Weekend

We decided to go to Venice beach on Saturday.  It was supposed to be about 104 at home and only 82 in Venice.  It was a good decision.  It was beautiful at the beach, although a very busy place too.  We sat by the water for awhile and my husband went boogie boarding.  Here are a couple of pictures.



My husband after the water fun.




Little Lady playing with brothers shoe. The husband and son are directly behind her by the water.



We then walked around and down through the Venice Canals.  I had never seen the canals before.  The movie “Valentines Day” with Ashton Kutcher had a scene from those canals.  It doesn’t even seem like the city when you are by the canals.  Pretty cool thing to check out if you are ever in the area. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of them.

On Sunday morning I did W7.3 for 5k in 100 days.  I hadn’t eaten breakfast and I wasn’t able to complete the last interval.  I just didn’t have the energy.  It was also getting hot already and it was only 8am when I finished.  Next week is a recovery week and there are only two workouts for 40 minutes each.  That will be super refreshing compared to the 65-70 minute workouts in the last couple of weeks. 



Yep, my facial expression about sums up how I felt after the workout.  I was tired!



The rest of the day consisted of Church, a nap, TV and vegging out with the kids.  What did you do with your weekend?

Success!

I went on W7.2 this morning.  I succeeded in running 5 intervals of 4 whole minutes each.  I said in my last workout post a couple days ago that I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to jump up a whole minute in my intervals, but I did it!!!  I wasn’t even as tired as I was a few workouts ago when I was dragging to complete my entire workout.  Granted the other day I was talking about 7 intervals of time instead of 5 like today.  My lower back did start to hurt in my 5^th interval.  I blame this on all the extra jiggling of the “junk in the trunk.”  I’m sure that will be better when I lose the extra “junk.” I couldn’t help but smile and say “I did it” out loud after that first interval was over.  I didn’t even look at the timer to see how much longer I had to go. I totally rocked this workout and I couldn’t be more proud of myself.  The total distance was just shy of 4 miles.  WooHoo

The Little Things

On my drive home from work there is this overpass on the freeway that I always make sure to look up at.  You’re probably asking yourself why I would care about an overpass on the freeway.  Well there are sometimes 2 people on said overpass.  These two people used to frequent the overpass several times a week, but the overpass has been empty for the last few months no doubt because of the heat.  Who wants to take a walk when it’s over a hundred outside?  But I saw them yesterday.

One person is in a wheelchair and the other person is standing behind the wheelchair.  The person in the wheelchair is always swinging their arm around in the air waving at the people below on the freeway.  I’m not sure if they are trying to get honks or what, but I certainly honk for them to know that I saw them.  I don’t know anything about the person in the wheelchair nor can I see them clearly, but I believe that this person is mentally handicapped in some way and that this waving of their arm at the people below is bringing them great joy.  For all I know this might be the highlight of their day.  It surely was the highlight of mine many months ago when I would see them all the time.  It became the highlight of my day yesterday when they were finally there again.  Just seeing this person enjoying the little act of waving at cars made me smile.

Sometimes we take all the things we can do for granted.  We whine and complain about things of little consequence.  We forget that there are others out there less fortunate then ourselves.  It’s easy to get caught up in work, chores, bills, etc. Sometimes we need to stop what we are doing and just “be” with those around you or even with yourself.  Don’t let the JOY drain from your life.  If it has already left, find ways to bring it back.

Weigh in Wednesday

It’s weigh day.  I think I need a new scale.  The one we have is a pretty cheap one and I can step on and off the scale several times and the numbers be different. What’s up with that? 

Drumroll please……I lost 1.2 pounds this week.  The number was actually lower the other day, but I had just completed one of my run/walk workouts so I can’t really count that.  So for those of you that are number inclined:

Starting Weight: 242.8

Current Weight: 237.8

That’s 5 pounds.  That’s a pretty small number when you consider my starting weight was on July 1, but hey at least I’m losing.  I need to kick it up some though if I have any chance of being in onederland when we go to Thailand early next year.

A Good Workout

My alarm went off at 5am this morning.  It’s STILL dark at 5am.  I knew I needed to get up to go do my walk/run, but I really just wanted to sleep for another hour.  Well, I’m proud to say I got out of bed at 5:05am and dressed for my workout.  This was workout 7.1 of the 5k in 100 days program.  I’m running for a full 3 minutes at a time now.  My next workout I’m supposed to run for 4 full minutes. UGH.  I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to jump up a whole minute.  We shall see.  I did manage to go 4 miles in just over an hour.  Here is today’s post workout picture.

My eating has been good that last few days.  I made some Lighter Eggplant Parmesan  from Skinny Taste the other day and it was yummy.   It has provided me leftovers to take to work as well.  The kids even liked it.  At first my son didn’t want to eat it, but he was told he had to eat it to get anything else so he forced some down.  Well he did like it, even though he didn’t want to admit it.  What’s not to love with all that cheese in there.  I must admit I didn’t use the fat free ricotta because I was at target and they didn’t have any there.  Mine ultimately had more calories, but oh well. It did have Eggplant in it, which I’ve never really eaten before.  I’ve been eating more fruit, but I do need to work on getting some more veggies into my diet.  The kids are being picky lately and it’s making it hard to feed them.  That’s about all I have for today.  Have a great day!

Friend Making Mondays

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: The Last Thing

1) What is the title of the last book you read?  I haven’t read any for myself in a long time.  I read The Three Bears to my son the other night.

2) What is the last movie you saw in a theater? Crazy, Stupid, Love.

3) Briefly describe the last person you saw today.   I saw my son, my daughter and the Daycare lady as they closed the door behind me. haha

4) Which store did you most recently shop in?  Target, we went there to see if they had some hand weights, but they were cheaper at Walmart so we didn’t get them.  We did however, pick some cheeses up for Eggplant Lasagna.  It was yummy.

5) Who’s the last person you spoke to over the phone? My husband.

6) Where’s the last place you vacationed? San Francisco in January.

7) When was the last time you kissed someone of the opposite sex?  Yesterday as my husband left for work.

8) What’s the last thing that made you laugh?  I’m sure it was something my 3 year old said.  He says some pretty funny stuff sometimes.

9) What’s the latest app that you downloaded on your phone?  Wordfued for Android.  Does anyone play it?  I’m Lorece3.  I am addicted.

10)  What’s the last kind thing you did for someone?  Hmmm, I don’t know.  I bought a mini muffin pan I really don’t need at a Pampered Chef party so the hostess would have some credit.  hahaha

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  Don’t forget to link up at www.alltheweigh.com in the comments!

Weigh in Wednesday

Just a quick post today.  I weighed in at 239 this morning.  I believe that means I am down .8 pounds from the last weigh in.  Not much, but it's something.  I did get in one mile of the Leslie Sansone video this morning.  It was my first time doing the video and I was a little scared to do more in fear of my 3 minute runs tomorrow.  Tomorrow I do 5k in 100 days workout 6.2 which will have me running for 3 minutes during my intervals.  I'm excited, but scared at the same time.  I have to fast walk for 35 minutes before my intervals and my legs have been tired the last few workouts.  Wish me luck.

Friend Making Mondays

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: The Driving Force

What is the driving force behind your weight-loss?  

I have vain reasons like I would like to be able to go in to any store and buy something on a whim.  I don’t want to have to search out the plus size store or section.  I want to wear a dress and not feel my legs constantly rub together.  I don’t want to search out weight limits for activities I might like to do.

However, the driving force behind my weight loss desires has to do with my children.  I want to lose weight and get healthy for myself, but more for them.  As I have said in my blog, I want to show them a good example.  I want them to grow up at a healthy weight, be active and make good choices.  I don’t want them to grow up overweight and out of shape like I was.  I was a more normal weight in elementary school when I was walking or riding my bike to school and playing with the kids in the neighborhood.  Once my family moved to a more country location I no longer did those things.  I became very inactive.  I don’t want it to be like that for my kids.  I want to take them on hikes, go on walks, play ball with them, etc.  In order to do those things I need to first get myself active and healthy so I can keep up with them.

Now it’s your turn.  Share your answers, and don’t forget to link up.

It's Friday

I did my 5k in 100 days workout 5.2 yesterday morning.  I struggled through the last two minute intervals.  I did however complete them.  Tomorrow I will do workout 5.3 in which I will be running 2.5 minute intervals and 35 minutes of a fast walk.  I’m really not looking forward to such a long fast walk, but I know that it is helping me increase my aerobic capacity. 

I hope to do the Leslie Sansone DVD on Sunday.  I watched a preview of the DVD last night and it looks like I’ll get pretty sweaty.  I didn’t want to do the video the day before a run in case I get really sore legs from it.  By doing it Sunday, I’ll have time to recover if it proves to be a little trying on my body.

My food intake has been okay this week.  Again, not fantastic choices, but not horrible choices either.  I need to find some easy go to healthy meals that are kid friendly.  Have any suggestions? 

I don’t really have any plans for the weekend.  Maybe I’ll tackle cleaning up the laundry room, it’s starting to get this funky odor.  Ewww.  Don’t judge…I’ve got a kid who is potty training and isn’t successful sometimes and the wet clothes have to go somewhere!

Friend Making Mondays

FMM: A Letter to My Future Self

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: A Letter To My Future Self

Dear Future Self,

Have you reached your weight loss potential?  Are you a “runner”?  Have you kept up with working out and kept up actively with your children?  Are you going on hikes with your family and not complaining?  Are you being more active and trying new things?  Are you eating healthy and setting a good example for your children?

I really hope the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES! The You of today is working towards creating yeses to those questions.  I have only been at it about a month, but I’m already feeling better.  I really hope You feel fantastic!

I’ll keep at it until we meet,

Denise

Now it’s your turn…Don’t forget to link up at www.alltheweigh.com!

Anniversary Weekend Recap

This weekend was fantastic!  It started out with a two hour Segway tour of the Gaslamp district from http://www.anothersideofsandiegotours.com/.  Our guide was Bridgette and she was awesome.  We ended up having a private tour so it was just my husband and I and Bridgette.  We went all over the Gaslamp district and then up to Balboa Park.

Tour guide Bridgette



Gas Lamp sign



Don't we look photo shopped in here?

Gardens at Balboa Park

I was a little nervous, but excited, about riding on a Segway.  I’ve always wanted to go on one, but never had the opportunity until now.  It really is a natural thing.  After about 5-10 minutes you don’t even really have to think about it anymore.  In fact, we were riding around Balboa and stopped at a building to take in the sights and I overheard the nearby people saying we made it look so easy!  I quickly replied that it was easy and it was our first time.  There were quite a few weddings around Balboa on Saturday.  I think we counted 5-6 brides taking pictures in various locations.

After the Segway tour we went on a harbor cruise.  It was supposed to be a two hour cruise, but apparently there are 1 hour cruise people on the same boat so the boat goes back into the harbor after an hour to drop some passengers off and board others so we decided to get off.  We were hungry so we ditched the second hour.

Restaurant is to the left of us here.

We went to dinner at The Fish Market. We got a table with a view and shared a yummy meal. 

Weird expression I know...shows our table on the water.

After that it was off to the hotel for the night. In the morning we ate the complimentary breakfast which included biscuits and gravy, yogurt, banana, juice, milk, and eggs.  There were other things too, but that was plenty to eat.  We then took a dip in the Jacuzzi.  It was a very HOT Jacuzzi and we only last about 5-7 minutes probably.

We checked out of the hotel and went to the Midway (retired Navy ship) for a tour.  It is a huge boat.  I think they said it held 4500 sailors at a time.  We had lunch at the on board café and then we headed off to a movie. 

We decided to walk to the movie because the phones GPS said it was only .7 miles from where we were at the moment.  It was NOT .7 miles.  It may have been .7 miles if I were flying straight over there like a bird, but alas we had to walk around city buildings and such.  It was a fast walk the whole way and we arrived at the beginning of the previews.  We did work up a nice sweat on the way over so at least we got some exercise in this weekend which was great because I really wanted some ice cream.  I haven’t had ice cream in quite awhile so we splurged at the Ghiradelli store and partook in WAY to many calories.  Good news…we had to walk back to the car so we worked off a few of them.

We then went to the wedding of my husband’s cousin.  It was a beautiful venue and a beautiful ceremony.  The food was good and great company.  We arrived home before 11pm and thus ends the weekend recap. 

If you just read that whole thing I applaud you and thanks for reading.  Have a great day.

 

Inspiration and other things

I was reading through Ben’s blog from 2 years ago and came across a great post.  Here is what it said:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hardest part

Is starting.

And it’s not just about weight loss. I’m talking any form of getting your life together. All aspects.
But here’s what worked for me.

Think about four months ago. Think about where you were. What were you doing? Now think about how cool it would be if the four-months-ago version of yourself decided to start at that moment. Think about where you would be now. Four months of diet and exercise. Four months without a cigarette. Four months of doing life. A lot can improve in four months.

Think about how fast the past four months have flown by. These next four are going to go just as fast. Why not start right now?

This post really spoke to me.  I have been slacking so much in the food department.  I have been allowing myself to eat more than I should.  I’m not gaining weight, but I’m not actively taking control of my food intake.  Where would I be weight wise if I had really set my mind to it over a month ago when I started this blog.  I’m down about 4 pounds in that month.  That’s really sad!  I believe the only real reason I’m down anything is because I took up the 5k in 100 days program and am actually exercising 3 days a week.  Again, if I had added some more exercise in to my week that would help me lose even more weight.  Where do I want to be in 4 months from now??  I would love to be in or near onederland!!  If this is going to become a reality then I need to GET STARTED!

I do have to say that I have gained some stamina from the 5k in 100 days program.  This program is keeping me accountable to workout 3 days a week and before I started it I wasn’t really getting any exercise besides a short 10 minute walk at work on my break.  I did workout 3 of week 4 today and I had to push myself to complete all my intervals.  Today I ran for 2 minutes at a time.  Two minutes sure is a long time when you are a beginner runner.   I’m glad the program has progressed slowly and allowed my body to gain aerobic capacity.  I’m excited to keep progressing.

Tomorrow I head to San Diego for my Anniversary weekend which we put off a week due to a wedding we are going to attend on Sunday night.  We are going to go on a Segway tour of the gaslamp district and a boat cruise of the harbor.  I’m really excited for the Segway tour. I’ve always wanted to try one out.  I’ll be sure to report on it next week.  Have a great weekend!

Weigh In Wednesday

Nothing spectacular to report today. I am only down .2 pounds.  I know it’s because I haven’t done the best I could do.  I still haven’t added in extra workouts between run days.  I have a Leslie Sansone video coming through Netflix.  I’ll add that into the mix when I get it.  It should come in a day or two. I had planned to go home yesterday and do some sort of exercise, but then dinner was ready and my husband suggested going in the pool.  I opted for the pool rather than workout.  I did try to use the water resistance to exercise my arms a bit. Haha

I did rock workout 4.2 today for 5k in 100 days.  I’m doing pretty well with it.  I’m sure our run lengths will be going up faster than in the beginning.  We will be running for two minutes in workout 4.3.  I haven’t seen next weeks schedule, but it’s my bet that we are going to jump up 30 seconds.  Guess I’ll have to wait and see.  I’ll leave you with this picture of me after my run/walk this morning.

Friend Making Monday and W4.1

I went out for my first workout of week 4 and did about 2.8 miles today.  It was much easier without the kids.  I didn’t look at the clock on my intervals today.  I just let the buzzer tell me when it was time to run or walk.  I did have to talk myself through it a couple of times.  I kept telling myself “this is good for you, you want to be 40 pounds lighter by January, it’s not much longer”  My legs were tired by the time I was done with the 25 minute fast walk.  I think my endurance is increasing, but my legs aren’t keeping up.  I mean…I feel like I can run the time, but my legs feel really heavy and don’t want to keep going.  I did it though and felt good afterwards.  I worked up a good sweat too and here’s proof.  (The shinyness is all sweat glistening in the morning sun) :-)

 

Now on to Friend Making Monday

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Girly Stuff

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

1. Do you like to shop? I wouldn’t say that I’m a big shopper, but I do occasionally spend too much time perusing the isles of Target or Walmart.  I can go to a mall and not even look at three quarters of the stores because they just don’t interest me.  I think part of that has to do with a lot of clothing stores in malls with clothes I don’t fit in to.

2. How often do you wear makeup? Rarely.  I used to wear makeup when I was trying to impress my now husband, but he likes me just the way I am so I don’t usually bother.  If I am going somewhere special then I’ll through some on.  I’m going to a wedding this weekend and I’ll probably doll myself up for that. 

3. How do you feel about nail polish? I like it, but I don’t usually wear any.  This is due in part to the longevity of nail polish.  It just doesn’t last very long before it’s chipped and looking funky.

4. Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? I don’t think feminist is the right word for me. I like the chivalry of men and of them being the head of household and such, but I know that I can do things myself too.

5. What’s your biggest challenge as a woman? Probably TMI here, but having to deal with periods and shaving. Haha  Men just don’t understand what we have to deal with. 

6. Do you wear skirts and dresses? Not often.  I don’t really like the way my legs rub together in them.

7. How do you feel about high heels?  I don’t really like them that much.  They are torture devices for the balls of your feet. haha

8. Do you subscribe to magazines? If so, which ones? Not currently.  I was getting parenting and first years, but that was only because I got free issues when I was pregnant.

9. Do you shave your legs/wax/ use depilatory creams or go au naturale?  I shave and go au naturale when I’m being lazy.  (which is often)  I don’t show my legs much so shaving isn’t as necessary when they don’t get seen by the world.

10. What do you like most about being a woman? Hmmm…..Being able to cry at sad things and not be looked at as weak.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And don’t forget to link up at alltheweigh.com!