Join Me For Another 10 Weeks! This is the first week of ten weeks starting October 22, 2012

Hi folks! I'm at it again. I'm going for another 20 pound loss in ten weeks. I've recently had another baby, a little girl, she is now five months old and I'm ready to drop some weight.





Monday, December 7, 2009

11 Weeks of 12 weeks

weight today: lost one pounds

total lost: 10 pounds in 11 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1 tbl of powder creamer for tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:225

3 oz chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:205
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running total:430

1 large egg:70
1 large egg white: 16
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
1/4 cup of crushed pineapple:35
1 tbl of powder creamer with tea:30
2 tsp of sugar with tea: 30
total: 291
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running total: 721

1/2 cup of premium light Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup: 20
1 peanut butter chocolate chip granola bar:90
several pieces of Snyder Hanover's honey mustard pretzel pieces:75
total: 285
------------------
running total:1,006

2 graham cracker sheets: 140
1/2 cup of 1% milk:55
more pretzels:100
total: 295
------------------
running total: 1,301

1 1/2 hard taco shell: 75
1 1/2 tbl of taco meat: 50
3 tbl of cheese:60
olives:35
tomatoes:10
1 Blue Bunny Bomb pop:40
total: 270
----------------
running total: 1,571

1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 1/2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:22
4 oz tilapia:93
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
1 graham cracker sheet:70
total:330
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running total: 1,901

Today's challenge: getting to the gym to do at least an arm work-out. Keeping on-calorie as I will not be doing as much cardio lately because of my knees.

Actual fitness: my bicep and back work-out

Note on picture: I definitely need more salads in my diet. I had this on Saturday night and it tasted great. I think I don't make enough because I'm lazy. I estimated this to be about40 calories.

Note on calories: I had a little problem staying on-calorie today. I've noticed that when I don't run, I tend to want to eat more. I've heard that running actually inhibits appetite somewhat. And, since my knees don't feel pain-free enough to go running, I really need to be aware of this tomorrow.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Cruisin' After A Bruisin'...The Rest Of The 5K Race Story

Almost 11 weeks of 12 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 9 pounds in almost 11 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
few small cookies at church:100
some creamer in a small coffee:20
total: 445

3 oz chicken breast:105
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
total:205
---------------
running total: 650

Jimmy John's turkey sub with no mayo, with cheese and mustard:422
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total: 482
------------
running total:1,132

1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
1 Pirouline Hazelnut chocolate:50
total: 85
--------------
running total: 1,217

Today's challenge: staying on-calorie and trying to get around with my bruised-up knees. I actually slipped down three steps this morning in the house and landed hard on my right leg. I was walking down the stairs trying to keep my right knee straight because it hurts to bend it, and so that's probably why I slipped.

Actual fitness: a forced off day because of bruised knees.

Note on caffeine: I was so cold at church today that I actually made myself a little coffee containing caffeine because it was hot. It was about a 1/2 cup of coffee.

Note on picture: This is what I received for the way I finished in my age group on Saturday for the 5K run.

Cruisin' After A Bruisin'
The Rest Of The 5K Story
Sorry to leave you all hanging yesterday, but it's not every day I fall down in the middle of a race.
Ok...so where was I...
I quickly realized there was nothing I could to stop myself from falling.
Oddly enough I was not panicked, frightened or unnerved by the process of falling down. I recall it clearly because it felt like it was happening in slow motion. Once I knew I was falling I just kind of let myself fall. It actually felt a little slow to me.
It completely reminded me of the fall I took several weeks ago on dry ground on the sidewalk of a busy street. In that circumstance I fell and then quickly popped back up and kept going. But there were a few differences with this fall.
With this fall, I hit pretty hard, but just like last time, I popped back up. While I was falling or getting up from the fall a guy running slightly behind me paused and actually reached for me. My friend from high school called out to me. Also, there were some race officials not too far ahead who perhaps said something but I can't quite recall what.
But after I got back up, I gave everyone the thumbs up sign and continued on with the same pace. It didn't occur to me until after the race that the two pair of gloves that I had decided to wear on each hand because I didn't want to be cold probably saved my hands from being scraped up.
When I fell several weeks ago, my hands were sore.
It took me about a hundred yards to begin to feel a dull ache in my right knee. I steeled myself against compromising my pace for the ache. There was no way I was going to quit now or to slow down. If anything the fall sent some adrenaline shooting through my body.
But about 1/2 a mile after the fall, I could definitely admit that my right knee hurt with every step. "ouch...ouch...ouch...ouch..."
I could also hear my old high school friend behind me. We are in the same age group, so I knew if I let up, I might be giving up a place.
When we turned the corner into the last stretch, I felt surprised that it was already upon us. Despite the bruised knees, I could tell that the rest of my legs felt good and I wanted to push it to the end.
So I did.
I finished with a time of 22:26 which is faster than the 22:38 from a few weeks ago. My friend finished second (for our age group) with a 22:32. There were 45 in our age group. Overall, I finished eighth out of 161 women.
It wasn't until about 20 minute after the race and I was sitting down did I notice the goose-egg on top of my right knee cap. ( I could see it's shape through my running tights.) My left leg had two goose-eggs, one on the knee cap and one just below it, that you could also see through the tights.
I eventually went to some race organizers and got it bandaged and iced. When they were handing out awards the lady mentioned that I had fallen and still finished with a first in my age group.
During the course of my running career, I've run in the winter and in the summer. What's interesting is that I've never fallen on my runs on icy sidewalks or slippery conditions. It's like I've got Wisconsin winter running legs or something, but give me a dry sidewalk, and not only will I show you how to fall, I'll show you how to get back up like it never happened. Isn't that funny?
But I will admit, this particular fall has me hobbling around in pain today. Because my right knee cap is so swollen, I can't do a weight lifting leg work-out because of the bending involved or a run for the same reason until the swelling goes down. Also because it's bruised there are strange sharp pains that I feel when I move it a certain way.
In fact I slipped down three steps this morning because of trying to keep my right leg straight. So, now I have a bruise on my right leg.
My husband who makes me laugh says that my gimpy straight-legged walk reminds him of the swaggering sheriff who comes into town.
You have to admit that was funny.
So, that's the story. Hopefully I'll be able to exercise tomorrow.
There is a race I'd like to run next Saturday, so hopefully I can do that.
Oh, my sister-in-law, who's seven weeks pregnant, placed 5th in her age group in the 5-mile run with a time of 39:45. She's very happy to break 40 minutes which is faster than an eight minute mile average. She also mentioned that she didn't feel too naseous.
Have a nice Monday y'all!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Cruisin' For A Bruisin'...Another 5K Race

10 1/2 weeks of 12 weeks
weight today: didn't weigh, was running a little late for the race.
total lost: 9 pounds in 10 1/2 weeks
1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
total:165
Post race meal:
1 pancake:125 (est)
syrup:25
2 oz banana:50
1 container of strawberry yogurt:75
total: 275
---------------------
running total:435
1 Jimmy John't turkey sub with cheese, no mayo and with mustard on:422
--------------
running total:857
Today's challenge: The race.
Actual fitness: 1 mile warm-up, then 3.1 mile run.
Note on stomach upset: Thought there might be during the run, but there wasn't so that's good.
Note on picture: This is a view of my knees looking down on them. Hopefully it's not too gross for you all; they are bandaged at least?
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'
Another 5K Race
My day began at about 6:20 a.m., which is about 40 minutes later than I had planned to start it. So, I made my breakfast and ate it around 6:40 where originally I had wanted to eat it at 5:45.
I had set the alarm, but apparently hadn't had the volume on the radio turned up enough for me to hear it. And, since my body isn't used to arising at that hour....well, I suppose I'm lucky that I even woke up when I did, right?
But waking a little late didn't really stress me out. And, actually I wasn't really nervous the way I was two weeks ago when I couldn't fall asleep the night before and I was getting butterflys in my stomach.
Ahh...finally maybe I'm getting a little seasoned.
Well, recall yesterday my concern about the roads being icy? Well, I'll get to that in a minute. The temperature was a cool 19 degrees. In the whole scheme of winters in Wisconsin, 19 in the dead of winter would be considered...well, warm. But it was the first 19 degrees this winter season...so it felt cold.
So, I dressed with three layers of long sleeved shirts. A black sweat-sucking inner layer, a red cotton turtle neck and a white outer layer. I had some blue tights on with two pair of gloves (a pair of red outer) on each hand, plus a black hat. I also wore a couple outer warmer layers over this to warm up in and then take off before starting the race.
So, basically when I stripped down to race I looked like Miss America. Ya, know red, white and blue...also our wedding colors.
Because it was cold, I wanted to make sure I had at least a one mile warm-up which I was able to complete 20 minutes before the start of the race, which was at 8:00 a.m.
The whole pre-race visits to the bathroom went well. I saw my sister-in-law and wished her good luck on her 5-mile run. She mentioned that she hoped she didn't throw up during the race. And I was like, "Are you sick?"
Then two seconds later I remembered, "oh that's right she's pregnant."
She said she feels nauseous when she runs. Oh, and she's seven weeks along she found out.
Well, all the 5K runners made their way out to the start of the race. All of us were bantering about while waiting for the start of the race. And then suddenly, there was a gunshot.
There was nobody who said, "ok, five minutes till the start. Two minutes till start...30 seconds. There was no "Get ready, Get Set, Go."
There was just a gun shot and the lot of us springing into action when we realized the race had started. Someone wondered out loud if it was a bottle rocket that had gone off. I even looked behind to make sure.
But sure enough it had begun. I started my watch and took off.
Since I knew that there may not be anyone calling off times at the 1 and 2 mile marks I had looked up the course the night before and tried to figure out where those marks were. So, during the race when we reached our first turn off I looked at my watch and it was at 7:38. I knew that we were a little past the first mile at that point. I figured I wasn't too off my goal pace of 7 minute miles...perhaps a little behind.
I also noticed that my old high school running team mate, who had beaten me by one second two weeks ago was also running. We started out together and then I let her pull away from me. Not to far away... I decided, but I wasn't ready to go faster yet.
During the second mile, I felt good and began catching up to people and passing them, including my high school friend.
According to my estimates, I had between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 mile left to go in the race when I fell.
Remember my concern about the slippery roads?
Non-issue.
The roads were dry as a bone.
I simply stumbled or maybe didn't lift my legs high enough. Who knows. But I started falling and quickly realized there was nothing I was going to be able to do to break my fall.
To be continued.
Tomorrow. :)
How's everyone's weekend going? Hopefully you haven't fallen down.

Friday, December 4, 2009

A Snow Race Tomorrow

10 1/2 weeks of 12 weeks
weight today: same
total lost: 9 pounds in 10 1/2 weeks
1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1 tbl of powder creamer:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:225
1 1/2 cup of Reeses Puffs cereal: 240
3/4 cup of 1 % milk:85
1/4 graham cracker:16
total: 336
---------------------
running total: 561
3 oz of chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with tea:30
2 tsp of sugar in tea:30
3 whole Wheat Pita chips:30
total: 295
-----------------
running total:856
Today's challenge: Staying on-calorie. I've been having the munchies lately.
Actual fitness: 2 mile lunch run, maybe some abdominals later. I'm doing a mini-taper for the race tomorrow.
Note on stomach upset: There hasn't been any today.
Note on picture: I finished off this bag of original Atheno baked Pita chips. 11 chips are 140 calories. I had a little mini-binge last night on these things. They are actually delicious. I discovered them when my husband and I went out one night and we shared a bag of these chips with a glass of wine.
A Snow Race Tomorrow
I plan to race another 5K tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. On my run this afternoon, it occurred to me that it might be slippery on the road tomorrow because there is snow and ice on the road and sidewalk today.
Well, it is December here in the great state of Wisconsin, so I suppose that might be something I'll have to learn to race in in these winter road races.
I'm hoping that the road the race is on will be salted. But if the road conditions are indeed slippery, it may make my time slower. *sigh* But on a positive note, at least there are road races to compete in in the winter.
Remember my pregnant sister-in-law? She plans to do the 5 mile run event tomorrow. (she's only five weeks pregnant).
Two weeks ago I ran a 22:38, so obviously I would like to improve on that. The road race tomorrow is part of a three-part road race running series. So there will be two more races...one in January and the last in February. My ultimate goal over the course of the next few months is to drop my time down to at a 7-minute mile average which would be a 21:00 to 21:20 5K. Colder temperatures and a snowy course can definitely affect times, but I'll do my best.
What are you all doing this weekend? Is it getting colder?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

10 1/2 weeks of 12 weeks
weight today: same
total lost: 9 pounds in 10 1/2 weeks
1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:15
total:225
1 cup of Reeses puffs cereal:160
1/2 cup of 1% milk: 55
1/2 graham cracker sheet:16
total: 231
--------------
running total:456
1 extra large egg:80
1 xtral large egg white:20
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 oz of sliced strawberries:27
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:312
-------------------
running total:768
1 cup of Reeses Puffs cereal:160
1/2 cup of 1% milk:55
total: 215
---------------
running total: 983
Bunch of Goldfish crackers:175
1 Blue Bunny Jolly Rancher Bomb pop:40
1 slice of whole wheat bread:55
2 tsp of peanut butter:66
5 oz apple:80
1 1/2 tbl of caramel: 105
total:511
---------------
running total:1,494
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
25 Pita chips (i overate):300
total:360
--------------
running total: 1,854
Today's challenge: staying on calorie because I'm having a reduced exercise plan today.
Actual fitness: off
Note on stomach upset: Felt a little on the way home from my run, but I had to use the bathroom so it was probably that.
Note on picture: Eating freshly fallen snow is calorie free and surprisingly fun to do. Just ask our 3-year-old son, Peach Blossom. I caught some pictures this morning of the first snow here if you'd like to see more at http://www.ourdarlingkids.com/.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

10 weeks of 12 weeks
weight today: same
total lost:9 pounds in 10 weeks
1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:225
1 cup of Special K berry cereal:120
1/2 cup of whole milk: 75
total: 195
----------
running total: 420
1 jumbo egg:80
1 jumbo egg white:20
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 oz of sliced strawberries:27
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:312
--------------------
running total:732
1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
over 1 cup of Special K berry cereal:150
3/4 cup of whole milk:111
total:296
-------------------
running total: 1,028
1 slices of whole wheat bread:110
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of natural peanut butter:100
total:225
------------------------
total: 1,253
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 package of lemon tuna:190
total: 275
------------------
running total:1,528
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
handful of Reeses Puffs cereal: 20
total:80
--------------
running total:1,608
Today's challenge: Getting in my speed work-out and I'm feeling munchy. Don't feel like eating chicken and rice all day.
Actual fitness: 1 1/4 mile warm-up, 4x1,200s at 5:14, 5:19, 5:15, and 5:19 (5:15 is a 7:00 minute mile pace) I had 3 minute rests in between and a 1 1/4 mile cool-down. Total miles: 5 1/2. My legs felt very fatigued from the leg work-out the night before.
Note on stomach upset: Thought I might have some before my run yesterday, but I didn't.
Note on picture: Every so often I just have to deviate from the whole chicken and rice thing and eat a peanut butter sand which. So, this is what I had this afternoon. Also, part of the problem today is that I used up all my chicken last night and I haven't made anymore. So, if I had been more prepared, I would simply eat what I know I should eat.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

10 weeks of 12 weeks

weight today: same

Total lost: 9 pounds in 10 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:225

3 oz of chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:205
---------------
running total: 430

1 jumbo egg:80
1 jumbo egg white:20
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 oz of sliced strawberries:27
1 tsp of sugar:15
total:252
--------------------
running total: 682

1/2 cup of brown rice:85
3 oz of chicken breast: 105
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 Blue Bunny Jolly Rancher flavor bomb pop:40
1 tbl of powder creamer for tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:305
----------------------
running total: 987

1 cup of Special K berry cereal:120
3/4 cup of 1% milk:80
total: 200
--------------------
running total: 1,187

2 1/2 oz of chicken breast:88
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter: 15
about 1/2 cup of Edy's light vanilla ice cream:90
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:15
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:354
--------------------
running total:1,541

Today's challenge: Got to get in my double work-out tonight.

Actual fitness: I already completed my 3 mile lunch run. Tonight a 2 1/2 mile run, 50 minute chest and triceps workout and 45 minute leg work-out and abdominals.

Note on picture: For fun, my husband will make tiny little pancakes for the kids. He made this last weekend which was so full that I think I might have eaten this. But I'm not completely sure.