I've heard from a couple of people that they've had trouble posting comments to the blog. If you haven't tried in awhile, try again-- I realized I had some sort of setting on, that wouldn't let people post comments without my approval. It's fixed now!
It's still a bit confusing though, so here's what you do: type your comment in the box, and when it prompts you to select something from that drop-down menu, pick "Name/URL" and just type your name (or any name) in. Then it seems to work!
Good luck... would love for people to start sharing their comments and tips!! Unless I'm the only one struggling right now ;)
:)tp
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Midday Gets Fat?
That's what I considered changing the blog name to, this morning ;)
As I've outlined (repeatedly) on the blog... I've been struggling with the 10-pound challenge. And just when I thought I was starting to get back on track... I had an unfortunate run-in with caramel rice cakes last night. Then, to try to get rid of the extreme starchy-carb invasion... I downed a whole lotta water. It didn't seem to help and this fact, combined with the fact that (men, plug your ears and close your eyes) I'm also experiencing the monthly "lady bloat"... well it amounted to a really awful number on the scale this morning.
The good thing: it was scary enough to knock some sense into me. I sped out of work as fast as I could tonight, making it to the Fit Centre early enough to get in a 30-minute run before my training session. And I gotta keep that up.
You know, I really wish I had done this blog during the LAST challenge when I was really motivated and doing so awesome ;) This is embarrassing. Can someone please write some shameful comments??? Berate me for not sticking to my diet plan!!! Tell me my thighs look bigger!!
Okay. Enough negative talk. Onward and upward... again.
As I've outlined (repeatedly) on the blog... I've been struggling with the 10-pound challenge. And just when I thought I was starting to get back on track... I had an unfortunate run-in with caramel rice cakes last night. Then, to try to get rid of the extreme starchy-carb invasion... I downed a whole lotta water. It didn't seem to help and this fact, combined with the fact that (men, plug your ears and close your eyes) I'm also experiencing the monthly "lady bloat"... well it amounted to a really awful number on the scale this morning.
The good thing: it was scary enough to knock some sense into me. I sped out of work as fast as I could tonight, making it to the Fit Centre early enough to get in a 30-minute run before my training session. And I gotta keep that up.
You know, I really wish I had done this blog during the LAST challenge when I was really motivated and doing so awesome ;) This is embarrassing. Can someone please write some shameful comments??? Berate me for not sticking to my diet plan!!! Tell me my thighs look bigger!!
Okay. Enough negative talk. Onward and upward... again.
New recipe!
I gotta try this one... getting REALLY tired of eating chicken ;)
Ground Turkey "Mexicana" Meatloaf
1 tray of ground turkey
1 500ml carton of eggs whites
1 cup salsa
1 cup oatmeal
Onion and garlic
Season with taco season or hot sauce to your taste. Bake at 350 for one hour in a small loaf tin. Makes 8 servings.
Ground Turkey "Mexicana" Meatloaf
1 tray of ground turkey
1 500ml carton of eggs whites
1 cup salsa
1 cup oatmeal
Onion and garlic
Season with taco season or hot sauce to your taste. Bake at 350 for one hour in a small loaf tin. Makes 8 servings.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Oof.
That's the sound I make everytime I try to get up out of my chair at work today. Trainer Amy KICKED me and Tracy Z's butts last night... like, kicked them into oblivion. I have never done so many squats and walking lunges and step-ups at one time.
But the pain is how you know it's working, right?
Oof.
But the pain is how you know it's working, right?
Oof.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Gear-ing up for the half
I've been running seriously since 2005, and since then I've been blessed with this useful talent: a knack for knowing in an instant when I need new running shoes. Doesn't seem like much-- unless you're a serious runner, and understand the importance of said shoes :)
That "instant" came at about the 13k point last Saturday... when suddenly, my ankles stopped being "useful." I felt like a just-born deer, teetering through the last 2k of my run!
Afterwards, I tried to remember when I bought my current pair of shoes... and if it takes you more than 10 seconds, that's a problem :) FYI, a runner's shoes are supposed to last between 500-800 kilometres. Mine were definitely at their expiry date... and there's no way they'd make it through half-marathon training.
So on my lunch break today, I went to Runner's World to get my feet assessed and a new perfect pair prescribed! I LOVE getting new runners. Each pair they replace is like a trophy... a marker of how much running and exercise my body endured.
The best part of shopping for running gear? When the store has several racks of clearance clothing to offer :) Nothing like getting those pricey tank tops and shorts at half-price!
I just find new workout gear extra-motivating. But maybe I'm just a shopaholic ;) Can't wait to try it all out in this glorious sunshine!!!!
That "instant" came at about the 13k point last Saturday... when suddenly, my ankles stopped being "useful." I felt like a just-born deer, teetering through the last 2k of my run!
Afterwards, I tried to remember when I bought my current pair of shoes... and if it takes you more than 10 seconds, that's a problem :) FYI, a runner's shoes are supposed to last between 500-800 kilometres. Mine were definitely at their expiry date... and there's no way they'd make it through half-marathon training.
So on my lunch break today, I went to Runner's World to get my feet assessed and a new perfect pair prescribed! I LOVE getting new runners. Each pair they replace is like a trophy... a marker of how much running and exercise my body endured.
The best part of shopping for running gear? When the store has several racks of clearance clothing to offer :) Nothing like getting those pricey tank tops and shorts at half-price!
I just find new workout gear extra-motivating. But maybe I'm just a shopaholic ;) Can't wait to try it all out in this glorious sunshine!!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Let this be a lesson to you.
Never let cottage cheese go bad in your fridge. And if it does? Never, EVER take the lid off.
That is all.
That is all.
A staple
As promised... the sweet potato pancake recipe. You may already have it... but have you tried it? These pancakes are a staple for me. I eat a couple for breakfast sometimes, but I also grab one here and there as a snack. Yummy!
I prefer making them with sweet potatoes and vanilla protein powder, but that's just me. And I like cutting down on the Splenda and adding several drops of french vanilla flavoured Stevia instead (I found it at Save-on-Foods).
Add up all the calories in the ingredients and divide by how many pancakes you make, to get the calories per pancake.
Sweet Potato Pancake
2 cups of cooked mashed yam or sweet potato (canned pumpkin can also be used)
500ml of egg whites (large container) or two small 250ml containers
1 cup oatmeal (any kind)
5 scoops of Protein Powder (vanilla, white chocolate, strawberry, caramel)
1 tsp salt
¼ cup of artificial sugar (brown sweetener works well)
May add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves to taste.
Measure out 1/3 cup batter onto hot pan. Cook slowly (5-10 minutes) on both sides. Makes about 20 pancakes. Can be frozen. Store in refrigerator. Great reheated in toaster.
I prefer making them with sweet potatoes and vanilla protein powder, but that's just me. And I like cutting down on the Splenda and adding several drops of french vanilla flavoured Stevia instead (I found it at Save-on-Foods).
Add up all the calories in the ingredients and divide by how many pancakes you make, to get the calories per pancake.
Sweet Potato Pancake
2 cups of cooked mashed yam or sweet potato (canned pumpkin can also be used)
500ml of egg whites (large container) or two small 250ml containers
1 cup oatmeal (any kind)
5 scoops of Protein Powder (vanilla, white chocolate, strawberry, caramel)
1 tsp salt
¼ cup of artificial sugar (brown sweetener works well)
May add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves to taste.
Measure out 1/3 cup batter onto hot pan. Cook slowly (5-10 minutes) on both sides. Makes about 20 pancakes. Can be frozen. Store in refrigerator. Great reheated in toaster.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
YUM.
Holy crap, what a discovery.
I'm sure a few of you who are used to the "bulk chicken breast cooking" business are probably going to laugh at me for not making this discovery sooner. But for those struggling with how to make TASTY chicken to eat day in and day out... this one's for you!
In the past, I would buy a bunch of chicken breasts and cook them all in one shot on my George Foreman grill, then freeze them... but just found that the grill made them really dry... and then even drier once reheated. Blech.
Well tonight I decided to try a technique I saw eons ago on TV (probably on 'The Biggest Loser' or 'X-Weighted') that I had totally forgotten about. It just popped into my mind... baking chicken in parchment paper! So I went online to look for some spicing ideas, and headed to the grocery store to stock up on paper n' spices!
I tried two recipes. To start, I rubbed a scant amount of olive oil on all of the chicken breasts. On a few of them, I sprinkled Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic and herb mixture. For the others, I added a little bit of egg white and patted them into a mixture of breadcrumbs (just a light coat!) and paprika. I wrapped them in the parchment paper as I would wrap a present, but loosely. I baked them at 375 degrees for almost an hour (I did 7 chicken breasts on two cookie sheets).
The result?? SOOOOOO juicy and SOOOOOO good. I have to admit, the ones done more simply with the Mrs. Dash were better. The ones with the breadcrumbs were okay, but got a bit soggy because of all the moisture that builds up inside the parchment wrapper.
Now I've popped them in the freezer, and they're ready to go for a tasty lunch or dinner! I've cut a few ounces into my salad for lunch tomorrow as well. Tasty stuff!
Among my other experimentation today: fat-free chocolate muffins. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and I am CONSTANTLY trying to figure out how to make some sort of tasty, chocolate, cake-like product. Lorilee has touted her microwaveable pumpkin-cocoa-eggwhite-concoction... and it's not bad... but I am CONVINCED i can somehow make it better.
Actually, as I type that, I just had a brainwave... maybe I should have added some of the chocolate-peanut butter protein shake mix I had in my cupboard! Argh. Next time. Tonight's recipe included egg whites, pumpkin (i was out of applesauce), Splenda, baking soda, vanilla soy milk (milk is a bad choice for me), cocoa, and low fat pudding mix. I didn't have vanilla in the house, and I bet a little splash would have helped. I also didn't have oatmeal, so I had to use whole-wheat flour... and I didn't want to use flour, so that was slightly disappointing. I undercooked them slightly to make them kinda brownie-like. They're reasonably satisfying at about 90 calories, but could still use improvement. Back to the drawing board.
This is kind of the fun part of this whole diet thing... experimenting to avoid the boredom that comes with the same old chicken n' egg whites n' veggies :) Anyone have any good recipes to share?
On another note... what an overwhelming feeling of pride to see Alex Bilodeau win Canada's first gold medal on home soil!! It's amazing when you consider that for these people, sport is their LIFE. There is no cheating on their diets, no break from the workouts and practices... they dedicate themselves physically, mentally, and financially to being the very best they can be. Kinda puts things in perspective for all of us in THIS struggle, right? :) Congrats, Alex.
I'm sure a few of you who are used to the "bulk chicken breast cooking" business are probably going to laugh at me for not making this discovery sooner. But for those struggling with how to make TASTY chicken to eat day in and day out... this one's for you!
In the past, I would buy a bunch of chicken breasts and cook them all in one shot on my George Foreman grill, then freeze them... but just found that the grill made them really dry... and then even drier once reheated. Blech.
Well tonight I decided to try a technique I saw eons ago on TV (probably on 'The Biggest Loser' or 'X-Weighted') that I had totally forgotten about. It just popped into my mind... baking chicken in parchment paper! So I went online to look for some spicing ideas, and headed to the grocery store to stock up on paper n' spices!
I tried two recipes. To start, I rubbed a scant amount of olive oil on all of the chicken breasts. On a few of them, I sprinkled Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic and herb mixture. For the others, I added a little bit of egg white and patted them into a mixture of breadcrumbs (just a light coat!) and paprika. I wrapped them in the parchment paper as I would wrap a present, but loosely. I baked them at 375 degrees for almost an hour (I did 7 chicken breasts on two cookie sheets).
The result?? SOOOOOO juicy and SOOOOOO good. I have to admit, the ones done more simply with the Mrs. Dash were better. The ones with the breadcrumbs were okay, but got a bit soggy because of all the moisture that builds up inside the parchment wrapper.
Now I've popped them in the freezer, and they're ready to go for a tasty lunch or dinner! I've cut a few ounces into my salad for lunch tomorrow as well. Tasty stuff!
Among my other experimentation today: fat-free chocolate muffins. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and I am CONSTANTLY trying to figure out how to make some sort of tasty, chocolate, cake-like product. Lorilee has touted her microwaveable pumpkin-cocoa-eggwhite-concoction... and it's not bad... but I am CONVINCED i can somehow make it better.
Actually, as I type that, I just had a brainwave... maybe I should have added some of the chocolate-peanut butter protein shake mix I had in my cupboard! Argh. Next time. Tonight's recipe included egg whites, pumpkin (i was out of applesauce), Splenda, baking soda, vanilla soy milk (milk is a bad choice for me), cocoa, and low fat pudding mix. I didn't have vanilla in the house, and I bet a little splash would have helped. I also didn't have oatmeal, so I had to use whole-wheat flour... and I didn't want to use flour, so that was slightly disappointing. I undercooked them slightly to make them kinda brownie-like. They're reasonably satisfying at about 90 calories, but could still use improvement. Back to the drawing board.
This is kind of the fun part of this whole diet thing... experimenting to avoid the boredom that comes with the same old chicken n' egg whites n' veggies :) Anyone have any good recipes to share?
On another note... what an overwhelming feeling of pride to see Alex Bilodeau win Canada's first gold medal on home soil!! It's amazing when you consider that for these people, sport is their LIFE. There is no cheating on their diets, no break from the workouts and practices... they dedicate themselves physically, mentally, and financially to being the very best they can be. Kinda puts things in perspective for all of us in THIS struggle, right? :) Congrats, Alex.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Resolve!
Today, I had planned to get up early and drive home to Vancouver to take in some Olympic fun. When the alarm went off at 6am... I hit snooze... again, again, and again. I realized I might be overtired from a few really busy weeks... and that maybe I should put it off until next weekend.
Then around 9:30 I woke up again... and realized, 'hey, I could make it to circuit in an hour!"... but... "just five more minutes." Those are always my famous last words before I sleep through something...
Needless to say, I had a good sleep ;) Finally feel like I've caught up on it. So I went out and did some grocery shopping, as I was running low on a few of the essentials... stocked up on my egg whites... veggies... fruit... canned pumpkin... sweet potatoes for those YUMMY sweet potato pancakes I love... etc. By the way, that recipe is coming soon on the ol' blog if you haven't gotten it from the trainers yet! I realized when I got home that I forgot to buy Coke Zero... which was probably for the best. I realize I've developed a BIT of a dependence problem... but I guess that's not surprising, given that I'm not allowed to eat cookies anymore ;)
So I told myself that if I slept too late to make it home... AND slept through circuit... AND just signed up for a half-marathon... I better go running today! I procrastinated for awhile... then got off my duff and put on my running shoes.
As I was walking for my warm-up, I realized it was getting windy... and it wasn't very warm... so I grumbled my way to Lansdowne Street, telling myself I'll just get 5-6K done and get it over with FAST. Once at Lansdowne, I started my run, heading to Riverside Park.
The more I ran, the more sunshine seemed to come out, and the better that breeze felt on my face. Suddenly the jacket was off, and 6K were quickly behind me... and I felt awesome! So I decided to push for 10K. I ran along the Rivers Trail, up to Storms Restaurant, back down the way I came, back through Riverside Park, pounding that ramp to the bridge one more time... and suddenly 10K were behind me. I decided to push for 2 more... then 2 became 5. Then I could barely move my legs ;) So 15K it was.
But how amazing, to be able to do 15K on a day when I wasn't even sure I wanted to run at ALL... when I thought I only had the stamina for 5 or 6K. It just underlines the importance of just PUTTING ON YOUR SHOES AND GOING. There are so many days when I 'just don't feel like it'... there's probably an excuse I could come up with every day. Sometimes the toughest part is just getting off the couch.
Once I'm running, I like to come up with a fun test for myself. I always have an idea in my head of how far I'm going to run... depending on how tired, hydrated, or motivated I am... but once I've reached it, I like to tell myself, "you can do one more kilometre... what's that? Nothing!" and keep coaxing myself to just get a little bit more done. Even if it's just a few more minutes' worth... imagine how that little bit extra adds up over weeks or months!
This mental game is one of the reasons I love running. Running is such a simple exercise... no fancy equipment needed, just one foot in front of the other. Then why do some people find it so hard? Studying that mental element of it is fascinating to me... how do I convince my brain that those minor body aches DON'T mean I have to stop... that I CAN do one or two more kilometres?
Though I love running outdoors, in the winter I can be a bit of a baby... so I did a LOT of treadmill running at the Fit Centre in November and December (when it was actually colder than it is now)... and I remember seeing an interesting box on a shelf in front of me. I have no idea what the product or company was, but the box had one clear word on it: Resolve. I would stare that word down as I ran harder and further. That one word became my mantra: RESOLVE. Mind over matter.
It's a good word. Even though that box eventually disappeared from the shelf, I keep that word in my mind... especially on those days when I can't seem to peel my butt off the couch... or remember why on earth I'm doing all this hard work.
Resolve!
Then around 9:30 I woke up again... and realized, 'hey, I could make it to circuit in an hour!"... but... "just five more minutes." Those are always my famous last words before I sleep through something...
Needless to say, I had a good sleep ;) Finally feel like I've caught up on it. So I went out and did some grocery shopping, as I was running low on a few of the essentials... stocked up on my egg whites... veggies... fruit... canned pumpkin... sweet potatoes for those YUMMY sweet potato pancakes I love... etc. By the way, that recipe is coming soon on the ol' blog if you haven't gotten it from the trainers yet! I realized when I got home that I forgot to buy Coke Zero... which was probably for the best. I realize I've developed a BIT of a dependence problem... but I guess that's not surprising, given that I'm not allowed to eat cookies anymore ;)
So I told myself that if I slept too late to make it home... AND slept through circuit... AND just signed up for a half-marathon... I better go running today! I procrastinated for awhile... then got off my duff and put on my running shoes.
As I was walking for my warm-up, I realized it was getting windy... and it wasn't very warm... so I grumbled my way to Lansdowne Street, telling myself I'll just get 5-6K done and get it over with FAST. Once at Lansdowne, I started my run, heading to Riverside Park.
The more I ran, the more sunshine seemed to come out, and the better that breeze felt on my face. Suddenly the jacket was off, and 6K were quickly behind me... and I felt awesome! So I decided to push for 10K. I ran along the Rivers Trail, up to Storms Restaurant, back down the way I came, back through Riverside Park, pounding that ramp to the bridge one more time... and suddenly 10K were behind me. I decided to push for 2 more... then 2 became 5. Then I could barely move my legs ;) So 15K it was.
But how amazing, to be able to do 15K on a day when I wasn't even sure I wanted to run at ALL... when I thought I only had the stamina for 5 or 6K. It just underlines the importance of just PUTTING ON YOUR SHOES AND GOING. There are so many days when I 'just don't feel like it'... there's probably an excuse I could come up with every day. Sometimes the toughest part is just getting off the couch.
Once I'm running, I like to come up with a fun test for myself. I always have an idea in my head of how far I'm going to run... depending on how tired, hydrated, or motivated I am... but once I've reached it, I like to tell myself, "you can do one more kilometre... what's that? Nothing!" and keep coaxing myself to just get a little bit more done. Even if it's just a few more minutes' worth... imagine how that little bit extra adds up over weeks or months!
This mental game is one of the reasons I love running. Running is such a simple exercise... no fancy equipment needed, just one foot in front of the other. Then why do some people find it so hard? Studying that mental element of it is fascinating to me... how do I convince my brain that those minor body aches DON'T mean I have to stop... that I CAN do one or two more kilometres?
Though I love running outdoors, in the winter I can be a bit of a baby... so I did a LOT of treadmill running at the Fit Centre in November and December (when it was actually colder than it is now)... and I remember seeing an interesting box on a shelf in front of me. I have no idea what the product or company was, but the box had one clear word on it: Resolve. I would stare that word down as I ran harder and further. That one word became my mantra: RESOLVE. Mind over matter.
It's a good word. Even though that box eventually disappeared from the shelf, I keep that word in my mind... especially on those days when I can't seem to peel my butt off the couch... or remember why on earth I'm doing all this hard work.
Resolve!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Nighttime temptation...
I'm a notorious night-time snacker... it's a bad habit that's hard to shake. A strategy that's working really well for me is creating healthy snacks (mostly veggies) with my food dehydrator. I like having a crunchy snack while I watch TV or read, so trainer Mikkie suggested dehydrating veggies like tomatoes, beets, kale, zucchini... the options are endless, and really tasty either plain or with your favourite herbs and spices added to them!
Trainer Lorilee also has some awesome tips... see below!
My Strategies for Night-time Eating or “Munchie” Times
Make sure you are eating enough during the day!
1. This statement is true of faith but applies to my role of coach as well. "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified"(1Corinthians 9:27). Be a role model for all those in the gym, and for the sport we compete in, to your children and to those around you.
2. Start by deciding if you are truly needing something to eat or wanting something to eat. In either case choose appropriate foods: light jello, veggies or some protein.
3. Distraction. If you are bored, tired or lonely and wanting the comfort of food, distract yourself. Do laundry, take a walk, take on a cleaning project, knit. Find something out of the kitchen.
4. Have a bath or shower. You can't eat when you are all wet! Well, you could but it would be messy.
5. Drink hot fluids. An artificially sweetened hot beverage may satisfy your need for something sweet and fill you up, but you must drink it slowly.
6. Be prepared. Make jello early in the evening so it is ready. Cut up some veggies during the day and have them at the front of the fridge.
7. Call a friend. Make use of your support systems.
8. Do a manicure or pedicure. That way your hands are distracted.
9. Brush your teeth. I always hate to mess them up again after just brushing.
10. Think about your goals. If your goal is to step on stage in that little suit, think about yourself on stage. Look in the mirror– is there room for improvement? In fact, go put your suit on and walk around in it.
11. Read 'Oxygen' to keep inspired or other magazines, or read a book.
12. Play Suduko or try doing a crossword
13. Catch up on returning emails, surf the internet looking at photos from other shows or of the girls that won the shows last year
14. Make a commitment to following the rule of drinking one glass of water and waiting before eating anything (at all times other than scheduled eating time)
15. At times it is mind over matter... sheer will, determination and self-discipline. Tell yourself 'I do not want to eat,' not, 'I am not allowed to eat.' I choose not to eat because it does not meet my true needs. It is my choice and I choose to follow my plan. I will not disappoint myself. I will not have regrets on show day that I did not do all I could have. I can say I gave it 110% and met my commitments. Besides I wouldn't dare disappoint my coach who will be weighing me in again shortly.
Trainer Lorilee also has some awesome tips... see below!
My Strategies for Night-time Eating or “Munchie” Times
Make sure you are eating enough during the day!
1. This statement is true of faith but applies to my role of coach as well. "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified"(1Corinthians 9:27). Be a role model for all those in the gym, and for the sport we compete in, to your children and to those around you.
2. Start by deciding if you are truly needing something to eat or wanting something to eat. In either case choose appropriate foods: light jello, veggies or some protein.
3. Distraction. If you are bored, tired or lonely and wanting the comfort of food, distract yourself. Do laundry, take a walk, take on a cleaning project, knit. Find something out of the kitchen.
4. Have a bath or shower. You can't eat when you are all wet! Well, you could but it would be messy.
5. Drink hot fluids. An artificially sweetened hot beverage may satisfy your need for something sweet and fill you up, but you must drink it slowly.
6. Be prepared. Make jello early in the evening so it is ready. Cut up some veggies during the day and have them at the front of the fridge.
7. Call a friend. Make use of your support systems.
8. Do a manicure or pedicure. That way your hands are distracted.
9. Brush your teeth. I always hate to mess them up again after just brushing.
10. Think about your goals. If your goal is to step on stage in that little suit, think about yourself on stage. Look in the mirror– is there room for improvement? In fact, go put your suit on and walk around in it.
11. Read 'Oxygen' to keep inspired or other magazines, or read a book.
12. Play Suduko or try doing a crossword
13. Catch up on returning emails, surf the internet looking at photos from other shows or of the girls that won the shows last year
14. Make a commitment to following the rule of drinking one glass of water and waiting before eating anything (at all times other than scheduled eating time)
15. At times it is mind over matter... sheer will, determination and self-discipline. Tell yourself 'I do not want to eat,' not, 'I am not allowed to eat.' I choose not to eat because it does not meet my true needs. It is my choice and I choose to follow my plan. I will not disappoint myself. I will not have regrets on show day that I did not do all I could have. I can say I gave it 110% and met my commitments. Besides I wouldn't dare disappoint my coach who will be weighing me in again shortly.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I heart my trainers
So as promised, I got back on the bandwagon today. Maybe I wasn't perfect with my food (I ate about a zillion fresh green grapes tonight, they were SO good!!!)... but I worked out hard!!
I raced to the gym after work and got a good half-hour run on the treadmill in before my session with trainer Amy. Also joining us was my 'better half' at the gym... my training partner Tracy. There was a THIRD Tracy during the last round, and oddly enough, we all liked training at the same time of day... so we'd work out together constantly... eventually becoming the "Tracy Trifecta." Now we are the... uhhhh... hmmm... "Tracy Squared?" The "Tracy Twosome?" ...thoughts, Tracy Z? :)
Anyhoo, Amy kicked our BUTTS tonight. You know how most days, the training session goes SO fast because it's only half an hour and it's so fast-paced? Well EVERY once in awhile you get that heinous session where it feels like you've been at it for two hours, and you're sweating and groaning, and you think every exercise is the last one until she starts demonstrating ANOTHER one and ANOTHER one... you get the picture. Today was that day for me! Working the legs always kills me... and that Amy always goes nuts with the squats n' lunges. But that's why we love her!!! Gotta get that butt lookin' good! :)
Backtracking to that run on the treadmill... trainer Lorilee was working that nasty stairclimber as I ran. P.S... you will NEVER see me on the stairclimber... I hate that thing! Anyway, I digress. I confessed to her that I just haven't been "feeling it" this time around... but it seems to be a mood that extends to other parts of my life right now. I feel a bit bored at work... bored in my personal life... I dumped a pottery class that I just didn't have time for, or much interest in anymore... etc. And she told me that whatever is nagging me (and that I probably know what it is) is going to weigh on me and bring me down until I face it and address it.
She's totally right... I know exactly what's "eating" me... but HOW do I address it? I'm the type of person who has a hard time talking about what's bothering me, or confronting the people who are doing the bothering. I guess I've always been a bit like that... but I think it's gotten worse lately. I think when you have a really public job, you guard your privacy so much more. You work really hard in your brain to protect that little bubble you've created for yourself. So how do you balance that with the need to open up, so you can move forward?
I'm workin' on it... will let you know what I come up with.
I raced to the gym after work and got a good half-hour run on the treadmill in before my session with trainer Amy. Also joining us was my 'better half' at the gym... my training partner Tracy. There was a THIRD Tracy during the last round, and oddly enough, we all liked training at the same time of day... so we'd work out together constantly... eventually becoming the "Tracy Trifecta." Now we are the... uhhhh... hmmm... "Tracy Squared?" The "Tracy Twosome?" ...thoughts, Tracy Z? :)
Anyhoo, Amy kicked our BUTTS tonight. You know how most days, the training session goes SO fast because it's only half an hour and it's so fast-paced? Well EVERY once in awhile you get that heinous session where it feels like you've been at it for two hours, and you're sweating and groaning, and you think every exercise is the last one until she starts demonstrating ANOTHER one and ANOTHER one... you get the picture. Today was that day for me! Working the legs always kills me... and that Amy always goes nuts with the squats n' lunges. But that's why we love her!!! Gotta get that butt lookin' good! :)
Backtracking to that run on the treadmill... trainer Lorilee was working that nasty stairclimber as I ran. P.S... you will NEVER see me on the stairclimber... I hate that thing! Anyway, I digress. I confessed to her that I just haven't been "feeling it" this time around... but it seems to be a mood that extends to other parts of my life right now. I feel a bit bored at work... bored in my personal life... I dumped a pottery class that I just didn't have time for, or much interest in anymore... etc. And she told me that whatever is nagging me (and that I probably know what it is) is going to weigh on me and bring me down until I face it and address it.
She's totally right... I know exactly what's "eating" me... but HOW do I address it? I'm the type of person who has a hard time talking about what's bothering me, or confronting the people who are doing the bothering. I guess I've always been a bit like that... but I think it's gotten worse lately. I think when you have a really public job, you guard your privacy so much more. You work really hard in your brain to protect that little bubble you've created for yourself. So how do you balance that with the need to open up, so you can move forward?
I'm workin' on it... will let you know what I come up with.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The party's over.
The Vegas damage: two more pounds. But look how much fun I was having!
(sigh)... I'm sorrrrrrrrrrrrry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But that's it... the party's over. It was a FUN party... but it's time to buck up, Pellizzari.
So after taking a big step in the WRONG direction these past few vacation days... I DID take one big step in the RIGHT direction. I've signed up for my first half marathon! I've been wanting to do one for a long time... I actually trained for one a couple of years ago and then got injured and had to stop. But I'm ready! I know I'm in way better shape already this time around, and I know that committing to this goal will help me in the 10-pound challenge as well :) So onward and upward. I'm putting the Vegas cocktails and late-night party snacking behind me! Haha.
I hope the rest of you are faring better than I am at this point! But I'm back, baby... I'm BACK!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"What are you feeding?"
These four little words jolted me today.
I was at home, still sick, and watching Oprah to pass the time. She was interviewing Ruby, a U.S. woman with her own reality show about her struggle to shed much of the 700+ pounds she weighs.
They were talking about food addiction... when what you're doing to yourself is not about the food, but about something else... and Oprah posed the question, "what are you feeding? What's missing? What is that void that you are trying to fill with food?"
I've heard that concept a zillion times, but for some reason, when it was put into four succinct, powerful words... like I said, it jolted me. What am I feeding?
Food for thought.
I was at home, still sick, and watching Oprah to pass the time. She was interviewing Ruby, a U.S. woman with her own reality show about her struggle to shed much of the 700+ pounds she weighs.
They were talking about food addiction... when what you're doing to yourself is not about the food, but about something else... and Oprah posed the question, "what are you feeding? What's missing? What is that void that you are trying to fill with food?"
I've heard that concept a zillion times, but for some reason, when it was put into four succinct, powerful words... like I said, it jolted me. What am I feeding?
Food for thought.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sickie sick sick
Harrumph.
So last night I forced myself to go to the Fit Centre, even though I felt like crap. It was day one, after all... and you can't bail on day one. I also foolishly told myself that working out would make me feel better. Umm... no.
I woke up this morning with the worst sore throat of my life... and I've had strep throat like, 1000 times. Well now we're at 1001 times. Luckily, I know penicillin kicks in quickly (because I've had strep throat the aforementioned 1000 times)... so the pain should be over in the next day or so.
Still... really bummed. And really sick of daytime TV already. If I see ONE MORE TRAILER for that awful-looking "Dear John" movie, I swear...
Anyway... the only good thing to come out of this is that it is excruciatingly painful to swallow... which means I'm shying away from eating. Maybe I can make a dent in that 3.6 pound weight gain after all ;) Except that cold, delicious ice cream REALLY helps my throat. Just kidding, Lorilee.
So I won't be in the gym for a few days... and then, I'm off to Vegas on Thursday (I know, my timing for falling ill couldn't be better)... so my next weigh-in on Monday could be interesting. I may be considerably lighter (seeing how I'm not eating as much, and apparently you can't consume alcohol when you're on penicillin... oh wait, you're not supposed to have it on our diet plan either... oops)... OR... I may be considerably heavier, after hitting the buffet hard after starving for four freakin' days!!!! ;)
Hopefully the latter doesn't happen, because I know I will have a little Lorilee on my shoulder the whole time as I wander those buffet tables... "put down that bread!"... "pizza's not on the plan!"... "sugar goes straight to your a$$!"... "alcohol stops fat-burning for 4-5 days!"... etc. etc. :) Sorry to tease, Lorilee... but see, it shows I've been paying attention to your friendly reminders!!! :)
So in closing, I will be MIA on the blog for a few days. But don't miss Kamloops Fit Centre on tomorrow's Midday Show! I'll still be off sick, but the lovely and talented Kylie Stanton will be filling in for me. The gals from the Fit Centre are on Midday every second Wednesday... updating our Biggest Loser/10-Pound Challenge contests and talking about different fitness and nutrition topics... so check it out!!
So last night I forced myself to go to the Fit Centre, even though I felt like crap. It was day one, after all... and you can't bail on day one. I also foolishly told myself that working out would make me feel better. Umm... no.
I woke up this morning with the worst sore throat of my life... and I've had strep throat like, 1000 times. Well now we're at 1001 times. Luckily, I know penicillin kicks in quickly (because I've had strep throat the aforementioned 1000 times)... so the pain should be over in the next day or so.
Still... really bummed. And really sick of daytime TV already. If I see ONE MORE TRAILER for that awful-looking "Dear John" movie, I swear...
Anyway... the only good thing to come out of this is that it is excruciatingly painful to swallow... which means I'm shying away from eating. Maybe I can make a dent in that 3.6 pound weight gain after all ;) Except that cold, delicious ice cream REALLY helps my throat. Just kidding, Lorilee.
So I won't be in the gym for a few days... and then, I'm off to Vegas on Thursday (I know, my timing for falling ill couldn't be better)... so my next weigh-in on Monday could be interesting. I may be considerably lighter (seeing how I'm not eating as much, and apparently you can't consume alcohol when you're on penicillin... oh wait, you're not supposed to have it on our diet plan either... oops)... OR... I may be considerably heavier, after hitting the buffet hard after starving for four freakin' days!!!! ;)
Hopefully the latter doesn't happen, because I know I will have a little Lorilee on my shoulder the whole time as I wander those buffet tables... "put down that bread!"... "pizza's not on the plan!"... "sugar goes straight to your a$$!"... "alcohol stops fat-burning for 4-5 days!"... etc. etc. :) Sorry to tease, Lorilee... but see, it shows I've been paying attention to your friendly reminders!!! :)
So in closing, I will be MIA on the blog for a few days. But don't miss Kamloops Fit Centre on tomorrow's Midday Show! I'll still be off sick, but the lovely and talented Kylie Stanton will be filling in for me. The gals from the Fit Centre are on Midday every second Wednesday... updating our Biggest Loser/10-Pound Challenge contests and talking about different fitness and nutrition topics... so check it out!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
The ugly truth
So now it's up to me to lose 13.6 pounds... because I should have kept off those nasty 3.6 pounds of the aforementioned shortbread, doughnut, wine, etc.
3.6 pounds doesn't SEEM like very much... but when you were down 16... and you know the weight is getting harder to lose... it's ugly.
I was chatting with some gals after our workout tonight, who had gone through the first round of Biggest Loser/10-Pound Challenge with me. We talked about how much harder it is to motivate ourselves the second time around. You would think after being pretty successful in round 1, we'd be extra motivated to keep going... but ummm... no.
Maybe it was the adrenaline of STARTING round one... and the great feeling nearly every week when you stepped on the scale and you were DOWN. Now it's HARD. It takes much more work to get the pounds off. And the holidays served as an awful reminder of all the yummy food we did away with for 3 months.
So we've vowed to re-group... and maybe a new sea of fresh faces eager to kick our butts will help motivate us THIS time around :)
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