Bloggers On The Run

Do you remember that one time that I wanted to run a 5K for my birthday? Yeah...well...Life happened and my training dropped off and I had to restart my quest for fitness. The other day when I was awake with my son in the middle of the night for the hundredth time, I found myself praying to God to help me with my motivational and sleep problems.

Soon...it came to me that I should adjust the children's nap time (from 1pm to 2pm) in the hopes that they would be more tired and actually take a nap and sleep better at night. After three days of this plan....I have been getting more sleep and have restarted my exercising plan! YAY!

And then my friend Kara told me that she wanted to get a group of bloggers together to train for a race (or series of races) with the hopes that we would all motivate each other and have a little friendly competition. I love friendly competition so I jumped at her offer!

All you have to do to participate is pick a 5k (or any length) in your area and dedicate yourself to walking or running it! We've made a cute little button so you can show off your walking/running pride, too! Once you finish your race, we want to hear about it! Go ahead and comment in any of my (or Kara's) blog posts when you finish it (be sure to tell us the name of the race, and what city you ran it in!) and we'll post it in our sidebars! We're hoping to get lots of people to participate, so tell your friends! Also, if you want...post about your progress while training so we can all support each other.

Oh, if you do more than one race, be sure to let us know that too! You get double the sidebar postage! I'm hoping to do a bunch of races in Utah and Denver! I'm super excited!

If you want to participate, just grab the button off my side bar, and comment to let me know so we can add you to the sidebar! I'll put your name up as a participant in "Bloggers on the Run!"

Week 24...Dark

Welcome to the 24 th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last Week: 210 pounds
This week: 209 pounds

LOST....1 pounds

Okay....only lost ONE of those TOM pounds. I'm having some issues and I think they are sodium related. I'm working on eating more REAL food instead of processed and will see if that helps. I'm also trying to keep my sugar grams low. I posted on Monday that I was trying to stay until 15g. This is humanly impossible for me. I'm not going to shoot for 30g and work my way down. For example, I ate cereal this morning and I'm already up to 17g. I have to stop eating cereal. Let me tell you how helpful my Lose It iPhone application is for this....tells me exactly what is in my food. LOVE IT!

I'm having a really hard time with my exercise. It is too dark at 5:30am and I freak out easily and think there are scary people in vans down by the river waiting to kid nap me and take me to the Abbot cabin so they can turn me in to Victor Newman for a cool million. Wait...that's on Y&R...see how my imagination runs away with me?

I HAVE an elliptical machine in my basement but I don't feel like I get as good of a workout on it as I do walk/lumbering down the street. My husband suggested that I walk with the kids during the day...but they walk at a snails pace and stop to look at every bug, rock and leaf. At night, by the time I finish serving and cleaning up from dinner...I'm exhausted.

So...here is the NEW PLAN for Week 25:

Thursday: Walk at 6am @ track by my house.
Friday: Walk at 6am
Saturday: Off
Sunday: HIKE a trail by my house
Monday: Walk at 6am
Tuesday: Walk at 6am

Sugar grams under 30g
Sodium under 2400mg
More Water..less Dr Pepper
NO FAST FOOD

I liked walking at 5:30am because there is NO ONE out at that time. I worry about being hit by a car or something kidnapped so my new solution is to DRIVE to the track and walk my butt off.

Question of the Week: What are your successes this week?

Hmmm...I did walk ONE TIME. And when my husband brought me ice cream...I only had a small amount. Sorry, that's I've I've got!

Have a great week!

Deep Thoughts:

I got an email from Oprah this morning. Although I'm often irritated with her lately (her shows aren't as good as they used to be and she made Mom's that blog look stupid) I still like to get her daily emails because there is some good info in there.

Today's email was about Motivation. We all know that I'm in desperate need of motivation and I'm struggling to get back on my track. At this point I can't even SEE the track. But I'm looking for it.

I talked last week about a couple things that I have to look forward to that should be motivating me to get my butt moving. Oprah just gave me a couple more things.

Exercising wards off Alzheimers.

This is an important one for me because if I lose my cognitive skills my husband is in really big trouble. This poor man as the memory of an gnat and I am constant having to remind him or things and find his stuff.

Exercising boosts your energy.

Again, I need more of THAT! I have Irish Twins (2 kids born in the same year) that are 2 and 3 and they run me ragged! I'm often so tired that I just let them do what they want because I'm too tired to stop them.

Exercising slows aging.

Not only do I feel old right now...I look older too. 10 years ago people were mistaking me for a 20 year old. Now I completely look my age and it's started to trouble me. And my recent skin cancer diagnose doesn't help. I want to look younger! Also learned a tip from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Vaseline. On your face. No wrinkles!

Exercising helps manage menopause!

This is one of the reasons that I started all of this working out business. I know it's coming. THE CHANGE! I'm already getting the hot flashes and hormone swings. Once my metabolism shuts down...I'm screwed! I have to get this all under control before the big M hits.....

Exercising reduces the need for drug treatment.

This is a pet peeve of mine. I hate how doctors always want to throw DRUGS at a problem. My husband is a hypochondriac and at one time he was one 3 different drugs for things that I didn't really think were a problem he couldn't solve with some exercise and healthy food choices. And guess what? I was right. He is no longer on them...plus, they made him feel like shit! When I have an issue...I always try an herb remedy first.

*********

I'm challenging myself to stay under 15g of sugar today! I'm got my handy Lose It iPhone App out and planning my meals for the day. I hope I can do it!

Week 23...Stuck

Welcome to the 22nd (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last Week: 208 pounds
This week: 210 pounds

GAIN....2 pounds

I didn't get my post written yesterday but I have a great excuse. Wanna hear it? I'm a Mom who blogs (as opposed to a Mommy Blogger) at The Young and The Relentless and yesterday I was the featured blogger at SITS. It was a great day! I had tons of visits and comments on my blog and made a bunch of new friends.

You will notice that I've gained two pounds since last week. I would like you to know that on Friday of last week...I weighed 206. But guess who showed up for my blogging party yesterday? TOM.

The last few months I've done a little experiment with some supplements and as soon as TOM leaves...I'll tell you about them. I think I've had a break thru on the PMS front.

I am having a horrible time getting back on track. I've too tired to get up early (because my son wakes up during the night...he's 3) and my kids are refusing to take a nap so I'm getting no workouts in. And when I'm tired...I eat.

One morning this week I was laying awake in bed at 4am (thanks Alex) and I was thinking about all of the things that are coming up that I wanted to lose weight for. The first one being the 5K that is not just 16 days away that I'm going to blow off.

And I have a fabulous blogging conference that I'm going to in October. I want to look all cute and stuff when I meet these bloggers for the first time. There is a shirt that I bought at the beginning of the summer that I want to wear....

Finally, I want to learn to ski! My friend Chrisy even offered to teach me and I told her I would do it *when I lost weight*. My reasoning for waiting was that I wanted to buy a CUTE OUTFIT to ski in and I didn't want to buy FAT CLOTHES.

So...here I sit. Not working out, eating Swiss Rolls (damn you Bobbi) and gaining weight. I guess I really need to have a long talk with myself and get motivated. Why can't I get my ass in gear?

SITScation........7 weeks
Learn to Ski....20 weeks

This week AMBER wants to know what my favorite dieting secret is. If I had to come up with one thing that is a key to losing weight...I would have to say FIBER. We all know what fiber does for us....and if you are full of **** you will gain weight and feel like crap. Literally. This is a secret that I need to do more of...because it makes sense that if you eat healthy, natural food (made by God a farmer) that you will process it faster and feel better.

Plan for WEEK 24:

Thursday~ ELLIPTICAL
Friday~ Walk AM
Saturday~ Off
Sunday~ Off
Monday~ Walk AM
Tuesday~ Walk AM
Wednesday~ Walk AM

Week 22...Head Cold

Welcome to the 22nd (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last Week: 208 pounds
This week: 208 pounds

Loss....0 pounds

I've been sick. I had this huge epiphany last Thursday....and then I got a horrible head cold. I'm just NOW starting to feel better....but it's been a week of comfort food and laying around.

You may notice that I changed the name of my blog. I am now Fat to FIT Mommy. You can read all about the changes in my thinking and name if you click HERE. I recently had a bunch of drama in my life involving my parents and my decision to not have them in my life (for now) brought back so many memories and feelings I needed to deal with. It was as if a light bulb went off and a lifetime of bad choices became clear to me.

I'm putting the past behind me and starting over with a clean slate. I will no longer allow toxic people to create drama in my life. I will walk away from people that aren't good for me. I will be selfish and do things that are right for me and my family.

The Plan for week 23:

Thursday ~ Walk
Friday~ Walk
Saturday~ Off
Sunday~ Yoga
Monday~ Walk
Tuesday~ Walk

Question of the Week:

Not just back to school time, but basically, summer is coming to an end. Is summer harder or easier for you to stick to your weight loss goals?

I've been thinking about summer ending because I'm not a workout in bad weather kind of girl and once the temperatures drop....I will need to move my exercise indoors. Which shouldn't be that hard since I have an Elliptical and a Weight machine in my basement. It's just a matter of committing to the change in routine. I can do it...and I will! That said, I will need to find all of the motivation that I can because I tend to want to hibernate in the cold Utah winter.

A New Beginning

When I was a little girl and I thought about having a family of my own; I always dreamt of having a daughter. I couldn't wait to dress her up and do girly things with her. So when I finally started having children and we were blessed with Mallory....I was so happy!

Lately, I'm realizing having this girl in my life is a huge responsibility. In this day and age, Children are bombarded with images on TV, movies and magazines of unrealistic body types and things that want to steal their childhood from them.

I desperately want my daughter to be a child for as long as she possibly can. I want her to love her body and have a healthy self-esteem. In addition to that I also want her to be athletic and never have the weight problems that have plagued me my entire life.

All of this begins with ME!

I was listening to my favorite daily blog talk radio show yesterday and Fiona Bryan (aka Bantering Blonde) was guest hosting for Jen Hinton. The topic of the show was Body Image and we were talking about the Kelly Clarkson SELF magazine cover that was altered to make her appear thinner. We also talked about how we can help our kids have a positive body image and it gave me a lot to think about.

I thought about the example that I'm setting for my children and it occurred to me that I'm not doing a very good job. Ever since they were born (and for many years before) I've been struggling with my weight. I've always been trying to shed some pounds and it has always been hard for me. I grew up with poor eating habits and with someone commenting on my weight and often felt like his love was conditional. If I was heavy...he wouldn't love me as much. Those thoughts are still with me.

When I started this blog...I named it Fat Mommy to Hot Mommy and I was focused on losing weight. This has been my focus for years.....and years. And I have lost weight but it is never permanent because it isn't a lifestyle change. It is always temporary because I'm not focusing on the right things. I realized that I don't want to be a HOT Mommy...I want to be a FIT Mommy!

Because of the connections I've made through this blog and twitter, I've realized that it's more than just losing weight...I want to be healthy and fit. I want to make PERMANENT changes that will have a direct impact on my kids and what they learn from me. I want to stop feeding my feelings and I want to be active and athletic!

One person that has been the biggest inspiration to me is Chris Ross from See Chrisy Run. She has been a runner for years and she recently started training for a series of races in the Utah mountains. Last Saturday, she and her friend (she calls her Supermodel) ran the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase...straight up a mountain! I don't see myself ever doing something like (I'm not that brave) but what touched me, is how proud her boys are of her.


I want to run, bike, ski and play with my kids. I want them to be proud of me and my fitness. I want to keep up with them and to live a very long life so that I can see them become fabulous adults. All of this begins with me....

So the first thing I did was change my blog name to Fat to FIT Mommy.

I have so much to learn and work to do. It's hard to undo damage from your childhood but I'm determined to do it...so that my kids have a better life.

Week 21...Resisting Temptation

Welcome to the 21st (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last Week: 206 pounds
This week: 208 pounds

Gain.....2 pounds

I've been a very naughty girl. *connie hangs head in shame* It's been an emotional week. My skin cancer diagnosis left me reeling and in shock. But thanks to many wonderful emails and comments I discovered that the chances of it being Melanoma are slim. And if by chance it is, I'll deal with it. However, these revelations....didn't prevent me from doing some emotional eating. I knew what I was doing and I knew the consequences.

My sister has been here a week and a half and I'm struggling with her being here because of the FOOD issue. She buys lots of junk food and I've found myself eating it. She also eats like a Toddler so I've altered our menu to accommodate her and it's taking it's toll on my eating habits. I've got to find a way to balance this out.

Bobbi's stash...it was worse, we ate some of it.

I jumped back on the Wagon yesterday and I was happy to see the wagon sitting outside my house waiting for me at 5:30am this morning! I wandered the neighborhood...not sure where I wanted to walk...this darkness is freaking me out a little. I ran into my little old man and I noticed that his ball has a string attached. What a smart guy! I also saw a falling star (my husband has informed me it was a METEOR) and I had to laugh because When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls was playing and this was the line when I saw it....

Be careful what you wish for Cuz you just might get it You just might get it You just might get it

Plan for Week 22

Wednesday~ Walk
Thursday~ Sadie Nardini Yoga DVD
Friday~ Walk
Saturday~ Walk
Sunday ~OFF
Monday~Walk
Tuesday~Walk

• Vitamins
• Water
• NO MORE SODA!
• Healthy Family Friendly Recipes

Want some of this? Click HERE.

Eminem made me do it.

My alarm went off at 5:15am this morning...like it does most mornings. For the last two weeks I've been shutting it off in the middle of the night because I'm not getting enough sleep. There is a little boy in my house with sinus trouble and he likes to play in the middle of the night and then he gets hungry. It's really hard to get up at 5:15am when you had to serve snacks in bed to your toddler at 1:36am.

Anyway, I have a ring tone that wakes me up that is somewhat motivating. It is what gets me out of bed most mornings. It's from the Big & Rich Song Big Time.

Today is even better than yesterday

Everything is going my way

I'm living the big time

Once I hear this...it runs through my head a few times and then I get up. Today was tough. For once, I didn't have a headache but I did have a pain in my stomach that I know well. A gallbladder attack.

I haven't had an attack in almost two years but I know why I'm getting one now. I've been eating crap and not drinking water or exercising. It's been an emotional week and I take it out on food. Plus, my sister is here and she buys all kinds of crap and it calls to me from the pantry. Thinking of getting a lock box for her to put her stuff in....

I laced up my shoes, grabbed my water bottle and I was off like a Prom dress. It's really dark in Utah at 5:30am so I've decided to walk through the Adult Living community a few blocks away. It's well lit and there is a little old man that walks there every morning. He's smarter than I, as he wears a flashing red light on his belt. He also bounces a small ball every few steps and his movements are fluid and light. I'm sure he is pushing 80 and he inspires me....

I also ran into the Mormon Barbies that I see ever so often. I wave as they trot by in their perfectly matching workout outfits, tanned limbs and sleek blonde ponytails. I'm jealous of their ability to run....

When I started out this morning,I told myself that no matter what, I was going to go 2 miles....I look at my iPhone and I'm only at 1.26 miles. My knees are sore and my right hip is starting to talk to me.

I'm at a crossroads. I can keep walking straight and go home...finishing just under 1.5 miles or I can turn left, walk up the hill and reach my goal. Before I make up my mind a new song comes on my iPod...Lose Yourself by Eminem.

Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?

That was the push I needed and I took the long way home....2 miles exactly!

Week 20...Trying Not to Worry

Welcome to the 20th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last Week: 209 pounds
This week: 206 pounds

Lost.....3 pounds

HOT DOG!

On Monday, I was all worried that I had thrown away the last 2 and a half months worth of work. I finally got out for a walk and it felt like I was starting over. I have lost my momentum and I'm working to get that back...but it's hard. Especially after yesterday.....

As part of my attempt to take better care of myself I made an appointment to see a Dermatologist to have all of my moles inspected. (they all checked out fine) While I was there I was going to have her look at this spot on my face that I've had for a couple years that is like a dry patch that will never go away no matter how much lotion I put on it. The worried look on her face as she examined it sent chills down my back. She told me that she would be taking a biopsy of it to *see how bad it is*.

I have skin cancer.

I left the office and called my husband from the parking lot and I broke down. How could I have waited so long to have this checked? I racked my brain to think of how long it has actually been there and it's been at least 2 years...and it's grown. I spent the day trying not to think about it but the word cancer kept creeping into my thoughts. And of course I googled skin cancer which was a bad idea. I won't know anything for three weeks (sooner if it's REALLY bad) so I'm going to try not to worry...but it's hard.

In the back on my mind I knew this day was coming. I grew up with a Mom that taught me to suntan with baby oil and we never used sunscreen when we were out on the boat. As an adult, I had what they call Tanarexia....I frequented the tanning salon several days a week and bought lotions to make me darker! I'm happy to say that I haven't done any of that in six years but the damage has been done.

Plan for Week 21:

Wednesday~ Sadie Nardini Yoga DVD

Thursday~ AM Run

Friday~AM Run

Saturday~OFF

Sunday~Hike

Monday~Sadie Nardini Yoga DVD

Tuesday~AM Run

Confession Time~Come Back Wagon

I'm upset with myself....

I haven't exercised (except for that one walk in Wisconsin) for two and a half weeks. I was on such a roll before I went on vacation. Even though I was struggling with migraines...I still went out and moved! And I took that Zumba class! Wow...I was feeling so good.

I got up this morning at my usual time and it was pitch black outside (and HOT). I don't really like walking in the pitch black that much because I worry that people can't see me. I didn't encounter any cars....but it still makes me nervous.

So the results of this morning were that I was only able to go 1.5 miles. My back and knees were hurting and I felt like I was walking through sand. I've lost my momentum. Two and a half months of work is down the drain and I feel like I'm starting over!

The 5K I was training for is only 6 weeks away....I'm not sure I have enough time now.

Also...since I'm in a confessing mood. My sister moved in with us this weekend. She left an impossible situation in Texas, packed up everything and moved to Utah. We are jokingly calling her my Sister-Wife because I seriously need some help around here with these kids! I know I'm going to love having her here...but she drinks Dr. Pepper. OH TEMPTATION! I'm trying to resist.....

*connie chases the wagon and jump back on*

Anyone else struggling lately?

The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass. ~Martin Mull

Week 19...More To Love

Welcome to the 19th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Before Vacation: 207 pounds
This week: 209 pounds

Gain.....2 pounds

I know the reason for the two pounds. Part of it is my fault and part of it is TOM's. TOM is due to arrive sometime today and he sent his buddy MIGRAINE ahead as a warning. The other reason...2 lbs of red licorice. I was in a gas station in Iowa getting juice for the kids and water for me and hubby when they had these large bags 2 for $3. I love licorice. I was only going to buy one bag (for the trip home) but the cashier talked me into the second one.

I'm pretty proud of myself. I did much better than I expected on my vacation. If you want to read all about it click HERE. I was stressed out because my family (sister, parents) is about to fall apart and my husband and his family were bickering. But I didn't let it effect me (until I saw the licorice).

I talked last week (my post was late...no internet) about an incident with some pancakes. I didn't want to eat bacon and pancakes, I wanted a salad and a big fight ensued. It made me realize how things can fall apart when you don't have the support you need. I know that I drank a lot more wine last week than I needed to. But it was how I was copeing with the situation.

I wish that I had stayed active while on my trip. There were so many times that I wanted to go walk but it wasn't convenient and now I'm having trouble getting started again. Of course TOM is also to blame for that.

The Plan for Week 20:

Friday ~ Walk
Saturday~ Walk
Sunday~ Off
Monday~ Walk
Tuesday~ Walk
Wednesday~ ZUMBA

I also need to start taking my vitamins again.

If you need a pep talk this morning...READ THIS.

*****

Did you watch More to Love last night? I wasn't going to but nothing else was on while waiting for After The Final Rose to come on. I won't be watching it again. I don't understand why it was important to show their WEIGHT and HEIGHT on the screen. This is a show about overweight people finding love. We KNOW they are overweight...why does it matter what the numbers are? It's not a weight loss show. I was turned off by it. What are your thoughts?

Week 17...Wine, Cheese and Bread OH MY!

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay

Watching the tide roll away

Oooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay

Wastin' time

No weigh in this week...I'm on vacation in Wisconsin...Lake Okauchee to be exact. We rented a house with my in laws and brother in law. I'm trying to be good. The trip here wasn't too bad. I would eat McDonalds breakfast burrito (one...and no hashbrowns for me) for breakfast and then I packed sandwiches and carrots and lots of water. We didn't eat many meals on the way...just did a lot of snacking.

Monday, we took a day trip to Green Bay and I ate a Angus Mushroom Swiss burger in the car. It felt like a rock in my stomach. I regret eating that soooo much. We have eaten well since we got here...I'm trying to only eat half of the fatty things but my mother in law made rolls last night....

I had intended to exercise every morning. But I forgot that my husband would be leaving the house at 4am everyday to go fishing on Lake Michigan and I don't want to leave my kids alone in the house with my mother in law because she doesn't wear her hearing aid to bed. I will go walk Friday morning because that is a no fishing day.

My weakness.....wine. And cheese. I have consumed much wine and tons of cheese. Oh and I bought some awesome breads at Trader Joe's Tuesday Morning. I could live on these three things. Oh and coffee. I bought lots of fruit and veggies today too. Trying to counterbalance the wine and cheese with some good salads.

I wrote all of the above before a big storm hit on Wednesday morning and knocked out our internet. I wasn't able to post this.....so I will tell you what else I've been up to.

I am disappointed with how much exercise I've gotten. The weather hasn't been the best and my MIL has been with me much of the time and she can't walk. Today, we went downtown...walked along the pier, went to the Children's museum and walked all over! My hips hurt so good today! I really have missed being active.

I have to tell you what I had for dinner tonight. I got in a fight with some family members over pancakes. Yes, pancakes. Long story short...they got chinese and pizza and I ate a salad with blue cheese (we went to the cheese castle yesterday), candied pecans, tomatoes, snap peas and a couple chunks of cheese. It was awesome!!

In the morning, I'm going for a very long walk. I'm so excited!! It is so beautiful here and I'm anxious to see some of the woods around the lake.

I'm pretty sure I will just have to start over when I get back....and I'm excited to continue with Zumba! Also...my sister is moving to Utah and moving in with my family. I'm excited to have her so close by (downstairs) and help her restart her life.

I hope everyone had a great week and I'll be getting back to blog reading soon~!

How Connie Got Her Groove Back

Last night was my Zumba (pronounced Zoomba) class and my friend Sara came with me. I thought it was sooo nice of her to do this because she is 4 months pregnant....but she recently ran a half marathon while pregnant so I thought she wouldn't have any trouble. I was right...she did great!

I was really nervous about going to this class. I haven't taken a class of any kind since I was 5 years old and my parents enrolled me in Gymnastic, Ballet, Tap class. I have no dance training at all (not counting linedancing in the 90's while half drunk). I feel like I used to have some rhythm and could swivel my hips with the best of them. You know back in the day when I was single and trying to get a boyfriend dirty dancing in bars.

But then I had a couple kids and turned into a slumpadinka and the most dancing I do now is to Bunny Town on Disney. So I walked into this class with a nervous stomach and scared I wouldn't be able to follow the steps.

This class felt like a cross between The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars. I was sweating more than I ever had in my life, my butt and boobs where bouncing all over the place and my face was red and hot! I'm horribly uncoordinated and most of the time was not in sync with the rest of the gals. I couldn't even get a hula hoop to spin around my waist. AND I was supposed to be watching Amanda in the mirror....but I couldn't stop looking at her butt! Dear Amanda, I am so sorry about that. I will try harder next time. By the way, you have a very nice butt.

AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!

Sara loved it too and we are going to take our friend Shannon when I get back from vacation. Going to this class felt like I was doing something FOR ME. Something for myself that is completely separate from my kids and husband. I love being a wife and mother but I feel like I sacrifice so much of myself that I am disappearing. Last night...I felt strong and fat and empowered!

Note to self: get a full body spanx for the next class....and these cool shoes!

To find a class near you...click HERE!

Week 17...My Inspiration

Welcome to the 16th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last week: 207 pounds
This week: 207 pounds

LOST.....0 pound

The Plan from Week 16:

workouts completed:
Thursday~ .48 mi (headache)
Monday AM~2.06 mi
Mon PM~ 1 mi(walk with family)
Wednesday~1.24 (headache)

I didn't lose any weight this week. Something is going on with my body...I can't figure out what it is but I'm getting headaches again. Almost daily. I'm waking up with them and they are lasting most of the day. I have recently started taking a new herb...could be that maybe or hummus overdose. Also, THIS could be part of the (weight) problem. I only had half my meal and half my little treat and had the other halves later...but still.

I have been listening to the Momactive radio show ever Friday at Noon. Each week they have a guest and last week it was Sadie Nardini. She is a master Yogi in New York City! She has a channel on You Tube and has a few DVD's out. I WON the Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga: Total Body Transformation and Weight Loss DVD! I can't wait to get started!

Tonight is the BIG NIGHT! I'm going to Zumba! My beautiful friend Sara is going with me. We can't wait to try it and I'm sure I'm going to love it. Check back tomorrow so I can tell you all about it.

We are leaving for Milwaukee Wisconsin on Friday. I have no idea if I'll have internet so that I can write a post but will post an update from my iPhone on Wednesday. I just won't be able to link up.

Question of the week: What's been inspiring you??

This is my daughter....we will call her Mallory. (her daddy is a stickler about me using her real name) She is almost 2.5 years old and she is a spitfire! All my life I dreamed about having a daughter but I never dreamed about how amazing life with a sweet girl would be.

This girl...runs everywhere. She has so much energy and loves to jump and dance. We went for a walk to release our butterflies into the wild on Monday and she grabbed my hand and said, 'Run Mommy Run!' Here we are running with our purses. She agreed to be my running buddy (opps...I'm not buddy...I'm Mally)!

One of my main motivations for doing this is to be able to be active with my kids. I don't want to be that Mom that can't run, play and bike. I can totally see me and Mally running a race together someday.....

****EDITED TO ADD***

It appears that I will be doing ALL the cooking on this vacation. I knew this was going to happen! *connie stomps her feet and pumps her fists in the air* My first thought was...I guess I will need to make my potato salad and watergate salad. But both of those items are not super healthy. My in laws eat A LOT! Please...help me figure out what I can make for side dishes with hamburgers and hot dogs. I want to eat healthy and force them too also.

Are you being consistent?

Last week was kind of tough. I was plauged with migraines so my only REAL workout was last Monday. It was a great one....my furthest yet! I was so proud of myself and felt great afterward.

So here it is Monday again and I'm raring to go. And my legs feel like they are filled with sand and I'm walking through mud. I was so irritated with myself and my body. I felt like all of my hard work the last few weeks was ruined in 6 short days.

I forced myself to keep going and around 1.25 miles...I caught a second wind and I was able to complete my workout with a new farthest distance of 2.06 miles and I even ran a little bit during that burst of energy!

I can't let this happen again! I must be more consistent and that is going to be a challenge since I'm going on vacation next week. However, we've rented a house on a lake and I'm hopeful that I can get up before my family a few times and get in a workout.

Are you being consistent?

***********************************************

Part of staying consistent for me...is being motivated. I'm motivated by so many of the folks that blog about their journey and I love finding new blogs to read. Over the weekend, I found out (on twitter) about FITROLL. It's a blog roll of fitness blogs and you can add your fitness blog and find other's to keep you motivated. Sounds great right?

Go HERE and find out the details! See you on the FitRoll!

Let's get ready to Zumba?

I like to dance. When I was growing up, I spent hours and hours in my room dancing in front of my mirror. And back in the day when I was a single woman...I was an excellent line dancer. I loved everything about the Achy Breaky Heart! I heard about Zumba the other day and thought it sounded interesting.

Then there was a float in the North Ogden parade with some gals dancing with a sign about Zumba with Amanda! So...I emailed Amanda and I got some info on it and I'm really excited (and scared out of my mind) to try it! I've emailed all my local pals to see if I can get some moral support while I embarrass myself dance my fanny off and a couple of them have agreed to come with me. YAY!!

I'm determined to give this a try because my husband doesn't think I can do it. There is a reason why I've nicknamed him *the wet blanket*. Check out this story that The Today Show did about it.



My husband thinks something like this is more my speed.

I'll show him!!

By the way...RUBY is going to be on The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda. If you can't see it (it's on at 10am in some places) you can see the clip on their website.

Week 15...In Love with Hummus

Welcome to the 15th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last week: 208 pounds
This week: 207 pounds

LOST.....1 pound

The Plan from Week 15:

workouts completed

Wednesday ~ 1.63 mi
Thursday ~ 1.61 mi
Saturday ~ .95 mi
Monday ~1.92 mi

Not too shabby! I'm pretty proud of my workouts. I have been eating better too. There really isn't a sweet to be found in my house (except for the Mother's Animal Cookies that I found in my basement) so I haven't been tempted.

I ate fastfood (McDonalds) a couple times and it tasted nasty. I ate a piece of pizza last night and it made me feel sick. I have become addicted to Spinach/Feta Hummus with carrots and Roasted Chickpeas. I LOVE IT! I've been drinking more water and taking my vitamins.

Who is this healthy girl?

I watched the first episode of season two of RUBY this week. I was going to wait to watch this season until I was finished watching last season but I couldn't help myself! I wanted to see how much she lost. She lost 140 pounds during the last year! I like this show for several reasons...she is losing the right way...with good eating habits (although her food is delivered to her), exercise and therapy. I'm always amazed to discover that many overweight people have some trauma in their past that contributes to their weight.

The Plan for Week 16:

AM walk/run

• Thursday
• Friday
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
  

Topic of the week: Share with us some of your vacation survival strategies

Great topic Amber! We are leaving for our family vacation in 9 days and I have been giving this a lot of thought. We are renting a house in near Milwaukee on the lake that my father-in-law grew up on. There is a huge park across the street with walking trails. I'm sure much of my exercise will involve chasing my kids to keep them out of the lake. I intend to visit Trader Joe's my first day and stock up on fruit and veggies and anything other goodies I can find. On Wednesday, I plan to visit the Farmer's Market in downtown Milwaukee but I'm also going to eat my weight in cheese. I'm sure there will be sweets....but I will keep it to a minimum.

Now, for the trip to Wisconsin. 26 hours in the car....3 DAYS! And that's just one way. (god help me) I'm bringing a big cooler with water, carrots, HUMMUS, grapes, cherries and blueberries. I am also going to make up some breakfast burrito's and freeze them...we will reheat these (in the hotel microwave) for breakfast instead of eating high fat and calorie Mc Donalds food. I'm going to make up a HUGE batch of Roasted Chickpeas....these are my new favorite snack. Oh, and nuts. We will bring nuts.

Roasted Chickpeas

1 (12 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
Pam Spray
salt
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Rinse and then blot chickpeas with a paper towel to dry them. In a bowl, toss chickpeas and season to taste with salt, garlic & onion powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Spray Pam on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crunchy. Watch carefully the last few minutes to avoid burning.

Inspirational Song of the Week: Christina Aguilera Fighter

This week I got excited about trying something new for exercise (more about this later) and I shared it with my husband. He laughed at me and told me that he didn't think I could do it. He really hurt my feelings and I ended up mad at him for a couple days. I'm tired of people telling me I can't do something. This is a great song for this week because I seriously wanted to kick his @ss.....

cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

TV that doesn't make you FAT!

You may not know this...but I love watching TV. My hubby and I watch The Young and The Restless every night and are loyal watchers of Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and LOST. But my secret indulgence...reality shows and The Food Network.

Do you know about Ruby? I saw her on Oprah a few months ago and wanted to watch her show but I don't get the Style channel. I just discovered her first season on Apple TV (you can also purchase them on iTunes and watch on your computer). In case you don't know...Ruby is a southern lady that weighed around 700 pounds and decided that she wanted to live a better life and lose the weight once and for all. After losing 230 pounds, she got a reality show. The second season of Ruby begins on Sunday, July 5th 7pm Central Time. You can also find her on Twitter @rubysjourney




I just found out about this new show Cook Yourself Thin on Lifetime. Cook Yourself Thin Cookbook gives you skinny alternatives to your favorite foods. I'm going to LOVE this show because I love to cook but some of my favorite recipes are not the healthiest and I'd love to know how to make them lower calorie so I can continue to eat them. Take the Cook Yourself Thin Quiz Here are my results....

You’re a Comfort-Food Craver

You love food and home-cooked meals. Some of your favorite recipes have been in your family for years, and just the smell of them makes you feel safe and happy. You’re also a modern foodie and love to sample the latest bistro. You have a pretty good idea about nutrition and how to create a flavorful, satisfying meal, but your enthusiasm for eating means portion control doesn’t enter your mind. Some of your cooking methods and ingredients are as antiquated as your recipes (it is possible to make mashed potatoes without cream and a stick of butter, you know). Fortunately, while our recipes cut down on calories, they never compromise on taste or comfort. (Check out these delectable "Cook Yourself Thin" recipes.) Open your mind to some new ingredients and techniques and you can feel cozy without looking like a plush teddy bear.

You can watch full episodes HERE!

Cash And Prizes

”The rewards go to the risk-takers, those who are willing to put their egos on the line and reach out to other people and to a richer, fuller life for themselves.” --Susan RoAne

I've been giving some thought to rewards. I feel like I should give myself one for reaching the 3 month mark and having some results. Of course my first instinct was to take myself to Starbucks and have a coffee and a bar but I quickly reminded myself that we don't reward ourselves with food. *connie rolls her eyes at herself*

205 pounds (10 lb goal) ~ A Deluxe Pedicure
200 pounds (15 lb goal) ~ A One Hour Massage
195 pounds (20 lb goal) ~ Polar Heart Rate Monitor

This one is for when my hips are 40 inches and my waist is 31 inches. (currently 44.5 and 34.75)

Printed Bra Cup Twist Top from Athleta.


Trail Finder Capri from Athleta.

Week 14...Getting Stronger

Welcome to the 14th (completed) week of Extreme Makeover: ME Edition hosted by the incredible Amber Filkins!

Let's weigh-in...

Last week: 208 pounds
This week: 208 pounds

LOST.....0 pounds

The Plan from Week 14:

I was doing awesome...until Monday. My old friend TOM showed up. Generally, I am completely wiped out for two solid days. I just can't function and I crave carbs and sugar. The best way I can describe it is...it's a full moon and I'm a werewolf. My husband knows better than to deny any food or drink I have requested. He just sets it in front of me and backs away slowly. So...the fact that I didn't lose or gain any weight this week is making me really happy because there was coke, a quarter pounder and hostess cupcakes in my diet the last few days. During this time...I also stopped drinking as much water and taking my pills. I've got to find a cure for this. The good news is that I didn't feel as bad as I normally do. I think it's because of the exercise and eating better and the Vitamin D!

The Plan for Week 15:

AM walk/run

Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday

PM Weight Training

Friday
Sunday
Tuesday

Also...

Vitamins
Drink 80 oz of water
Plank and sit-ups (Wed, Fri, Sun)

Question of the week!
Share with us how you're feeling about your progress.

I am feeling great about my progress! I did a post on Monday of my 3 month Before and After picture and measurements. Click HERE to see it. My clothes are fitting better and I feel strong. Each day that I walk/run...I'm able to run just a little bit farther and I feel sooo good when I get home. The whole day goes so much better when I have taken this time to be my own best friend. Some of you have commented on that post and I want to tell you that I love you and your support means more than gold! So...I decided to draw a name from those that commented to win a Starbucks Gift Card! Lucky number 5 (thanks to the random number generator) is Jen from Harried Mom of Four! Thanks Jen!


Here is my Inspirational Song of the Week: I can run faster and longer when this song is playing! Seriously! I dare you to try NOT to run while that song is playing.

Poker Face...Lady GaGa