Fat-Free Friday

This Fat-Free Friday is about the Case of the Mysterious 2-Pound Weight Gain.

Look, I’m not going to lie to you and pretend that I ate clean all week, shoveled 5 servings of vegetables into my mouth each day, and avoided treats at all costs. You know that’s not me and would see right through that. I did, however, eat better than I have been. I did exercise more. And I did start drinking more water. When I peeked at the scale during the week, I thought that maybe I was going to maintain my loss from last week. At the WORST I thought MAYBE I’d be up half of a pound.

So, needless to say, when I stepped on it this morning and saw that I had gained nearly two pounds, I wanted to throw the darned thing out the window.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I gritted my teeth, got changed, went for my scheduled run, ate a fibre-filled breakfast, and resolved to try to lose 2 pounds this week. It’s going be a tough one, with a birthday party this weekend and an out-of-town, have-to-eat-out type of day tomorrow. But I will try my best.

I am hoping that part of the gain was due to my body re-adjusting to exercising more consistently. Maybe my muscles are retaining water or something. One can hope!

Because let me tell you…I NEVER want to see the 180s* on the scale ever again!

Here I go…



* I don’t now want anyone to feel bad if their weight is in the 180s or higher. It does not mean that you are fat and not beautiful. I am just speaking for myself, and I am sick of that darned number!

Off I Go!

Can I possibly explain to you how much I am enjoying following an actual running training program?

(Okay, so it’s only been two days. Shush.)

I am finding that I really like having a new goal each day – it’s definitely taking the pressure off of me feeling like I need to nail a 5k in my fastest time ever, right now. As I said before, I am hoping that this training program will make me a faster and better runner. Last night I did the same circuit as the night before and knocked 45 seconds off my time, so…obviously I’m not slacking off yet!

I was supposed to start the week with strength training, but the weather was so gorgeous that I went straight into the running. Today the weather is looking sketchy, so I think I will be doing my weights at the gym this evening.

Eating-wise, I’m getting better. I’m still enjoying some ice cream and summery foods, but I’m really trying to cut down on that. And fast food, my goodness! It has really been a fast-food summer so far, but I’m improving on that as well. It’s much better for the waistline AND for the budget!

I hope that you are all enjoying your summers so far, staying happy and healthy!

Starting Over with Running

If you are a longtime reader of mine, you know that, as far as exercise goes, running is my one true love. I never would have thought that an exercise I formerly hated - that I formerly believed my body just COULD NOT DO - would become a passion of mine. Unfortunately, I lost a bit of that passion over the winter and spring. And while I was so excited to recently get back into the running game, I found myself struggling much more than I could have imagined.

I - who last summer knocked out a few 10k runs - struggle to finish 2.5k. When I did manage to complete a 5k the other week, I felt like I was dying. I was frustrated. I felt like quitting. I felt like a failure for letting myself slack off so much.

But, last night I had an "aha" moment. I realized that I am still much further ahead than I was when I started, and all it would take is a little more work to get back to my old running ways. I've never followed any kind of "plan" before, but I decided that maybe now was the time to start.

I found this one that I had pinned recently on Pinterest. It basically gives you a schedule to follow to go from being a non-runner to running a half marathon in 18 weeks. Now, I don't think I want to train for a half marathon anytime soon (maybe in a few years), but I liked the format of the schedule.

I decided to skip the first three weeks of walking and start at the "run one minute, walk 2 minutes" part. Yes, I can certainly run more than one minute at a time, but I hope that by following this program, I will be able to become a faster and stronger runner. So, that's why I am starting from (mostly) the beginning.

I am excited for the challenges that lie ahead, and I can't wait to update you guys on my progress!

Fat-Free Friday Quickie

No, not THAT kind of quickie! Get your mind out of the gutter!

I'm still on holidays, and thus still taking a mini blogging break...but I did want to update you all to tell you that I lost 1.2lbs this week. I'll take it! Especially since I had way too much salt yesterday...but nevermind that. The point is, my habits are getting better, and I'm getting there!!!! Can't wait until I'm back in the 160s...hopefully before the end of summer!

Vacation Week

So, as the heading says, I am on vacation this week....FINALLY! It feels like forever since I had a solid block of down time. We are not going anywhere fancy, although we do have a few day trips planned. Later this month we are testing out camping (in my in-laws trailer) for a few days, and I'm already excited about that!

Although I am trying to step things up on my blog right now, I have to say that it's not going to happen this week. Part of my vacation will mean some time away from the computer, so I hope you can all bear with me! I am hoping to stick to my healthy eating and exercise plan as best I can, and I will let you know how I do next week.

Before I sign off for the night, I want to send a sincere apology to my American friends and neighbours for forgetting to wish you a happy Fourth of July. I hope you all stayed safe and had fun!

Laying it Out

I have officially started Skinny Meg's 12 Week Challenge. In doing so, I thought it was time to come clean with just how much I've let things slide.

There is no holding it in anymore. My weight has continued to climb, and when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was not totally surprised with what I saw. And when I decided to measure myself, well...I wasn't surprised with those results either.

Here are just a few "before" stats:

*Deep breath*

Height: 5'9
Weight: 182.2, meaning my BMI is currently 27 :(
Arm: 13.5
Chest: 38.5
Waist: 32.25
Hips: 46.25

I am really looking forward to seeing those numbers going DOWN. Anyone else joining the challenge?

Happy Birthday to Me!

If you are reading this tomorrow (July 1st), that means that I am OFFICIALLY 30!!!! Ahhh!!!!

I have heard so many times that your 30s are some of the best years of your life. Up until the last year, I was really skeptical of this. I mean, my 20s involved me getting married, having kids, experiencing new things...what could possibly be better than that?

Well, I'm still not sure, but...I can't wait to find out!