Happy Halloween

One and one half hours walking with my trick-or-treaters. Does that count? I also got in one other good workout this week that I didn't manage to post about. Wii Fit says I am down a pound and a half. Woo hoo!

Lame Attempts

Ugh, I just don't feel like it this week! I'm all PMSing and icky. But I did get in an hour walk with a friend of mine. Of course that's the day it is totally humid! So dripping in sweat means a good workout, right? Hee hee.

Friday- Running & Strength 1 hour

I woke up bloated from this stupid cold and benadryl, so it made my running all weird. I actually ran faster for the first 10 minutes (making a mile in 10 minutes!), and then I walked for 10 minutes, but I could only run for 5 minutes the second time because I got all cramped from being bloated. Still, I covered the same distance in 30 minutes as usual due to running faster the first time. I think I will have to plot out a 3 mile course today because I might be able to make 3 miles in 30 minutes next time!

Friday- Walking 1 Hour

This cold pooped me out, so no abs today. I did do the hilly course, with two kids in the double stroller, but with no help! There was no time today or yesterday to get Erik to go with me at night, so I went alone. I still made it in under an hour!

My Thursday

Well, the bike is working out well. I think I'm falling in love actually, so this is a good thing. 20 minutes today at a slightly slower speed; 13.5-15ish covering 4.8 miles and burning 478 calories. I'm super tired today, and this workout was a hard one. It's been a bad week for the fatigue level. I just can't seem to get going with anything!! On an up note, however, it's been nearly two weeks since I had any joint pain! Hallelujah! I even wore my wedding ring last weekend for the first time since I think last February. My hands are all normal again! So, tentatively, I think we can count joint pain down and out, and now all I have left is fatigue and I will be DONE!! Hallelujah indeed.
The Almighty Liz

Somebody Save Me. I'm So Freaking BORED!!!!

I did my 30 minutes on the dumb stairs. I could have run outside with the kiddos today as far as the weather is concerned, but the baby's nap screwed that up.

I REALLY need to get out of the house. I'm going a little insane. Anybody want to kidnap me? Good thing the weekend is coming. I'll have to go play outside. NEED VITAMIN D!!

Wednesday--Kickboxing 1 Hour (with abs mixed in)

Yep, and I have a cold too, because I rule baby!

Two in one day!!

I know, try to contain your excitement.
I tried out my new bike, and I like it I think. I like that it's digital, with a timer and a calorie counter and all, (it removes all guesswork), but the recumbent thing is going to take some getting used to. And yes, Renae, it's way quieter!! Well, I did 21.19 minutes, 5 miles flat at between 14.5 and 15.5 mph and burned 297 calories. I do like the stats, lol!!
The Almighty Liz
PS I finally got ahold of Dana, and she and Lisa are fine. Some repair guy cut their internet line, and it's taking awhile to get it fixed. Now we can all relax. Hope to see you soon guys!

Under 200!

Woo hoo! Just weighed myself this morning- squeaking under 200 lbs. Yay! I think the heaviest I was, pregnant with the twins at 250 lbs. Odd considering I started out at pre-pregnancy at about 180.
This week has been crazy busy, but I'm going to at least get some pilates in this afternoon!

Updates!

Well, yesterday's workout was to clean my kitchen. No easy task, since it hasn't been done since the Great Halloween Party at my house over two weeks ago. Now, it has had some light, I'm-out-of-dishes type of cleaning, but it hadn't gotten the down to the bare bones cleaning it really needed in a long time. I didn't get there because I totally ran out of steam, but I made some good progress. I should be able to get as much done today as yesterday, and finish up tomorrow. Also, I had a pillow/tickle/wrestling match with my husband. (no, no sex after, I was too exhausted!) I haven't had the energy to play with John in forever, so that was way fun, as well as a super good workout. I highly recommend it. :)
On to business! I think everyone is doing AWESOME. Here's a holler to those who haven't been on in awhile. We are coming dangerously close to the holidays! Now's the time to really get those good health habits in place, so by the time Thanksgiving and such roll around, you won't even have to think about turning down that fourth helping of pie, or getting that workout in the day after. Obviously, it's the holidays, so I think some flexibility is warranted, I just don't want us to completely lose our heads, lol! I want us to be hot tamales by the time swim suit season rolls around! I want us to be SVELTE!
Also, I was getting curious as to how long we have been at this fitness blog thing, and we started on August 11th. That's just over 2 and a half months of consistent working out ladies!! And I checked my very first post to see how much progress I have made and here's where I started and where I am now;
Started; 3 five minute sets with 15 minute breaks in between at 8-10 mph covering just under 2.5 miles.
Current; 20-25 minutes with no breaks at 15-16 mph covering around 4.5 miles.
I suggest you guys back log and check your beginnings as well, because it was a major boost for me!! I mean wow! Look how far I've come!! If you do, post it so we all can see; I'm curious!!
Also, I've lost two more pounds. I'm now down to 136, only one pound over where I started. *huge sigh of relief* Cutting just a couple hundred more calories did the trick! Thanks for the advice Timpani!
We picked up my new bike last night too, so I will be taking that sucker out for a spin today. (metaphorically speaking of course, I can't actually take a stationary bike anywhere) It's a recumbent, which is new. We'll have to see how that works. It's also one of those new fangled magnetic ones, all digital too. It's got a calorie burn counter, and mph, and coc (I dunno what that one is), and miles covered, and a couple others I can't remember right now. I'm super excited about it though! I will of course let everyone know how it goes.
So again, if you're reading this and haven't taken that walk or gotten out on the track for a run or whatever you do for awhile, get out there today! You'll feel so much better, I know it for a fact. Let's get SVELTE!!
The Almighty Liz
PS Has anyone seen Dana? She's dropped off the radar for a week now, and her cell is busy. Hey Lisa! What's up??

Tueseday 25 minutes on Wii Fit

I spent 25 minutes with the Wii Fit this afternoon doing mostly yoga but also some strength training. My back has been killing me, and the yoga helped a bit with that.

Elise

Tuesday- Strength 1 Hour

I got 20 minutes of ab work in this time (including the 200 crunches) and I ran in place for 20 minutes as well.

In other news, I finally got off my period and was able to weigh myself. I lost 4 more lbs!!! We are getting into uncharted territory here ladies. It's been about 10 years I want to say since I weighed this little. Man, I might be out of plus sizes soon! It's a shame because I love all the posters of lovely large women all over plus size stores. It's a great self esteem boost ;)

Good News!

Well, so we all know tragedy struck on Thursday; John broke my bike. We have been in kind of a tizzy since then, because that bike was essential to my well being. We spent a good deal of our date on Saturday searching for repair pieces (to no avail), and the last few days getting the word out to as many people as possible that we are in the market. You just never know who's gonna hook you up, and as it turned out, a total stranger did it for me. I met her at a jewelery party on Friday (she was the rep in charge). It was a small intimate group, and talk quickly turned to a variety of subjects un-jewelery-related, and fitness was brought up at one point, to which I proceeded to lament my bike. Well, this wonderful gal emailed me the next day about a group on Yahoo that gives things away. They are called the Freecycle Group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StLouis-Freecycle/ , and the premise is that if you want something, you post a bulletin which is then sent to all the people in the groups' emails, and if somebody has it, they email you. It's free, you just have to go pick it up. The reverse it true as well; if you have something you want to get rid of, post it, and people contact you if they want it. You have to be a Yahoo member, but it's free to sign up, so it was a no brainer for me. I signed up, posted my plea for a stationary bike, and got a hit within an hour. He lives about a half an hour away, he'll just leave it for me on the porch, (I don't even have to meet him), and I'm going to go pick it up today after John gets home from work!! (I'm not going by myself, that would be stupid) Anyway, I'm not sure if it's just a St. Louis based thing or not, but what a great resource! All it costs is a little time and gas money. A bargain for sure. I'll be sure to let you all know how the bike works out! Woohoo!
The Almighty Liz

Early Morning Run

I decided it was time to bite the bullet, and start getting up crazy early. As it's too cold to put the little ones in the stroller, it's either that or don't run. So, I got up a 4 am this morning, fed the baby, changed into my running clothes (with my reflective vest) and met the medium group at 5 am. We ran 5 miles. My garmin said that our average speed was 5.9 mph, but I don't think that was right. It felt faster. I think I goofed it up by starting it when I was still sitting in my van waiting to go. I'm going to have to get used to getting up insanely early. argh. I do love running with the group, it's just hard to get up that early! I'll have to put my children to bed earlier, so I can get to sleep earlier, and no more staying up watching TV with Bruce -my favorite part of the day. I think I'll pick two days during the week to run with the early birds, plus I'll tack on Saturdays (we start at 6 then). Then I'll just do stairs or bike (on the trainer) a day or two during the week. That's my plan anyway.

Monday- Swimming 1 Hour Abs 10 minutes

Ab update- After a week, my tummy feels tighter, but more importantly, my back doesn't hurt anymore! Yay! So, I would say it is definitely worth it to get rid of the chronic back pain I have from having a large chest and two small children ;)

Hillary Duff was right?

I remember a few years ago I saw a bit of the View. (I know, so lame!) Anyway, some ditzy pop-starlett was on- I think it was Hillary Duff- saying that she lost 10 lbs. just by eliminating carbonated beverages.
Well, anyone who knows me well enough, knows I am the Diet Coke Queen. So for the sake of Hillary Duff's street cred, I tried it. I've been drinking water flavored with stuff. It's kinda good.
...but I totally lost like 8 lbs. in the last 2-3 wks! What?! Hillary Duff may know what she's talking about. Try it!

I'm still a long ways off trying that lemonade with cayenne pepper diet....

monibuytrdsewqg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

30 minutes stair running. It's getting too cold for running with the babies in the stroller. I'm going to have to switch things up. Time for biting the bullet and getting up obscenely early to run with my peeps. Time to bring in the bike and put it on the trainer. Time for stair running till I want to claw my eyes out. (On a second thought, I think I'll put off kicking the stair running up a notch just a titch longer. Not quite ready yet, but getting there.)

Thursday- Aerobics+ Abs 1 Hour Friday- Running + Strength 1 Hour

Thursday I did not feel like kickboxing, so I just did some basic aerobic stuff in front of the TV with abs mixed in.

Today- I ran 10 minutes, walked 10 minutes, and then ran 10 minutes again (again 2 1/2 miles). This second run was LOTS easier than the second run last week. I think it might have been because I really focused on stretching my upper thighs this time (the sorest part from my first run). I also wore actual RUNNING shoes that I was finally able to buy.

I came home and did arms and abs for 20-25 minutes in between more leg stretches.
Woohoo! Second time running at 6AM!

Disaster!

Catastrophe!! My stationary bike broke. The little tension wheel melted (it's about a hundred years old). Total suck!! So, my whole little family went to walmart for my work out instead. The good news, though, is that it rained today, and NO JOINT PAIN!! WAAAHOO! I am winning! That's right! Victory goes to the Almighty Liz! Unfortunately, I also came down with a cold today. But only a smallish one, and again, no joint pain accompanied it, so this is a very very very good thing. So, all I need now, is a new bike, and I will be back in business!!
The Almighty Liz

fjeosibneiao

I ran stairs for 30 minutes today. It's getting easier. May be time to bump it up.

Tuesday and Wednesday

I know I am behind on posting...

Tuesday I got in about 10 minutes of Pilates after my kids were in bed, and then I literally fell asleep on the floor. So much for that...

Wednesday I got up and did some step aerobics early. Then I was soooo tired all day. I know that the benefits will come and I will have more energy down the road, but right now I am really struggling to hang in there until that happens. SO TIRED!!!

Nothing yet today, Thursday, and I have a Stake Primary thing I am supposed to attend tonight and still have dinner to get on...maybe just before bed again.

Not the boobs!

Ok, I have lost a lot of weight recently... but it's all been from my boobs! Nooooo! They were the only thing that balanced out the belly.

Took a really long walk/jog with the girls. We have no problem getting to the park, but the stroll home is unbearable. We need a closer park!

DC's Wednesday

I went to Curves and then had a personal abs session with Lynette. She totally kicks my butt! I love it!! It was also our weigh in for The Biggest Loser. We had a lot of girls lose four pounds and a couple who lost seven. Woo Hoo! I lost 1.75 inches and one pound.

It is really sad though to see how many women are crushed by the scales & the tape measure. Why do we do this to ourselves. Those numbers are relative. For instance... My chest measured a little bigger this week but that's only because I was wearing a normal bra instead of my uber constricting sports bra like last week. lol. Also the offical weigh-in took place after I'd just eaten trail mix & drank a quart of water. It showed me gaining weight. Yet I know that I lost some because I weighed myself when I first got to the gym before chowing down and I'd lost a pound. Yet some women just don't give themselves any allowance even if they know better. I'm so sad to say that there were almost as many sad tears as happy ones last night.

Breakfast: 2 pieces turkey bacon, Ezekiel Cinnamin Raisin Bread w/ peanut butter, walnuts, flax, strawberries

Lunch: 3 breadsticks and marinara sauce

Snack: trail mix

Dinner: Pork-n-Beans w/ Hebrew National Hotdogs sliced in them

Dessert: A few pieces of Hersheys Dark Chocolate/Pomegranite bar

Wednesday- Walking 1 Hour, Abs 10 minutes

And I shoveled dirt in my yard, and drug it to another part of my yard for two hours (I'm filling a raised bed to for strawberries). And I'm on my period, with allergies acting up like crazy, so I'm pretty tired.

I haven't disappeared...

Ok, so since the surgery, I haven't exercised at all. In my defense, I was too sore to do much. But I'm getting back on the horse next week, slowly but surely. There probably won't be any 15 minute miles for a while, but I've got to start somewhere!
Everyone is doing so well! We're going to look awesome!

Pulling the Girl Card

So, I started my cycle this week, and having just come off of being sick, this was a particularly brutal blow. I made it through Monday, (barely), but yesterday I just said, screw it! I'm going to be a "wimpy" girl and take the day off! Today is not much better, but I did elect to walk to the vet's office, (about a 10 minute walk), instead of driving. That was of course carrying my 11.2 lb cat plus whatever her carrier weighs both ways. And here's the big news girls; no joint pain. I was exhausted of course, and cursing my overweight cat (she's going on a diet), but other than that, nothing!! Progress! Hurrah!
The Almighty Liz

Getting back on track!

After camping this weekend I realized I can't eat bad and skip exercising, because I felt horrible. My body is telling me not to do that again. On Monday when I worked out at work (Curves) it was so hard to work out. I felt like I was back to square one. I guess I needed a weekend of being lazy to show me how important my workouts are. Tuesday I did the treadmill and abs. This morning did my treadmill and weights, will try to fit Curves in today as well.

Speedbump!

Went jogging again yesterday, but Ben & Jerry lured me into their web of lies, sadness, and fat. Back on the bandwagon again! I hope today will be more nutritious!

DC's Tuesday

After a fun weekend outdoors I got back to Curves today. After finishing the Curves curcuit I worked on my abs. I love working out. I feel so good afterwards!

Breakfast: Cinnamon/Raisin Ezekiel toast w/ organic peanut butter, almonds, walnuts, flax, strawberries

Snacks: Trail Mix: nuts, dates, dried apricots, dried bananas, raisins

Lunch: Lean Cuisine meal

Snack: Curves protein shake

Dinner: Campbells Healthy Request Soup

Finally an update!

Hi ladies! I have been updating myself on your progress but have been a little lazy in my exercising since my half marathon. Today I got home and was loving the weather outside so I ran about 4 miles. And tomorrow I plan to get up early and go run around the track-not my favorite but I like that better than running in the dark!
I decided I need something else to motivate me so I am going to post a new photo every 2 weeks to track my progress. I've got at least 30 pounds to go, ideally... :) Here is the first picture of me, it's not the best picture but I had to take one and post it before I talked myself out of it. Next time I will have Dana take one for me or find a better place to take it.....

Tuesday- Strength workout 1 Hour

Since I am trying to do 10 minutes of stomach exercises everyday, I decided to try to do 20 minutes of stomach on the two days I do my strength workouts. It worked out pretty well, a little bit harder, obviously, but still workable.

My new tentative workout schedule:
Monday- Swimming
Tuesday- Long Strength workout
Wednesday- Walking
Thursday- Kickboxing
Friday- Short Strength+ Running

The walking will have to turn into something else this winter, hopefully an exercise bike workout if I can find a stationary bike at a reasonable price!

I've Made a Decision

I can only do what I can do. I am doing fine losing my baby weight, and I just can't squeeze another thing in. I can't even do all the things I'm supposed to be doing as it is. I've decided not to bother with the weight training until my Clayton learns to feed himself. Right now, I am literally spending nearly a quarter of my time feeding that baby. Yes, I know how important weight training is and how great it is for you, and how many more calories you burn up. Preaching to the choir here. I just can't fit it in right now. I will be happy with my cardio crazy self until baby starts to feed himself and the breast-feeding slows down some. Then I'll have more time, and it can replace the calorie burnage that feeding the baby is.

I ran 30minutes pushing J & C in the stroller today.

Monday- Swimming 1 hour, Stomach workout 10 minutes

I think I'm going to take Renae's advice and try to fit in 10 minutes of stomach exercises everyday since my tummy is my biggest body issue right now. Maybe if I worked on it 10 minutes everyday (instead of 10 minutes twice a week) I can go down in pants sizes a little more quickly.

I also dug in the yard for 2 hours today planting blueberry bushes and trying to dig up an area to put a raised strawberry bed. I will probably be digging for 2 hours everyday this week to get this bed finished and filled with dirt and soil amendments.

I HATE Mondays.

Ugh. Well, did my bike today. 20 minutes at 15 mph for 4.3 miles. It wasn't as hard as last Friday, thank goodness, or I'd have to shoot myself. I was sick over the weekend, and lost five lbs! I know, not the best way to lose weight, but if I can keep it off, I'll take it. I'm at 138 now. I'm going to take some of Timpani's advice, and cut my calories just a bit more for a couple of weeks, and try to jump start my metabolism. (I don't think I ever mentioned this, but I have been dieting this whole time too. Uber frustrating to be dieting AND exercising, and still gain eight pounds.) Anyway, bike again tomorrow, weights on Wednesday. And maybe Pilates, if the weights don't wipe me out. I need to get my tummy in shape.
Happy Monday! (that was heavy with sarcasm, by the way.)
The Almighty Liz

One Hot Walk

The husband has the week off (yay), and wanted to do daddy-daughter dates with the twins. So today I only had one baby. (it was heaven!)
I plopped her in the jogging stroller with a sippie and we walked for about an hour. (another yay) Although it is still in the high 80's over here, so it was hot. Can't wait for winter!

Oh, and this makes me feel so much better.

Let's try this again!

I will get the hang of using this blog one of these days!

Friday and Saturday I got in good workouts.

Today is Monday and I am way behind on housework and laundry. My 2-year-old spent the afternoon and evening vomiting yesterday. He does that really often, it doesn't usually mean he has the flu or anything, he just has a touchy stomach or an allergy or something. By the next day he acts 100% normal, bounces back as if nothing happened. It is still way not fun though. The Dr. says not to worry about it too much as long as my boy is growing okay, and he is a big healthy kid, so for now we just deal with it, although I am trying to figure out on my own what foods he seems to be sensitive to. If anyone has any insights on this I would love advice! No more pukey baby!!!

I will do my best to get in a workout around the extra chores.

elise

Friday and Saturday

DUH!

I just had the best workout this morning! I can't believe I didn't think to do this before! I turned on my blog that has a bunch of songs that I love on it, and Launa and I danced for about 25 minutes until she got tired. (Really, I could have kept going, but part of what makes it fun is her laughing and giggling.) I have a laughing willing dance partner with a built-in 35 lb weight which is great for twirls and throwing, and it's way fun. Oh and guess what she did today?! My 3 1/2 year old daughter was dancing with me to "The Hustle" and she started doing the pony! I almost died laughing! I asked her where she learned to do that and she said Daniel taught her. Now I'll have to ask him where he learned it (he's only 6). I might get video of her doing it and put it up on my blog, it's hilarious!

Wii be Jealous!

I am lusting after a Wii- so I can do the Wii Fit. I'm not sure if I shell out the $300+ if it will motivate me or not. I love my DVD, and it's getting to be nice weather to go out in. But the Wii Fit looks so cool, and maybe even fun?
Would it be worth it?

199th Post?!

That is so cool! I should give a prize to whoever posts 200. But I won't. I'm way too lazy, lol!
Anyway, my knee is all better today. I popped it trying to thread my way through the maze of toys that is my playroom/library to get a book last night, and it immediately felt much better. When I woke up this morning, and put my weight on it, it popped three more times, and felt all better. So, apparently, I got it a little out of joint without noticing, due to all the other joint pain I had going on at the same time. *sigh* But all better now!
So, of course, having been missing my workouts this week, as soon as John got home, I ran downstairs, and hopped on my bike. It was so hard!! My legs were jelly when I got done. 20 minutes, 15 mph for 4.3 miles. Oi! But I did it! And although my body doesn't like it so much right now, I feel good about myself, and that's what matters! (right? right)
The Almighty Liz
PS the little widget to the side there says it's 196th, but my dashboard says it's 199th. Silly technology! Make up your mind!
PPS okay, I figured it out. There are drafts that have not been published, so my dashboard says there are 199, but there are only 196 published. So, this is in fact, the 196th post. Still cool, but not as. ;)

Friday- Stength workout/ marching in place 1 Hour

I finally got a second strength workout in this week! I am looking forward to two days off. Whew! What a week!

Yesterday

I broke out the dog again. Poor guy. I was going to get up and get Daniel off to school and then take Superman for his walk and then get on with my usual Thursday stuff (bills, grocery list, shopping). Instead, I woke up to my sister-in-law (who takes D to school in the mornings) sticking her head in my room and informing me it was 7:30 (already?!). So I apologized all over the place and told her I would take D to school. Well, that threw off my groove. I hastily wrote my tithe check (because it has to come first you know) then I wrote a check for D's lunches, and stuffed the wrong check in the envelope and sent it with D to school. I realized it later when I found the lunch check on the edge of the desk. *sigh* Okay, the whole day pretty much went like that.

So I didn't get to walk the dog until after 10:00 last night. I'm also trying to teach him not to tug on the leash, so it was long and laborious, and I think we maybe walked 2000 feet and back. It was taking all night, and I didn't want the neighbors thinking I was casing their houses, so I'll try again some other time. Tonight, I think I'll take a little jog, and if my stomach feels alright I'll try 10 sit-ups. (I'm still really sore from the sit-ups from the day before yesterday.)

DC's Thursday

Lynette (Curves Owner/Personal Trainer) worked out with me today. First she had me double up my time on the machines during my first circuit at Curves. Afterwards she led me in a personal ab/hips/thighs/buns workout. Oh my goodness! I am so sore. After we ended I literally could not lift my leg. Seriously. I was a quivering mess. So I rested and regained enough strength to drive home. We start weights on Monday in addition to the amped up Curves circuits and additional workout. We're getting this biggest loser thing started right.

Breakfast: Boiled egg on Ezekiel toast w/ butter & Marmite, small apple

Snack: 2 oranges

Lunch: chicken soup

Snack: trail mix

Dinner: chicken bbq pizza & 1 breadstick

Dessert: brownie

Thursday; I have no good excuse

Where did the day go? I got up early to workout but then everyone else got up and with one thing and another I never got a workout in. I don't think I did yesterday either--? What happened to yesterday? Ugh, I've got to get more organized!!

Thursday- Kickboxing 1 Hour

I was dragging through this workout. I'm still sore from running on Tuesday, and not getting enough sleep this week, and a field trip, and a Fall Festival I took two kids to today (by myself!). But, I still worked out!

Note to self--try running on Fridays until you get used to it, so you have TWO days to recover from said running.

House Cleaning!

Well, okay, I know that's kind of a wimpy workout, but with everything hurting, that's just all I can handle. AND, I haven't been able to do much beyond occasionally loading the dishwasher until now. So yesterday and today I did the living/dining room, the kitchen, the bathroom (which, I'm ashamed to admit, hadn't been done since we move in!), and the hall. We are having lots of company this weekend starting today, so I wanted all the public rooms cleaned, and I did it! I'm wiped out, and I'm sore, but it's done! All my joints are feeling all the way better too, except for the right knee, which is killing me, so I'm gonna guess it's not the R. Fever going on there, but some injury that I didn't notice because it was hurting anyway along with all my other joints. We'll see how that's feeling tomorrow. If it still hurts, then I will do weights, but I really wanna do cardio!! Where's a pool when you need it? I can't even bike on this knee, I can barely walk.
Also, I just can't say this enough, you girls are doing so well this week! Even Mary has rejoined the fold!! We are all going to be so dang HOT....!
The Almighty Liz

Well, I pulled out the Weights!

Thanks to you guys' inspiration, I did a full upperbody weights workout, plus abs. Then I ran the stairs for 30 minutes. The problem is that it takes so stinking long to do the weights. I want to, but I don't know how I can fit it in. We'll see

DC's Wednesday

We started our version of The Biggest Loser at Curves tonight. I'm psyched! It's giving me tons of motivation. The first prize is a total makeover at one of the trendy salons, second prize is a gift certificates to one of the nice stores in town, third price is also a gift certificate. We're getting healthy recipes, food/workout journals, protein drink mix, a neat t-shirt, tote bag, etc... This is gonna be tons of fun.

Workout: Curves Circuit, 60 crunches, 5 push ups

Breakfast: 2 pieces Turkey Bacon, Ezekiel Cinnamin Raisin Bread w/ organic peanut butter, flax, walnuts, almonds, strawberries

Lunch: Lean Cuisine meal

Dinner: 2 veggies patties

Dessert: Brownies w/ strawberries

"Walking"

I am the most feeble, out of shape person here, and I'm a little embarrassed about how difficult this was, but here's what I did today. I did some "walking" in front of the tv while I watched a documentary about alien technology that we use everyday (circuits, lasers, fiber optics, kevlar, etc...), using spaghetti sauce jars as weights while I walked. I also did a minute of jumping jacks, which was surprisingly tough, but like I said, I am seriously outta shape. Okay, and don't laugh, but I did 15 excruciating sit-ups afterward. I think I'll keep doing 15 every day for a week, then do 20, and after another week, 25 and so forth. I haven't worked much on trying to strengthen my ab muscles since having my c-sections, (At first because it hurt! Afterwards, because I wasn't motivated.) so any type of ab exercise really is very difficult. when I do sit-ups I can still feel the pulling in my muscles where they've been cut. Kind of creepy feeling. I wonder if that will ever go away?

Wednesday- Swimming 1 Hour

I made it back up to 25 minutes of freestyle. Yay!

I am so sore from running yesterday. My thighs, mostly, making it really painful to sit down on the potty all day today. I also went on a field trip to the Pumpkin Farm that involved a lot of me walking around slightly bow legged.

Runners, please give me all the benefits of running to keep me motivated, and to make me want to try this again next week!

Small Victory

This is so minor, but it made me super-happy. After Target, I buzzed by Del Taco in the parking lot and totally DID NOT get a burrito! Since I have zero self-control, this is quite a victory. Not much going on in the workout dept. Hubby has been working 12 hr. days, so I've been napping while the girls nap. I know I should be working out, but wrangling babies for 12 hrs. seems like workout enough right now.

Not Much

Okay everyone, I just wanted to real quick let everyone know I'm still alive, and why I haven't been on here in almost a WEEK.
I overdid it with the walking last Thursday and took Friday off. I DID go shopping with Timpani on Saturday for several hours, and I count that as a work out cause I was a quivering pile of jelly at the end of it. Sunday was Sunday, and then on Monday the weather changed. The two things that affect my joints the most are cold and the weather. The past couple of days I haven't been able to move without pain, so I have opted out of exercise. (I actually had to take pain meds to sleep last night, it was awful) Today I'm feeling better as the weather is leveling off. When my normal work out time rolls around, I'll see how I'm feeling. I might not do anything again today though, so as not to acerbate these problems. Then we'll see what tomorrow brings. I am having a more rapid recovery time, so that is definite and very good progress. There is light at the end of the tunnel!!
I would also like to say WAY TO GO ladies! You guys have been pulling out all the stops the past couple of weeks, and that is just stellar!! We have a new member as well, my sister-in-law Ashley, and I would like to just give a shout of welcome out to her. We're way happy to have you!
So everybody, keep up the good work!! The holidays are coming up, let's keep our focus, and try not to slack off too much. If we can keep it in line, we'll all certainly be uber SVELTE by swimsuit season!! Wouldn't that be so nice?!
The Almighty Liz

A Great Weight Loss Tip:

Get a tapeworm! It worked for Chloe-Fatsoe (my dog). She lost 8.5 lbs. (She needed it too!)
She's okay now. I took her to the vet, and she got some worm killer.

(Just in case there are any morons out there reading this, no I am not actually endorsing getting a tapeworm as a method of weight loss. It's a JOKE!)

DC's Tueday

I went to Curves and worked up a great sweat. Hallelujah I've finally gotten to the point were I want to work out. I look forward to it all day! This is a new thing for me but I love it!

Breakfast: 2 pieces turkey bacon, Greek yogurt w/ granny smith apples, walnuts, almonds, flax seed

Lunch: Lean Cuisine meal

Snack: 1/2 granola bar

Dinner: Chicken Marsala, Green Salad

Dessert: Brownies & fresh strawberries

p.s. I've always had a little bulge on the outside of my thighs. It was so noticable whenever I wore knit pants. Well it's gone! Yay!!

Tuesday walking, lots of hills

Walked today in a neighborhood with BIG hills. Pushing a stroller with two kids up and down steep hills was a pretty good workout. My calves hurt big time tonight. Guess I had better stretch out a little before bed.

Tuesday- Running OUTSIDE 30 minutes, March in Place 30 minutes

I actually ran for 10 minutes, walked for 10 minutes, and then ran for 10 more minutes. I covered 2 1/2 miles this way (in 30 minutes). I thought I did pretty good since this was my first time running OUTSIDE. When I got home I marched in place 30 minutes. It was kind of a fluke, because I got my wires crossed with my friend, and apparently I did not have to get up at 5:30AM, but I was awake, so I decided to try running since there would be less people to see me that early.

The sorest thing afterward was my chest because I forgot to put on the high impact sports bra I had bought for running. Gotta remember that for next time. Ouch! I also really need to get some decent running shoes. I have a pair of Asics Gels I use for walking, but they are getting pretty old anyway. I'm saving up My Coke Rewards points to get a $10 off at Foot Locker, so that should offset the cost of a decent pair of running shoes.

My First goals for running- Get up EARLY and go running at least once a week in the morning. Run 30 minutes straight without stopping. Run 3 miles in 30 minutes instead of 2 1/2 miles (I know that's slow, but please remember I am short with short legs).

Made a deal

I made a deal with the husband that when he gets home, after we eat dinner, I get to have "me" time. This used to include sitting and surfing the internet. Now I am going to run... we'll see how far I get. Last night, the boss made hubby work super late. We'll try again today- you hear that, UPS? Send my husband home!

But I did get my pilates in.

DC's Monday

I worked out at Curves. I worked both the machines and recovery stations pretty hard. I followed up with sixty crunches.

Breakfast: B-fast scramble: 2 eggs, potatoes, green peppers, onions w/cheyenne pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes

Lunch: Lean Cuisine dinner

Snack: 1/2 roasted chicken Sub

Supper: 1/2 roasted chicken sub

Tuesday---Keeping it going

Last week was a good one except Friday I didn't get up and get my workout in. I didn't get to bed the night before until 12:30 a.m., but I have a good excuse, I went down to the Tuachan (Performing Arts Theatre) and saw Les Miserables. It was so good and worth staying up the late hours.
Yesterday and today got up at 5:30a.m. and did my treadmill and weights yesterday, ab work today. We are going camping this weekend, so I am going to try to keep my workouts in, it shouldn't be to hard.

ohcbjdb ;hfuh:;hgff

I was rather busy last week, so I had a bad week exercise wise. I ran 4 miles with my sibs in Nauvoo which included some hills.

I ran today with the medium group. We ran 4.5 miles with the Challenge of the Bluff hills added in. Let me tell you, we have some MEAN hills around here. They are called bluffs, and running up them is not fun!

Then I had a COLD shower. Miserable. Our water heater broke. Getting a new one today.

Monday--walking and dance aerobics

Hi everyone!

I did some dance aerobics with my kids this morning, then walked this evening with two of my kids in the stroller, just did laps around my neighborhood. It wasn't more than probably a half-hour of walking, but we have a pretty good hill that I made it up twice pushing 70 pounds of kids, so I was feeling it.

I am going to try to alternate aerobic exercise and strength training, but mostly I am going to try to do 30 minutes or more of SOMETHING 5 days a week. I am also logging what I eat, just to get an idea of where my pitfalls are, although I know that basically I just like to eat!

You ladies inspire me!

Elise

Monday- Strength Workout 1 Hour

I barely made it because I'm still recovering from the stomach flu. My husband thinks I'm a complete loon, but he should know that if I stop working out, I gain weight!

I kept my 200 crunches goal, yay!

Hi! I'm New!

Hello! I'm Liz's sister-in-law, and totally in need of some weight loss. I had twins almost two years ago, and haven't lost the majority of the crazy weight I gained. I have recently started a more aggressive routine, well more aggressive than doing nothing. I'm cutting out lunch- mostly. And I've come to have a girl-crush on Ellen from my pilates DVD. I love it, it has a 10 minute workout that I can do on really busy days and add on butt, thighs, or abs. I have yet to tack on more than one, however.
So anyway, I've lost 15 lbs. in 3 months. Which is good, but a long way from the nearly 70 lbs. I'd ideally like to lose. So anyway, thanks for letting me be apart of your lives for a bit. I'm ecstatic to be here!

Motivation!

It is Saturday night and I am just getting around to reporting on Friday. I was tempted--so very tempted--to stay in bed Friday morning, but having to post that I was lazy again kicked me right out of bed. I put on a CD and danced / did various aerobic stuff with my kids joining in. Then I did a little bit of core stuff and stretching. I am sore today, which I love, I always think it means I did something that worked. Maybe it just means I didn't warm up or stretch out enough--? I don't know, but I still like it.

So today, Saturday I haven't managed anything yet, super busy day. Tonight my hubby is working late, kids are all in bed, maybe I can fit in a little yoga yet.

Night night everybody!

Friday-- Running/Marching in Place 1 hour

I ran in place for 30 minutes, and it's getting easier. I think I just need to find some running shoes (torn between New Balance & Nike) so I can actually run outside the house. That, and I actually found a "high impact" sports bra that's almost big enough for my stupid boobs.

Home and sore....

Everything went well... see my blog for more information!

Thursday- Kickboxing 1 Hour

I totally kicked it up a notch with the kicking drills too. RAH!!!

*Groan*

Okay, I have GOT to learn that my limits are not what they used to be! We went for a walk tonight. We were gone for an hour, and even at a two year old's pace, and a break at the playground in the middle (I sat on a bench), I am still in pain. Darn it! Darn joints! So, live and learn, and next time we won't go all the way to the playground.
Thanks to Becky and Lisa for popping up the past couple of days! That made me feel much better, like maybe we aren't losing everyone, lol! And like I told Becky; folks, you don't need to feel like every time you post you have to make it interesting, or even more than a sentence. We all know what busy feels like, and we understand kids, and families and work, ect ect. All we're asking is that if you work out, just write us line to let us know. That's all, and no pressure! This is a pressure-free blog! The reason I want you to post is so that you have an obligation and are beholden to someone, so you stay motivated, that's all! We are all about the kudos and the motivation here. :)
Tomorrow, more bike action for me.
The Almighty Liz
P.S. (and personal note) For those of you who don't know, one of our members, Trisha, had heart surgery yesterday. I have not heard if all went well or not, so please keep her in your prayers!! This is just one more thing in a long list of health problems that Trisha has had to conquer, (for more info, just see her blog, she's an amazing person), and we wish her well and a speedy recovery! Lots of love Trisha!

Thursday; walking and a little toning

Hi everyone,

Somebody did 200 crunches! Wow! And Liz with the weights--good job!

I didn't get out of bed early enough Wednesday to get any workout in, but today I got up and walked before my kids were up (6:15), only a short walk because it was dark and foggy out there. Then I came in and did some leg lifts and squats and other strength/resistance stuff. I am finally getting a little motivated! Hooray!

Elise

Still Going Strong!

O.K. So it has been awhile since I lasted posted and that is only because I am so busy. I promise this isn't just an excuse. My little boy's 3rd Birthday is this weekend and I have been getting everything ready for it. Then 3 days after his B-day is my husband's B-day. So life has been crazy. But I am still getting up at 5:30 a.m. and doing my walking/jogging and weights and abs. I am also still doing Curves on the three days I work.
On a happy note I had Lynette (the owner of Curves) weight and measure me on Tuesday and in one month I have lost 9 inches (all over) and 4 pounds. I am very proud of myself except I wish the pounds would have been more. But I just need to kick it up another notch and it will come off.
I have also noticed I sleep soooooo much better lately. Which is something I was needing to get.

PERSISTENCE--Poems & Quotes to Keep You Going

(I promised to post my favorite persistence poem, and I found a few other cool quotes as well)

Persistence
by Calvin Coolidge

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education alone will not; the word is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance."

~ Samuel Johnson

"A champion is someone who gets up, even when he can't."

~ Jack Dempsey

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. "

~ Louis Pasteur

"If you are going through hell, keep going."

~ Winston Churchill

Wednesday Run

I haven't been very consistent with my running since the half marathon......thus the infrequent posts from me! I did run today, 3 miles. I hope to be more consistent now...we shall see!

Wednesday- Strength 30 minutes, walking 30 minutes

Erik & I took another route to get to another convenient store (that had caffeine free diet on fountain too), and it was way too short! Even with extra hills, and pushing two kids in the stroller, it only took about 30 minutes. It's a good thing I did my strength workout while the kids were napping, or else I would not have gotten my hour of exercise!

I got 200 crunches in today during my strength workout, up from 140. ROAR!!!

Weights

John tells a funny story about when he was in college. Now, he went a little later than most, and took a little longer than most to finish, so he was a bit older than your average student at this particular story's time. He overheard a conversation between two other students, (of the average age, around nineteen or twenty), and it went something like this;
Student 1: You lift weights today?
Student 2: Yeah, and man, those weights are heavy!
I concur.
I did biceps and triceps at 8 lbs each, 10 reps and three sets each. I did lats at 10 and a half lbs, 10 reps and three sets total.
The Almighty Liz

Tuesday- Running/ Marching in Place 1 Hour

I ran in place 30 minutes, and then marching in place and windmills, and some other aerobic exercise to fill the other 30 minutes.

Welcome Elise(not my sister) to the fitness board!

My Tuesday

Well, short and sweet, I did 20 min. on the bike at 15-16 mph covering a distance of 4.4 miles. Hurrah!
I've gained ANOTHER pound. Eight in all since I started. NO GOOD.
Here's a big welcome to Elise! She joined our ranks with a bang; 20 min of running! Awesome Elise, and glad to have you. Since you probably don't know everyone from the blogosphere, here's a quick intro;
Renae is my sister in law. Mary (who hasn't been on in awhile) is my best friend. Dana served her mission in our area a few years ago, and so knows all of us in our area in that capacity. Lisa is her roommate. Trisha is a good friend of hers. Eyepoke is my husband John, and he never posts cause he's a loser. Becky is also a friend of Dana's. Timpani is an old, dear friend of mine and Renae's. Is that everyone? I think it is. Sorry if I left you out! (it's probably because you haven't posted in awhile ;)) So Elise, that's everyone; everyone, meet Elise. She's in my new ward, I met her at our local pool, where she unhesitatingly, the very first time I met her, offered to watch my kids so I could do laps with John. She's the best.
And we are steadily losing authors! So, if you are in contact with someone who hasn't posted in a week, I would urge you to feel them out, and encourage them to return. The more people we have, the better this works! And also, it's so beneficial, I hate for anyone to miss out!! Let's keep the blog alive!!
The Almighty Liz

Got up early, but will I survive the rest of the day?

Well, I finally managed to drag myself out of bed at 4am to feed the baby and then rejoin my running group at 5. Unfortunately, the group has branched off since my pre-pregnancy days. It seems that only the slow group starts at the same time and place as we used to. So I ran with the slow group, and that was fine for today. Nice to see my old friends again. I will have to find the others though. I'm not quite up to running with the fast group yet, but I'm sure I can handle the medium group just fine. The only problem is going to be managing life getting up this early. We'll see. Oh, 6 miles by the way.

Monday- Swimming 1 Hour (YAY MONDAY CONTINUED!)

I was totally dragging on the swimming tonight, and I barely got through the whole hour. I only swam freestyle for 20 minutes. I have been working pretty hard in the yard, so maybe my body just needed a slower swim workout this time.

Hi everybody

Thanks, Liz S, for the invite to the blog. I am feeling completely intimidated by all of you ladies and your fitness efforts. I have spent the summer eating a lot and exercising almost never. It's not like I sat around and watched TV all summer; I I figured chasing 3 kids all day at the park and playing at the pool and all the trips to the zoo and the yardwork and the gardening and the housework would be enough that I wouldn't have to watch my weight. But lately my clothes started not fitting right; I got on the scales for the first time two days ago, and guess what! I am 8 pounds up from where I was back in May or June. Yuck!!



This morning I jogged for 20 minutes with Wii Fit. Not a very tough workout, but it is a start.
Elise

Yay for Monday!

OK I've not flipped. I'm just trying to start the week out on a positive note. I really struggle with Fall & Winter so I'm trying to think good thoughts. :)

I worked out at Curves today. Yay Me!

Walking

Okay, confession; I didn't lift on Saturday. I got sick over the weekend, which means I won't be going on a long planned family camping trip this weekend either, darn it! The weather is so perfect too. Anyway, I went for a 15-20 minute walk with my little family tonight. I managed to find a hole, stick my foot in it, trip and fall gracelessly to the ground. That sort of cut the walk short because I banged my knees, and fell heavily on a hip, which were all hurting anyway, due to my stupid cold over the weekend. So, tomorrow, back on the bike!
The Almighty Liz

Whoot Whoot!!!!

Ladies, I am down to 154 lbs! That's 8 lbs down from my nearly 2 month long plateau that I broke a mere 3 weeks ago. 14 lbs left to my goal weight. Don't hate me!

Challenge of the Bluffs

Well, I made the whole thing without walking. It was tough, and I got really sick as soon as it was over. It's the next day, and I'm having a hard time just sitting up to post this. They haven't posted the results, so I don't know where I placed. I didn't stick around for awards because I wasn't feeling so great. Weird

Saturday- Walking 1 hour

With two kids in the double stroller. My calves continue to NOT hurt due to stretching and strengthening. Yay!

Biked Today

This is going to be short because I'm about to leave on my date (and I look gooooood), but I thought I should post before I forgot. (that's dedication baby!) I biked 20 min at 15 mph covering 4 miles even. (so I did a little below 15 mph for some of that time, since it's less then yesterday, but I wasn't paying that close of attention because I was talking to my best friend on the phone) I'm going to lift weights tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good Friday night!
The Almighty Liz

Taking It Easy

Tomorrow is Challenge of the Bluffs race. So, I decided not to kill myself. I walked for 1 hour only averaged 3.3 miles. The race tomorrow is only 5 miles, but the first mile is straight up hill. I won my division last year. (Don't be too impressed. It's a small race.) I don't think that will happen this year! I haven't been able to run that course at all this year. 1) It's not the best place for a woman to run alone. 2) There ain't no way I'm pushing a running buggy up those hills. I just hope I survive tomorrow.

Thursday- Running/Marching in Place 1 Hour

My teeth felt better after a few hours and some Tylenol, and I stopped feeling nauseated from the laughing gas, so I decided to clean the whole house and do a little workout (while watching the debates).

I ran in place for 30 minutes of this workout!!! WOOT! New record!

Biking Again

Totally average workout today. I did twenty minutes at the same tension as Tuesday, 15 mph the whole time, for a total of 4.2 miles. It was difficult, but not as bad as Tuesday. (sleep helps) I'm going for the same tomorrow. I'll have to work it in during the day instead of after John gets home because we have a date. With a REAL sitter, which means we are getting out of the house, away from the kids and the whole nine yards! I feel as giddy as a teenager!
The Almighty Liz

Getting Tired

I am starting to feel the tiredness from getting up at 5:30 a.m. This morning I didn't want to do it. But I am pretty sure I will get used to it. It might take a week or so. The good thing is that I fall asleep pretty fast at night when I go to bed.
The sad news is that I am done brestfeeding. Kelsie is almost 11 months and I don't think I can handle her chomping with her two little teeth anymore. So I hope the weight loss will keep coming. I heard it is easier (for most women) to lose weight while breastfeeding. We shall see how it goes. The worse part is the soreness and engorgement. (I hope I spelt that right)

Wednesday!

I went to Curves & I worked hard. My heartrate stayed in the target range the entire time. I can't wait for a shower. :)


Breakfast: Turkey bacon, eggs w/ onions & peppers... Ezekiel toast w/ butter & Marmite


Lunch: Lean Cuisine Dinner

Dinner: Two small pieces of fish, baked potato

Wednesday- Walking 1 hour

With the kids in the stroller, on the hilly course. Plus, two hours of gardening. I'll probably have to skip exercise tomorrow due to getting 5 cavities filled.

Weight Training Today

Well, I did lats and triceps, 3 sets of 10 reps each with 8 lbs. Next time, I am totally adding weight to the lat set, 8 is just not enough. I was going to do biceps and bench press as well, but I just ran out of energy. Bad day for Liz. I have been sleeping like crap for the past four or five nights, and today, I'm just bummed. No particular reason, but this is the first time since we moved that I have not just been on cloud nine. And the first time since I started this blog that I just didn't want to work out. Not a bad record really. And I worked out anyway! I'm drowning my intangible sorrows tonight in chocolate (in the form of three or four chocolate chip cookies) and some Heroes. (we have some dvd's from netflix, and I'm in the middle of season two) I'll get back on the bike tomorrow.
The Almighty Liz

And Speaking of Hungry Breast-fed Babies, Here's a Funny Thing

I bent over to pick up my running shoe, and the large metal hook (not the little kind on normal bras, but a large peice of metal) that fastened my sports bra broke.

I Do Love a Good Buger

Ran 4.5 miles pushing J & C in the buggy without stopping! Average speed 5.9 mph.