Welcome to Onehundredsville!

I have officially hit my FIRST BIG weight loss goal! I have dreamed of this day for a long time.

I have wondered what it felt like.

I have wondered what it looked like.

I have wondered if I could really do it.

I DID IT! I have officially left the 200's behind.

I have reached a loss of 56.6 pounds which puts me right at 199.6 pounds!

It feels like I have worked my ass off. My body feels stronger, healthier, and tighter. It feels sexier, womanly, and self-confident.

It looks like I have worked hard. It looks like I have finally had some self motivation. It looks like I finally love my body and who I am.

At my weigh in, the lady that weighed me asked me a simple question. She asked me why I kept going with my journey and what motivated me to keep going. I thought it was a simple question but I found myself stuck with no answer. It took me a minute to answer her question.Well, my support group really motivates me. I would not be here without them. They have been there through all the blood, sweat, and tears. My body motivates me. When I get myself to the gym, my body tells me that I CAN do it. I CAN keep going. My husband motivates me. He is right there by my side cheering me on. And last, my future motivates me. I will (someday) have a healither pregnancy, a more active life with my family, and a long life with my husband and family.

If you ever think that you can't do it, YOU CAN. Trust me, I NEVER thought that I could do it. But, I am living proof that I (or you) CAN! If I can do it, anyone can do it.

Clearly this is not a race.

Hi Everyone!

Life has been SO crazy the past few months. Work, traveling, exercise, family...all is well but I have sure been busy.

I am writing today for myself. I have had a tough 2 weeks where I have felt like I have just given up. I had been working so hard, feeling so good, but when life got busy it seems like I almost forgot that I am a "weight watcher". It truly reminds me that this is NOT a race, this is a LIFE LONG journey. With our recent trip to Kentucky I was unable to attend my last meeting and I know I will be missing next week because of a work Christmas party. I sometimes slump into "f**k it mode" when I know I wont be seeing my girls on Tuesday nights. BUT, I will be going Tuesday morning instead and hopefully seeing my Shelby on another night to just hang out and chat! Emily, are you in too?!

Anyway, I am rambling and my post will most likely be all over the place tonight. At least I am here!

I can't tell you enough how important a support group is. Not a "support group" but a group of people who support you no matter what direction you are going in. I have that group and I want to thank them daily for always being there for me. Mom, Emily, Shelby, and Meg...you are amazing and I owe so much of my success to you. Every time I feel like quitting, giving up, and saying "F**k it", you are there to lift my spirits and put my ass right back into gear!

Another thing that keeps me going is looking back at "Old Serina". The girl that didn't care to be healthy and the girl that thought everyone loved me for "who I was". Although, I know each and everyone of them DID in fact love me for who I was. That was why I just didn't seem to care about my weight and health. Now, I love me. Then, I did not.

Here is a look at the "Old Serina" and also the "New Serina"!

January 2009

November 2011

Hope you are all doing well and staying motivated through the holidays. I am hoping to find some fun recipes to share with you! AND keep MOVING! I am learning that exercise is key in a healthy lifestyle!

Just keep tracking, Just keep tracking...

I told you all that my goal for the week was to TRACK, TRACK, TRACK. Day 1: Success!

Here is what my tracker looks like today:

Breakfast=Smoothie
1 cup yogurt: 3 points
1 Scoop protein powder: 3 points
Frozen strawberries and peaches: 0 points

Lunch=Salad
Veggies (lettuce, cuces, tomato, onion): 0 points
2 TBSP croutons: 1 point
2 TBSP light ceaser dressing: 1 point
20 baked chedder crackers: 4 points
20 grapes: 0 points

Dinner=Chipolte
Burrito Wrap: 8 points
Veggies: 4 points (according to website)
Sour Cream: 3 points (I tracked what the website said but when i was there i asked for 1/2 the amount)
Guac: 4 points (I tracked what the website said but when i was there i asked for 1/2 the amount)
Rice: 3 points

20 baked cheddar crackers: 4 points
3 Glasses of wine: 9 points

Total Points Used: 47
Daily Points: 34
Flex Points Used: 13

So, I went over my allowed points by 13. BUT, that is what my extra 49 flex points are for! Plus I had an awesome workout. Ill take today as a SUCCESS!

Ahh, Weight Watchers...

I have been looking forward to seeing my weight watchers family ALL day! I knew when I walked in it would be just as if I never left! They welcomed me with open arms and it felt great!

Just as always, I hit the scale first. I was dreading it...I knew I gained. I haven't weighted in in 2 months so I figured it was bound to happen. To my surprise, it was not as bad as I thought!

+6.2

I honestly thought I was up at least 10. I did get back into gear this week and think I lost a few pounds before weight in today. But, that's a good thing.

This week my goal is to track. Every bite, lick, taste, drink. Track, Track, Track! Will you take that challenge with me? I could use a few cheer leaders!

My big obstacle will be the wedding I am attending on Saturday. Wedding are hard to track with all the food and drinks! Hopefully the dance floor will be hoppin'  so I can dance off a few points. I will save all my weekly flex points for Saturday.

Have a great week everyone!

Kickin' and Screamin'

I have really started to get back into the routine of working out. It feels so good to get my body moving. However, I still don't love it. I kick and scream my way to the gym but I know the benefits of it and that makes it worth it.

Today I hit the gym again with Sara. I have had a headache all day and was not thrilled to be there...but I went. I love going with Sara because we just chat our way through the whole workout! It is so nice being there with someone and it is amazing how fast our workouts go with you have someone to talk to. Neither of us even used our ipods today!

We walked a mile and then did a mile and a half on the precor. Not the best workout but at least I was moving my body!

When I got home, I hung out with the guys and then started to think of what I was going to make for dinner. I have had some ground turkey in our freezer so I looked up some ground turkey recipes. Michael has really taken a liking to my cooking and I decided to try something new! It is called "Incredibly Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf". I will let you know how it was once we eat later tonight! It makes 10 servings and each serving is 5 points. Not too bad! Plus, I got to use some of my new toys...my KitchenAid Mixer and my Food Scale!

I am obsessed with my food scale! I have been weighing everything that enters my mouth! It really makes you think of the portion control!

Anyway, after I made the meatloaf, I decided to take a quick walk. It ended up being about a mile and a half...I went up a trail by our house. It was BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to walk it again :) Here is what I saw...

Now, time to relax and finish up dinner for when Mike gets home! I will let you know how my first weigh in goes back to Weight Watchers tomorrow!

<3 Serina

Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday!!

No time for blogging yesterday...we had some serious car issues and have been doing some car shopping. RIP Bucky....

I got to the gym again in the morning with Sara! We really worked it....It is really important to have a workout buddy. It keeps me accountable.

We started with 30 minutes on the Precor and 22 more minutes on the treadmill! We were just chatting away and the time flew by!

I am super anxious and excited for Tuesday. It will be my first weigh in in 2 months...I am nervous to actually see my gain and paper but I am SO pumped to see Emily, Meg, Shelby, and all my other WW friends :)

we are having a BBQ at our place. Football means....BBQ's and BEER, I havent used any bonus points yet...cheers to that!

I am off to spend the day with my Mom-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!

Have a healthy and happy weekend!

Day 2...Back at it!

Well, first off I just have to say that I have SO much energy! I was hoping to get to the gym right away in the morning but I forgot that I had to take one of my ressies to an appointment.

She sometimes needs a little "motivation" for going to appointments and that "motivation" would be a run through at McDonalds. We stopped for breakfast and ice cream and...I passed!

Nothing for me, I had a granola bar and some fresh cukes from the farmers market in my purse!

After I dropped her off, I was headed to the gym! I was feeling tired but it is time to get serious! I had a kick butt 35 minute workout on the elliptical. 3.5 miles and 381 calories burned! I feel great!

I am just thrilled to be back in the "zone". Thanks for your support and advice.

That's all for now :)

Today is THE DAY.

I know what you are all thinking..."She must have fell off the wagon" or "Man, I hope she didn't gain all her weight back". Well, I am here to tell you the truth and I am here to start blogging again.

I did, infact, fall off the wagon. Life got the best of me. I ate.

I did not gain ALL my weight back but I did gain some. Maybe 15 pounds or so. I am not totally sure because I have not weighed in for almost 2 months.

During the last few weeks of wedding planning, I felt like a crazy woman! I barley had time to sleep let alone blog. I am full of excuses and none of them are "good", they are just excuses. But, I will say that life is better than ever! During my "non blogging" and "non weigh watcher" time, I got married to my best friend, went on a killer honeymoon, and started to settle life as a "wife". That in itself is a good enough excuse for me. I also learned a very important lesson...Weight loss is NOT a diet. It is totally a life long journey. I excaped from my good habits of eating and excersizing and look what happenend...I gained weight. Funny, isn't it?

Today is THE DAY.

Today is the day that I get back on track. I went to the gym this morning with my friend Sara and it was amazing. I truly missed it! I felt great when I was done and can't wait to go back tomorrow. I made a smoothie for lunch (1 cup yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries and bananas, and 1 scoop of Whey Protien Powder). I plan to hit up the farmers market this afternoon and stock up on some fresh veggies!

Last night I hit my "rock bottom". I was feeling depressed about the way I had been eating. I guess that is a good thing though, it got me a jump start. I texted my friends Emily, Shelby, and Meg and promised them that I would see them next Tuesday at our normal weight watchers meeting. They are anxiously awaiting my arrival and will be there with open arms. I love having their support and I look forward to seeing their beautiful faces!

Anyway, here I am asking YOU to keep up the support. All my blog followers have been SO awesome since I started the blog. I need you to keep the faith and keep reading! I am hoping to start posting more again and love all your comments!

Don't give up on me :)

Here is what I was up to while I was gone...Getting married to my best friend and #1 supporter :)

50.2!

Ok, so we are LOOOONG overdue here. I apologise for the weeks without posting. Life has been crazy, busy, and wonderful. But, it has cut out my blogging time completely.

But, here I am! Here I am 50.2 pounds sexier!

It took longer than I thought it would to hit the big 5-0. But, it's OK! I fell off the tracking wagon, Emily left for Chicago, and my new work schedule has cut out my workout time. I know those are just excuses.

I am also learning now how to cook for 2. It was easy to cook for myself because I could plan exactly how many points I was going to eat and I could make small servings. Now, cooking for a man is much different. Mike is VERY much a meat and potatoes guy. I am learning ways to make the things he loves but just tweak them a little. I will share recipes soon.

There is just NO turning back now. I have come WAY too far to fall off the wagon.

6 pounds away from my wedding goal.

I GOT THIS!

The tragedy in life doesn't life in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. ~ Benjamin Mays

It's not always JUST about the # on the scale!

So, tonight was another weigh in. I was a little nervous going in because I missed last week and I haven't been tracking as well as I should have. I decided that tonight was NOT about weight lost, it was about ACCOMPLISHMENT!

I still am on a high from my 5k. I proved to myself that I could do it! Never would I have thought that I would be a runner or run for fun! I hit a goal point and I am damn proud of it! So, if you are sick of hearing about it...quit reading :) Just kidding.

Anyway, I was down 2.8 pounds this week! Whoop! That means that I am officially 49 pounds sexier! AND 1 pound away from hitting 50! Also, I am 7.3 pounds away from my wedding goal! YES!

Like I said on my March 15th entry, Read on, Big News!, I will be running in the Stu Nevermann 4 mile memorial weekend run on Saturday.  I can't believe how time flies. I guess it is time to start setting new goals! I will be running this one with Mike's sister Emily and our friends Chris, Tyrel, and Lindsay. I am SO excited to have them all there to support and encourage me!

I am hoping to post more later but if not, I'll be back tomorrow!

GOOD-BYE OLD ME!

HELLO NEW ME!



Sometimes you just gotta KICK ASS!

Well, I know it has been FAR too long since I have blogged. Honestly, life has gotten the best of me! Life is great and all is good but man, have I been a busy girl!

Don't worry...I haven't quit or given up! It has been a struggle and I am just so dang close to 50 but I am having a hard time hitting it!

I have news to share...I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! Today, I kicked some ass! Today, I did my FIRST ever 5k! I participated in the WW Walk it Challenge! But, I didn't walk it....I RAN IT! Mom and I had planned on walking together. We were at the front when the guy said "GO".  Well, we started to get a little trampled so we decided to jog for a bit to get out of the way. But, once we got started, we didn't stop! I felt SO GOOD! I kicked and screamed a little bit through it all but I wanted it. Bad. Plus, Emily was ahead of us running her heart out. She motivated me. Luckily, I had my tunes with me and it got me pumped up.

3.2 miles later...it was over! I DID IT! I did it in 38 minutes! YES! What an accomplishment! Plus, Emily finished ahead of me and Mom came in after me...what a team! We were all cheering each other on! Since Emily kicked ass and finished in 31 minutes, she was there at the finish line waiting my arrival! I could hear her screaming and cheering...YES!

Next weekend, I will be doing my big 4 mile run in Iowa. I just cant believe that I can do it! I CAN do it! YES!

Here are a few highlights from today's event...

Pre-Race with Mom and Emily. SO nervous!

It's OK to show off sometimes! Reppin' the weight loss digits!

WE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE! WE DID IT!

Post-Race. Boy, are we GLOWING! Feelin' good!

I earned that shirt and will wear it PROUDLY!

I just need to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to my Mom for being there by my side! Thank you for always supporting me and encouraging me. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! You kicked ass today too! And, THANK YOU Emily for cheering me on and encouraging me. I am SO proud of YOU!

What a day! I think I will sleep like a baby tonight :)

Don't Worry! I am BACK!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all have missed my blogging just as much as I missed it! The last few weeks have been nothing but crazy! Crazy in a good way anyway!

Here is a quick update on my life and then I will get to the good stuff...weight!  Mike and I moved to Vadnais Heights last weekend.  I was offered a job that I just couldnt pass up and that is why we are in the northern suberbs.  I was offered my old job back and with a few days of decisions, Mike and I decided it was an amazing oppurtunity that we just couldnt pass up. I am now (again) the Live in Program Director of Enrich Inc's Suzanne Home. We live in a basement apartment of a 2 story home and run, manage, and care for 4 adults with disabilities.  It is a challenging yet very rewarding position that I love. We are thankful to be living here, rent free, and starting off our marraige without that financial burden. Our apartment is beautiful and Mike is enjoying transforming the backyard! Also, both our kitties seem to be getting along fine...cat fights every now and thats normal :)

Back to the good stuff....

The last few weeks have been a total emotional weight loss game for me.  I had not been tracking as well as I should have but did stay on my workout plan.  The last 2 weigh in's have been a shot in the dark and to my surprise have been both in the right direction! down!

4/26/11 -1.6
5/3/11 -1.4
for a total of........ -46.6 pounds! whoop whoop! I am currently 9.7 pounds away from my wedding goal! Also, I am only 3.4 pounds from 50! That is totally doable....It is still 4 months away!

I keep looking at my weigh in book because I just dont believe it. I do not remember the last time that I was 209 pounds. I started my journey at a whopping 256.2 pounds and am now at 209.6. Seriously, the 100's are in sight! I do NOT remember the last time that the scale had a 1 in the hundreds place. I am assuming it was in middle school. For my wedding, I am determined to weigh 199.9 or less.  For once, this is a goal that seems so realistic. I am so close!

Thanks to all of you who have supported my journey the last year and a half.  It will be a lifelong one.

PS: I am still kicking some butt at the gym. I am loving it! My shins arent any better so I have not been able to run therefore I have been kicking some serious ass on the eleptical! I love that machine! I am currently doing about 30-45 minutes a session and really think that it is stepping up my weight loss!

And, dont worry...I am back!

Have a little faith in me.

No, not you. Me.

I have found myself in complete "screw it" mode the last 2 weeks. I can't tell you why I have fallen off the wagon. I am not quite sure myself.  I do know that I find it hard to keep fresh fruit and veggies on hand at all times with this economy.  I find myself struggling to pay $100 grocery store bills ever week or two and that just kills my eating plan.  The last week I snuck food and binged, again.  I do have to say I was proud that I DID keep with my work-out plan.  That was the only thing I kept myself accountable for.  I didn't track.

I kept my two very special friends in mind all week as I struggled.  I e-mailed and texted them to seek motivation and advice of my struggle.  I found too that they have struggled and got over it.  I received some amazing e-mails from them helping to give me the extra push. It helped BUT it seemed like one of those "It's not you, It's me" situations.  Everything they said was amazing, helpful, and encouraging but I needed to fix it. Myself.

Tonight was weight in. I anticipated the numbers on the scale to shoot up. I was nervous and regretful. I hopped on and...

 -2.0 pounds!

I had a hard time at first being excited for the big 2 pound loss. I didn't feel as if I deserved it. But then, my good friend Meg made a good point.  Being that I didn't track...maybe I was exaggerating in my own head of all that I had done this week.  I think I also owe a lot of it to exercise!

Now, I am 100% ready to tackle this week! I know I can do it and I am pumped! Thank you for all your support. You are amazing.

Any money saving tips on buying groceries?! 

Stuck.

I am having a really hard time this week getting back on track.  I want to blame it on my lack of groceries, lack of time, and stress.  But, that is just not fair.  I need to make time for ME.

Tonight I kicked and screamed my way to the gym after work.  I was fighting a migraine this afternoon and just wasn't feeling up to it.  After work, I just drove.  I pulled into the parking lot at the gym and there was no turning back.  I just so happened to get there RIGHT at 6:00pm.  Little did I know, that was the start of Jon's hour long boot camp.  I walked in and he sucked me right in.  I guess it was just that little extra push I needed.  I worked out the 4 other women of all different fitness levels and it was great! I am assuming I will hurt tomorrow!

There are 2 really special people in my life that I want to thank for always being there for me.  I can send them a text or call and they are right there....pushing and encouraging me. You know who you are...Love you both :)

Sometime I want to just give up and quit.  It seems like too much work.  

BUT...

I have come WAY to far to quit.  I decided to start fresh after tonight's workout and KEEP MOVING!

Weight loss isn't easy. Weight loss isn't fast. Weight loss is a lot of frickin' work.

LET'S DO THIS!!

After you fall, get right back up!

The start to my week last week was pretty great! I was feeling good, gettin' my move on, and over all feeling great.  I stuck to my points and was ready to conquer the "wedding weekend". Mike and I headed to South Dakota for his cousin's wedding.  It was a long over due mini vacay for the both of us!  The weekend was AMAZING. SO much fun, laughter, and an amazing celebration for Kristina and Kevin. Plus, I felt amazing in my new dress!

 Ghetto Workout Room at the Hotel. Made it 2 miles Saturday morning!

 We clean up well :) Looking and feeling GREAT pre-Wedding!

Weight Watchers approved? No. Fail.

I lost control on Saturday night and didn't regain it until Monday. I binged. 

I dreaded going to Weight Watchers tonight.  I felt embarassed of my loss of control.  I texted 2 of my friends yesterday telling them about my mistakes.  They were both there to hold my hand and make sure I got back on track.  One friend reminded me "one foot in front of the other". And that is JUST what I did.

I gained 1.4 pounds this week. It could have been worse. I refuse to get down about it.  It was worth it this week-Maybe I needed to fall down...maybe I needed a reminder to pick myself up and keep going!

I am determined this week to live by "Healthy Serina".  I am determined to keep my body moving and remember how GOOD I feel when I make good choices.  Everyone makes mistakes and it is up to me to get right back on track.

PS: Shin splints are a Bitch.  I am out of running for at least a week.  Low impact and lots of ice for this girl.  They tend to flare up once in a while but after my outside run around como park yesterday they are MISERABLE! Jon said to ice, ice, ice, and stay low impact.  We will see next week how it goes.  I will get my cardio in this week with the ellipitcal and bike. SHIN SPLINTS WILL NOT STOP MY FROM RUNNING WW 5k on MAY 22!!

Have a happy and healthy week, all!

One Stick of Butter Today

Down 0.4 pounds this week for a total of 43.0 pounds! It could have been better...It could have been worse! Considering my week I am totally OK with that number on the scale.  I need to learn to embrace those -0.4's and -0.2's because ANY thing down is...down! And for your information...0.4 pounds is the same as 1stick of butter!

I met my new friend Kala at the gym right after work.  We hit up the treadmill and I jogged 1 mile and fast walked the rest.  We did some floor work after and it felt great!  I was taking it a little easy today because tomorrow I meet with Jon (my trainer) and I am sure he is gonna kick my butt!  Another thing I am learning about exercise it that it clears my head.  I had a very emotionally wearing day at work and left with a heavy heart.  I cried the whole way to the gym.  Once I started running, I was able to release my sadness, my anger, and my thoughts.

Today's run/walk!

At the meeting tonight we all got super stoked for the WW Walk-It Challenge! We are creating a team of our Tuesday night crew to do the May 22nd WW 5k!  If you are in the meeting with me, please see me if you would like to join. We are brainstorming team names and t-shirt ideas as we all could use the most encouragement we can get!  If you are free that day and are not interested in participating, please come cheer us on! It will be my personal 1st 5k! It is in writing...we are on the list!

We are IN!

After the meeting I headed out to dinner at Chili's with Mom, Meg, and Emily.  We have a really fun time together!  We were able to get to know each other a little better and talk about our awesome team :)  I just can't wait to cross the finish line with these girls!

Chicken Fajita's: Delish.

Here is to another healthy and active week. Get out there and kick some butt!  Remember, If I can do this...so can you!

It's all about MOVING!

I have officially learned to love moving.  I remember the days where I would make any excuse in the book NOT to get to the gym or get outside.  I was totally against physical exercise.  It was too hard.

Today I have learned to LOVE it.  It still takes some hard work and preparation to get myself to the gym but after I complete a workout, my body feels SO amazing.  Seriously, If I can do this...so can YOU!  I want to be that girl. That girl that people look at and say " Really? Serina is running?! If she can do it, so can I!".

Weight Watchers is currently advertising it's Walk-It Challenge.  They are encouraging thousands of people to get out and MOVE! I am excited to use their tools to help me in the training process for my first run.  Also, Emily has already signed up to do her 5k with the Walk-It Challenge! Can't wait to hear your progress, Emily. You are such a motivation! 

If there is anyone that would like to join me on a 5k, please let me know! I would love to do a few this year with friends!

On Sunday, I kicked and screamed my way to the gym.  Michael and I had a super lazy day and I just wasn't having it. BUT, I sucked it up and went!  The only bummer was that when I was on the machine I accidently pressed the clear button and cleared my progress! I HATE that.  So, I snapped a quick pic of my 1st workout and jumped right back into it.  Here is how it went...

1st try-15 minutes, 1.42 miles and 165 cals!

Right back into it for another 20 minutes, 1.5 miles and 190 cals! Total of 35 minutes and 355 cals! 

After I got home I was tempted by Todd's DELICIOUS homemade lasagna. Too delicious to pass up!  I am not sure of the points but here was my dinner.

Thanks, Toddski! It was delish!

I couldn't wait to get back to the gym today.  I hit the ellipictial hard!  I was a hot mess! But man, it felt AMAZING. I am looking forward to another run tomorrow!

Today's Workout!

Ill leave you with this quote I read in Max Sports Fitness Mag:

 

"Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up.  It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.  Every morning a Lion wakes up.  It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death.  It doesn't matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle...when the sun comes up, you'd better be running." -Anon

Ahh, Spring is in the air!

Finally! Today was beautiful! I was determined to make today right after a lot of eating out this week and late nights at the bar with my friends.  Sarah P was in town for the week so the festivites were keeping me busy. 

My cousin Duke came over to my place today to hang with Mike and I.  He brought his rollerblades and we headed to Como Park to play! We spend an hour following him around the park and got a great walk in! The park was crazy busy...everyone was in need for fresh air. It was so refreshing.

This kid can skate! He had a blast...Thank goodness for fresh air!

Here are a few updates... (since I have not been able to blog daily)

Here are my new kicks! Amazing. They don't fix my shin splints but they sure are better than what I had!

My new addiction: Coffee, Raisen Bran, and Strawberries! Delish. 6 pointsplus.

Brought to you by the K-2 FAN classroom! We supplied this awesome fruit and cheese tray for treat day! It was a hit and totally healthy!



I'm back! 42.6 pounds sexier!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I have been MIA this last week.  Life got busy and I was unable to get to my computer much.  This week really made up for last week!  I weighed in tonight and lost 4.4 pounds this week! That makes for 42.6 pounds GONE! I am stoked.  Just what I needed.  I was feeling blue this last week.  I was feeling discouraged and unmotivated.  I skipped the gym a few days and felt like I ate way too much.  Luckly, I continued to track and didn't go too far over my pointsplus.  

I am meeting with Jon tomorrow at the gym for my first official running training session.  I am excited and nervous.  I still am amazed by myself in the fact that I am determined to do this run.  Never in a million years would I have thought I would do it.  Now, it is NOT just a dream...It is real. 

Tonight the meeting was about friends.  We talked about how important it is to have friends in our lives that are supportive, motivating, and encouraging.  I want to give a special shout out to MY motivators....Emily, you are amazing.  You keep me motivated and I thank God that we met at WW that day.  You are truly an amazing woman and you look amazing! Meg, thank you for sharing your journey with me.  I admire your willpower and determination.  You have given our meeting so much hope and inspiration.  You are beautiful.  Kelli, thank you for getting me to join fitness19 with you.  Now, we will always have that "sisterly" bond! You are looking amazing and you motivate me.  Mom, I admire you in so many ways.  You have always been there for me through all the ups and downs.  Thank you for doing everything in your power to give me the best life possible.  I am truly blessed to have you as my mother.  Michael, Thank you for loving me for me.  You have shown me the meaning of true love and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you.  I am so happy that you are now doing WW with me and you motivate me everyday.

There are many more of you....Thank you for all of your support.   

Like Emily, I have decided to post a few pictures of myself to keep me going.  Theses pictures are more for me than they are for you. 

 April 2009

 January 2009

 January 2009

March 2010

Have a happy and healthy week!

Yep, I got sessions!

So, I met with Jon the trainer (with no h!) at the gym today. He is quite the chatty and energetic person (half our session was chatting due to both of our chatty personalities!).  I felt totally comfortable while he weighed me and did the pinch test and all that (literally, he grabbed my fat and measured it, yikes!).  I made sure to note that I had already lost some weight and am just trying to step it up one notch at a time on this life long journey that I have started.  I went in to talk about my shin splints and ended up talking about a whole lot more!  We talked about running, shoes, working out, weddings (he is getting married soon too!), goals, and all that.  I think that he will be an amazing motivator for me.  He was 100% confident that I could make it through this 4 miles in May and thinks I can be down to about 190 pounds by my wedding too!  I ended up getting 4 sessions with him and we are gonna meet once a week for a month to start off.  He is going to teach me HOW to run.  It is more than just taking off and running, it is a science.

  

Today I woke up determined.  I woke up determined to make the best choices and have a good attitude.  I woke up and said "Damn girl, you look good!" Just like I said I would. 

ouch...

I forgot to tell you all about my trip to the gym today! I am actually really excited about it.

I had a few minutes to spare before weight watchers so I did a quick 15 minute mile on the treadmill.  My shin splints were REALLY sucking today so I decided to ask one of the trainers if he had any advice.  He refereed me to one of the other trainers who had just done some "gait" training and was a shin splint pro! He  has a passion for the art/science/form of running.  We chatted for 10 minutes about running and about me.  I told him I was VERY new to running and I am training for a 4 mile run in May.

He asked me to come back tomorrow for an hour long consultation with him.  He will be taking a look into how I run and my form!  He is looking for someone to mentor and was super psyched to meet with me tomorrow! He promised he would get me through my first run.

PS: These were the shoes he was wearing...WEIRD! (and he SWEARS by them!)

I am my worst critic

Happy One Year Weight Watcher Birthday to ME! (and Mom and Meg too!)

Well, I can't say that I am here to share awesome news with you this week. I am actually really down (or just really frickin' pissed!) about my week.  I had the goal to hit the big 40 this week but it just didn't happen. I tracked everything, I worked out 4 times this week, and I went in feeling great. I hopped on the scale and...

+0.8

Are you KIDDING ME? I wanted more that anything to just burst into tears.  This is the first week ever that I totally, completely thought I would lose.  And of course, everyone reminded me that week like this will "happen" and that maybe I was retaining water and so on...Luckily, my wonderful fiance texted me saying "Baby. Keep your head up. Next week will be better".  And then reminded me that it was "that time of the month" and next week the scale be my friend again.  After all of that said, I was still down in the dumps.  I know everyone is SO supportive but really....I AM MY WORST CRITIC.

My goal this week is NOT about loosing weight or exercising.  My goal this week is to STAY POSITIVE of my own self image.  I still look in the mirror and see a fat girl.  I FEEL good but I just don't see it.  I know that my weight loss is noticeable-Ive bought all new clothes! I am just not there yet.

This week I will be there.  I will look in the mirror and be proud.  I will look at me and say:

"Damn girl, keep it up!"

Here is a picture of me ONE YEAR AGO:

Here is me TODAY:

 

Tomorrow is a new day.

Look what weight watchers did to him...

Shredded Lettuce-Snack of Champions!

Hope this brings a little humor to your day! :)

Not havin' it today

I got up today at 9am and was feeling exhausted. I really think everything is catching up to me! I met Kelli at the gym and walked the treadmill for 30 minutes.  I am actually feeling pretty guilty about the whole thing, I should be on there at least 45 minutes if I am not running.  I just wasn't havin' it today.  But, I think I will head out for another walk around Como Park today...I am loving the sunshine!

I got some good grocery shopping done yesterday.  I FINALLY found the POPchips (Cub in Roseville) I drool over...they seem to be really hard to find!  Michael and I are addicted to the salt and vinegar kettle chips...they are NOT WW friendly! These POPchips definitely do the trick! They are SO yummy and are only 3 points a serving (22 chips). That's awesome!

3 points for 22 chips! Salty and Delish!

When I got home I was excited to make something yummy.  I looked through the cupboards and decided on Whole wheat pasta with broccoli and pesto! Plus, apples and strawberries...yum!  Once I got it all made up and calculated, I was suprised to find that my whole lunch was only 8 points! 2oz of cooked whole wheat pasta (5 points), 2tbsp Pesto (3 points), Broccoli (0), Strawberries (0), and Apples (0)! And boy, I am stuffed! I think I could have cut the pasta in half. It was SO good. I would highly recommend it!

Whole wheat pasta, broccoli, and pesto! 8 points!

I am looking forward to a fun night for Jeannie's birthday tonight and going to the wedding fair with my mom tomorrow! I think we will be looking at new running shoes too! I will keep you all posted...have a great day!

“The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” -Marvin Phillips

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Totally rocked the new playlist this morning! I met Sara at the community center and hit up the treadmill! I walk/ran every other song for the 40 minutes and it was awesome! I walked at 3.7 and ran at 5.2.  Total of 3 miles! AND 400 calories :) After that, we cooled down on the bike for 15 more minutes.  I biked 2 miles! SO, i totaled 5 miles today! Heck yes!

I LOVE seeing those cals burn!

 

Bike ride cool down!

 

I am really starting to LOVE the gym. I feel so good after...I am so psyched and motivated for the race in may!

 

When I got home I cooked up another weird/random dinner.  Again, it was AMAZING. I love making up random dinners!  I took 2 Wasa crackers (my new fav), added a little tomato sauce, turkey pepperoni, and cut up some Laughing Cow Cheese and baked at 400 for 7 minutes. Total of 5 points!  

 

5 point Wasa Pizza!

(The cheese didn't melt but it was warm and delish!)

Still not sure if I will be doing any celebrating for St. Patty's Day tonight.  I find that beer just isn't worth the points anymore! If you are out, be safe and enjoy!