was willing to do if I knew for sure that I would never regain my weight.

6. In July, I rode a horse for the first time ever!

7. In September, I ran my second 5k. I shaved 9 minutes off of my previous years times.

8. There are several exercises that I can do now that I couldn't do a year ago: running 2 miles without stopping, tricep dips on the bench, criss-cross jumping jacks. I no longer see an exercise as impossible, but rather something that I can't do...yet!

9. I got off track for for a while and gained a little weight. I knew what I had to do, started recording my food again, and regained control.

10. I didn't plan on maintenance this year. I planned on losing another 20 pounds. I am proud to report that I have maintained a weight loss of 165 pounds for an entire year!

What about you? What have you accomplished this year? Celebrate your success before you worry about what you still need to achieve.

~Kari

What tomorrow brings

I've been using My Fitness Pal for the past two weeks. I have been recording 5-6 days a week. I use to weigh in on Wednesdays, but since I started using My Fitness Pal on Monday, I decided to make my weigh in day on Monday. I may change that day, but feel like Monday's are really reflective of where I'm at since my eating tends to be a bit more scattered on the weekends. If I wanted to just always post my lowest weight, then I'd weigh myself on Thursday. :)

I had a great weekend, but it was full of food. We had Christmas with the in-laws last night and today I was just plain starving! Carrot sticks didn't seem to get the job done. Maybe my metabolism is just on fire and that is what is making me so hungry. A girl can hope!

Here's the thing- I don't know what tomorrow's weight will bring. I do know that since I have gone back to recording, that I feel SO much better. My energy level is up, my clothes fit again, and I am happy with the choices that I am making. There's my non-scale victory- I recognize that even if the scale doesn't move tomorrow, or if it even goes the wrong direction, that I feel good. What makes you feel good?

~Kari

My butt is on fire!

I ventured out tonight and took a new class at the gym. It's called Fusion Barre. Ever heard of it? Here's a Youtube video that shows the different components of the class. The video is pretty long and you can skip through parts, but it does give a good overview of what the class was like. I wish that I had worn my heart rate monitor. I really didn't expect to raise my HR or break a sweat, but I was a hot mess by the end.

Not knowing what to really expect from the class, I went in early to talk to the instructor. I asked her if big girls can take the class. She laughed and looked at me like she didn't see the big girl that I was talking about. :) Most of the women in the class had dancer type bodies....petite, thin, tight. We grabbed light hand weights (3 pounds) and got started. The first 20-25 minutes was spent warming up. We did some lower body work- squats, lunges, curtsies coupled with upper body weights. The weight work was slow and controlled. I was feeling it in my arms pretty early into the workout.

After the "warm up", we moved over to the "bar". There isn't really a bar. We just held on to the window cell. From here we did A LOT of glute and hamstring exercises. We spent close to 15 minutes in and out of plie squats, tippy toes, and donkey kicks. It was brutal! I was sweating and shaking. I loved every minute of it!

For the last 15 minutes we moved to the floor. On the floor we did some work in bridge pose...flex your glutes...raise your hips...flex your glutes again... you get the drift. After bridge pose we did ab work and finally a little bit of stretching. Ooohhhh my butt hurts!

Running tomorrow afternoon should be interesting....

~Kari

My New Favorite Class....

is sponsored by me. :) I've done it twice now and I may be in love! Here's what I do:
- Run around the outside of my gym for 1.25 miles for 13 minutes (Walk the first 1/4 mile as a warm-up)
- Stairs at Level 7 for 15 minutes (On the stairs I alternate between arms extended and arms down every other minute to work on some isometric strength...hoping to add some light weights to this in the near future)
- Elliptical at Level 13 for 15 minutes
- Walk at a 4.0 on the treadmill for 5 minutes
- Cool-down Walk at 3.5 on the treadmill for 5 minutes
- Stretch

Burn 785 calories in one hour... Don't believe me??? Take a look:

~Kari

If every day were like today...

On My Fitness Pal you click on a button after you've entered your food for the day. After recording your food for the day you get a screen that looks like this:

Since I started recording again last week, I have seen this screen and it always says between 184 and 186 for my 5 weeks from now message. I don't believe My Fitness Pal. I weighed myself today and was at 195.2. That is a 5 pound loss from my 200+ pound scare last Monday. I have not been below 192 in months and months and months. I struggle to think that my body will let me go below 190. Also, no day is like today. Every day is different. I've been happy with my eating this past week. The weekend wasn't nearly as pretty as the week, but I did OK. Recording helps. I know that. I feel better when I record. I stay on track when I record. So...I may not ever be 184, but I do feel better and in control when I'm honest with myself about what and how much I am eating.

I wonder...what if My Fitness Pal knows something that I don't know....

~Kari

Sticking to it...

After a rough start to my week, I am happy to report that things are going well. I started tracking my food again on Monday. I've always used Spark People (which I LOVE!), but a few of my friends use My Fitness Pal. I decided to check it out. Both of the sites are really similar, but I do have to admit that the interface for My Fitness Pal is a bit easier to use. One thing I don't like about it is that it gives you a calorie "goal", but it's a concrete number instead of a range. I've learned enough through Spark People to now my range. I much prefer living in a range. :) One thing that I love is that I can check on my friends and see what they are eating and I can support them better as they work towards their goals.

As far as exercise goes, this week has been a tricky one. I have had 2 late nights at work with one more late night to go. I usually take one day off from exercise each week. I took one late night as my "off" day. The other two late nights mean that I need to get up at 5 AM to get in a workout before work. I HATE waking up so early, but feel so good being done before my family has woken up.

My workout tonight was great! Kelly is an amazing instructor and never lets me slack. I love that about her. There was another friend in class tonight who pushed me each time I thought about giving up. Using my trust heart rate monitor, I know that I burned 630 calories. Not too shabby for a 55 minute workout.

In some sick sort of way, I am super excited to be recording again. I like to record. I like to know exactly how much I am eating. I like measuring my food. It like a super fun challenge. Can anyone suggest a good doctor? :)

~Kari

200.1

I don't want to write this post. I want to write about how well I've been doing during the holidays. I want to encourage you with my success. I want to brag about all the weight I've lost while most people are gaining weight.

I weighed myself this morning. 200.1. 200?!?!?! How can I be back in the 200's. Ugh! I never thought that I'd be back here again. I'm sad, frustrated, and embarassed. People watch me.

I know why I've gained weight. My last few posts have been about weight gain. Tracking my food, an extra long run, and plenty of fluid today will put me under 200 tomorrow, but that's not really the point. The point is that I have fallen off the healthy eating bandwagon. Workouts have been consistent and my calorie burn has been in the 3000 cal./week range. It's the eating. I've gotten lazy about my portion control and pre-planning snacks and meals.

Ugh! I don't want to go back to where I was. I know it's only 8 pounds. A few weeks ago it was only 3 pounds. In 6 months it could be *only* 60 pounds. This has to stop. 

Back to nutrition basics~recording, measuring, accountability. I'll keep you posted!

~Kari

I'll Help You Up

Picture this: I'm so tired. It's cold. The kids are screaming and telling me to stay home. I'm so tired. It's getting dark. I'm so tired. Sitting at the dining room table, slumped over, I'm so tired.

Super husband comes home from his walk. "Are you going on your run".
Me: "I'm so tired"
Super Husband: "You'll feel better after some exercise"
Me: "I'm so tired"
Super Husband: "I'll help you up"

He takes my hand and helps me up. I drag my butt to my room, change into my exercise clothes and head out for my run. At this point it's colder, darker, and I swear I am even more tired.

No big surprise- less than a 1/4 mile in and I was feeling better. I walked more than ran, but actually had a little bit faster pace than runs earlier in the week. It started to rain midway though my run. It didn't matter. My heart was pumping, I was alive, I was waking up!

Ready for my big revelation??? All of the healthy choices that we make for our lives start by someone helping us up. Sometimes we even have to help ourselves up. It's that moment time and time again that you decide that you want to be different. That you want to feel good. I am blessed to have many friends and family that help me up when it gets oh-so-hard and I am oh-so-tired. How about you? Who helps you up? I worry that some people reading this may feel like they have no one to help them up. Call me! Text me! E-mail me! I will come and help you up.

~Kari

I could have cried....

***The details have been changed to protect the innocent.... and the guilty ;)

*This week I went to an *underwater basket weaving class. I've been to this type of class many times before. I actually was pretty good at it when a different teacher was teaching *underwater basket weaving. I have had other teachers and have still been pretty good. Tonight there was a new instructor. She made comments like, *"If you've never swim before, just keep walking back and forth. We'll meet you back in the shallow end". Usually my underwater basket weaving teachers break the strokes down in a way that even a brand new swimmer will be designing award winning basket by the end of the class. This class was different. The rule was (at least it seemed to me...)- If you don't know how to swim, you really shouldn't be in this pool. 30 minutes into class I had reached a level of frustration that I have never before experienced in this class any class. I had two choices- leave and cry or leave and do something else. I am proud to say that I chose the latter. I hopped out of the pool, got on the elliptical for 10 minutes, ran laps around the gym for 10 minutes, did stairs for 5 minutes and then cooled down. Workout complete!

I feel great about the choice that I made to complete my 60 minutes of cardio. I feel super frustrated with myself that I gave up. I tried to stick it out. I tried to follow along. I tried to weave my basket. It just wasn't happening. It will be a loooonnnnggg time before I return to that class. I'm inclined to think that maybe I'm not meant to weave baskets, but I've done it before. What about you? Is there a class or an exercise that you've tried that you've just really hated???

~Kari

Moving the wrong direction!

The scale continues to go up. :( I know what to do. I know to record my food. I know to drink more water. I know the exercise. Considering my week, the exercise part has actually been OK.

I'm struggling with trying to figure out why I'm not doing what I know to do. There really is no excuse. Yes, life is busy, but that doesn't mean that I need a large bowl of ice cream for dessert. Yes, this is a stressful time of the year, but that doesn't mean that I need to drink soda instead of water. My food scale isn't broken and yet I haven't used it in weeks to measure out portion sizes. I've actually become pretty good at serving sizes, but struggle when it comes to salty foods (crackers, popcorn, etc). I've been on this journey long enough to know that when I am not giving my body the proper nutrition that there is almost always an emotional cause behind my overeating.

I have the power to choose what I put in my body. There is nothing preventing me from making healthy choices today. The best part of this journey is that we get a fresh start every single day. Today is a new day and I'm going to start it out by filling up my water bottle.

~Kari

Keep on keeping on

Bleh! What a long week!!! The good news is that I was able to get in workouts on all but one day this week. My workouts weren't great since I was unable to attend my normal classes and had to cut my swim short because I was super short on time. My weight is staying the same. up a few pounds. My responsibilities at work have change and it has me wound a bit tighter than normal. The scale has been between 194 and 197 on any given morning. The scale has been up or down the same 3 pounds all week. I've that weight fluctuations this extreme have to do with fluid retention.

I almost titled this blog, "Hello? Is anyone out there?" I've been debating about continuing to post on this blog. I often feel like I am talking to myself. I started to think about why I started this blog. When I was losing weight at a pretty steady pace people would often ask me about my journey and any encouragement that I might have. Losing weight can be a very lonely road. So, if anyone is listening, I want you to know this.... It's not always easy, there will be days (weeks, months, years?!) where you don't lose. Sometimes it will be hard to fit in even a 20 minute workout. This morning I woke up way too early to work out because there was a movie night at my daughters school (when I would be working out). My very sleep child came out to ask me why I was up so early. She looked at my clothes and said, "Never mind, I know, you are taking care of your heart". That is why I keep on keeping on. I am teaching my children to live a healthy lifestyle. What motivates you to keep working towards your healthy living goals?

~Kari

Breaking up with Facebook

Are you on Facebook? Isn't everyone on Facebook?!?! I spend way too much time on Facebook. :(

My last post was about the busy week that I have ahead. As I thought about my week, I started to get more and more upset. Missing workouts. Dirty dishes. Baskets of clothes to be put away. There is so much to do! There are so many things to do and, yet, here I sit on the couch. I can spend HOURS reading blogs, checking Facebook, responding to e-mail, checking Facebook, taking care of my city on Facebook. Do you see the common trend? My laptop is permanently glued to my lap for a large portion of the day.

(I just checked Facebook while writing a blog about checking Facebook too often...)

I've made a decision. Don't panic, I'm not closing my facebook account! THAT would be crazy. I am going to spend an hour at night on my laptop (while watching TV, talking to my husband, and thinking about all of the chores that I should be doing) after I put the kids to bed and then turn it off. There is so much more to life than what's on the internet. In the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if you'd water my crops in Cityville. :)

~Kari

My week ahead....

Balancing life is very difficult! I work full time, work out 6 days a week, and am a Mom. Any of those three things could keep me busy all day long. :) This week is going to be especially busy at work. Hubby is working A LOT lately and that means that I have increased duties at home. I'm not complaining, just feeling a bit overwhelmed. My routine is "off" and that is stressing me out. My "normal" workout routine is impossible this week. Yep, I can get up early to work out....and it won't kill me. With the other busyness of the week ahead I hate the idea of having to go to bed so early.

Right now I am sitting on the couch trying to figure out Monday. I have a training after school. It's a training that I *want* to attend. If I attend that training, then that will mean that I can't workout after school. (Never mind the fact that they cancelled my FAVORITE Monday afternoon workout and I don't have a Monday workout plan as of this blog....) I know that I don't want to get up early tomorrow morning.

It's going to be a one-day-at-a-time kind of week. Tuesday looks good for a run. I could swim tomorrow morning.... Hmmm.... I have a cute new haircut that will require more maintenance than the traditional post-swim pony tail.

Why am I telling you all of this??? Sometimes people look at me and think that I've got it all together. That exercise is second nature for me. That I never struggle to get 'er done. There are weeks (like the one coming up) where the thought of fitting in exercise really does stress me out. I know that when I exercise that I feel better, am more productive, and am able to better balance my life. Knowing all of that does not make it any easier. Monday's decided- I am going to workout after dinner. That will probably mean playing Kinect Shape with the kiddos at my side, but at least I will get 'er done. :)

~Kari

Really? Really? Am I really doing this!?!?!?

*DEEP BREATHS* Ok, I'm really going to do this. I am going to sign up for the Seattle Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon. I am terrified! Yep, I know that thousands of people run the race every year. When I was in high school my PE teacher had to walk to track with me just so that I could finish WALKING the mile that was required. Walking! I am now talking about running 13 miles. Is this me? Can I really do this?

I may be crazy. I have 8 months to train. I can do this! I have an amazing support system in place. I can do this! I am capable of anything that I set my mind to do. I can do this! It might be fun. I can do this. 

(Someone please tell me that I can do this.... )

~Kari

Dem Bones

I feel amazing and a lot of it has to do with my amazing new chiropractor. Here's a song for your listening enjoyment....

I have been amazing at the difference in how good I feel after just a few adjustments. This past week I had my atlas adjusted. Don't know what that is? I didn't until this week. It the bone that your skull sits on and it controls the alignment of your spine (including your brain stem). Mine was way out of whack, so much so that my left leg was 1/2 and inch shorter than my right! After a neck adjustment, my legs were now the same length. I don't know how it works, but it does.  The adjustment was uncomfortable, but I had instant relief. I have been tight between my shoulders and shoulder blades for years and I woke up this morning (my adjustment was yesterday) and my muscles were actually pain free. I also need to add that I have had 0 sciatica pain since starting to see a chiropractor. Like I said, I don't know how it works, but it seems to be working. Here's a good Youtube video about how the atlas works:

Have a safe and healthy weekend!
~Kari

Random Wednesday

A few things....

I hate pantyhose. Pantyhose are a fat girls nightmare. I wore a super cute skirt the other day and froze to death because I own no hose. The up side was that my calves are HOT and looked amazing. :) I don't even understand pantyhose. I get them out of the package and there seems to be no front and no back. Then they run. You spend way to much money on a thin piece of fabric to cover your legs. Is there a brand of pantyhose that you love????

Credit for food not eaten... I think that we should get some sort of credit for the foods that we don't eat this time of year. Tonight at Bible study I only had one rice crispy treat instead of the dozen that I *could* have eaten. No one gave me a sticker for not eating a dozen treats. I suppose that my reward will come when the scale doesn't jump up a pound tomorrow morning for my over indulgences, but it seems like there should be some sort of tangible reward.

The world needs to sllloowww down. This year is going so quick. Many people mentioned today that they are feeling overwhelmed with the holidays approaching so quickly. I had a mini break down last night. I am feeling nervous about gaining weight, fitting in exercise, and still enjoying time with family and friends. What do you do to help organize your life during this super hectic season?

~Kari

The scale won't scare me!

Happy Halloween! My daughter woke me up super early this morning to let me know that it was Halloween and that meant that it was almost Christmas. Eeek! She's right. :)

I haven't weighed myself in a few weeks. I woke up this morning feeling uncomfortable in my skin. It's strange, but since my surgery, my skin is very sensitive to the slightest weight gain. I decided that I had to be completely honest with myself and weigh in. The sad news is that I have gained a few pounds. I was up to 196.5. The good news is that I know how to quickly change course and get back to my comfortable 192-195 range. To be perfectly honest with you, I can't remember drinking water since my workout on Friday morning. I know that I have a pound or two of fluid swishing around in my body. Water is so vital to weight loss.

Halloween is probably not the best day to get back to making healthy choices, but why wait until tomorrow? I refuse to put my weight on hold (or allow it to get out of control) just because it's a holiday. I can enjoy Halloween without gorging on candy. We have two months of holidays coming up. If I continued this trend, I'd be up the typical 8-10 pounds of holiday weight gain by the new year. My friend Kelly did a great post about holiday weight gain last week. Check her out!

I'm off to drink some water, make a healthy breakfast, and head off to work. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

~Kari

But I don't wanna....

When I was sick I took 3 days off from exercise. Then I worked out one day. Then I took another day off. Today is going to be busy for me and I knew that if I was going to work out that it had to be before work. I have a ton of options when it comes to exercise in the morning: classes at the gym, swimming, treadmill, and Kinect Your Shape. Last night I was trying to figure out what to do and I just couldn't choose. I've found myself, after missing a few workouts this week, not wanting to exercise. Exercise has become such a part of my routine that even the smallest interruption causes me to lose my motivation and momentum. I was complaining to hubby last night about how I didn't *want* to workout in the morning. He reminded me of what I already knew- that I *WOULD* feel better once it was over. So, I dragged my butt out of bed at 6 AM, threw on my workout clothes and did 40 minutes of step, kickboxing, and cardio intervals on my Kinect Your Shape. I had planned to do 30 minutes and then a mile run, but it was still too dark to run and I needed to get into the shower. Guess what? I did feel better when I was done.

I had some extra motivation last night. My friend Georgia gave my daughter and I these beautiful dresses. The one that I am wearing was a "sample size". That may not seem like a big deal to you, but to this girl that once wore a size 30, it was amazing to slip into a "sample size" dress. I'm a sample size! If that doesn't get you off the couch, I don't know what will! :)

Here's my daughter and I in our "fancy" dresses:

Have a great weekend!
~Kari

Post Sickies Workout

Here's how the conversation went last night....

Sissy: "Mommy, can we go to the gym tomorrow"
Me: "No, I'm still sick."
Sissy: "But I miss the gym."

I am on my fourth day of a pretty intense head/chest cold. I've run the gamut of running nose, stuffy nose, sneezy, confused, dazed, achy, tired, and just plain uncomfortable. I missed my run on Sunday. My long run. I was sad. I missed KickBoxing on Monday. I was bummed, but so tired after work that I couldn't even change into my workout clothes. I missed my run on Tuesday. We had an open house at school and I had to be there. I missed Super Circuit this morning. Still too tired to get up at 5 AM and workout before work.

My daughter's words resonated with me today, "But I miss the gym". I missed the gym. I missed working out. I've struggled with the delicate balance between taking care of my body through rest when I am sick and taking care of my body through exercise.

I made my way to the gym tonight. :) I took one of my favorite classes- Shred! I did Facebook Kelly prior to class to tell her that I was coming and that she had to be nice because I was still sick. My secret plan was to only do half the class and then leave. I am happy to report that I actually finished the whole class. I had to modify quite a bit, but was able to finish the whole hour. It was SO hard. My heart rate monitor had me in the high 160's most of the time. In 58 minutes I burned a total of 698 calories! Shred is a darn good workout, but I am usually in the 500-600 calorie range after a normal class.

How do I feel now? TIRED, but good. I am glad I got in there, broke a sweat, and gave it my all. I wasn't the fastest tonight and certainly not the prettiest, but I got it done. I worked hard. Sometimes giving it our all is all that we need to do.

~Kari

Sickies

Yep, I'm sick. :(

I tried to deny it for several days, but after getting home from Step class on Saturday there was no denying the fact- I am sick. I spent most of Sunday in bed. I asked my hubby on Saturday night how I was suppose to do my long run on Sunday. He, as kindly as possible, told me that I wouldn't be running on Sunday. I mustered the energy to get in to work today, but don't think that I will be able to make it to Kick Boxing tonight.

For the average Joe it is not a big deal to miss two workouts in a row. This is killing me! I keep thinking- How am I going to make-up a 1200 calories increase that I am not burning off by working out for 2 days? I've reread my friend Kelly's post about a dozen times. I was already going to have to miss one (or two!) workouts this week since I have several late night events at work that will take me away from my regular schedule. Boo! I hate missing my workouts because I worry about gaining weight, but I also hate missing them because I hate missing out on how I feel after working out.

I'm tired. Ok, I just decided I can't go to Kick Boxing tonight.
What do you do when your sick? I've been eating a lot of soups and staying in my sweats....

~Kari

I'm changing....

I'm changing and I kinda like it. :)

We won a store bought cake at the cake walk tonight. I got home and didn't want a piece. I licked the frosting and it actually tasted gross.

I missed my workout yesterday because I was too tired and I didn't worry about gaining 5 pounds overnight.

I worked out today because it makes me feel good,

not just because it will help me lose weight.

My weight was up 3 pounds this morning from the day before. I didn't have a total breakdown over "gaining" 3 pounds. I recgonized that I had way too much processed food yesterday (read SODIUM) and knew that I needed extra water today to help flush out excess fluid.

I sent my husband to the store the other day because we were out of fruits and veggies (for 3 days!!!!) and my body was actually craving them.

Like I said...

I'm changing and I kinda like it!

Sometimes change is good.

Living in an Obese Body

Have you seen this???

This guy is making himself obese on purpose. On purpose! Do you hear that? On purpose! Why would someone want to do that? I'll try to summarize. I actually don't really want anyone to click on the link because I don't want his irresponsible behavior to gain even more popularity, but felt the need to share the link. Here's a summary: This guy, a personal trainer, decided that he wanted "To experience for himself what it’s like to be overweight, how tough it is to lose weight, and ultimately show others how to get fit.". He has gained 70 pounds since May. His blood pressure if through the roof. He has become addicted to soda. He has stopped working out.

I don't even know where to start. Being overweight for 6 months is NOTHING like living for 30+ years in an overweight body. People that know you know that you have gained the weight on purpose. They don't look down on you for gaining weight. It's cool for you to be fat right now. It's a game.

Also, I hope that it takes a REALLY long time for him to lose the weight. What frustrates me is that he will probably lose it quickly. Our muscles have memory. His body should quickly return to "normal" as soon as his exercise and eating habits return to pre-experiment routines. I can tell you from personal experience that it takes years to learn how to exercise and eat correctly. He already has the tools. I had lost nearly 100 pounds before I did my first jumping jack. I had to figure out in my head what my body could do. He already knows what his body can do.

Finally, he was already showing others how to get fit. You don't need to be obese first before teaching others how to not be obese. That would be like me going to a cancer doctor and not letting him treat me unless he has already had cancer. You don't need to have the disease to treat the disease.
I have SO much more to say, but will stop for now. Any thoughts???

~Kari

Boo!

Did I scare you? :) It's almost Halloween!!!! I can't believe we are already deep into fall. My past few runs have been fantastic. Crisps fall air. Leaves under my feet. Ahhhhh

On Wednesday I went to a fantastic early (5:30 AM) morning class at my gym. It is a circuit class that uses minimal equipment with body weight to burn a few calories (488 in 50 minutes) and break down some muscles. I felt energized after class. The best part? When I woke up Thursday morning I was so sore. I love that feeling! You've worked hard and each time you move your muscles it reminds you of all that you've done. Sweet success! I am hoping to add this class to my weekly routine. It's going to have to replace my Shred class for a while since I can't workout on Wednesday nights. My church is doing a Bible study on Wednesday nights and it's too hard to work, workout, eat dinner, look at my children and be to Bible study by 6:30.

Confession time: My eating has been awful lately. I am actually terrified to step on the scale. Blah! This time of the year is so difficult. I need a plan! I think that I am going to go back to using SparkPeople to record my food. It's nice to know that I don't need to use it forever, but that it's there when I need it. I'm not going to weigh myself until Friday. I know that if I weighed in today that it would reflect water weight, PMS weight, and a week of overeating. I'll weigh myself next Friday and hope to be where I was a few weeks ago- 192. The scale hasn't moved in FOREVER and I am totally OK with it staying around 190-195ish, but don't want to get up close to 200 again. (I know that 195 seems pretty much the same as 200, but it is SOOO far away in my weight loss world.)

Have a great rest of your weekend!

~Kari

1/2 Marathon?!?!

Do you run?

Have you run a half marathon?

Did you finish???

Did you die???

Tell me everything!!!

I really enjoy my runs. Yep, running still scares me. Even with the fear, I still find it energizing and rewarding. Earlier this week a friend on Facebook suggested that I run the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll half marathon. It's on June 23, 2012. That would give me tons of time to train. Could I really run for 13.1 miles? There is a 4 hour time limit. Could I run 13.1 miles in 4 hours? So many questions! I *think* that I could do it. I can't stop thinking about this.

I ask again- Have you run a half marathon and survived to tell about it???? I want all the details!

~Kari

5:30 AM Boxing

I did it! I crawled got out of bed at 5 AM this morning to attend the 5:30 boxing class at my gym. Getting out of bed was not as bad as I thought that it was going to be. I did go to bed early last night (before 10) and slept good. I knew that the class was going to be amazing. I've taken boxing from the same instructor during evening classes. The people at 5:30 AM are pretty intense. I am pretty sure that I was the most out of shape person there. I had to repeat the whole class, "At least I'm here. At least I'm here." I burned 580 calories in 55 minutes. Not too shabby! Will I continue to do early morning classes? I'm not really sure. It was fantastic to be done with my workout before the sun peeked out. I was STARVING all morning. If I do another early workout I'll definitely have to pack a heartier mid-morning snack.

The only down side was that my daughter woke up when I got up. She usually gets up closer to 6:30. It has already proven to be a long afternoon. Luckily, (for me!) I have Bible Study tonight so hubby will be putting her to bed. The upside is that since I worked out before school that left me the afternoon to blog and play a serious game of Candy Land.

That's all I got! Nothing deep for today, I got up too early :)

~Kari

Lessons from my Dad

Two years ago today my dad died. I miss him terribly! At his funeral I read a list of advice from my dad. Today I am going to share that list with you.

~ Always get 3 estimates for any job.
~ Pop, candy bars and money do not grow on trees.
~ Threaten to leave at least two times when negotiating the price for a car.
~ Check your oil.
~ Do it because I said so.
~ Fishing has nothing to do with how many fish you catch.
~ Help those who struggle to help themselves.
~ If something doesn't work, turn it off, wait 5 minutes and then try again.
~ Use the bathroom before we leave because we are not stopping.
~ Go home and take care of those babies.

Miss you Daddy!

~Kari



165 Things

Thanks to the skinny blonde chick I have accumulated a list of 165 things that I have done/am still doing to keep up my weight loss goals. In no particular order I present to you:

165 things that have changed my life:

1. I go to bed early so that I can exercise before work.

2. I own more pairs of workout clothes than regular clothes.

3. I plan out my exercise for the week around my work schedule.

4. I run close to 10 miles a week.

5. I kick box.

6. I box.

7. I swim.

8. I step.

9. I do yoga.

10. I surround myself with other people interested in fitness.

11. I keep going in group fitness classes. (Even when I am facing the wrong direction!)

12. I look for fitness activities while on vacation.

13. I work out, even when I don’t want to.

14. I park farther away from the store.

15. I spend money on fitness equipment.

16. I set fitness goals.

17. I talk with my kids about making healthy food and fitness choices.

18. I share with others about my challenges.

19. I ask for help.

20. I look for opportunities to support others in their goals.

21. I celebrate my success.

22. I weigh myself daily, but not obsessively.

23. I use measurements to track my progress.

24. I eat veggies at almost every meal.

25. I plan my meals out the day ahead.

26. I pack healthy snacks when I go on trips.

27. I keep healthy snacks at work.

28. I snack when I’m hungry.

29. I savor treats.

30. I know that treats aren’t to be consumed all day long.

31. I don’t deprive myself.

32. I measure my portions.

33. I tracked my food for 2 years.

34. I use my heart rate monitor to track my calorie burn.

35. I track my food when I start to put on a little weight.

36. I don’t get stressed out over a few pounds of fluid retention.

37. I look for low sodium versions of food.

38. I look for the “light” section of the menu when I go out to eat.

39. I make specific requests from the cook when I am dining out.

40. I go online and use nutrition info to plan my restaurant food.

41. I take the stairs instead of the elevator.

42. I eat breakfast.

43. I changed my Starbucks drink to save 300 calories at a time.

44. I drink 8 glasses of water a day.

45. I skip the cheese on my Subway sandwich.

46. I make protein shakes when I am hungry, but short on time.

47. I don’t buy foods that I know will lead to a binge. (hello Nutella!!!)

48. I no longer buy candy in bulk.

49. I buy an occasional candy bar, just one- not a pack.

50. I eat Greek yogurt to help meet my protein goals.

51. I keep a water bottle at my desk.

52. I get up from the table after one serving.

53. I plan healthy, late night snacks.

54. I eat light if I know that I am having a heavy dinner.

55. I eat slowly.

56. I look for clothes that make me feel good.

57. I take the time to shop for great produce.

58. I try new foods.

59. I buy good running shoes.

60. I eat frozen instead of canned veggies.

61. I buy Franz bread- less sodium, more fiber!

62. I eat one piece of pizza with a huge salad.

63. I know that chips are not an entrée.

64. I no longer eat school lunches.

65. I use Laughing cow cheese wedges as a dip alternative for veggies.

66. I use egg whites to make veggie omelets.

67. I get annual check-ups.

68. I see a massage therapist.

69. I go to the chiropractor.

70. I listen to my body.

71. I push my body.

72. I recognize my limitations.

73. I don’t make excuses for my limitations.

74. I look for ways to improve my performance.

75. I love it when sweat drips down my face.

76. I cross and uncross my legs to remind myself how good it feels.

77. I get 8 hours of sleep a night.

78. I have a subscription to Runner’s World.

79. I give my children opportunities to be involved in sports.

80. I don’t use food to celebrate my success.

81. I make mistakes and am able to start over again.

82. I bring healthy dishes to potlucks.

83. I eat 6 times a day.

84. I stop eating when I am full.

85. I read blogs about healthy living.

86. I talk with others about their goals.

87. I stretch.

88. I change up my exercise when I get bored.

89. I added a riser to my step.

90. I use sugar free creamer.

91. I never give up. (For any real length of time…)

92. I know that there are no quick fixes.

93. I eat Fiber One bars when I’m on the run- yum!

94. I stay out of the staff room when I know that there are snacks out.

95. I enjoy my food.

96. I get that the Biggest Loser is not reality.

97. I love reading about other people’s weight loss success stories.

98. I visit SparkPeople on a regular basis.

99. I am OK with not being skinny.

100. I get excited about a new exercise routine.

101. I get sad when I have to miss a workout.

102. I own leg warmers and gloves so that I can still run when it’s cold.

103. I eat cake at a birthday party.

104. I think about the impact a choice will have on my health.

105. I take a multi-vitamin.

106. I floss.

107. I walk instead of drive.

108. I visit Farmer’s Markets.

109. I eat fresh whenever possible.

110. I bought a rice cooker and actually use it to cook brown rice.

111. I know that it’s not about being skinny.

112. I remember what it was like to be morbidly obese.

113. I compare pictures.

114. I like what I see in the mirror.

115. I accept compliments (still working on this one…)

116. I chart my progress.

117. I split my Fair food with hubby.

118. I take risks.

119. I set realistic goals.

120. I take the advice of others who have been in my shoes.

121. I modify moves during an exercise class if I can’t do what the instructor suggests.

122. I recognize that my weight loss is a combination of both nutrition and exercise.

123. I believe that you need different shoes for different exercises.

124. I bring leftover sweets to work so that I don’t eat them at home.

125. I choose grilled over fried.

126. I order the mini-meals when I have to eat at McDonalds.

127. I don’t worry about saving my “fat clothes” for when I gain back the weight.

128. I feel gross when I overeat.

129. I laugh at myself.

130. I appreciate a rest day.

131. I understand that food if fuel and can’t be valued as good or bad.

132. I make food from scratch. (This is huge is you knew me before!)

133. I planted a garden.

134. I keep a bag of lettuce in my fridge.

135. I get excited about new fruits being in season.

136. I run up stairs when no one is looking.

137. I value each pound that I lose.

138. I dance in dressing rooms when I fit into a smaller size.

139. I share on Facebook about meeting goals.

140. I tell people probably more than they need to know to keep myself accountable.

141. I laugh at commercials for weight loss product. They DO NOT work for long term success!

142. I respect the fact that people need to make their own choices when it comes to living healthy.

143. I am committed to not using diet aids to speed up weight loss.

144. I expect more from my body.

145. I read books about weight loss struggles and successes.

146. I surround myself with people that will keep me accountable.

147. I have an amazing support system.

148. I watch the Olympics in awe of what their bodies can do.

149. I firmly believe that I am more than my previous weight.

150. I spend more to get higher quality food.

151. I ask for fitness gifts for my birthday and Christmas.

152. I own a great digital food scale.

153. I buy pre-portioned desserts.

154. I allow myself to be vulnerable.

155. I am honest about my past weight.

156. I am proud of how far I’ve come.

157. I love how I feel in my own skin.

158. I no longer use food to make me feel better.

159. I eat veggies that two years ago I had never touched. (This one’s for you, Lynn!)

160. I look people in the eye.

161. I stand up straighter.

162. I look forward to seeing long lost friends.

163. I no longer wait until I am a size such-and-such to do what I want to do.

164. I appreciate the new bones that I’ve discover since losing weight. (HELLO collar bones!)

165. I wake up each morning and do it all again. J