Day 290
What a difference a week makes. This time last Friday, I was a walking petrie dish. This Friday, I still have the remnants of a cough, but I feel much more like myself. These past two weekends have not been my finest hours. I went from vacation mode to sick mode to work and sick mode in one long blurry, medicine induced haze. It's all been a blur.
This week has really been about work, work and more work. But, at least I'm finally beginning to feel like myself again. This weekend is Tennessee Body for Life Champions Weekend. I'm very excited about this.
Tonight, I will have the opportunity to commiserate with people face to face that I usually only get to "see" online. I'm very excited. I could use some motivation right about now and I always feel great after a BFL event. I can't wait to see some old faces and put some new faces to names. But, what I'm most looking forward to is hearing about the success and determination of others. I can guarantee that I won't make it through this weekend without shedding some tears.
The last BFL event I attended, I weighed roughly 260 pounds. Today, I weigh 230 pounds. That's a significant accomplishment. It's not as much as I'd wanted to lose by now, but, I'm happy and at peace with my progress. I own my triumphs and my missteps. This is a long journey and sometimes I fall short on motivation. I'm looking forward to a big giant dose of it this weekend. Tomorrow, I am planning to run/walk the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k in Brentwood. It will be my first in... oh I don't know... 10 years? Hopefully, I will survive it.
Next week, I'll be traveling for work. But, I'm looking forward to the swanky hotel gym :).
Cheers!
Margaret
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Pride and Dignity Lost
Day 283,
I recently spent a long weekend in Vegas with some really great people. Unfortunately, while I was there I came down with a horrible sinus infection / cold / whatever thing. Did I let this stop me? No. Should I have let this stop me? Probably. Especially since it's nearly 7 days later and I'm still wheezing and hacking like I've smoked for 50 years (which i most certainly have not!).
Anyway, the story which is about to unfold is set in the desert outside of Las Vegas in a town called Bolder City at a place called Bootleg Canyon. On this stiffling hot 105 degree, not a cloud in the sky day, we decided that it would be a good idea to take a Zip Line Tour. Now, it must be said that this decision was made weeks in advance BEFORE I got sick.
In order for you to get the full impact of my story you must also know the following:
1. I am highly prone to motion sickness and I spent 40 minutes in the back seat of a 15 passenger van on the way to our destination.
2. Yes. I was very sick already.
3. I had a hot dog for lunch.
It must also be said that I had no idea that this little foray into the desert included a "short" hike to our destination. Upon arriving at Bootleg Canyon, I'll admit that I was a little green from the van ride, followed by the non-air conditioned school bus ride over. But, me being the kind of person who hates to be perceived as weak in any way, I forged ahead. I was the first to get in line behind our guide to begin our ascent to the first release point. About halfway up I began to feel even more nauseated but I pressed on. Did I mention it was 105 degrees? We got to the top and I was definitely winded.
When you are the fattest person in a group, you never want anyone to know that you are winded or feeling nauseous in these situations because you always feel like people assume it's because you are so out of shape. The second thing you think is that the others must believe that you are hungover from the night before because this is Vegas after all. I grabbed a bottle of water and tried not to cough up a lung before being hooked into the harness for our initial descent. I would have been terrified, but I was literally willing myself not to puke in front of these people. My eyes were watering so badly from my illness that I could barely see.
But, once they hit the release and I began my zip line descent, a broad smile came across my face. This was freakin awesome. Then, I became blinded by my salty watery eyes and I was having trouble seeing the hand signals from our guide. Fortunately, I saw his signal to change positions just in time. For a split second I thought, "why am I flying past Tony when he dropped before me?" Then, I hit and instead of being "caught" by my guide I bounced back off the platform with a vengance. It did not feel good. They way back to the platform was to rock back and forth inching your way over. This was NOT helping my stomach at all. Here come the prayers "please don't puke. please don't puke. You just have to make it until they unlatch you and you can run up that hill."
Once I was unhooked I made a beeline for an "out of the way" place to hurl. Notice the picture below... There really was no "out of the way place".
During the next three runs, I tossed my cookies three more times, which resulted in being "asked" if I would take some Electrolytes.
Guide: Ma'am would you mind taking in some electrolytes? They are going to taste like 'poo' but you will feel a lot better.
Me: I'll take whatever you've got. I don't care how bad it tastes. Just give it to me.
The next picture would be after drinking said electrolytes which did indeed taste like poo, which caused me to vomit again.
That fella walking ahead of me is my friend Larry. Despite my objections he stayed with me and rubbed my back as I hurled saying "It's ok Margar". We are now bonded for life because I don't know too many people who will hold your hand while you puke unless they love you.
My husband would be the one at the top taking the pictures. He would have helped me. But, he can't stand the sight of puke. He would most definitely "do it too."
My mantra on this trek was "never quit." There was no freakin way I was going to give up. But, I will say that judging from this next picture, it's safe to say that I was not hiding my dismay very well...
I recently spent a long weekend in Vegas with some really great people. Unfortunately, while I was there I came down with a horrible sinus infection / cold / whatever thing. Did I let this stop me? No. Should I have let this stop me? Probably. Especially since it's nearly 7 days later and I'm still wheezing and hacking like I've smoked for 50 years (which i most certainly have not!).
Anyway, the story which is about to unfold is set in the desert outside of Las Vegas in a town called Bolder City at a place called Bootleg Canyon. On this stiffling hot 105 degree, not a cloud in the sky day, we decided that it would be a good idea to take a Zip Line Tour. Now, it must be said that this decision was made weeks in advance BEFORE I got sick.
In order for you to get the full impact of my story you must also know the following:
1. I am highly prone to motion sickness and I spent 40 minutes in the back seat of a 15 passenger van on the way to our destination.
2. Yes. I was very sick already.
3. I had a hot dog for lunch.
It must also be said that I had no idea that this little foray into the desert included a "short" hike to our destination. Upon arriving at Bootleg Canyon, I'll admit that I was a little green from the van ride, followed by the non-air conditioned school bus ride over. But, me being the kind of person who hates to be perceived as weak in any way, I forged ahead. I was the first to get in line behind our guide to begin our ascent to the first release point. About halfway up I began to feel even more nauseated but I pressed on. Did I mention it was 105 degrees? We got to the top and I was definitely winded.
When you are the fattest person in a group, you never want anyone to know that you are winded or feeling nauseous in these situations because you always feel like people assume it's because you are so out of shape. The second thing you think is that the others must believe that you are hungover from the night before because this is Vegas after all. I grabbed a bottle of water and tried not to cough up a lung before being hooked into the harness for our initial descent. I would have been terrified, but I was literally willing myself not to puke in front of these people. My eyes were watering so badly from my illness that I could barely see.
But, once they hit the release and I began my zip line descent, a broad smile came across my face. This was freakin awesome. Then, I became blinded by my salty watery eyes and I was having trouble seeing the hand signals from our guide. Fortunately, I saw his signal to change positions just in time. For a split second I thought, "why am I flying past Tony when he dropped before me?" Then, I hit and instead of being "caught" by my guide I bounced back off the platform with a vengance. It did not feel good. They way back to the platform was to rock back and forth inching your way over. This was NOT helping my stomach at all. Here come the prayers "please don't puke. please don't puke. You just have to make it until they unlatch you and you can run up that hill."
Once I was unhooked I made a beeline for an "out of the way" place to hurl. Notice the picture below... There really was no "out of the way place".
During the next three runs, I tossed my cookies three more times, which resulted in being "asked" if I would take some Electrolytes.
Guide: Ma'am would you mind taking in some electrolytes? They are going to taste like 'poo' but you will feel a lot better.
Me: I'll take whatever you've got. I don't care how bad it tastes. Just give it to me.
The next picture would be after drinking said electrolytes which did indeed taste like poo, which caused me to vomit again.
My husband would be the one at the top taking the pictures. He would have helped me. But, he can't stand the sight of puke. He would most definitely "do it too."
My mantra on this trek was "never quit." There was no freakin way I was going to give up. But, I will say that judging from this next picture, it's safe to say that I was not hiding my dismay very well...
Suffice it to say that I did make it through all four runs and despite the fact that I was indeed sick as a dog, totally mortified and sweating like it was my job... I would definitely do it all over again. I left pride and dignity in Bootleg Canyon. But, I did not leave my gumption.
Let's end this on a good note.... At least at the beginning of the tour, I had a smile on my face. :)
Cheers!
Margaret
Monday, September 13, 2010
Workin with the Big Boys
Day 265,
Tonight I worked out with Skully and Larry. I'm pretty sure that simple tasks like washing my hair, brushing my teeth or typing will be quite painful tomorrow. These guys don't mess around and that's exactly why I worked out with them.
I had a wardrobe malfunction that could have easily precipitated a trip home after work before hitting the gym. I called Tony to tell him that I was going to the YMCA near our house instead of working out with him. But, deep down I knew that if I came home first, I would skip it. I turned my car around for the second time and called my husband back to tell him that YES I was coming to work out with him and Larry. This is exactly what I needed too. I knew that I would exercise harder with them and, of course, it would keep me from skipping.
Ordinarily, I stay away from the Bench Press when I'm by myself since I don't have a spotter. That was not the case tonight. So, I gave it a shot. My max weight was 95 lbs on the flat bench and 85lbs on the incline. Not too shabby for a girl. Just don't ask me to wave at you tomorrow. I don't think I'll have it in me. I did sissy out on the pushups though. :)
Tomorrow is legs. I'm going to try and workout with them again. I should probably have a walker or some crutches handy for Wednesday. Wish me luck!
Cheers!
Margaret
Tonight I worked out with Skully and Larry. I'm pretty sure that simple tasks like washing my hair, brushing my teeth or typing will be quite painful tomorrow. These guys don't mess around and that's exactly why I worked out with them.
I had a wardrobe malfunction that could have easily precipitated a trip home after work before hitting the gym. I called Tony to tell him that I was going to the YMCA near our house instead of working out with him. But, deep down I knew that if I came home first, I would skip it. I turned my car around for the second time and called my husband back to tell him that YES I was coming to work out with him and Larry. This is exactly what I needed too. I knew that I would exercise harder with them and, of course, it would keep me from skipping.
Ordinarily, I stay away from the Bench Press when I'm by myself since I don't have a spotter. That was not the case tonight. So, I gave it a shot. My max weight was 95 lbs on the flat bench and 85lbs on the incline. Not too shabby for a girl. Just don't ask me to wave at you tomorrow. I don't think I'll have it in me. I did sissy out on the pushups though. :)
Tomorrow is legs. I'm going to try and workout with them again. I should probably have a walker or some crutches handy for Wednesday. Wish me luck!
Cheers!
Margaret
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Breakfast Burgers??
Day 264,
Titan's Football tailgating is not the most figure friendly event. Today was no exception. 1800 calories per day adds up with the quickness. By the time, we left the stadium I had consumed exactly 50% of my calories for the day. Given that it was 4 pm, this is not so bad.
But, I was hungry when I got home. Decisions.... Decisions... Yummy Chocolate cake that I made last night at roughly 300 of the 900 calories I have left for the day or a can of Progresso Soup and an Apple at less than 200 calories? I chose the latter and I'm better off for it. Not only was this a more satisfying meal and a good calorie value, but it also contained about a 1/4 of the fat. I've had plenty of fat today.
It must be noted that I avoided the Fried chicken, oatmeal raisin cookies and jello shots that were available during today's tailgating festivities. I just kept thinking "If you eat it, you have to count the calories. Is it worth it?"
I'll be hungry again by 7 pm and that is fine. Tonight's dinner will be leftover chili from last night. My chili is delicious and made with 93% Extra Lean Ground Beef. This will still leave me with a few hundred calories to play with should I decide that popcorn is in order for the True Blood season finale tonight.
Good Way to end the week. I might even sneak in an evening walk for good measure.
Cheers!
Margaret
 |
| My Husband cracks me up |
But, I was hungry when I got home. Decisions.... Decisions... Yummy Chocolate cake that I made last night at roughly 300 of the 900 calories I have left for the day or a can of Progresso Soup and an Apple at less than 200 calories? I chose the latter and I'm better off for it. Not only was this a more satisfying meal and a good calorie value, but it also contained about a 1/4 of the fat. I've had plenty of fat today.
It must be noted that I avoided the Fried chicken, oatmeal raisin cookies and jello shots that were available during today's tailgating festivities. I just kept thinking "If you eat it, you have to count the calories. Is it worth it?"
I'll be hungry again by 7 pm and that is fine. Tonight's dinner will be leftover chili from last night. My chili is delicious and made with 93% Extra Lean Ground Beef. This will still leave me with a few hundred calories to play with should I decide that popcorn is in order for the True Blood season finale tonight.
Good Way to end the week. I might even sneak in an evening walk for good measure.
Cheers!
Margaret
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Grumpy Grumperson
Day 263,
I'm in a pissy mood. I've had the most negative attitude lately. It hit me today that the reason I'm so grumpy is because of my inconsistency. I'll have a great week and then I'll have a crap week. I have not lost a pound in over a month. Actually, I've gained and lost the same three pounds over and over again.
I had a fantastic week the week before Labor Day. But, we went to Ohio for the holiday weekend and I just fell apart. I was at the mercy of other people's food choices. Friday night - Pizza. Saturday: Hot Dogs, Sausages and Birthday cake. Sunday: Oh My God --- More Pizza and wings and chips and queso. Let's not forget the beer. I call it the "lost" weekend. It will be a LONG time before I can eat pizza again. A very VERY LONG time.
We arrived home Monday night. During our long trip home we received a call that our upstairs bathroom was flooding into our downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as we thought. But, it meant that we had no water when we got home. The up-side is that I got up Tuesday morning and went to the YMCA for a workout and shower.
I skipped Wednesday and Thursday due to back pain. Our mattress is absolutely killing my back. This fact became painfully evident after we got back from Ohio. By Wednesday, I could barely move. Today, we bought a new mattress and I just have to suffer until Thursday. I may not make it.
Last night, I tried my hand at Yoga. I thought it might help my back. It did a little. But, it was an awkward sight to behold at best. Thank goodness I was home alone. :) I thought I would do it at home before I tried it out at the YMCA. I'm glad I did. My yoga skills are not ready for the viewing public. I think I"ll stick to weights and the elliptical at the Y.
Cheers!
Margaret
I'm in a pissy mood. I've had the most negative attitude lately. It hit me today that the reason I'm so grumpy is because of my inconsistency. I'll have a great week and then I'll have a crap week. I have not lost a pound in over a month. Actually, I've gained and lost the same three pounds over and over again.
I had a fantastic week the week before Labor Day. But, we went to Ohio for the holiday weekend and I just fell apart. I was at the mercy of other people's food choices. Friday night - Pizza. Saturday: Hot Dogs, Sausages and Birthday cake. Sunday: Oh My God --- More Pizza and wings and chips and queso. Let's not forget the beer. I call it the "lost" weekend. It will be a LONG time before I can eat pizza again. A very VERY LONG time.
We arrived home Monday night. During our long trip home we received a call that our upstairs bathroom was flooding into our downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as we thought. But, it meant that we had no water when we got home. The up-side is that I got up Tuesday morning and went to the YMCA for a workout and shower.
I skipped Wednesday and Thursday due to back pain. Our mattress is absolutely killing my back. This fact became painfully evident after we got back from Ohio. By Wednesday, I could barely move. Today, we bought a new mattress and I just have to suffer until Thursday. I may not make it.
Last night, I tried my hand at Yoga. I thought it might help my back. It did a little. But, it was an awkward sight to behold at best. Thank goodness I was home alone. :) I thought I would do it at home before I tried it out at the YMCA. I'm glad I did. My yoga skills are not ready for the viewing public. I think I"ll stick to weights and the elliptical at the Y.
Cheers!
Margaret
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Four-peat
Day 254,
Yesterday I hit the exercise Trifecta. Today, I managed a Four-Peat. I'm so sore, I may need copious amounts of ibuprohen, a tube of Ben Gay, a few Icy Hot patches, and a cane just to get around tomorrow. But, I'm content.
I've been working my way back into the game for weeks... possibly months now. And, I finally feel like I'm there. I've been seeking motivation from others like Sean Anderson who has a blog called The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser. His story is so inspirational. He started out at 505 pounds a little over two years ago and today, at 239 lbs, he is just a few pounds from his goal.
I am particularly fond of his "Calorie Bank and Trust". I've created one for myself. My bank has 1800 calories per day in it. I can choose whatever I want, so long as I stay at or below 1800 calories. I'm not exactly sure what to do with the leftovers yet.
I've stayed well within the 1800 this week. But, I missed breakfast yesterday and today and that is just not acceptable. The very nature of the term Breakfast is to Break the fast that your body goes through during sleep. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolic furnace. I had snacks at the office to eat and forgot them too because I got busy. I know better. I will do better.
Today I ate:
Burrito Bowl from Chipotle with steak, rice, beans, salsa and cheese
Which Wich Sub and House Chips
Small Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream from Marble Slab Creamery
1521 Calories Total
38% Carbs
39% Fat
23% Protein
Tomorrow, we migrate north to Newton Falls, Ohio for the long holiday weekend. I'm excited to see my friends and can't wait to enjoy some down time.
Cheers!
Margaret
Yesterday I hit the exercise Trifecta. Today, I managed a Four-Peat. I'm so sore, I may need copious amounts of ibuprohen, a tube of Ben Gay, a few Icy Hot patches, and a cane just to get around tomorrow. But, I'm content.
I've been working my way back into the game for weeks... possibly months now. And, I finally feel like I'm there. I've been seeking motivation from others like Sean Anderson who has a blog called The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser. His story is so inspirational. He started out at 505 pounds a little over two years ago and today, at 239 lbs, he is just a few pounds from his goal.
I am particularly fond of his "Calorie Bank and Trust". I've created one for myself. My bank has 1800 calories per day in it. I can choose whatever I want, so long as I stay at or below 1800 calories. I'm not exactly sure what to do with the leftovers yet.
I've stayed well within the 1800 this week. But, I missed breakfast yesterday and today and that is just not acceptable. The very nature of the term Breakfast is to Break the fast that your body goes through during sleep. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolic furnace. I had snacks at the office to eat and forgot them too because I got busy. I know better. I will do better.
Today I ate:
Burrito Bowl from Chipotle with steak, rice, beans, salsa and cheese
Which Wich Sub and House Chips
Small Strawberries and Cream Ice Cream from Marble Slab Creamery
1521 Calories Total
38% Carbs
39% Fat
23% Protein
Tomorrow, we migrate north to Newton Falls, Ohio for the long holiday weekend. I'm excited to see my friends and can't wait to enjoy some down time.
Cheers!
Margaret
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Weeds!
First let's recap since my last post.
Day 241, 242, 243 - Race Weekend. Good Times. Suspect Behavior.
Day 243 - Back at work. Tired and feeling every bit my age.
Day 244 - 248 - Sick with a Sinus infection. Training new temporary employee. Exhausted.
Day 249 - Feeling Better
Day 250 - Music City BBQ Festival - A blast, but not my finest nutritional moment.
Day 251 - Back to reality again. Workout - check. Good eating - check.
Day 252 - Workout - Check. Good eating - Check.
And..... we're back.
Day 253,
Have you ever noticed how bad habits are like weeds -- easy to develop, spread like wild fire and are hard as hell to get rid of? I constantly find myself reverting back to old behaviors simply out of habit. I've backslid into drinking a lot of Diet Coke at the office instead of water. This has been partially enabled by the fact that our water filter at the office has been broken all week and tap water is all that's available. (Sue me.. I'm a water snob). But, we all know that's just an excuse. My lack of "hydration" is showing up on my skin too. My neck looks like I'm 14 and not in a good way!
Apart from my struggle with water intake and pre-pubescent acne, this week has been great so far. My at work stressor is out of the country. I have a new temporary employee who is helping me and is eager to do a good job. She asks a lot of questions, but that goes with the territory when you're training someone new. It's a four day work week for me, which will be followed by another four day week thanks to the holiday. AND .. I've managed two workouts in a row and plan to make it a trifecta after work today.
Yesterday I ate:
Bacon and Biscuit
Chicken Salad Sandwich on Toasted Wheat
Taco Ring (Pampered Chef Recipe)
Chocolate Molten Lava cake (a frozen dessert which BLEW!)
1489 Calories; 33% Carbohydrates; 49% fat; 18% Protein
Too few calories, too much fat, not enough protein.
Cheers!
Margaret
232+ lbs.
Day 241, 242, 243 - Race Weekend. Good Times. Suspect Behavior.
Day 243 - Back at work. Tired and feeling every bit my age.
Day 244 - 248 - Sick with a Sinus infection. Training new temporary employee. Exhausted.
Day 249 - Feeling Better
Day 250 - Music City BBQ Festival - A blast, but not my finest nutritional moment.
Day 251 - Back to reality again. Workout - check. Good eating - check.
Day 252 - Workout - Check. Good eating - Check.
And..... we're back.
Day 253,
Have you ever noticed how bad habits are like weeds -- easy to develop, spread like wild fire and are hard as hell to get rid of? I constantly find myself reverting back to old behaviors simply out of habit. I've backslid into drinking a lot of Diet Coke at the office instead of water. This has been partially enabled by the fact that our water filter at the office has been broken all week and tap water is all that's available. (Sue me.. I'm a water snob). But, we all know that's just an excuse. My lack of "hydration" is showing up on my skin too. My neck looks like I'm 14 and not in a good way!
Apart from my struggle with water intake and pre-pubescent acne, this week has been great so far. My at work stressor is out of the country. I have a new temporary employee who is helping me and is eager to do a good job. She asks a lot of questions, but that goes with the territory when you're training someone new. It's a four day work week for me, which will be followed by another four day week thanks to the holiday. AND .. I've managed two workouts in a row and plan to make it a trifecta after work today.
Yesterday I ate:
Bacon and Biscuit
Chicken Salad Sandwich on Toasted Wheat
Taco Ring (Pampered Chef Recipe)
Chocolate Molten Lava cake (a frozen dessert which BLEW!)
1489 Calories; 33% Carbohydrates; 49% fat; 18% Protein
Too few calories, too much fat, not enough protein.
Cheers!
Margaret
232+ lbs.
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