Update!

Rattle Me Bones 10K

PB - 1:01:06

October 25, 2009.

But, apparently

My mom is battling stage three throat cancer.

She just completed round one of her radiation and chemotherapy.

During the last 7 weeks I have felt a bit inadequate: I am struggling with how best to offer my love, support and help during this challenging, difficult, scary time.

I want to do more than I am doing for her - she means the world to me!

But,

I am not a nurse, caregiver, nutritionist or orderly.

I am not a scientist, pharmacist, or medical engineer.

I am not technician, radiologist, nor am I a doctor, or an oncologist.

But, apparently,

I am beginning to fancy myself a runner.

Tomorrow, I am running in the Ottawa Hospital 10k RATTLE ME BONES race.

(and though it is not much, it makes me feel like I can help in my mother's care.)

Wish me luck!

(Thank you Ottawa Hospital for taking such great care of my mom!)

HEY MOM, Love you - Hate cancer!

Ready! Set! Go Gobble Gobble!

A few weeks into the school year I got a phone call from DJ's school. Apparently, every second nutrition break he was hanging out with a bunch of grade 3-6 students. DJ would race out of the Grade 1 door and head over to the far corner of the track. The grade 5 teacher called to tell me of DJ's fascination with this crowd.

Apparently, every day, DJ has been leaving his peers and joining in the grade3-6 track team practices.

The coach told me that he does not want to discourage DJr, but that he wanted to make sure my future track star understood he was too young to participate in the upcoming track team competition.

That afternoon, I sat DJ down and asked him about his track aspirations.

He was so cute. At first he thought he was in trouble. Then, I think I figured he was going to be banned from the team practices.

He smiled innocently at me and simply said he liked running with the big kids. It was good exercise and making him strong and healthy.

I congratulated him on his commitment and hard work. Then I gently explained how he could not compete with the school team...not yet.

He smiled. Nodded in agreement. Gave me a big hug and said, " That's ok mommy. I do not run for them. I run for me, cause I like it...and um, I run for you."

"You run for mommy?"

"Well mommy, I like it when you race and I want to race like you. But really, I just want to run with you when I get big and when I get better at running. Mommy, you go to your running class to learn to run - and I go to the running team to learn to run and maybe one day we can run together. I would really like that. Mommy, running makes you happy and running makes me happy and I like being happy with you!"

WOW. WHAM!

It really hit me how my transformation from being overweight, inactive and unhealthy has impacted my children.

My children see how I now take time for myself, and that physical exercise, working out, and taking care of myself makes me happy. Heck, it makes me happy, content, proud and at peace.

They see the benefits to leading an active lifestyle. Both the physical ones, and the emotional ones.

I am committed to keeping up with my new routines of working out, eating properly and taking care of myself. I am committed to being a positive role model for my three children.

So, this past weekend we all ran together. We entered the The Fall Colours Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot race.

And everything about it made me happy.

Pre-race photo!

Ready....Set....Go!

And we are off!!!!

I love this photo of the boys! DJ's facial expression is priceless!

DJ loved the experience. He was awesome!

Click HERE for more photos of DJ giving it his all!

Anderson was excited...and then got a little whiny ...but soon got his second win and finished on a high note!

Click HERE for more photos of Anderson.

Little Madigan ran the ENTIRE 1km on her own. She was so determined. When people cheered for her she would stop and clap! It was hilarious! This photo so captures her race with me loudly cheering her on every step of the race!

Her photos from the race are great! I love the one with her running and a man running behind her with his screaming child! Priceless! Click HERE to see all Madigan`s professional shots!

Here we are after the race. The kids were super proud of their t-shirts, their bibs and especially their medals.

I was just proud of them...and very thankful.

Happy be-lated thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadian bloggers!

I did it - a PB!!!

I did it!!!!!
A half marathon!!!!!!
2:19:21.6

My runners!

Left foot: Over 80 lbs gone!

Right foot: Only 21km to go!

Moments before lining up at the start line.

It was amazing. It was the Army Run - so, lots of soldiers, and brave, injured soldiers started the pack. Read THIS amazing story about a double amputee running this race!

I felt strong the entire race. I kept with my plan and never "lost it emotionally".

This wonderful cheering squad met me at 7km, 17km and at the finish line. Each time giving my encouragement and strength. My heart swelled with their yells of, "GO MOMMY GO!"

I finished very strong and felt great!

I had realistically figured I COULD finish in the 2:30s. I had privately hoped to finish in the 2:20s...and was ecstatic to clock 2:19:21.6!!! A Personal Best, you know, since it was the first time I ever ran a half!

We headed off to Chapters - the kids played with Thomas the Train and read books, and I enjoyed a nice coffee, and admired my dog-tag medal!!!!

(Believe it or not, yes, I was able to get up! AND, after running the half, I took the three kids to the local pool for some fun. We then went out for dinner...it was an amazing day!)

WW - Put me in coach, I wanna play!

What is Wordless Wednesday without a few words??!!!?!?!?!?!?

Last night was my first league game of the summer season.

Nothing could wipe the smile off my face!

Last year I almost quit the sport I love - but after an off-season of eating properly, taking care of myself and getting fit - I am ready to have fun again!

Last night was very rewarding, inspiring and motivating.
I have lost 81 pounds so far - only 19 pounds more to go!
I can do this. I will do this. I want to do this.
Yep, I am a contender in this weight loss game - and I am going to win!!!!

Put me in coach, I wanna play!

Oh! Ya, an extra bonus is that we won our soccer game last night!!!

Started. Completed. Very Happy.

Yep, my title says it all!

The race was quite an experience. The number of runners simply CRAZY!

Tracy and I kept mainly to our race plan. The first 4km were slow due to the pack. The run between 4km and 7km flew by. The crowds were amazing!

I did great up to about 7km and then struggled a bit - then regrouped and headed down the back stretch. I seriously think that the distance between the 750m left sign and the 500m left sign was about 4.5km - seriously!!!!!

The home stretch!

My time was very respectable and I am very happy with it, especially with all the weaving and running around people - I really pushed it at the end and sprinted to the finish line!

1:03:27

Now, onto the half marathon!!!!

I TRI'd my best!

Today,

I swam

biked,

and ran

away from old bad habits, emotional eating, over eating, poor lifestyle and

80 extra pounds...

...and I could not be more proud!

More details to follow!

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

DO NOT!

DO NOT go to Amy's Quest to Skinny blog.

DO NOT become inspired by her weight loss journey.

DO NOT fall in love with her cute furry and four-legged companion.

DO NOT rely on her for awesome running pointers, realistic views on Weight Watchers and food tips.

DO NOT marvel at her work out commitment.

DO NOT chuckle at her wonderful sense of humour.

DO NOT cheer her on as she prepares for her next road race.

And whatever you do, DO NOT go and comment on this post.

WHY NOT??

'Cause Amy is MY bloggy friend, she is MY inspiration, she is MY grounding force and she is EXACTLY who I want to be like when I grow skinny.

Commenting on this post is just a BIG waste of time!

WHY?

'Cause I am going to win her awesome give-away. Yep. Me. NOT YOU!

Fitness Friday - One step at a Time

Have you heard of the 10 000 step challenge? It is basically the thought that if you take 10k steps in a day then you are leading a relatively healthy/active lifestyle.

I remember before I started my weight loss journey, I placed my new pedometer on and honestly thought I would have no problem hitting the 10k mark. After all, I did not spend my day at a desk - I spent my day running after three little ones! Boy! I was shocked to see such a small number of steps.

I went on a mission to increase my steps.

I started taking the stairs. I started parking further from the door. I started walking errands instead of driving short distances. I started to "do" the front steps while waiting for the boys' bus each morning. I started to take two trips with grocery bags or with laundry - doubling my steps for specific tasks.

All of these "step inserters" worked. Very quickly the number of steps I was taking skyrocketed past 10 000! After about a month of consistently hitting between 13K and 16K (without including my daily exercise activity) I stopped wearing my counter.

Mission complete! Now, even without the counter I can basically tell when I have not taken my 10k steps - and I work hard to fit them in or push harder at my workout. I am addicted to steps!

At my WW meeting on Wednesday many of the Losers (I mean that in the best way!!!! Hee Hee) were talking about how morning exercise motivates them to eat right and stay on plan all day.

I started to analyse my situation. I can ONLY work out in the evening. If I did follow the suggestion of just getting up 30 minutes earlier each morning, then I would be going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 2:30am! Um....NO!

I started to curse my 4am to 8am dream job with the federal government - you know, that job where I get to interact with the real world, but I also get to be a full time stay at home mom. You know, the great job that I get to brag that I get paid to watch the news broadcasts and tell the Prime Minister of Canada and his staff what was reported by the media outlets each night. You know, THAT job.

When the leader mentioned that early morning exercise jump starts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories and have more energy, I was really fuming.

Then, I thought of my step mission.

On Thursday and Friday I dusted off my pedometer and securely fastened it to my dress pants and headed off to work - AND FOLLOWED MY REGULAR MORNING ROUTINE.

• Parked my car in the normal spot.
• Took the 2 flights of stairs to the exit.
• Walked the 3 blocks to my office.
• Take the elevator to my office - too nervous to do the dark stairs at 3:45am!
• Worked to get my reports done.
• Delivered my multi-media reports to the Prime Minister's office.
• Delivered the reports to the West Block of Parliament Hill - this is a 3 block walk - but best of all for the last 4 months I have not used the elevators - I run up and down the 4 flights of stairs.
• Walk back to the office, walk up my 4 flights of stairs.
• Finish my daily work.
• Walk down 4 flights of stairs to the main door.
• Walk the 3 blocks to my parking lot.
• Take the stairs to the parking garage.
• Arrive at home at 8:30am.

So, between 3am and 9am each work day I am walking approximately 4789 steps.

HELLO! Did you see the number of stairs my new active lifestyle has incorporated in it each morning? HELLO LOSER LAURA, there is your MORNING WORKOUT!

Do you try to incorporate activity into your work day? Do you subscribe to the 10k step challenge? If so, how do you work in more steps?

Like our leader Marilyn said at our WW meeting - Even the longest journey starts with a few small steps.

Each day, I feel like I am taking those little steps to incorporate more activity into my day and leading a healthier, better lifestyle - in hopes of it all being a life-long commitment.

And with that, I leave you with two photos that show that each little step towards a healthier lifestyle work.

April 9, 2009

April 9, 2008.

I sure have come a long way!

Thanks for your support everyone!

One step at a time!

Friday Fitness & Birthday Gift Suggestions

Friday? YIPPPPEEEE!

For me, this week has been one of those, "Dear Lord, will this week EVER end?" coupled with, "Holy crow, Friday, already!" A strange combination!

It was an exciting fitness week! I started new activities, had a little break and most importantly, completed my first road race.

Saturday I completed my 5k race. I am happy with my time - 33.06 though there were at least 3 times I slowed right down and one time I walked - so, lots of room for improvement!

Sunday I played soccer for my new indoor team. It was AMAZING! They are so much better than my former teammates. I ran around, played hard, and had a GREAT time! I even made what can only be described as "the pass of my career" - too bad Joanne could not capitalize on it! We lost, but I had a good work out!

Monday I had my first Running Room clinic. It is a huge group with a huge spectrum of fitness, running ability and commitment. I ran with a really nice gal - we hit it off and I am looking forward to running with her again!

Tuesday I tried an aqua fit class. It was in the deep water - it was challenging, fun, and I am looking forward to trying it again. I am taking the class with a great friend and I am looking forward to chatting, laughing and aqua-fitting with her!!!!

Wednesday - no boot camp this week. I missed it! My friend Dawn and I walked to our Weight Watchers meeting. As was expected, I gained this week - lots of factors contributing (bad choices, snacking, lack of journal keeping and my "time of the month about to start!")

Thursday - I planned on doing a workout - but never got around to it. David had a boys' night out so I had all three kids all day and night...so, no real time to work out.

Friday - I am hoping to go for a run this evening.

Saturday - I am hoping to find a pool and swim some laps in prep for my try-a-thon in May!

Sunday - Running Room Long Run at 8:30am and then I have a soccer game.

Next week I have a busy fitness schedule:

Monday - Running Room Clinic

Tuesday - Aqua Fit Class

Wednesday - Boot camp

Thursday - walk/run

Friday - Run

Saturday - Downhill skiing (Same resort where Natasha Richardson had her accident)

Sunday - Running Room Long run in the AM and soccer game in the afternoon.

Now, since I have lots of training to do before my try-a-thon on May 16 and my 10K race on May 23 I have been exploring tracking gadgets. Roni introduced me to an amazing little application for a iPod. You can read all about it here. It looks super cool and I love the fact you can chart out your runs and workouts and set goals and milestones. WAY COOL!

So, for my 40th birthday I would love this:

Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G

...and since I do not have a iPod Nano, I would need one of these:

Oh! and one of these:

Hee hee...this birthday wish list stuff is fun!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Warm Temps & appropriate gift ideas

The weather here in Ottawa is sensational!

Today it was 7 degrees above zero...GOR-GEEEEEE-OUS!!!!

So, as I drove around town today with my sun roof opened, my thoughts shifted to summer soccer. The season starts after the May 24 weekend. Oh! I am sooooo excited. Only one of my summer soccer pals has even known about my weight loss journey - let alone seen me!!!! They will be shocked with my 70+ pound loss! I am so excited to play to my potential again!

So, gift suggestion # 28 for my 40th birthday would definitely be shiny, new soccer boots. These ones would be perfect!

There I was driving to soccer this evening, all excited about new soccer boots, and the warm setting sun was glaring into my eyes. Yep. That got me thinking. I have never owned a nice, designer pair of sunglasses. So, for gift idea # 26 I would like to suggest a new styling pair of specs!

The weather is suppose to stay warm for the next few days - the boys start March Break tomorrow...we have a super fun week planned...cannot wait to share our adventures!

Have a great week!

Training Hoping Running Smiling

I figured 38 minutes.

I hoped for 34 minutes.

I ran for 33.06 minutes.

I am still smiling.

Monday I start my training for a 10KM race in May...let's hope I am still smiling!

Thank you everyone for all your support. LOVE IT! LOVE YOU!

Friday Fitness & Gift Idea # 35

Fitness wise, I was doing great until Thursday morning...my Wednesday night Boot Camp did me it!

I can always count on Boot Camp to be a GREAT work out - but this week it was really tough and I am sure feeling it! The instructor's philosophy is that simple, hard work will work. Most classes we use one free weight and a mat - that is it. He is a great fan of the basics like push ups, squats and jumping jacks.

This week he was a bit peeved that the maintenance people buffed the floors. In fact, he was fearful that if we did our regular running circuit, someone would slip and fall. So, we all cheered when he informed us that running between circuits was a no-go! Little did we know that running would be replaced with, oh, about one million lunges!

The work out was pretty simple: I worked very hard...and now I hurt! Besides having that nice bad feeling in my legs, core and arms, my old (serious) hip injury flared up. The Advil and Tylenol are helping and I hope to do a light jog this evening. I am going to save my race practice run for Sunday.

I am getting excited about my road race on March 14. I am also getting a bit nervous. I do not feel as prepared as when I did a race - way back in 2001.


I am trying to focus on the reason I am doing this race. I am NOT doing it to get my best time ever. I am doing it just to say I did it! I am doing it to prove that I am on the right track in terms of combining healthy eating and exercise to create a positive, sustainable lifestyle.

I am working hard at mentally accepting where I am at in my fitness journey and taking time to enjoy this time as a success. It will not be a great finish time - I know that - I am slower, and still much bigger than I was last race day. I am trying to focus on the journey and not just each step.

I have 8 training days remaining. Taking all the wonderful advise I got from all of you, I made up the following training plan:

Saturday - Ski day with family (will be waling up and down the hill about a million times!)Sunday - 6km run at a 10 min run/1 minute walk interval pattern.
Monday - 4.5km run with one walk break

Tuesday - walk to local coffee shop to meet a dear friend!

Wednesday - Boot camp

Thursday - Lane swim (gotta start training for my "Try-a-Thon" in May!)

Friday - REST!

Saturday - St Paddy's Day Road Race - 5KM!

Sunday - Soccer game! (so excited, I am playing for a new team!)

So, based on how sore I a right now and how I anticipate I will feel when I finish my first 5k race, I happily present birthday gift suggestion # 35:

I would LOVE a nice big, jet tub to escape into and unwind. (Un)Fortunately, based on our current bathroom set up, redecorating and redesigning would have to be part of the gift!!!

Now, if a new bath with a jet tub is not doable, then I would make due with this outdoor set up. Yep. I could make due with that!!!!

Oh, baby either of those would ROCK!!!!

PS. I have never been one to write gift lists, and you know, I am having fun doing this one...maybe every year I will repeat my 40th and create a new list! It is fun to wish, hope, dream and hint!

Fitness Friday - Race Day Countdown

Yippeee! It is Friday! I am very glad this week is over! I usually gush about my job - how much I love it, despite the hours - but things have been a bit crazy...so, I welcome the weekend!

It has been a great workout week.

Saturday - Wanted a movie - so jogged to the Blockbuster! Jogged 25 min there and then took a shorter 10 route home

Sunday - went sledding withe the kids and then played soccer AND did my 45 minute post game workout!

Monday - Jogged 5.8 km - I did walk 3 times - but it was windy, cold and miserable outside!

Tuesday - Turbo Jam video

Wednesday - Turbo Jam video in the morning and boot camp in the evening!

Thursday - Ran @ 1.2 km, then walked @ 5km and then ran 2.2km

Friday - hmmmmmm...not much yet! but may do Wii Fit tonight!

OK. Now I need your help!

I remember this day, like it was yesterday!

This photo was taken in May, 2001. My first and only road race.

While I remember the day, I do not remember the training leading up to the big race - hey, if you need a good laugh, click HERE and read about my 5km race being more then 5km!

So, for all the runners out there, I need your help.

My first road race since my first and only, is in 2 weeks. It is another 5km race. I have no idea how I should structure my training between now and then. I usually run on Mondays and Thursdays and try to run once on the weekend - so really, I do not have much time left.

How do I make sure I build to the 5KM distance? Should I go light on the running my last few days before the race? Am I being a bit silly for getting all worked up by a short 5KM? Should I relax and just run it? What should I eat and when should I eat before the race? Will I be the last to cross the finish line? Will they need to send out a rescue team for me?

OK - honestly, I realize 5KM is not a long race - nor may it seem like a feat to many - but for me, it is a big thing. I am celebrating my 67 pound weight loss and my desire to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is the start to my new life and it is a start to running a 10KM race in May and a TRY-A-THON and then, hopefully a half marathon in September.

For my last 5km race I did a group training program and this time I am on my own - I am a bit more nervous and I am feeling a bit unprepared.

So, my bloggy-running-friends, any comments, suggestions, words of advise or encouragement you can send my way is appreciated! Hey, and cool running tune selections are also welcomed!!!!!

Weighing In

Weight loss wise, this has been a fairly good week. I have stuck mainly to my food plan and have been exercising a lot. I am anticipating a loss at tonight's weigh in.

Last week I had a gain, as I had predicted. I had gone up two pounds - I could list 4 issues that negatively impacted me last week. I am not upset or frustrated - heck, in 23 weeks I have lost consistently, only gaining in two weeks for a total gain of 2.5 pounds! I am very glad, I was able to regroup and have a good week. Even if the scale does not say a loss tonight, I know it has been a good 7 days.

I only have 2 more weeks on my hospital monitored weight loss program. I thought perhaps I would weigh in on the program.

One one word: extreme.

Yes, it was an extreme weight loss strategy to attempt. Going off food and following a low calorie liquid diet is not for everyone. It is a controversial way to loose weight. But I think, in some cases, this method could and is very beneficial. I think I am one of those feel-good stories.

I have always been active, and was finding it harder and harder to keep active since my weight was, well, weighing me down. I was beginning to suffocate under extra pounds, emotional eating and mindless eating. Deep down, I knew if I lost pounds fast, that I would get motivated and focused. I knew this would be a good kick-start to my new lifestyle - actually, a kick-start to returning to my old, pre-kid lifestyle.

That is exactly what happened. I am now active 6 out of 7 days doing some sort of physical activity. I am leading an active lifestyle - taking stairs, eating healthy, and being more aware of what my body and mind need to be at ideal function-level.

Going on an all-liquid diet taught me a few lessons:

1. the body actually need very little (compared to what I had been giving it!) fuel to function,
2. Number one is especially true when you are using high-octane fuel such as veggies and healthy alternatives,
3. food does not have to control me...I made it through emotional and stressful situations with no chocolate, or junk food - I coped with only a shake mix...so, now I know I can cope without turning to food,
4. I like good, healthy, interesting food - junk food is just that - JUNK,
5. and finally, I never want to loose control again - and I will never turn to a liquid diet again - I am determined to eat a healthy and sensible diet for the rest of my life.

I am very glad I did this program. I am very proud that I did this program. I am proud, happy and motivated by my 65+ pound loss in less than 6 months.

Unfortunately, I am still coming to terms with me HAVING to resort to this extreme method of loosing weight. how could I not care to such an extreme that I could let myself balloon to such an unhealthy weight. I still beat myself up for past mistakes. Oh, and how I fear I will fall into old habits and destructive behaviour. I do not want to be THAT girl who lost tonnes and tonnes of weight, only to have it all creep back on...

I guess awareness and acceptance and forgiveness are all areas that I still have to work on during this lifelong journey and process.

Fundamentally, I enjoyed the weekly sessions. It kept me motivated and focused. I am actually a bit peeved that at week 26 of the program we stop going weekly. In fact, I went and joined Weight Watchers last week to keep the social, learning and educational component of my journey going in full steam.

OK...this post is getting a bit long winded! I have lots more to say about the different leaders that we had over the last 26 weeks and the doctor and participant involvement...so, I think I will end this post and divide my thoughts into a series of posts that will be a sort of de-briefing of sorts.

I am both positive and realistic. I am facing the life-long challenge of keeping my weight and my eating in control. This is not going to be easy. Over the last 24 weeks I have learned many coping strategies and I have explored my inner-most thoughts and attitudes...I may not have will-power, but I have knowledge-power. I have a plethora of tools, tricks, strategies and ways of combating destructive behaviour, unhealthy temptations and even every-day-ordinary situations...I just have to keep at it, one day at a time.

This is me, 2 weeks before I started the program.

(Approximately 246 pounds)

This is me with only 2 weeks left on the program! Even in my winter coat, you can see a huge difference shedding over 65 pounds can make!!!

(approximately 179 pounds)

I promise more before and after photos soon...the main challenge is FINDING old, fat, me photos since I stayed away from cameras!

PS - guess what I did last week????? I registered for this, and this, and even this! YAH ME!!!!

We're even, poolside grandpa!

Every Wednesday I take the kids to swimming lessons. The boys are in a class together and I am in a Parent and Tot class with Madigan.

With my recent weight loss, I was in desperate need of a new bathing suit. During our bi-weekly Costco shop I saw a great deal on suits. I hummed and hawed and finally decided on a nice, simple rust colour one piece. With no change rooms, I inquired about return policies and I was told no problem as long as liners and tags were still on the suit.

When I got home I tried on my new suit. It was a little revealing - but both my hubby and my mother agreed it was still acceptable for public swim lessons.

I wore the suit this week to swim lessons.

A few of the other moms commented on my new hair cut and my new swimsuit. And to them, I say: THANK YOU. Your kind words and encouragement really made my day. I still have more weight to loose, but every compliment and cheer of support keeps me motivated.

To the poolside grandpa I say: We are even! Ya old man, I saw you sitting waiting for the public swim to start after our classes. Ya, I saw you checking me...and my boobs out. Yep. I did. I saw you smirk at me and then remain in your chair even after the public swim buzzer sounded. Yep. You made me feel self conscience and a bit uncomfortable with your glare and smirk...but I would guess you felt even more self conscience and uncomfortable when you nonchalantly picked up your towel and laid it over your lap. So, grandpa, we are even - good for me for loosing 66.5 pounds and wearing a flattering swim suit...and, well, um.... good for you for still getting it up!

-------------------

While, it will be a few more pounds lost until I am brave enough to post a swimming suit photo - here is a recent photo. I am actually wearing pants I bought at value village for $4.99 - they are the smallest size I have worn in 6 years. Even better, I am wearing the jersey that I wore on my first ever date with hubby - 7 years ago. Back then I thought I looked good in it...and now, while it fits me a bit differently, I cannot begin to tell you how great it makes me feel!!!!

66.5 pounds lost - February 12, 2009

Friday Fitness - Tag, you're it!

Jason, over at Scribblings of a Madman tagged me for a fun meme. I thought perhaps I would work it into my Fitness Friday post!


The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Write down six things that make you happy
3. Post these rules
4. Tag six others
5. Notify me that you've tagged six others--or that you're not in a happy place right now...


OK. Here goes, six things that make me happy in terms of my current fitness level:

1. Wrestling and goofing off with my little ones and not getting winded or feeling like a beached whale!


2. Even my "skinny" pants are too big now! I was able to donate two bags of clothes to the local Woman's shelter - clothes that I will NEVER grow into again!


3. That my hubby totally supports my fitness efforts and enables me to work out every evening. He is amazingly supportive!


4. Having my five year old, four year old and almost-two year old join in and do "Mommy's TV exercises" There is nothing cuter than a Madigan doing a tree pose or Anderson doing lunges or DJ doing lateral jumping jacks! I also melt to pieces when I am playing soccer and I can hear them cheering, "Go Mamma Go!" It is AWESOME!


5. Knowing that I am doing something for me. Investing in me. Succeeding and keeping motivated. It makes me happy and proud to have worked hard to loose almost 65 pounds - and I am motivated to loose the rest!


6. Being a good role model for my children in terms of leading an active, fit, healthy lifestyle.

Wow, I had to stop myself at 6! There are so many things that make me happy in terms of my new commitment to fitness and healthy living. Completing a good run makes me happy. Knowing that this coming summer soccer season will ROCK, makes me happy. Realizing my potential, makes me happy. Relaxing in a warm bath after a good work out makes me happy. Not being too embarrassed about wearing a bathing suit in public makes me happy. Being able to choose new clothes in the latest styles, not having to buy whatever fits, makes me happy. Thinking about working towards, doing, and completing my fitness objectives make me happy. Being happy, makes me happy!

You know, these days, so much makes me happy.

Working hard at redefining my body, and my whole self is making me happy.

Taking control of my weight problem makes me happy. And not being too worried or upset about an half a pound gain last week (first gain in 21 weeks and weigh-in was the first day of my period - TMI!!!).

All the love and support I get from family and friends - especially all you guys - makes me happy.

So, my dear friends, what makes you happy????

Tag! You are it!

Wii-ly Annoying!

So, we got Wii Fit for Christmas.

And we have a 23 month old who is just starting to really talk. And is imitating everything she hears.

Now, the 23 month old is Wii-ly annoying.

Case in point:

"Madigan, give Mommy a nice big hug!"

"OK. Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done!"

Additional evidence:

"Madigan, sit down and eat your dinner!"

"That's obese!"

Another Wii-ly annoying example:

"Madigan are you having a poop? Want to use the potty?"

"Ya! Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done! That's obese!"

It is Wii-ly starting to annoy me - she even uses the perfect pitch in tone to imitate that smug little machine!

Wordless Wednesday - Ya! Me!

This was pretty much my reaction when I heard this news at my weight management class:

I am sooooo happy, proud and motivated. I actually have about another 30 pounds to loose, but in 10 pounds I will hit the main goal I set at the beginning of my weight management program.

Now that I am done transition and eating a full menu plan, my goal is to loose 10-30 pounds through healthy eating, increased fitness activities and portion control. My objective is to loose 1-3 pounds a week for the next 10 weeks and then to re-evaluate my ultimate desired weight!

Ya! Me!

(Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support!)

Fitness Friday - Milestones

I have had a great exercise week, hitting a few great milestones!

Monday - Turbo Jam Cardio 30 min and Turbo Jam Sculpt 60 min

Milestone: Able to complete both workouts back-to-back for the first time ever!

Tuesday - Dance Dance Dance with your Toddler Workout

Milestone: Must have had 1 million hearty laughs, and laughing is a great cardio workout! On the weight side of things, at my meeting I weighed in with another loss of 2.5 pounds. This is great since it occurred during week one of transition to real food!

Wednesday - Total Body Workout

Milestone: I attended all 5 sessions with out missing one! I was able to complete all circuits and improved from running at the back of the pack to the upper-middle of the pack! Plus, I enjoyed this mix-it-up type of workout so much, I signed up for the 10 week session starting in January.

Thursday - 5.45km run

Milestone - This is the longest distance I have ran since starting - AND - I did not alternate with walking. I. RAN. THE. WHOLE. WAY! Best of all, instead of over-eating or eating junk food to help get through a stressful time, I tied up my laces and exercised!

Friday - Planning to do the Turbo Jam Sculpt and 10 minutes of skipping

Saturday - Taking it easy...a well deserved break!

Sunday - Regular soccer game. It is an early game and we are expecting lots of subs, so, I may hit the work gym after the game for an additional workout!

How was your fitness week?