Day 81

Totally forgot to post. Did 85 mins on the elliptical and is 14k steps.

One day at a time. one choice at a time.

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

Shame, embarrassment and addiction

It's been a week since my last post but I haven't given up or stopped my 30 day challenge. In fact I even added a new exercise to my regimen that I am a little ashamed of (have I mentioned it? It's been so long I can't remember).

Here has been my week so far:

Sunday (day 7):
Work, 12,038 steps, 5 minutes of EA Sports Active before work
Monday (day 8):
work, 13,980 steps, 12 minutes of EA Sports Active before work
Tuesday (day 9):
22 minutes of EA Sports Active, 85 minutes of a new shameful, embarrassing addiction (521 calories burned total)
Wednesday (day 10):
work, 13,068 steps, 11 minutes of EA Sports Active before work
Thursday (day 11):
43 minutes with my shameful addiction after discovering more than one way to do it (246 calories burned)
Friday (day 12):
48 minutes (2 parter) EA Sports Active and walking for an 1.25 hours (a slow 3.22 miles)
Saturday (day 13):
24 minutes EA Sports Active, walking for 60 minutes (a slow 2.3 miles)
Sunday/today (day 14):
20 minutes with my shameful embarrassing addiction (so much fun) and walking 2 miles in 45 minutes.

Have you ever done something you swore that you would never do? Something that you see other people doing and you think to yourself "what a douche" when you see them doing it, because you are just too good to lower yourself to that kind of level? I am there and I am ashamed. It's embarrassing. I have to do it when no one is around. Not even my 3 year old son because even he mocks and laughs at. I was embarrassed to walk to the check stand, because I knew the checker would think, "well he isn't doing it" of my husband, "he isn't doing it--he's too young," of my son, and laugh to think I was the one doing it. The dainty young man at the counter in fact "o.m.g. hearts" it. Of course.

I'm just kidding, not about the checker though. Or my son laughing at me. He laughs hysterically with every single step that I take, like it's a joke that never gets old. It's not at all as dramatic as I drew it out to be though. It's sweet and beautiful and I even joined a group on Sparkpeople to support my new love for it. Something I never in a million years thought that I would jump on the bandwagon for.

Dance Dance Revolution.

Some sparky friends mentioned it last week or the week before, and I was curious to find out that it was a good workout. I honestly can't remember if I mentioned it here before, but it's my new addiction. We got it, I played it, and I have the songs stuck in my head 24/7. I want to dance like the characters on the screen, but instead I'm left with hip swinging, hard punching (cause they don't register if they aren't hard for me), hula hooping arrows that flash on my screen in "workout mode", and videos to songs that I love, that I can never watch, because I am too busy paying attention to the arrows because I want to get a good grade (I am a C average student for the first time in my life--I've only gotten 2 B's one on a Coldplay song and the other on a Black Eyed Pea's song--the rest C's and a few D's! doh!).

I just discovered that the songs have a bpm rating, like 138 beats per song, or 155 beats per song (a Kiss song) that makes me feel spazzy like I could be strung out on crack or something. The faster the beats, the faster the arrows scroll through and the better your coordination must be. Great workout. Still embarrassing to do. I am addicted.

I also still really love my EA Sports Active. My muscles are very sore but I feel MUCH stronger and it's been only like a week since I started. Also a great workout. I feel so blessed to have found motivation again, even though it's something unrelated to exercise. EA Sports Active has trophies, like Sparkpeople. Friends, for me it's about the trophies. One of my recent trophies is running 25 laps on the virtual track. I jog around my living room literally doing it. I sweat a lot, but I do it. I'm excited to do it. I hope I never lose this excitement.

Anyway I hope you all are having a wonderful Hallmark holiday! I had today off so I am happy. I work for the next 3 days in a row though, and I guess I'm happy about that too. The work is hard, but at least I have a job to go to.

Have a great night! See you soon!

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 241 (day 3 / week 35)

I've been doing a lot of thinking since I posed the question, "did I blow it?" and you guys really helped me out with your responses. All in all I decided that I was going to count it, but I started thinking about the why, as to why I would count it. I came to these conclusions that gave me the mental closure that my brain needed, when I continue to think about things, long after I thought I had resolved them (lol).

1) You guys are right, I don't have a typical desk job. I work 12 hour shifts and more than 1/2 of that (6 hours) I am walking around, pushing pulling and using my large muscle groups (legs) for support so that I don't hurt my back. I know I am getting a workout because sometimes I feel winded after a transfer. The day before yesterday was, in my opinion, more of a physical day than I usually do have at work.

2) When I wasn't working, I was willing to substitute exercises and would count that as exercise done. I would do heavy cleaning, wear my HRM, turn it on, and count that. I would also mow the lawn and count that. I dance with The Monkey Boy and even count that. Why is that any different than substituting a physically demanding workday?

3) I keep saying that I need to listen to my body, and so why is a workday any different than a non workday? I was physically exhausted when I got home. That tells me that my body worked hard that day. I don't know if it was because I was on my 4th day and I didn't get 8 hours of sleep the night before (very well could have been) but I was also sore the next day, that to me, is my body telling me that I worked out, whether I consider it a workout or not.

Thank you for all of your insights on this. I really did want to see how someone else viewed it, because, well, I am biased. It's my life and my resolution, and I know I tend to be hard on myself as some of you have mentioned *cough Loree* *cough Erin*. (I'm just teasing you guys, ((Hugs))) :).

Today I got out kind of late today (8am), and walked for 4.15 miles in an hour an 15 minutes, and cooled down for about 10 minutes (85 minutes). I am very excited because yesterday was my very first payday so I am going to go buy a new HRM. Mine is just....done. I don't really know why it gives me wonky readings but today was my last straw with it. It was 92-96F when I walked and the last time I did this, I burned about 1500 calories in the same amount of time and my HR was well over 135 during the bulk of the time. This time my HRM said my HR was 82. And then 112. At teh very end of my walk, it jumped to 147 so I don't know what's up with it. I also don't like the fact that I can't adjust my new weight on my HRM--I burn calories differently at 190 than I did at 215, when I originally programed it. So this is my reward to myself, for my first paycheck. I want to get some more hand weights too, because The Monkey Boy peeled off the coating off of one of mine. lol (silly kid). The other thing I want to do for myself is get a new hair cut. I am also very excited about this :).

BTW I woke up this morning and the swelling went down completely. My toe hurts a little, but nothing like it did last night. *whew*

Sorry for the long post! Hope you all have a great weekend! Make it count! Anything goes!

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 215 (day 5 / week 31)

I am dedicating my walk today to Jen, her family and her mom. Jen was doing so much to reach her healthy lifestyle goals and exercising and I want her to know that we are still here supporting her on her journey and will be here when she returns.

As I was typing this I saw that Jen has posted a blog, so I am glad that I dedicated today's walk to them, because I won't be able to get out and walk with them tomorrow (I don't live in her area but I would walk anyway). She said tomorrow is her mom's memorial and they are going to go out and walk afterward, in honor of her mom, since she was never able to finish hers. If I can get out, I will. Read more here.

Today I went out in the late morning again. I didn't have any other choice because The Monkey Boy woke up really early (5:50am) and he just didn't want to go out until after 9am. When we left it was 93F and when we got back it was 97F. It was hot although today is overcast.

The difference between this time and the last time when I went out when it was hot was an article or some tips I read on the cool running website (for the C25K training) about going in the heat. It said to drink 8 oz of water every 15-20 minutes, so that's what I did, and I feel much better now, than I did the first time (I felt horrible and my HR was extremely elevated). Including my warm up and cool down I went for 85 minutes and only walked 3.9 miles. Half of it was uphill and the other half was down. I didn't do any jogging or skipping (too hot).

As of today I have walked 107.4 miles according to the Tools To Keep You Active, and am 1.02 mi to Scotchtown, VA Hanover County.

(pretty picture)

Tomorrow will be a late post as I have to go fill out the paperwork at the hospital so that I can start on the 10th. I have to be there at 8am so I have to leave here at 6-6:15am...I am assuming this will be enough time to drop off my son and get there on time. There wont be traffic on the way to Papa's house, but there will be a lot of traffic going to the hospital. I am so excited to have a job again! It's also exciting knowing that when I finish nursing school, I will no longer be considered "obese" also.

Off to set up my new weight bench. When I have it set up, I'll take a picture and show you my cool new gift from my in-law's neighbors. Thanks J, R and A!

Make today count! Go for a walk tomorrow! Read about when to on Jen's blog.

I can do this.

Day 213 (day 3 / week 31)

Today I started my C25K (Couch to 5K) training. I modified it a little bit, because I am not coming straight from the couch, and I have been pre-training for some time for this (I guess I could say that lol) ;). Today I walked/race walked/jogged 4.8 miles in 80 minutes and burned roughly around 1500 calories (my HRM has been very bad and is in time out for a while). I would be in the middle of a jogging spurt, and my HRM would drop to 67 and crawl back up to 116 and stay there. I probably spent more time struggling with my HRM than "training." I started to think today if starting a C25K program is smart, with having to work and all and I feel that if it's meant for me to do, God will make it happen.

So I get home and I am venting to my hubby about my HRM and
are you ready for this....

God must have provision for me to exercise while I am working, because he has just provided me with a...

.
.



treadmill!!!!

*happy dance* *running man* *cabbage patch*

I am SO excited I cried when I sat down to think about the blessing I had just been given! God really DOES approve (not that I had any doubt--confirmation is always nice though :) :))!

Last night we went to a buffet again with my in-laws. I did the same thing as last week when we went, so I didn't break the bank again :) (see, it's not a fluke!). Anyway we were talking about the Monkey Boy and what time I would have to leave our house to get him to his Papa's in the morning, so I could be at work before 7am. We decided that we are just going to have to get a bed over to their house and have the Monkey Boy spend the night on the days that I have to work because when the winter comes, it's going to be too much to bring him out there at 5:45am. We haven't made any set plans yet as we are still feeling it out. We will know more when I start work.

So anyway this morning after I exercised, my MIL called and talked to my hubby for a while, then he said she wanted to talk to me. She said that since they are going to be putting a bed in the Monkey Boy's room at their house, they need to do something with their treadmill and asked me if I had room in my exercise room and if I wanted to use it! The first thing I thought of was that I can't take her treadmill because she uses it everyday (she doesn't need mental tricks to exercise like me, she just does it). She said that the weather is changing and she will be able to get outside to walk soon, so it's not a problem. Wow.

I really didn't know how I was going to get outside before or after work to exercise, becuase it will be dark during both times. I was kind of preparing myself mentally to walk in the dark, but I really didn't want to. I figured I would end up doing a video or something (which I'm getting bored with) so this is just a HUGE blessing. How awesome is that!! I will be able to do my C25K training, in my own home!!! Yaay! AND my MIL's neighbor is getting rid of a new weight bench (no weights) and asked her to ask me if I wanted it! Yaay! He reigns and it pours!

Ok onto the juicy stuff.

My measurements:

Measurements: (day 213 / 182 / day 10) (- "/# lost in current month)

Wt: 192.0 / 195.2 / 215 (-3.20) (total lost 23#)
Chest: 37.5" / 37.75" / 43.75"(-0.25") (total lost -6.25")
Waist: 32.5" / 33" / 41.5" (-0.50") (total lost -9")
Hips: 42" / 42.5" / 47.75" (-0.50") (total lost -5.75")
Neck: 12.75" / 13" / 14.25" (-0.25") (total lost -1.55")
Under bust: 32" / 33" / 36.75" (-1") (total lost -4.75")
1" below belly button: 38.5" / 40.5" / 47.5" (-2") (total lost -9")
Above my thigh: 37.75" / 39.5" / 44" (-1.75") (total lost -6.25")
R Thigh: 18.75" / 19" / 27" (-0.25") (total lost -8.25")
L Thigh: 19" / 19.5" / 27.5" (-0.50") (total lost -8.50")
R Calf: 14" / 14.25" / 14.5" (-0.25") (total lost -0.50")
L Calf: 14.25" / 14.5" / 14" (-0.25") (total lost -.25")
R upper Arm: 10.5" / 11" / 14" (-0.50") (total lost -3.5")
L upper Arm: 10.75" / 11.5" / 13.5" (-0.75") (total lost -2.75")
R wrist: 5.75" / 5.75" / 6.25" (-0") (total lost -0.5")
L wrist: 5.75" / 5.75" / 6.25" (-0") (total lost -0.5")

Jan 2009

Feb 2009

March 2009

April 1, 2009

May 1, 2009

June 1, 2009

July 1, 2009August 1, 2009

In July 2009 I lost 3.2 lbs and 8.75 inches! Yaay! *happy dance* It's not as much as I was losing to start off with, but it's more than last month!

I really feel great and I think that is the best measure of success. I can do so many things that I couldn't before, and I feel stronger and I AM stronger. I am still "obese" but that is temporary and not permanent! I can't believe I am almost into the 180s!!

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but my original start weight is 240 from 2007. Once I hit 190 it will mean that I have lost a total of 50 lbs. Yaay!

Ok well I am off to have fun! Have a great weekend and make it count! If I can do this, so can you! We just gotta take one day at a time :). I am living proof!

I can do this. I am a star.

Day 200 (day 4 / week 29)

I can't believe that today is day 200 of my resolution! For 200 days straight I have exercised. For 200 days in a row, I have done this! It doesn't really feel like it's been 200 days, because I have been doing this one day at a time. If I've learned anything it's that baby steps, and taking big goals one day at a time, works. It's not about the bigger picture, until that picture is complete; it's about each individual brush stroke coming together, to make a lasting picture. I am so proud that I have stuck with this, and that I will be able to say soon, that I did something that changed my life, or an entire year straight. In case you guys are wondering, this is probably going to emerge into something more than a 365 day resolution--maybe it will turn into a 2 year resolution...how awesome would that be??

Today I went for a long walk...4.31 miles to be exact (85 minutes including my cool down and 1225 calories burned according to my HRM). I went by myself and brought my CD player. I haven't used this thing in YEARS. I was happy right off, because my belt thingy, that my CD player goes into actually fit me! The last time I tried to wear it, it was so tight that the straps kept falling out of the clip--it just wouldn't stay together. Yaay! I listened to No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom all the way through and then 2 or 3 songs over again. Music really makes the time go by fast. I hadn't listened to that CD in a long time, so it was fun to listen to something that was a "favorite" at one point in my life.

Today's QFC is T-Stands again. I won't be doing those, because....well because I did enough. I did try, but my legs were just to wobbly from the walking. Maybe later (probably not lol).

Off to take a shower. I should take a picture for Jen, the Prior Fat Girl because she was asking for our sweaty exercise pictures a couple weeks ago (you'd be surprised with how pictures of sweaty people exercising prove to be a form of inspiration/motivation lol). I never did it, but I always think about it lol. This girl has lost almost 100...ONE HUNDRED pounds! She is working on her last 10 and we are all so proud of her! Totally amazing and such an inspiration.

I can't wait until I can finally call myself a prior fat girl...now I'm just a semi fat girl doing the "done girl" dance--cause I'm, "done being a fat girl" lol (one of my sparkpeople groups).

Have a great day everyone! Make it count!! Do something everyday and do it for a week (1 day at a time)...then 2 weeks and 3...before you know it, you will see day 200 roll around! woo hoo!

I can do this. I am a star!

Day 195 (day 6 / week 28)

Today I did a little bit of everything. I started out walking, but my legs felt tight, so I didn't push myself. I walked 1.75 miles in 25 minutes and burned 247 calories doing that. My hamstrings were just so tight. I made sure I took long strides to stretch them out and they feel better :).

When I got home I did Turbo Jam's Cardio Party with my sculpting gloves (45 minutes, 627 calories burned) and my HRM acted up a lot. I think I figured out what is going on with it, and it's kind of exciting. Get this...it wasn't tight enough! I haven't tightened it at all since I first got and used it. I tightened it up a lot (few inches at least) and it fits better now and I'm getting better contact and a more accurate average on my HR. Yaay!

After that I ate some fruit and then did my quickfire challenge (QFC) Standing Oblique Crunch (1 minute into the video) and the Done Girl Dance for 10 minutes (15 minutes, 130 calories total). LOL you should have seen me. I put some music (Corinne Bailey Rae-Put Your Records On and Jewel) on and danced in my kitchen...wildly. Wildly like Patrick Dempsey in that 80's movie, Can't Buy Me Love. (I guess I would have been called a Spaz in the 80's lol). So much fun! Hey! It's burning calories so I don't care how silly I looked...you probably wouldn't catch me doing it when my hubby was home, or out in public. And, who is the monkey boy going to tell? He can barely talk lol. I wanted to do 5 more minutes of dancing but someone came to my door and wouldn't leave (don't you hate that???). By the time they left I was cold, so I just called it a day.

So my word for the day is to get out there and dance! Put on your favorite songs and dance the entire time! It's great exercise, and a great way to relieve some stress. Make it count!

I can do this. I am a dancing fool star.

Day 190 (day 1 / week 28)

Today I got out the door early again and did my 2 mile power walk (30 minutes, 482 calories), then did The Firm's Ab Sculpt again (26 minutes, 268 calories), 2 sets of 10 push ups, 2 sets of 25 pectoral flies with 5lb hand weights and finished off with my quickfire challenges for the day (for a grand total of 858 calories in 85 minutes).

The first quickfire challenge is an Isometric Bicep Press on each arm. I used a 10lb weight instead of pressing w/ the other hand, for 10 seconds each and I think 20 sets (I started to lose count). I am going to do this 4 more times throughout the day to total of 100. I also did the 2nd quickfire plus which is an Isometric Hand Press, 10 seconds each, 10 sets so far and will strive for 100 throughout the day as well. These remind me of grade school when the girls would say, "I must, I must, I must increase my bust," lol...you know what I'm talking about right? lol.

I have to tell you, my biceps, shoulders and chest muscles are already shaking from these Quickfires today...I'm starting to feel like a wet noodle. Funny "Melissa" fact: a friend of mine growing up, who was Filipino said that my name meant "noodle" in his first language, I think Tagalog--I think he was pullin' my wet noodle (leg) but I think of that every time I say or hear the word noodle lol. I can still remember where we were when he said it. I must have been 10 or 11 years old lol.

Anyway I hope you guys have a great day. Make it count! You have almost an entire day to do so!

I can do this. I am a star.