week: -0
total: -68
the good: gym on Sunday, tang soo do on Monday, mediocre (at best) gym on Tuesday
the bad: no working out between last Tuesday and Sunday
the ugly: the big payment we shelled out today for materials to fix the roof and interiors of our house (the remnants of Hurricane Gustav). But that's also a good.
I indulged and slept in this morning, which put me behind schedule all day. I was forced to have an abbreviated gym session. When I got to the locker room, I was horrified to realize that I had forgotten to pack a towel (no more towel service at the gym, as it costs more money than it brings in). Then I had to rush to my GP's office for my GP (general physical): clean bill of health though, assuming everything goes smoothly at my ladydoctor appt after the new year.
Ohyeah, we got promoted to fourth gup last night too -- at the next testing, we will be going for the red belt.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
week 100
week: +0.5
total: -69
One hundred weeks have gone by since I started my get healthy adventure. I'm on the high side of normal for my height now, according to most online calculators. I'm supposed to meet with my doctor soon for a yearly checkup, I may ask him if the clinic has a BMI testing facility.
all the changes I've made to my life in 100 weeks, if you had told me I'd be getting up early to go to the gym, I'd have laughed in your face.
It's an evolution that has enhanced my life, that's for certain. I'm not winded when climbing the stairs to my office, my knee doesn't usually give me problems anymore.
I still have the problem of being lured in by easy meals -- I'm not such a good cook, and I'm still a slave to taste. Still fighting against that.
In a couple weeks, will be the 2-year anniversary of this journey. I will have to work hard to get to the middle range of normal, because my body seems to feel that where I am now is good enough.
When I started this, I was wearing size 24 jeans. Now my pants are in the 8-12 range (darn you clothing industry and your non-standardized pants sizes!). I never measured my body at its largest -- I just didn't want to know the worst of it. But the jeans numbers are telling enough.
total: -69
One hundred weeks have gone by since I started my get healthy adventure. I'm on the high side of normal for my height now, according to most online calculators. I'm supposed to meet with my doctor soon for a yearly checkup, I may ask him if the clinic has a BMI testing facility.
all the changes I've made to my life in 100 weeks, if you had told me I'd be getting up early to go to the gym, I'd have laughed in your face.
It's an evolution that has enhanced my life, that's for certain. I'm not winded when climbing the stairs to my office, my knee doesn't usually give me problems anymore.
I still have the problem of being lured in by easy meals -- I'm not such a good cook, and I'm still a slave to taste. Still fighting against that.
In a couple weeks, will be the 2-year anniversary of this journey. I will have to work hard to get to the middle range of normal, because my body seems to feel that where I am now is good enough.
When I started this, I was wearing size 24 jeans. Now my pants are in the 8-12 range (darn you clothing industry and your non-standardized pants sizes!). I never measured my body at its largest -- I just didn't want to know the worst of it. But the jeans numbers are telling enough.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
exercise medley
week: -2.5
total: -69
I am not deliberately making posts only when I lose weight. Rather, this fall I have become a morning exerciser, at least on Tuesday/Thursday, which greatly inhibits my Tuesday weight-loss-saga posts. So, I endeavor to improve in this as in other areas of my life.
Sunday I made a new PR in pullups: 17 with 85 pounds offset (which means I'm lifting a fraction of my own weight, I know). So this morning, I knocked it down to offset 70 pounds and I was able to do about 7 reps (working from memory here, my notebook is in the gym bag still), which is a PR too for that weight level.
I tried a new machine called an Adaptive Motion Trainer. I felt like I was training to walk in a mechanical body armor suit. The machine allows the exerciser to use whatever stride is most comfortable, from vertical stair-climbing, to long horizontal cross-country skiing (I am guessing on that last part). Anyway, my ten-minute interval session plus five-minute cool-down about killed my thighs. My knees were really aching after too, but they were aching before, so I'm not sure how much to blame the AMT. In fact, I was supposed to do sprints on the track for intervals, but after my knees started screaming while climbing the stairs to the indoor track, I changed my mind and went looking for something low-impact. The AMT is quite low-impact, at least on the lowest setting, and I felt like I was springing on a trampoline or in the moonwalk bubble from my childhood. I won't use the AMT every time (because I never use the same interval type twice in a row), but I suppose I will put it into the mix.
Tang Soo Do testing is in four and a half weeks. I think I'll be ready, but I have to prepare myself for my breaks better than I did last time around (e dan ahp cha gi and tollyo chung dan kong kyuk).
total: -69
I am not deliberately making posts only when I lose weight. Rather, this fall I have become a morning exerciser, at least on Tuesday/Thursday, which greatly inhibits my Tuesday weight-loss-saga posts. So, I endeavor to improve in this as in other areas of my life.
Sunday I made a new PR in pullups: 17 with 85 pounds offset (which means I'm lifting a fraction of my own weight, I know). So this morning, I knocked it down to offset 70 pounds and I was able to do about 7 reps (working from memory here, my notebook is in the gym bag still), which is a PR too for that weight level.
I tried a new machine called an Adaptive Motion Trainer. I felt like I was training to walk in a mechanical body armor suit. The machine allows the exerciser to use whatever stride is most comfortable, from vertical stair-climbing, to long horizontal cross-country skiing (I am guessing on that last part). Anyway, my ten-minute interval session plus five-minute cool-down about killed my thighs. My knees were really aching after too, but they were aching before, so I'm not sure how much to blame the AMT. In fact, I was supposed to do sprints on the track for intervals, but after my knees started screaming while climbing the stairs to the indoor track, I changed my mind and went looking for something low-impact. The AMT is quite low-impact, at least on the lowest setting, and I felt like I was springing on a trampoline or in the moonwalk bubble from my childhood. I won't use the AMT every time (because I never use the same interval type twice in a row), but I suppose I will put it into the mix.
Tang Soo Do testing is in four and a half weeks. I think I'll be ready, but I have to prepare myself for my breaks better than I did last time around (e dan ahp cha gi and tollyo chung dan kong kyuk).
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September ends
week: -2.5
total: -68
In the last week I did:
Tang Soo Do twice (Wed/Sat) (with hubby)
gym twice (Tues/Thurs)
cross-campus sprint walk between my MTWR classes, took the stairs several times, etc.
super busy last week: got up early and headed to the gym, completely forgetting that I should post something here. I'm almost ready for the gym today already, but I do have a few free minutes.
I rented a locker at the gym, since I'm trying that morning workout thing, so I'd have a place to keep my shower shoes w/out lugging them back and forth (and forgetting them at home more often than not). BUT the locker rental is $90 -- while it costs $1 to rent a towel on a per need basis. Twice a week for 45 weeks to justify that expense -- and it's a service I don't really need in summer. Maybe I'll switch to semesterly after this year is up.
I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. I'm reluctant to go to bed in the first place (why? no idea, not tired); once I'm there it takes longer than usual to drop off; then I wake up every so often in a blind panic (or from a bad dream, like Sunday night), and I'm crushed when I see that it is still dark out. I think I have to force myself to go to bed earlier, even if I don't feel tired, just to unwind and settle the brain.
total: -68
In the last week I did:
Tang Soo Do twice (Wed/Sat) (with hubby)
gym twice (Tues/Thurs)
cross-campus sprint walk between my MTWR classes, took the stairs several times, etc.
super busy last week: got up early and headed to the gym, completely forgetting that I should post something here. I'm almost ready for the gym today already, but I do have a few free minutes.
I rented a locker at the gym, since I'm trying that morning workout thing, so I'd have a place to keep my shower shoes w/out lugging them back and forth (and forgetting them at home more often than not). BUT the locker rental is $90 -- while it costs $1 to rent a towel on a per need basis. Twice a week for 45 weeks to justify that expense -- and it's a service I don't really need in summer. Maybe I'll switch to semesterly after this year is up.
I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. I'm reluctant to go to bed in the first place (why? no idea, not tired); once I'm there it takes longer than usual to drop off; then I wake up every so often in a blind panic (or from a bad dream, like Sunday night), and I'm crushed when I see that it is still dark out. I think I have to force myself to go to bed earlier, even if I don't feel tired, just to unwind and settle the brain.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ready to return to normalcy
week: +1.5
total: -67.5
Another week of hectic weather and hence sporadic exercise. Tang Soo Do school opened again last Wednesday, but then we were feeling the effects of Ike, even this far away, and I didn't want to go out on Friday or Saturday. So. I did make it back to the gym this morning, and managed 8 assisted pullups (not a PR but exciting since it had been so long since my last attempt).
total: -67.5
Another week of hectic weather and hence sporadic exercise. Tang Soo Do school opened again last Wednesday, but then we were feeling the effects of Ike, even this far away, and I didn't want to go out on Friday or Saturday. So. I did make it back to the gym this morning, and managed 8 assisted pullups (not a PR but exciting since it had been so long since my last attempt).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
not quite normal
week: -3.5
total: -69
According to my milestones on the right column, I'm in the gray area between "overweight" (150) and "normal" (145). I don't necessarily like how I've achieved it here recently (see The Gustav Diet), but that plateau was pretty heinous, and I'm glad for breaking it.
Life is in turmoil here, and we have not practiced Tang Soo Do in over a week, nor have we been to the gym. We are planning to change that this afternoon and do something after work, and try to start getting back to normal, even as we keep waiting for the power to come back on.
total: -69
According to my milestones on the right column, I'm in the gray area between "overweight" (150) and "normal" (145). I don't necessarily like how I've achieved it here recently (see The Gustav Diet), but that plateau was pretty heinous, and I'm glad for breaking it.
Life is in turmoil here, and we have not practiced Tang Soo Do in over a week, nor have we been to the gym. We are planning to change that this afternoon and do something after work, and try to start getting back to normal, even as we keep waiting for the power to come back on.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
the Gustav Diet
week (as of Tuesday, 9/2): -3.5
total: -65.5
late on posting, because we had a bit of trouble with Gustav. You probably won't be surprised to read that I found myself on the Hurricane Anxiety Diet. I really didn't feel like eating, and when I did eat, because of the electricity situation, I could only get an energy bar, a can of beans, or a can of fruit. Consequently, I shattered my plateau -- the question now is whether my old weight will resume as my life returns to normal (which won't actually be for a long time).
Currently, I'm at a friend's house, so I don't actually have my spreadsheet of previous weigh-ins. I do have my little ticker at the bottom, so I'm extrapolating from that.
total: -65.5
late on posting, because we had a bit of trouble with Gustav. You probably won't be surprised to read that I found myself on the Hurricane Anxiety Diet. I really didn't feel like eating, and when I did eat, because of the electricity situation, I could only get an energy bar, a can of beans, or a can of fruit. Consequently, I shattered my plateau -- the question now is whether my old weight will resume as my life returns to normal (which won't actually be for a long time).
Currently, I'm at a friend's house, so I don't actually have my spreadsheet of previous weigh-ins. I do have my little ticker at the bottom, so I'm extrapolating from that.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
tortoise v hare
I was just listening to an interview with Darin Steen (I'd put up a link, but the interviewer only makes it free for like 24hrs), who is a fitness and motivational coach in Chicago. One of the topics he touched on was the effectiveness of high-intensity intervals like sprints versus low-intensity steady-state jogging. Since we are in the midst of Olympics fever, he said something like: "Whose physique would you rather have, a sprinter's, or a marathoner's?" (Here are some pictures I found on the net to illustrate the point:)
<<<--SPRINTER
That marathon runner is slim and trim, but he's not solid like the sprinter. And I've always thought to myself: "When am I going to have to run 5k?" It's much more likely that I'll have to dash 100m -- to catch a child in the street or escape from an axe murderer. [Edited to add:] Or to dash across campus when I'm running late. [end addendum.] I've already been doing intervals based on my Abs Diet plan (I think it's in there), but it is always nice to vindication.
MARATHONER>>>
<<<--SPRINTERThat marathon runner is slim and trim, but he's not solid like the sprinter. And I've always thought to myself: "When am I going to have to run 5k?" It's much more likely that I'll have to dash 100m -- to catch a child in the street or escape from an axe murderer. [Edited to add:] Or to dash across campus when I'm running late. [end addendum.] I've already been doing intervals based on my Abs Diet plan (I think it's in there), but it is always nice to vindication.
MARATHONER>>>
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
the end of summer
week: +1.5
total: -60.5
gym: Tuesday/Thursday
tang soo do: Wednesday
We went out of town for the weekend, leaving Friday afternoon, so I didn't take the time to hit the gym that day, opting instead to pack. We spent the whole day outside in the park Saturday though (excepting the lunch break, when the sky opened up a downpour on us). We had packed a cooler for the trip over, but then we forgot to get the Blue Ice things out of the hotel room freezer. Oh well, we had finished most of the cold stuff on Saturday anyway.
School resumes next Monday. In some ways, it should be easier to make it to the gym, since it's right there on campus. However, it also gets a lot easier to find excuses to skip: tired after teaching, too rushed to go before class, too crowded at the end of the day, yadda yadda yadda. I am seriously thinking of asking about a locker there though, which would ease up some of my rushed-ness.
total: -60.5
gym: Tuesday/Thursday
tang soo do: Wednesday
We went out of town for the weekend, leaving Friday afternoon, so I didn't take the time to hit the gym that day, opting instead to pack. We spent the whole day outside in the park Saturday though (excepting the lunch break, when the sky opened up a downpour on us). We had packed a cooler for the trip over, but then we forgot to get the Blue Ice things out of the hotel room freezer. Oh well, we had finished most of the cold stuff on Saturday anyway.
School resumes next Monday. In some ways, it should be easier to make it to the gym, since it's right there on campus. However, it also gets a lot easier to find excuses to skip: tired after teaching, too rushed to go before class, too crowded at the end of the day, yadda yadda yadda. I am seriously thinking of asking about a locker there though, which would ease up some of my rushed-ness.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
7 in 1 year
week: -2
total: -62
gym: Thursday, Sunday, today (Tuesday)= met goal!
tang soo do: last Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, missed Saturday's class for waking up late = 3/4 of goal
Almost exactly a year ago (I missed it by a few weeks here), I took my waist-to-hip ratio measurements for the first time. Since then, I have lost seven inches from both. I guess I have gained and lost weight proportionally for the most part. Nevertheless, I hadn't realized how much progress I'd made on that front, so, even though I haven't hit a WL record any time recently, I still have things to celebrate!
total: -62
gym: Thursday, Sunday, today (Tuesday)= met goal!
tang soo do: last Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, missed Saturday's class for waking up late = 3/4 of goal
Almost exactly a year ago (I missed it by a few weeks here), I took my waist-to-hip ratio measurements for the first time. Since then, I have lost seven inches from both. I guess I have gained and lost weight proportionally for the most part. Nevertheless, I hadn't realized how much progress I'd made on that front, so, even though I haven't hit a WL record any time recently, I still have things to celebrate!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
up early for me
week: -0
total: -60
Woke up this morning ... and I got myself a beer. No, wait, that was a different morning. This morning, I woke up at 7am and could not fall back asleep. So I decided to go ahead and get up and head to the gym; I figured that working out would maybe make me tired, and I could nap later. I just got home, so no nap just yet.
No post last week, because I had been out of town, and there was not much to report. Suffered some bad headaches on vacation, and they followed me home, so I did not work out Tues night or Wed at all. Sucked it up and went to TSD class on Thurs. Flash flooding from heavy rains on Friday -- driving through that mess always leaves me shaken (and stirred) so we cut class again, but made it out on Saturday and Sunday. So three sessions of exercise, not ideal, but decent.
My mini-project at the gym is to work up to doing pull ups unassisted. There is a machine that offsets through counterbalance (I guess) part of my weight, so I only have to lift a portion of my real weight. When I started this project, I set it on 100, and could only do a few. Today, I did 10 (barely) on 85. I won't be doing unassisted pullups any time soon, but I can definitely see progress, which is good enough for me.
total: -60
Woke up this morning ... and I got myself a beer. No, wait, that was a different morning. This morning, I woke up at 7am and could not fall back asleep. So I decided to go ahead and get up and head to the gym; I figured that working out would maybe make me tired, and I could nap later. I just got home, so no nap just yet.
No post last week, because I had been out of town, and there was not much to report. Suffered some bad headaches on vacation, and they followed me home, so I did not work out Tues night or Wed at all. Sucked it up and went to TSD class on Thurs. Flash flooding from heavy rains on Friday -- driving through that mess always leaves me shaken (and stirred) so we cut class again, but made it out on Saturday and Sunday. So three sessions of exercise, not ideal, but decent.
My mini-project at the gym is to work up to doing pull ups unassisted. There is a machine that offsets through counterbalance (I guess) part of my weight, so I only have to lift a portion of my real weight. When I started this project, I set it on 100, and could only do a few. Today, I did 10 (barely) on 85. I won't be doing unassisted pullups any time soon, but I can definitely see progress, which is good enough for me.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
beginning again
week: -0
total: -60.5
Quite a while ago I bookmarked a blog entry by Men's Health editor Craig Ballantyne. This weekend I set up a spreadsheet cataloging the various kinds of exercises that he described. This way I can randomly generate a list of exercises to perform, and I have a basic (non-scientific) method of tracking my numbers.
I did my first version of this workout on Sunday, and another today. I'm going to be unable to use the gym for the next seven days, but this plan has a lot of bodyweight exercises that I could use instead, so I'll see how working out at home goes.
total: -60.5
Quite a while ago I bookmarked a blog entry by Men's Health editor Craig Ballantyne. This weekend I set up a spreadsheet cataloging the various kinds of exercises that he described. This way I can randomly generate a list of exercises to perform, and I have a basic (non-scientific) method of tracking my numbers.
I did my first version of this workout on Sunday, and another today. I'm going to be unable to use the gym for the next seven days, but this plan has a lot of bodyweight exercises that I could use instead, so I'll see how working out at home goes.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
weekly acounting
week: +2.5
total: -60.5
Last week we were preparing for Tang Soo Do testing. We attended class twice I think, but opted out of Friday's class. I also didn't want to hit the gym, lest I push myself too hard and make myself sore (it has happened before). Testing went well for the most part, except it took me three tries to break my board, and even then I had to use the remedial boards. Master C said I could try that part again in a few weeks.
After the test, we went to a Nepalese-Indian buffet, where I ate entirely too much chicken tikka marsala (?) and chickpea curry.
Sunday we ordered pizza so we wouldn't have to run out and cook while trying to do our role playing games with friends.
Hit the gym today, and the grocery for some fresh fruit. Getting ready to go to class in a few minutes, unless I cannot drag my dear husband away from his new videogame (Civilization IV).
total: -60.5
Last week we were preparing for Tang Soo Do testing. We attended class twice I think, but opted out of Friday's class. I also didn't want to hit the gym, lest I push myself too hard and make myself sore (it has happened before). Testing went well for the most part, except it took me three tries to break my board, and even then I had to use the remedial boards. Master C said I could try that part again in a few weeks.
After the test, we went to a Nepalese-Indian buffet, where I ate entirely too much chicken tikka marsala (?) and chickpea curry.
Sunday we ordered pizza so we wouldn't have to run out and cook while trying to do our role playing games with friends.
Hit the gym today, and the grocery for some fresh fruit. Getting ready to go to class in a few minutes, unless I cannot drag my dear husband away from his new videogame (Civilization IV).
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
update
week: -4.5
total: -63
No Independence Day parties for us, so no excessive eating and drinking.
Testing for our next rank (for fifth gup, green belt) in Tang Soo Do on Saturday.
total: -63
No Independence Day parties for us, so no excessive eating and drinking.
Testing for our next rank (for fifth gup, green belt) in Tang Soo Do on Saturday.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
weekly checkin
week: +1
total: -59
Tang Soo Do on Tuesday and Friday last week. Gym on Sunday. Not the best workout week, but certainly not shabby. Why is the weight still up (and up and up)? Too much snacking maybe -- a perennial problem for me. Monthly cycle is coming around (TMI!), that usually wreaks havoc on my systems. Cheated on Wednesday at Macaroni Grill, although I still ordered the chicken marsala which is recommended in Eat This Not That, AND took home half ... and we shared a tiramisu for dessert. So.
Got up early to go to the farmers' market. Probably spent way too much money, but so far the things I've tasted are outstanding. Blueberries taste much better fresh than the ones from the frozen section. Saturn (a.k.a. donut) peaches were new to me, but I love them now -- tiny, bite-sized, plenty juicy but not messy. Looking forward to getting into the blackberries.
total: -59
Tang Soo Do on Tuesday and Friday last week. Gym on Sunday. Not the best workout week, but certainly not shabby. Why is the weight still up (and up and up)? Too much snacking maybe -- a perennial problem for me. Monthly cycle is coming around (TMI!), that usually wreaks havoc on my systems. Cheated on Wednesday at Macaroni Grill, although I still ordered the chicken marsala which is recommended in Eat This Not That, AND took home half ... and we shared a tiramisu for dessert. So.
Got up early to go to the farmers' market. Probably spent way too much money, but so far the things I've tasted are outstanding. Blueberries taste much better fresh than the ones from the frozen section. Saturn (a.k.a. donut) peaches were new to me, but I love them now -- tiny, bite-sized, plenty juicy but not messy. Looking forward to getting into the blackberries.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
blaming the bad cereal
week: -1
total: -60
My weight loss has stalled, and I know exactly why. I've been snacking more. I bought "bad" cereal (chocolate biscoti -- it was a moment of weakness -- but it is so goooood). I've been taking the lazy way and stopping more for take-out. However, last week I was at the gym twice and did Tang Soo Do thrice, so that's something positive.
total: -60
My weight loss has stalled, and I know exactly why. I've been snacking more. I bought "bad" cereal (chocolate biscoti -- it was a moment of weakness -- but it is so goooood). I've been taking the lazy way and stopping more for take-out. However, last week I was at the gym twice and did Tang Soo Do thrice, so that's something positive.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
ending the slack
week: +0.5
total since 01/07: -59
I've decided I have to get back into journaling at least once a week. I've been a total slacker on so many fronts, that now it is catching up with me. We were out of town for the weekend, and we got fed really well. We did plenty of walking and running around, but not nearly enough to burn off what I ate. I haven't really established that workout schedule that I posted last week (getting ready for this trip took a lot of time), but I'm packed for the gym now, and will be going that way in about an hour. I don't want to overdo it, because we are also scheduled to go to TSD tonight as well.
Anyway, I've been feeling like I'm going backwards on this weight loss thing for the last three or four weeks (!) and I have to get it under control. That starts today.
total since 01/07: -59
I've decided I have to get back into journaling at least once a week. I've been a total slacker on so many fronts, that now it is catching up with me. We were out of town for the weekend, and we got fed really well. We did plenty of walking and running around, but not nearly enough to burn off what I ate. I haven't really established that workout schedule that I posted last week (getting ready for this trip took a lot of time), but I'm packed for the gym now, and will be going that way in about an hour. I don't want to overdo it, because we are also scheduled to go to TSD tonight as well.
Anyway, I've been feeling like I'm going backwards on this weight loss thing for the last three or four weeks (!) and I have to get it under control. That starts today.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
filling the days of summer
Well, without Tales from the Scales, I don't feel much push to make a post. Shame on me.
I find myself slipping into old patterns -- patterns that helped me gain so much weight in the first place. I'm on summer break, and the last week melted away in listening to music and playing online games. We are also in danger of falling out of the training habit, and I absolutely do not want that. So, I need projects. Actually, I have projects, but I have not started them wholeheartedly. So, to remind myself, they are:
very short term:
larp armor
long term:
gym - Tues, Thurs, Sun
tang soo do - Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat (ideally)
Rosetta Stone Korean - daily
away from the computer:
catch up on reading an actual book!
catch up on movies saved to PVR
yard work
Oh yeah, I joined a book club on campus today, which meets once a week for 5-6 weeks. So that will hold me accountable for getting away from the computer -- to study! -- and out of the house, conveniently on gym day. :)
I find myself slipping into old patterns -- patterns that helped me gain so much weight in the first place. I'm on summer break, and the last week melted away in listening to music and playing online games. We are also in danger of falling out of the training habit, and I absolutely do not want that. So, I need projects. Actually, I have projects, but I have not started them wholeheartedly. So, to remind myself, they are:
very short term:
larp armor
long term:
gym - Tues, Thurs, Sun
tang soo do - Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat (ideally)
Rosetta Stone Korean - daily
away from the computer:
catch up on reading an actual book!
catch up on movies saved to PVR
yard work
Oh yeah, I joined a book club on campus today, which meets once a week for 5-6 weeks. So that will hold me accountable for getting away from the computer -- to study! -- and out of the house, conveniently on gym day. :)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
a weird week
Tuesday/Wednesday my knee was really bothering me, a lot more than it ever has. So, I opted out of going to Tang Soo Do those nights. My cycle started early -- and I use oral contraceptives, which are supposed to help regulate that -- what's up with that?! As you might imagine, I'm always a little leery of wearing my white do bok pants on the earliest days of my cycle. So I opted out of Tang Soo Do on Thursday and Friday as well. Saturday morning, I woke up with the beginnings of a migraine. Took an ibuprofin, went back to bed, thinking my husband would wake me up in time for class. I slept until 1:30pm. I was glad to get the sleep, but I wish I had tried to go to class at least.
My weight has been weird too this week: up two, down two, up two again, every day something different and unexpected. Rather a lot like the weather, actually. I'm sure both will settle down soon.
My weight has been weird too this week: up two, down two, up two again, every day something different and unexpected. Rather a lot like the weather, actually. I'm sure both will settle down soon.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
outside perception
I won a t-shirt at a raffle on Wednesday. When I went to pick it up, the woman at the desk apologized because the smallest size they had was XL.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
weekly weigh in - no challenge
week: -1.5
total (since Jan 2007): -54
Tales From the Scales has not announced a new challenge, but the check-in post still comes up every Wednesday.
So here's where I stand. It appears that my winter plateau might be breaking: three of the last four weeks have seen declines, and one week had no change at all. So that's encouraging.
Last weekend was our Tang Soo Do testing. I wasn't perfect, but mostly I was very good (in my own opinion, which counts for beans). I broke the boards (two thin boards, instead one thick one) on the first kick; my partner and I sparred enthusiastically (I have the bruises to prove it). Technically we won't know for two weeks whether we are being promoted, but I'm pretty confident.
Yesterday I had a super-early appointment, so I decided to go to the gym afterwards, since I had a big gap before my next responsibility. The gym itself was fine, not too crowded, but the showers appalled me. I have NEVER been a fan of public showering, all the way back to middle school, but I have tried to get over it for my own good now. But when I saw a roach wing stuck to my foot, that ended my prospects of showering at the gym for good. It's after work or free days only from now own, so I can come home to my own lovely shower.
total (since Jan 2007): -54
Tales From the Scales has not announced a new challenge, but the check-in post still comes up every Wednesday.
So here's where I stand. It appears that my winter plateau might be breaking: three of the last four weeks have seen declines, and one week had no change at all. So that's encouraging.
Last weekend was our Tang Soo Do testing. I wasn't perfect, but mostly I was very good (in my own opinion, which counts for beans). I broke the boards (two thin boards, instead one thick one) on the first kick; my partner and I sparred enthusiastically (I have the bruises to prove it). Technically we won't know for two weeks whether we are being promoted, but I'm pretty confident.
Yesterday I had a super-early appointment, so I decided to go to the gym afterwards, since I had a big gap before my next responsibility. The gym itself was fine, not too crowded, but the showers appalled me. I have NEVER been a fan of public showering, all the way back to middle school, but I have tried to get over it for my own good now. But when I saw a roach wing stuck to my foot, that ended my prospects of showering at the gym for good. It's after work or free days only from now own, so I can come home to my own lovely shower.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Look Great in '08 - Wrap Up
week: -1.5
total: -14.5
Losing weight in the winter is hard. There are too many holidays, thus too many parties, thus too much food. Here on the Gulf Coast, that means it starts at Thanksgiving and does not end till after Mardi Gras. But I think my metabolism thinks I'm still a Midwestern girl, and feels like it must hold on to every little calorie to get me through the cold dark days and nights -- even though there were actually a few days in Feb. when we turned on the cold air during the day.
I think I might finally have broken my plateau. The last two days have seen record low weights for me (since I started keeping track). I've been consistent with my exercise (the pressure of testing really helps) and I've gone to bed hungry a few nights this week (cf. Jan's NLNE). Haven't been as good about taking my lunch. There's always something to work on.
I like having the Challenge, and I hope there is another one now that this one is finished. I don't think I really need the challenge for motivation, per se, but I like making the permanent record via these blog posts (I don't think I would have done so without the Challenge, in fact). I like knowing that others are coming here to check on me, and I like reading the other members' posts too.
total: -14.5
Losing weight in the winter is hard. There are too many holidays, thus too many parties, thus too much food. Here on the Gulf Coast, that means it starts at Thanksgiving and does not end till after Mardi Gras. But I think my metabolism thinks I'm still a Midwestern girl, and feels like it must hold on to every little calorie to get me through the cold dark days and nights -- even though there were actually a few days in Feb. when we turned on the cold air during the day.
I think I might finally have broken my plateau. The last two days have seen record low weights for me (since I started keeping track). I've been consistent with my exercise (the pressure of testing really helps) and I've gone to bed hungry a few nights this week (cf. Jan's NLNE). Haven't been as good about taking my lunch. There's always something to work on.
I like having the Challenge, and I hope there is another one now that this one is finished. I don't think I really need the challenge for motivation, per se, but I like making the permanent record via these blog posts (I don't think I would have done so without the Challenge, in fact). I like knowing that others are coming here to check on me, and I like reading the other members' posts too.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
ups and downs.
Last week was an up week, so this must be a down week. Let me check.
week: -1.5
total: -13
Indeed.
I had to attend a professional conference last weekend. At the reception Friday night, I was literally surrounded by chocolate. Fortunately (?), we had gone out to dinner beforehand, and gotten properly filled up, but that didn't stop me from snacking. There was a plate of strawberries though, which I happily mixed in with the brownies.
It didn't stop, either, since at the conference center there were all sorts of coffee cakes for breakfast, snacks, coffee breaks, etc. I have to admit, I tried one of everything. So good, but so bad. We did Mexican at a local place for lunch, where I got a fish fillet instead of an enchilada, so at least I redeemed myself. And we hit the gym on Sunday, so the weekend was not a total wash.
This week, we have to attend our Tang Soo Do class more reliably than we did last week. Promotion testing is 8 March, and I'm a little nervous that I won't measure up this time.
week: -1.5
total: -13
Indeed.
I had to attend a professional conference last weekend. At the reception Friday night, I was literally surrounded by chocolate. Fortunately (?), we had gone out to dinner beforehand, and gotten properly filled up, but that didn't stop me from snacking. There was a plate of strawberries though, which I happily mixed in with the brownies.
It didn't stop, either, since at the conference center there were all sorts of coffee cakes for breakfast, snacks, coffee breaks, etc. I have to admit, I tried one of everything. So good, but so bad. We did Mexican at a local place for lunch, where I got a fish fillet instead of an enchilada, so at least I redeemed myself. And we hit the gym on Sunday, so the weekend was not a total wash.
This week, we have to attend our Tang Soo Do class more reliably than we did last week. Promotion testing is 8 March, and I'm a little nervous that I won't measure up this time.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
weigh-in week 21
week: +1.5
total: -11.5
If I am completely brutally honest, I might consider that I've been snacking a fair bit, and I haven't really gone to bed hungry lately. But at least I'm snacking on good stuffs, like apples, cheese, and hummus (not together). I've also fallen off the brown bag bandwagon, so I've either been buying lunch, or forgoing it entirely. I have time today to pack a proper lunch though, so I'll do that in a bit.
We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day here, so that's a load of pressure (in more ways than one) that I don't have to deal with.
total: -11.5
If I am completely brutally honest, I might consider that I've been snacking a fair bit, and I haven't really gone to bed hungry lately. But at least I'm snacking on good stuffs, like apples, cheese, and hummus (not together). I've also fallen off the brown bag bandwagon, so I've either been buying lunch, or forgoing it entirely. I have time today to pack a proper lunch though, so I'll do that in a bit.
We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day here, so that's a load of pressure (in more ways than one) that I don't have to deal with.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
surprise! weigh in!
week: -3.5
total: -13
My computer is broken, so I am posting this from husband's.
I am totally shocked by this weight, since this whole weekend has been nothing but a flurry of food frenzy. BIG Mardi Gras party on Saturday, Super Bowl party on Sunday, Fat Tuesday in New Orleans and dinner in a fancy hotel restaurant after the parades. Like so many others, I am unable to account for the good reading on the scale.
I'll just wait and see where I am next week.
total: -13
My computer is broken, so I am posting this from husband's.
I am totally shocked by this weight, since this whole weekend has been nothing but a flurry of food frenzy. BIG Mardi Gras party on Saturday, Super Bowl party on Sunday, Fat Tuesday in New Orleans and dinner in a fancy hotel restaurant after the parades. Like so many others, I am unable to account for the good reading on the scale.
I'll just wait and see where I am next week.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
stuck
week: +2
total: -9.5
I've looked at my weight numbers for the last month, and I seem to be on a mighty plateau. That, or my body thinks it's happy where it is now -- and I might buy that, except that my body still has a LOT of jiggly jubbly bits that really do not belong. I guess I'm going to have to change some things, or else just wait it out.
I tried the "gym before work" thing on Monday. It wasn't altogether heinous, but one needs to be supremely well-organized. I almost accomplished that, but I forgot my shower-shoes and my comb. (I had a spare comb in the car, so the latter was minor, except for walking out of the gym looking like a crazy woman.) It isn't too late for me to try it again today, but I'll have to make up my mind fast.
total: -9.5
I've looked at my weight numbers for the last month, and I seem to be on a mighty plateau. That, or my body thinks it's happy where it is now -- and I might buy that, except that my body still has a LOT of jiggly jubbly bits that really do not belong. I guess I'm going to have to change some things, or else just wait it out.
I tried the "gym before work" thing on Monday. It wasn't altogether heinous, but one needs to be supremely well-organized. I almost accomplished that, but I forgot my shower-shoes and my comb. (I had a spare comb in the car, so the latter was minor, except for walking out of the gym looking like a crazy woman.) It isn't too late for me to try it again today, but I'll have to make up my mind fast.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
looking great in 08
week: -2
total: -11.5
things I've done right this week:
total: -11.5
things I've done right this week:
- resumed regular Tang Soo Do
- returned to the gym
- removed excessive amounts of chocolate from the house
- took my lunch to work
- did not go overboard on king cake at the first Mardi Gras parade & party
- more water, especially late at night
- less thinking that pasta is a fallback food (but I love it, so easy, so tasty)
- potatoes too (I love my starches)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
weighing in: a positive is positively not positive
week: +1.5
total: -9.5
I'm going the wrong way here, and I think I've figured out why. I've not been to the gym to lift weights in weeks. I've been sporadic about Tang Soo Do. I can blame time, and headaches, and the business of starting a new semester, but really, it's just been disorganization. I already said it to my husband, that I have to get back, and now I'm saying it here. Once again I repeat my re-commitment to gaining health.
See how others are doing with the Look Great in '08 Challenge.
total: -9.5
I'm going the wrong way here, and I think I've figured out why. I've not been to the gym to lift weights in weeks. I've been sporadic about Tang Soo Do. I can blame time, and headaches, and the business of starting a new semester, but really, it's just been disorganization. I already said it to my husband, that I have to get back, and now I'm saying it here. Once again I repeat my re-commitment to gaining health.
See how others are doing with the Look Great in '08 Challenge.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
back from hiatus
since last weigh-in: +1
total: -11
That +1 does not tell the whole story -- of how there was constantly food available at my in-laws' house (Christmas candy, Christmas cookies, fresh homemade bread, you get the idea), of getting home and back to our standard diet, and back into the habit of exercising. Weight-wise, it was a tumultuous two weeks.
And clearly, if the challenge had ended today as originally scheduled, I would be nowhere near my goal of losing 20. I probably would have been bummed, but now that we get to carry on till February, I know I still have a chance.
I wanted to review 2007 in a nutshell.
total: -11
That +1 does not tell the whole story -- of how there was constantly food available at my in-laws' house (Christmas candy, Christmas cookies, fresh homemade bread, you get the idea), of getting home and back to our standard diet, and back into the habit of exercising. Weight-wise, it was a tumultuous two weeks.
And clearly, if the challenge had ended today as originally scheduled, I would be nowhere near my goal of losing 20. I probably would have been bummed, but now that we get to carry on till February, I know I still have a chance.
I wanted to review 2007 in a nutshell.
- From Jan 2 to Dec 27, I went from 218 to 170, with my lowest weight of 167.5 peeking at me on Dec 22.
- A year ago, I would never have posted my starting weight in a public forum.
- In May, I discovered and joined the May Day Challenge, where I was introduced to many strong and determined people.
- In June, I started following the Abs Diet plan, really changing my food choices and adopting an exercise program.
- In September, my husband and I joined a traditional martial arts school to study Tang Soo Do.
- In November, we tested for and earned our orange belts in Tang Soo Do
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
