Emotional Eating is raging again....

now the question is how do I handle this? Todays been a bad day. I dont know why, just is. I should be happy. Tons of reasons.

1. Its Friday!
2. 3 Day weekend
3. No work!
4. Sun is shining
5. Only 5 hours left of work
6. Having a good hair day

and I could list more.... Something about when I woke up today I just felt really down. I cant shake it off, Ive tried to. I even was at the point of crying at my desk, why? I don't know because I just felt like I needed to cry. I know I sound like a wimp.

I guess also weighing in at a whole pound down in 30 days was a bit discouraging to. So why am I sitting here 45 minutes away from my lunch break worried about what I'm going to eat. I can see myself turning to fried foods. Because for that one moment, just those first few bites...I know this bad feeling will vanish and in some sick way Ill feel happier. Until after lunch is over, than Ill feel like crap again, 1. from the food I ate, and 2. back to the state I'm in right now.

There I blogged about it. That's what I'm suppose to do. Blog when it gets hard. It feels hard today.

Edit to add: Crisis adverted. I chose a salad and yorgurt. I do feel a little victorious.

The Fat Loss Kick-Start

So the more I read this over, the more I want to try it. I mean I can at least try it right? I think it will be quit challenging for me, but maybe that's what I need right now. I was telling a coworker at work about it and she looked at me like I was crazy. That made me want to try it even more!

I'm probably over thinking it at this point. But if Marcols reading this or anyone that knows.....do I eat just a protein or green every 2-3 hours, or do I eat one of each together every 2-3 hours? Or either or? Also, I'm a little concerned with my training schedule how it will work. The next few weekends will be my longest walking weekends since the 3 day is so close. Probably a couple 18 mile walks. Now I usually bring food to eat, and they involve salty snacks so I can prevent hyponatremia. So do you think its okay to fudge with this plan, like on the weekends allow those sports drink and salty snacks while I'm training?

As Ive mentioned before I have a wedding that I'm going to in 4 weeks. There were be quite a few people there that I haven't seen in over a month or two. It would be nice to be down a few pounds and feel good in a dress. :) I think with that goal in mind, I think it will make the 14 days more doable, or make me less likely to quit.

I'm also worried about after the 14 days is up...I feel I may just gorge into carbs and overdo it. But maybe after 14 days I may realize I like some of the foods I'm eating and my energy feels so great Ill want to definitely keep it up. As you can see, my self doubt is taking over my brain again.

Anyways, time for my walk...catch ya'll later tonight.

Determination...

that is what I had tonight! So after reading Rob's blog I thought, I want to bike. That sounds fun! I haven't taken my bike out yet this year due to walking so much. The tires are flat, but I just figured it needed air. I should have known walking the bike up to the gas station to get air would be a fiasco! But I figured since a storm was coming in, a bike ride would do better than a walk. Ill spare you the details but lets just say 2 gas stations and 2 trips home later I came to the conclusion....I need new tires.

When I got home I was a bit frustrated and sat down on the couch, than saw the eye of the Tiger. Actually it was Grants eye. lol He went out to the laundry mat so I could stay and get my workout in, so I popped in that good ol DVD. Ive been doing pretty good with this one, 3-4 times a week. Its a cardio mixed in with hand weights, and than abs and legs of course. My legs were definitely feeling the burn, those squats are catching up to me. I think Im finally getting down the 4 count pushup :) I cant wait till the day when Im doing "real pushups". And side note: we dont have air....so I think I sweated like a pig...somehow sweating like that makes me feel hardcore for some reason. lol I know Im silly.

After that I made some yummie chicken mixed with veggies over rice. It was quite tasty..although I almost burned the house down when I left one of the burners on and the oven mit was to close. oops. hehe I told you Im a cook in training!

I told Grant about Marcols blog and how Id like to try the, The Fat Loss Kick-Start. He said he thinks I should go for it...it cant hurt to try. He said he will be there to support me, including when I need some tough love! I think I need that. :)

What a nice walking buddy I have...

Bandito :) Since Vinyls toe is still broke, I snuck Bandito out for a 6 miler...except he only made 3. I think he got sick of the honks and whistles just as much as I did. At one point, he looked at me like are these people for real? Definitely not the walk I intended for, but if the rain holds out tomorrow maybe I can get in 6 miler in. Since that little guy is all muscle I had quite the workout trying to keep him in control. We are still training him to walk like his sister, calm. hehe

I feel pretty good about what I ate today. I had steamed veggies with some chicken for lunch, and it definitely made a huge difference getting through the work day. I was really busy at work to so that may have been part of it. I'm pretty nervous to weigh in tomorrow, this morning I was up 1/2 pound again. :( Hopefully I can at least break even, although that will still be disappointing to me.

I applied for this job thats full time job, and am really hoping I get a call back. Ive never really thought about leaving the company Im with, I mean I definitely would like something new, but the company I work for is a good company and has great perks. But it would knock out this second part time job idea (Im still having a hard time finding one). Keep your fingers crossed for me!

My eyes have been drooping the last hour, Im pretty tired so think Ill go spend sometime with Vinyl (shes mad that I took bandito out for a walk and not her) and than call it an early night.

Shorter blog this time I promise..

lol, okay so maybe I was rambling a bit on my last blog entry. See what happens when you don't blog daily? I'm living proof. Although I could probably ramble off like that on any post.

The fatigue saga continued today. I could barely keep my eyes open at work. But when I got home I jumped on (please don't flame me for this one) my gazelle. Its been years since I pulled that thing out, so it sounded a little rusty. Amazingly I lost a good 20 pounds on that thing before. I barely broke a sweat this time. I did 30 minutes and than sat down and sorted through bills. Which than led to a stress headache. While I laid down to nurse my headache with an eye pillow, I said get up girl. So I did. I made some turkey chili for dinner and watched the beginning of the Tigers game.

While enjoying the Tigers game and surfing the web aka catching up on your blogs, I read Marcols blog and thought to myself shes talking about me. So I look over at Grant and he says, are you ready to work out to your DVD now? lol He knows me to well. So I popped that DVD in and feel great about it. Surprise Surprise, my headaches gone. And got done in time to watch the end of the game, where we are spanking those Yankees butt!

When YOU start working for YOU, the results will come. It all comes back to YOU - are you willing to do what it takes.

Are you willing to sacrifice!

Are you willing to eat stuff you may NOT LIKE.

Are you willing to do stuff that is HARD.

Are you ready to face your fears, your weaknesses, your BS, your lies, your truths, your demons, your dreams?

Because when you ARE, then IT will start working for you.

Damn aint that the truth? I need to quit half ass-ing stuff. I think I need to do some more research on better eating so I feel more prepared. Im open for any links you guys want to share! Also what cardio can I do besides walking right now? I don't have access to a gym at this time, and running doesn't agree with my knees. That gazelle aint going to cut it this time around. Maybe I should take my mountain bike out?

My weekend has been just like a rollercoaster....

and all I can do is ride it right? Yep that's exactly what Ive done. I'm getting a little worried that once again my thyroid disease is going to be interfering with my progress. Now I know that can be such an easy cop out. But the fatigue is taking over my body once again. Today while I was out walking I could barely even keep my eyes open and I got over 8 hours of sleep last night. I think every day this week Ive taking some kind of nap, the last two days have been 3-4 hour naps! Ive been diagnosed as underactive for almost a year now, and there was only a 2 month period where I felt great. I'm starting to feel the same way I did when it was at its lowest. Which is when I started to gain weight again. That will not happen again. The scale was up again this morning which is frustrating since Ive been busting my butt the last few days. I am in the search for a new thyroid doctor simply because its been a year and I'm feeling no better and on the highest dosage of meds that I can be on. The drug I'm on is known to stall weight loss so am open to new suggestions. Hopefully I can find a doctor that I feel more secure with, that is looking out for my well being.

keep my eyes open, I was feeling I got some good miles in this weekend. 12 yesterday and 14.5 today. I think I might have seen Robs friend today. One of my friends that is doing the walk with me this year lives out on the border of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe. We decided to walk in her neigbohorhood (after many debates on why I think its dumb to travel 40 minutes to walk somewhere else) and I saw this guy walking alone with a fanny pack..and thought hmmmm Rob walked out here with his friend I wonder if thats him. I know slim chance - it could have been anyone. Anyhoo, Today was a very very hard day for me. I struggled most of the walk. We did a 7.3 mile loop twice. Took a break in between but I think I didnt eat enough and bring enough snacks so my body was shutting me down! Literally it felt like it. It could also of been from the lack of walking last weekend. I had a pretty bad headache, and was nauseous the whole way and just thinking..when is this going to be done. When I got home Grant fixed me up some food and than I took a 3 hour nap and felt better..so maybe it was just lack of food. Its worrying me how my body is going to be reacting on the actual event.

Saturdays walk was much better - but so was the company I walked with. lol I met another walker, Jennifer, out in Royal Oak at 7am - vs walking at 8:45 am on Sunday. I think the earlier can make a difference sometimes. But on the walk Ill be walking all day so I shouldnt even care what time I walk! Anyhoo she mapped out a route for us in Royal Oak, 12 miles total. We took 3 breaks to stretch, pee, and snack. It was raining when we started, drizzling rain, and than it got heavier. But only lasted for an hour so wasnt to bad. I definitely think when I walk with this friend vs the friend on Sunday the walks seem to easier flow. Or maybe I was just having an off day. I know we stretch more which can be crucial at times to make it the next few miles.

My dog, Vinyl, broke her toe 8 weeks ago and has had a splint in. Its been a hard summer trying to keep her off of her foot! We found out yesterday that her toe is even worse than it was 8 weeks ago...the bone was slightly broken which was a slanted line on the xrays. It is now completely diagonal, its like 60 degrees worse than the first xray. So the orthopedic surgeon is going to look at the xrays on Monday and decided if we should do surgery and put pins in her toe, amputate her toe, or just see if it heals on its own. Shes was walking fine on it, but is now limping again. Oy!

And my weekend has ended on such a great note...its really left me in such a happy state. My tiger game fundraiser brought in half of what I expected..and I was really hoping that those fundraisers would help me bring me closer to my goal. I try not to ask to many friends and family for donations since Ive been doing the walk year after year. So I was about $600 away. I was trying to figure out one last fundraiser, and Jennifer even offered to share her car wash fundraiser with me. If I can bring some people by to help out next weekend. Than low and behold a 3 Day Angel decided to step into my life. When I got home yesterday I had an email from another walker I met this year, Sarah. She helped me with my tiger game fundraiser and I helped her out with her games as well. Her friend is on the medical crew and got talked into having this jewelry fundraiser. Well she ended up raising $1500! She isnt required to fundraise a minimum so wanted to share with some walkers. Sarah told her how Ive been struggling this year with fundraisers and her friend donated $400 to me! I tell you, the 3 day community is such an amazing group of people. And once again I am reminded why I am involved in such an amazing event. :)

Eeeeek..only 7 days left....

in this challenge. I still have 7 days to kick ass, but I really thought Id be further along than I am! I forgot how challenging weight loss can be...and than again I really am not kicking into the high gear that I need to. I can say my eating has been not so great, but still better than it was a few months ago.

Ive really been trying to stay focused at work and not slack off on the Internet to much. Right now the last thing I need is to lose my job...although everyone is on the Internet all day anyways. Keeping myself busy like that helps me keep my mind off the stressors that are in my life right now. And I definitely agree with Beck on how exercise is really vital during stressful times. Last night it put me in such a good mood!

Lets talk about last night shall we....you can see what a few hours in my life is like and how much luck I seem to be having lately. I had to pickup my thyroid meds at the pharmacy, so I figure hey I have to get my walk in...so why not walk up there and back and that will take me 7 miles. So off I go. Now I live in a ghetto neighborhood...I live in the the neighborhood 8 mile was filmed in..yeah. So sometimes I get a little paranoid. It was very very muggy, and bugs seemed to be everywhere. So as I swatted the bugs off they were sticking to my sweat. I felt like the dirt guy in Charlie Brown. Except it was bugs. I didn't have any cash on me but have been selling stuff on ebay, so grabbed my paypal debit card. Get to the pharmacy, and low and behold the card expired on 7/31/07. Nice. Since I had no cash I turned around and walked home. Laughing at myself because hey what else can I do? On the way home it was hitting 8pm, and it gets pretty dark earlier now...so ended up walking the last mile in the dark in my sunglasses. I have prescription sunglasses and didnt bring my regular glasses....and than the honking started..the yelling hey nice fanny pack....oy! So it was an experience to say the least. But I got my 7 miles in just under 2 hours :)

Anyhoo...today I got a small walk in but not what I would have liked. Im hoping the rain holds out tomorrow so I can get a good walk in after work. The dogs are both literally in my lap as I type this. They are both 65lbs each and terrified of thunder. Poor babies. They woke me up last night and were curled up right next to my head.

So I have 7 days....and I have to make it my best. I have to make David proud of us newbies and get us in the top 3!

Thanks for checking up on me David :) And the picture of you I was actually seeing was your adorable daughter. lol

And to make it fair Rob...not only did I say nippling...I said penis jello jigglers to! The woman were slapping them on each others faces. lol

Okay time to wash out my color. Shhhh! Some people believe its my real hair color.

And the weekend was....

fun, but unfortunately I'm not reporting the great success David reported. You go David! What an awesome weekend you had :) It was quite a challenging weekend eating wise. But I think considering I did okay. I snacked on fruit where I could, but everything else was definitely not health conscious. Lots of sweets that I nippled on here and there. I kept seeing Davids profile picture in my head and I would put things down..so I think it helped! lol I did a burger one night, and than some chicken bowtie pasta the next. The rest literally was snacking, which can be bad since your just sitting around drinking! Drinking was not to bad. I had two 12 ounce jungle juice while canoeing, and finished off a 6 pack of red stripe the rest of the weekend. Oh and I cant forget the penis jello jigglers. lol

Compared to the other 16 woman, Id have to say I did fairly well limited myself. Not the greatest, but could have been worse. It was soooo chilly! We camped in this cabin, and had a camper next to it as well...but the first night we didn't get a fire started in the cabin or the windows shut so it felt like we were outside. I could see my breath. I managed to get in morning walks both days, but I think it was only 2 miles if that each time. I canoed in the front for the trip though, and that was a 23 mile, 5 hour canoe trip. My arms and legs were feeling it when we were done! So was the sunburn on my legs. I really coated myself with sunblock to! Gotta love that fair skin. Why couldn't I have gotten my moms native skin tone?

When I weighed this morning I was up a pound. But now I'm back home, trying to get back into routine, and getting back on track. I hope I can get that pound off to at least weigh in the same as last week, even a pound down would be nice. I really need to kick it in gear for these last 2 weeks of the challenge!

I do have to say my happy moment of the weekend was I wore shorts. I NEVER wear shorts. Ever. But in the canoe I work my bikini top (with a tank top over it), and running shorts. I was thinking...my legs are looking pretty toned...that walking is paid off. So strutted in my shorts proudly :)

I did have a bad day today, things from my bad week a few weeks ago have sprung up again..and it really is trying to pull me down into depression. Im trying so hard to fight it...but it definitely feels like Im being defeated (becks blog was right on with this) right now. I should have come home and worked my anger, sadness, stress off..but I napped and than we had Del Taco for dinner. What is done is done. Time to put that behind me and focus on the rest of my week.

I now remember how easy it was to gain the weight...a few bad situations for an emotional eater can be brutal. I have to remember to stay alert and beware of everything going in my mouth, and stay in control! Sometimes way easier than said, but I knew this wasnt going to be easy!

Will I survive....

without the internet for 3 days? I may have withdrawls! It could get ugly! tee hee

Ill talk to everyone Sunday night or Monday :)

5 Day Average....and Training Mode

So now I see why those 5 day averages can be better and more effective. Last week my actual weigh in was lower than my five day average...this week I dropped down 3 pounds and gained it back in the last day. So while my weigh in stayed the same, my 5 day average actually dropped down 1.5.

So now I see why that 5 day average is nice to use, and am learning to not let the daily weigh ins discourage me. David really pulled through for us, The Newcomers. Thanks David! You earned that loss this week for sure! You are a true inspiration!

Im hoping that I can pull my weight next week and maybe we can take first! hehe Am I aiming to high? (i can feel a flame from Billy coming on) I actually am heading up north on Friday, which makes me a little nervous about eating and drinking. My sisters and I are going on a canoe/camping trip. Well they are actually my stepsisters, but my stepdad and I are going through an adult adoption process right now...so they are soon to legally be my sisters. And thats how I see them :) They are 20 years older than me since our parents are 20 years apart, and never had a really close relationship. Since Ive been in my twenties we have really started to get to know each other better, and bond. So Im excited for the weekend. Theres going to be a ton of people up there, something like 6-7 car loads. We have a cabin, trailer, and tents. All girls weekend, boy do I need one! Should be a good time :)

The trip totally slipped my mind until one of my sisters called me yesterday. I was suppose to conquer my 17 mile and 15 mile back to back training walks this weekend, and almost bailed on the trip. That seems to always be my problem when Im in training mode. Especially when I get 10 weeks and under till the walk. I really like to stay focused on my walk. But this trip is equally important. So I decided Ill take a break from training walks and bond with my sisters. Ill be back at it next week, and Ill probably fit in some extra walks during the week so Im not feeling to off from walking. When I talked to them they were so excited that I am able to come. Every other year my walk is right around the corner so I cant go....but this year since the walk is at the end of September so its actually a great time to take a small break.

So hopefully I dont fall into the munching, drinking daze some of us can do while we are on "vacation". The canoe ride is a 5 hour one, so thats got to be some sort of a workout right? And Im sure I can find some nature trails to wonder upon :)

Tiresome Tuesday

Im so exhausted today! Last night went much, much smoother than last week at the Tigers Game Fundraiser. Boohoo that we lost. :( This week we had a smaller stand: beer, peanuts, and pretzels so was much easier to manage. And my cash was right on when I turned it in. Looks like we made even less than last week. So I defintely think I may have to marks this fundraiser off as been there, done that. There are many other fundraisers that I can work equal amount of time and make more money. But than again, it really is hard to say though, because one fundraiser works so well one year, and the next it bombs. Either way, it was a fun time yesterday. I didnt get home till after midnight and Im in by 7am...so Im a bit on the sleepy side. My workload today is repetitive so Im litearlly trying to keep my eyes open!

Im experiencing some bloating/gassy feelings....and Im trying to figure out what I ate to feel that way. But nothing out of the ordinary is coming to mind. It may be due to girly time (sorry I know TMI), so I think my weigh in tommorrow wont be the greatest. I know it wasnt this morning!

My body is defintely more sore than yesterday...my butt hurts even sitting in my chair today! I was either going to do that DVD again tonight or walk. I think I may want to take a nap first...although lately my naps are never short. Maybe I can set my alarm and take an hour nap. Im sure the doggies would love that :) Since we worked the game last night right after work they didnt get lots of loving yesterday.

Ive been applying to all kinds of places for that part time job...Im hoping something comes up soon. I just have to be patient and remember not to jump at the first oppourtunity, especially if it doesnt fit what I need/want.

This blog is all over the place...Focus Melis Focus. heh

Walk, Walk, Walk

In the last four days Ive managed to log on 39 miles. Not to shabby. My longest walk was on Saturday and I completed 15 miles, alone. I couldn't find anyone to walk with so headed out by myself. Boy was that a challenging day! I just couldn't find my rhythm that day. I kept looking for it, but it just wasn't coming. From mile 1 to mile 15, it just felt off. So during that time I did two things. 1. Visualized previous 3 day events, especially pictures like the one I posted. Thats the survivors walking in to closing ceremonies. and 2. Coached myself through the entire 5 hours it took me. I am my biggest fan, and that helps. Every mile I was giving props where do. You go girl! Only a few more miles. Woot Woot, Melissa your awesome!

hehe Whatever works right?

Sundays walk was only 2 miles shorter and I breezed right through it. Funny how finding that rhythm can really be so essential on you mentally. 7 weeks until my walk...Im starting to get really really excited now!

I had some pretty small other victories during the weekend to. Twice when I went out to eat, I brought half my meal home. That is such a huge thing for me, because Ive always been that person who has to clean their plate. When I was at a luncheon with friends yesterday I did it without even thinking. When I got in the car, I thought...look at that. Did it without even thinking. :)

Im feeling a little sore today from this new DVD I did yesterday to. I love that sore feeling..it was greatly missed over the last few months...or however long ago it was I last did one. Feels like years. This was a full body workout, so the works. Legs, abs, arms, cardio. Id like to try to do it 3 times a week...its helpful in getting back into a routine. Im sure my muscles are in shock from getting worked again. lol I have a wedding to go to at the end of September and would like my arms to have a little bit tone..that would be nice.

Im looking forward to a more uplifting positive week. I have another Tigers game fundraiser tonight. Im praying it doesnt go as bad as last week. And if it does at least I know how to handle the stress a little bit better. Instead of letting me let one thing affect tons of other small things in my life. I was feeling pretty down in the dumps last week, and all that walking definitely helped. I have to keep that as a mental note. Walk, Walk, Walk. Thats me :)

Stress will not derail me...

Seriously, I feel just like that Zebra. I have had quite the stressful week. Well every week is stressful in my life right now. Im going through a really really hard time financially. (who isnt, right?) I was working two jobs up until mid July. I worked for 8 months like that...well had a break for 6 weeks due to surgery. And it was to harsh on my body, medically. I was having a really hard time with my thyroid and my body was definitely paying a price by me not taking care of it. So I quit. I have to say my health has been feeling better each day since I quit. Im getting the sleep I need, eating better, and exercising more. And the stress of a retail job wasnt on my mind...its amazing how much that can get to you. My day job has everyday stress, but nothing where Im going home stressing about it.

So as my financial situation seems to have gotten worse without the extra income...I have no choice but to go back to a second job. I am being a bit more pickier on where I go, and making sure I get the days I want. 14-16 hours a week, preferably nonconsecutive days. And afternoons or evenings on the weekends so I can still get in my walking. Of course this is going to be much harder going in and requesting such a set schedule so hopefully someone will work with me. Id also prefer to have any job but retail. I cant handle that. Some sort of data entry job would be nice. Im definitely not looking forward to working two jobs again..especially when Im at the level of training I am. But I have to do what I have to do. I just have to look at the big picture and how my stress will feel once I get some of these bills paid off, and more money saved up.

Ive had some stressors in other areas of my life this week to. I had a fundraiser at the Tigers game on Monday, working the concession stands...it was one of thee worse experiences of my life. And we definitely didnt do to well profit wise. Things have seemed to just down spiral from there. No need to cry out all my problems..so Ill just say...this hasnt been the best week. Today we were suppose to go to Cedar Point, and now we arent due to the weather. But I was looking forward to it since Ive had such a crappy week. Oh well. I am still taking tomorrow off, and working a half day today. I think some much needed me time is in order. Ill go home get a workout in today, and curl up on the couch with my furbabies and watch a movie. That sounds fantastic to me. :)

I have a slip up eating wise, last night at my 3 hour trip at the laundry mat...(dont get me started on that one!), but I didnt end up eating dinner since I got home around 10 so I guess it could have been worse. Usually in stressful times like this..Id eat everything in sight. Anything sweet, fatty, greasy, and salty! Not this time. I can work through this. Emotional eating...I got control over you. *sticks tongue out*

Okay my complaining is over. Time to remain positive. No matter what my situation is...I have to remember things really could be worse.

Weekend Progress

So my weekend definitely started off not so great, but I think I pulled through in the end. Friday night we headed down to Comerica Park to watch the Tigers. Going to the baseball game is one of my favorite things to do. Just being in the park, and watching the game live is such a fresh of breath air. Unfortunately there is tons of food that seems to call my name while Im there. And going to the park hungry isnt always the best idea. So it got the best of me. I was a little disappointed that I caved in, but didnt let it discourage me because I was focused on making the rest of the weekend better. I know weekends can be the hardest part, so I try to make good portion sizes rather than limit the foods Im going to eat.

So Saturday I got up bright and early to meet my friend for our 12 mile walk. We managed a 17 minute mile, and finished in 3.5 hours. We are heading out to more hillier trails now since the actual 3 day walk is on the West side. We live on the east side. East is flat, West is hilly. So I definitely felt my legs burning when we were done. After my walk I spent some time with my parents, and instead of shoving the eggs, bacon, and hash browns..I opted for a chicken salad with fruit. Than I had quite the experience Saturday night. Grant and I went grocery shopping and came out to my car that was completely dead. It appeared to be the battery so we tried to get a jump...unfortunately not to many people are willing to help out others, but we did get one person to help. It wouldnt jump. So I ran the groceries back in and asked if they could keep them in a cooler until I came back with our other car. Grant and I didnt have our cell phones and we dont know anyones number since its under their names in our cell phone...so off on foot we went. 4 miles. Hey I guess I walked more than I intended to that day. lol Except grant had on moccasins and I had on flip flops..needless to say our feet were a little sore when we got home. When we got back up there..the battery was shot, so we bought a new one (how convenient we were at Meijers), and finally headed home. But oh the groceries....they lost them. The guy who put them in a cooler left for the day, and they couldnt find them. So I had to reshop. I got half way through reloading my basket..and saw a walk in beer cooler...i thought hmmmm. Sure enough, there was my basket of paid groceries. So finally we headed home. All we could do is laugh on the way home. What a night!

Sunday I was meeting another 3 Day walker in Royal Oak, and Deb (my friend who I usually walk with) was going to meet us. Well she got chafed really bad the day before and cancelled at the last minute. She had a huge welt on her leg. I said, Body Glide, Body Glide, Body Glide... you cant live without it on the 3 day! To my surprise she ended up coming. I proud of her for pushing through :) The woman we met mapped out a nice walk for us through 4 different cities. We did 11.5 and took us a little bit longer, since it rained 80% of the walk. We headed to a family bbq when I got home...and I was falling asleep at the party so we called it an early night. I was in bed by 8:30. heh

Now that Im walking more..I definitely need to eat a little more. I thought I did good eating wise on saturday and sunday, but think I was so sluggish due to not enough food. Ill have to figure out what a good calorie range to aim for is...especially when Im walking for 3-4 hours a day.

All in all..I feel like I had a pretty good weekend :)

Measuring Up

So I took some pictures today, and also took some measurements.

Height: 5'4"
Weight: 162
Size: 12
Waist: 37
Hips: 39
Chest: 36
Thigh: 26
Arm: 12

Ill have to look online to see where chest actually lies when measuring...

Now I have a starting point. I'm really excited about this challenge. When I joined ediets a few years ago the thing that helped me the most was challenges. It just helps motivate me. And now that I have a partner, with a very cool first name, I am accountable for someone else. So hopefully I don't let her down! I'm hoping to lose 10 pounds this month. And going to try my hardest to reach that. But Ill be happy with 8 as well. I have a lot planned this month that could derail me, but I have to stay on track!

I'm glad I joined this group. Its taking a little bit to get use to the format, but this group is just what I needed. I'm glad Kristen told me about it. (and i get the bonus of talking to Kristen daily!) :-)

Eating Dinner WAY To Late

Morning Weigh In : 162 lbs.
5 day Average : N/A
Calories Consumed: 1739

I like the format some others are using on their daily posts. The calories posted will defintely help me feel more accountable. Im more likely to skip that last snack. Which leads me to late dinners... I tend to eat dinner 8pm or later. And seem to be going to bed around 9:30-10:00 pm. I know Im such an early sleeper. What can I say, I love sleep. I can try to blame it on my thyroid disease, but overrall...I love to sleep. Anyways, so I find myself eating way to late. Mostly Im out walking and get home late, or I just forget to eat till late. Unfortuntely for me, but fortunate for him...my boyfriend Grant can eat anytime of the day, and pretty much anything he wants.

Grant's metabolism is so high, that it seems like he burns fat every mili-second. Hes 6'1" and weighs about 150. Yeah. So here I am gaining weight just watching him eat! lol I do have to say that he has become more healthy concious in the last couple years, and he tries to make healthier meals when he cooks. I love him for that. Now that he is reaching 30, I think his metabbloism is slowing down. He has slowly started to gain weight, and has even talked about joining a gym. That would be awesome. :) The last few times he suggested things for us to do, they have been active activties. That makes me happy to. Maybe one day we can be those fit couples I always see out walking, jogging, biking, etc. So ultimately I am responsible for me, and only me. No one forces me to eat anything I dont want. So another thing to work on...make sure we are eating dinner at early time. :)

But last night Grant took on laundry duty, (our washer broke so its laundrymat time), and I stayed home and did a video. Tighter assets. And yes I felt my butt and thighs burning. But Im not to sore so maybe I didnt do as much as I could have. I should of went for a walk or jumped on my gazelle (the only machine I have at home), but nope I popped in a movie. Why did that still feel lazy to me? Although it felt like I sweated off a few pounds (we only have air in our bedroom). So didnt eat dinner till the movie was over at 9. Doh!

Tonight is 6 miles. I cant find a walking partner so I think Ill knock up my speed so I burn a few more calories.

Edit to add: Reading Kevins comment I wanted to dig more into this...increasing my speed on walks is increasing my heart rate which is why I would think it burns more calories..is that incorrect? My normal walks are usually not that intense. Just long. Since that is what the event Im training for more endurance so I can last walking 8 hours 3 days in a row. So when I train with others walking, it feels more like we are walking at a moderate pace, instead of a trying to lose weight pace. But I guess since we are walking at a moderate pace for a long period of time, that would be similar to walking faster a shorter amount of time?

Eat When Im Hungry, Stop When Im Not - what a tug of war

Yes, that is exactly how I felt last night. Tug, Pull, Tug, Pull. Ive read about this, how you should really eat when your hungry, and stop when your not...easier said than done if you ask me. I really need to listen to my body and see what it truly needs. Being a snacker and emotional eater...its very easy to get wrapped up in mindless munching.

Last night I went out for my walk. I met up with some other 3 Dayers, and got in 6 miles in about 2 hours. Walking with other 3 dayers is really helpful because you get to talking about the 3 Day, fundraising, training, etc...and you really dont keep track of time. One guy I walked with is doing all 12 walks this year. They are all over the U.S. Its definitely inspiring listen to his travels, and fundraising efforts. It was so freaking hot out. The temps read 91 degrees when we were out there. And that was when the sun was going down. It actually didn't feel that hot till we got to walking, and than the sweat dripped. So I definitely got that sweaty workout I was looking for. I was literally soaked when I was done :)

Now back to my tug of war, (as you can see I can ramble on) so before I left for my walk I popped a smart ones in the microwave. The quesidilla, which was quite tasty. And figured I could grab a bowl of cereal or something when I got home. Nope. Grant, (the love of my life hehe), decided to order a pizza when I got home. I said, that's cool..I'm just going to eat a bowl of cereal. I should have known better. That pizza came, and the smell took me into a trance. So I said well Ill have one piece. So I had one piece and tried to eat it slowly since another one of my downfalls is eating to fast. And when I was done, I stopped and said...hmmm are you still hungry? And I immediately thought but it tasted so good, and smells divine..well Im not full. So grabbed another. DOH! As soon as I was done with that piece...I thought omgosh, I'm stuffed. Yep I surpassed the I'm not hungry, to I'm completely full. Mission NOT accomplished! Chalk it up to another lesson learned.

So the lesson I learned yesterday - (besides that I'm obsessed with food), there really is a difference eating when I'm hungry and stopping when I'm not. Now if I can just find that happy medium point I may just be able to win this tug of war!