Here We Go Again

It is time to face the music. I have gone to that place I said (20+ times) I would never go again. The dreaded 200. In fact, it's the dreaded 200.2. What the heck?! You know what? I can't even fain surprise. I saw this coming 3 pounds ago. I can be an unconscious eater which is why it's very important that I journal. I know this like I know the back of my hand. I still don't understand why it's so hard for me to get back on track? All the stresses in my life aren't helping but, that's NO excuse. Today, I'm on a mission (seriously, now I'm on a mission?) to get back under 200. I know for myself and a lot of people hitting 200 is the kiss of death. It's like I don't care if the scale reads 199.8 it's better than 200! What is it about the 200 pound mark? I know I've been saying for weeks now that I would start journaling again but, today I mean it! Nothing like seeing 200.2 on the scale to make you mean it. I started the day off great by skipping the bagel and cream cheese and I ended the day by weighing, measuring and journaling! One day down, 6 more to go! I will celebrate the little things.

AIDS 5K Walk/Run (notice how I'm the only one smilling? lol)

No long run for me this past weekend. Surprisingly I haven't ran since last Tuesday. 6 days of no running is like a lifetime! But, I had an excuse, I volunteered at the Washington, DC AIDS run/walk. What a dreary rainy day it was. I would have ran it in honor of a very special person but, I had maxed out my allowed race registration fee for the month(I need a part-time job just to keep up with all my races). Instead, I thought I'd volunteer. The weather was awful! Rain, cold and sleet! Wow! I was up at the crack of dawn (which is a miracle if you know me). I was so drained by the time I made it back to my bed. I stayed in bed the rest of the day which was a huge mistake. I had tons of homework that was left for Sunday hence, me missing out of my long run. I just could not find the time to run my planned 8 miles. Luckily I got out today for a nice cool fall 5.5 mile run.

So little yet, so hard!

What will it take to get me back on track? Back to counting my points, measuring my foods, consuming one 12 ounce coca cola a week (and not a day)?  I said a few days ago that I was 'okay for now' well, I'm not. It's just easier being okay for now, than it is to get it together and refocus. You would think it wouldn't be so hard for a person who has lost over 100 pounds to lose 20 10 lbs. Oh, but it is! If you have any suggestions please share! I've turned into one of those people I envied when I was 100lbs overweight. The ones who complained about the 10, 15, 20 pounds they needed to get rid of. I use to think...it's 15lbs, it's not that hard! When I first started this journey it seemed effortless. I was very consistent. For roughly a year and a half, I would lose up to 2lbs or more a week. Of course, there were the few weeks I wouldn't lose or the weeks, I'd gain a pound or two but, for the most part I consistently dropped weight. What happened?! I will cut myself some slack, I haven't been totally out of control just not in control? I am not eating bags of cookies but, I am eating one really high calorie, high fat cookie a day.  I think for me, it all boils down to accountability. When I account for what I'm consuming I'm more aware of the amount of food that goes into my mouth. I was talking to a friend at the gym yesterday and the subject of 'bad foods' came up. I asked her, what did she consider bad food? She paused for a while. Exactly! Ultimately she came up with Chipotle but, even that isn't so bad if it's eaten in moderation. If it's one thing I've learned on Weight Watchers it's all foods can be good food (except fried butter, lol) it's the portion size that can be bad. I know it's okay to have the cookie hell, it's even okay to have the fried butter(once in a lifetime!) but, I have to be very conscious of how much I'm consuming. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Wait, I take the fried butter comment back...it can never be good consuming fried butter. LOL! Where was I? I've said it before and I'll say it again. Battling my weight will always be a problem but, it doesn't have to be one I can't get a hold of! I know the real problem is my awful ability to 1. procrastinate and 2. avoid.

Every day I say I'm going to start tracking my points but, don't. Let's hope today is the day that, that all changes. Wish me luck!

Hyattsville Volunteer Department 5 Mile Run

Start/Finish Line

This morning I ran the HVFD 5 mile hill run and it was tough! It was in my neighborhood and I knew when I registered what I was signing up for. Hills, hills and more hills! I've ran those hills before during some of my runs and I'll admit oftentimes I would avoid certain streets like the plague when it's too hilly. Well, today I did not have that option. There is a course and you follow the course...period! Boy oh boy was I wishing I could've mapped out my own 5 mile route back to the finish line but, I digress. I had one and only one strategy going in. Run every single hill and, I did. Okay all but one, I guess that's technically not every single but, you can't blame me for trying, right? :-) There was some walking but, I walked the flat parts and stuck to my plan to run every single almost all the hills. We ran right past my building which was right after hill number 3 and two miles in (a brief flash of my bed entered my head).  It was a nice little crowd. This was their second annual race and, I'm sure in time it will get bigger and better. They gave out pretty nice schwag bags which was great. You got an actual bag with lots of goodies and a technical tee. Not bad for a small 5 mile race. I'd do it again next year for sure! Seeing as how it was right in my neighborhood, I decided I'd run the 1.65 miles back home.

6.65 miles done!

So all in all, I ran 6.65 miles. My mom dropped me off and, I got to see her twice along the course and according to her, she thought she saw me three times (she mistook someone else for me). LOL! After the race, I called to tell her I was done. She goes, you sure you don't want me to pick you up? Nah, I was side-lined this week because of the plantar fasciitis. I desperately wanted/needed to get more miles in and running back home made me feel like Dean Karnazes on a much smaller level of course. This man runs to a marathon then, runs the marathon so you see, I was feeling a little Deanish this morning. Lol!

So now, I'm going back to bed. I have two English papers and lots of Algebra homework due by Sunday midnight. You know you need  a life when the highlight of your weekend is running hills during a 5 mile race (it's a lot more fun than ALGEBRA)!

The Good:
1. Finished!
2. Ran 1.65 miles more
3. Supporting my local volunteer Fire Dept.

The Bad:
1. The first hill that was 3 minutes into the run!
2. I look huge in my photo. Must. Get. Back. To. Counting. Points!

The Ugly:
1. Every hill that followed the first one! :-)

Getting faster, not smaller

I'm getting faster! So, yesterday was my long run and by long, these days we're talking 8+ miles. Last weekend I covered 9.25 miles, this weekend I decided to stick to 8. Overall it was a pretty good run. Because I do nothing early and, I'm a perpetual procrastinator I didn't start my run till 2:40 pm(to be exact). Luckily for me, it wasn't as warm as last week. It did get a a little heated in certain spots along the course but overall not too bad. The bugs were on the attack yesterday. As usual I was a hot sweaty mess and the bugs were loving it or me? I actually ran 6 minutes faster than my last few 8 mile runs (1hr. 32 min.). Getting faster, yay!!! Even my shorter runs are getting faster. My Friday run was 5 miles ran at my 5k pace....not bad! My 1hr 32 running did include some walking. I ran the first 5 miles straight, mile 6 I was checking my voicemail (9 messages...I really should check my vm more often) then, miles 7 and 8 I sailed through. I'm noticing a trend in my runs. Mile 2 is always my fastest mile.  Physically I'm doing well aside from the plantar fasciitis. No knee pain, no IT band pain just this God awful heel pain. I'm seeing the orthopedist this afternoon and I'm praying he doesn't say I have to rest for a few weeks. My runs have been going so well lately, I'd hate to have a set-back. I'd like to be in the best shape possible for the Surf n Santa 10 miler that's only 47 days away. Depending on what the doctor says this afternoon, I'm shooting for 9 miles next weekend. My race time for the Surf n Santa last year was 1 hour 57 minutes. I'd like to shave 7 minutes off that time. Wishful thinking? Perhaps!

The Good:
1. Got it done!

The Bad:
1. The bugs were loving my sweaty face

The Ugly:
1. Did I mention the bugs? :-)

I'm not getting smaller and, I'm okay with that (for now). I haven't been doing too much to drop the weight so I'm certainly not surprised I haven't dropped any. I'm just thrilled I've been able to maintain my 10lb weight loss. As for the last 10? Well, I feel indifferent about them. I'm happy I'm under 200 and STAYING that way!! I did promise myself I'd journal this week. I've been doing this long enough now to know that is key if I want to drop the weight. I've been so stressed and so busy and well that's no excuse but, it's why I haven't been as diligent as I could be. Guess right now I'm  just thrilled I don't look like I weigh what I weigh ( total sarcasm). I'm going to try and do better! On the bright side I didn't buy a 490 calorie muffin with coffee this morning. Small things, small things! :-)


Tri Update: I think I'm going to postpone training for my tri. Life is just too stressful right now! Between work, school and all my other work-outs. There isn't enough hours in the day. But, who knows...I just may change my mind like....next week?

Impulse will be the death of me!

My breakfast this morning was a high calorie, high fat muffin. Clearly I am doing everything possible to not lose these last few pounds. This is what happens when I work on impulse. I was running late(which is always the case these days). Actually, I was running later than usual and couldn't stop for coffee. Once I was in the office and settled, I ran out to get coffee. On impulse, coffee turned into coffee and a muffin.

I took the liberty of highlighting the 'good' stuff. I'd also like to add that is was so not worth the 12 Weight Watchers points it cost me. :( I would love to blame this little splurge on hormones but, this was nothing but pure impulse!

French Toast Muffin:
A moist blend of cinnamon and maple flavors. Topped with coarse sugar and a generous portion of maple icing.

Serving Size (g)	142.0
Calories	490.0
Fat Calories	170.0
Total Fat (g)	19.0
Saturated Fat (g)	4.5
Trans Fat (g)	0.0
Cholesterol (mg)	20.0
Sodium (mg)	280.0
Total Carbohydrates (g)	74.0
Fiber (g)	0.0
Sugars (g)	50.0
Protein (g)	6.0
Vitamin A (% daily value)	0.0
Vitamin C (% daily value)	0.0
Calcium (% daily value)	6.0
Iron (% daily value)	4.0

Bitching, Moaning, Complaining (my apologies in advance)

This is the worse time of year for me. For the last ten years without fail, I've come down with a case of SADS. Yes, I'm a hydrocondriac and no, I was never diagnosed with SADS but.... Anyway, I need sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine. To make matters worse, I'm hormonal. Can you begin to imagine the amount of chocolate I've consumed in the last few days?! For the last few weeks I've been a very naughty girl. I haven't journaled consistently(ok, at all!), I haven't been weighing my food and somehow I manged to find myself drinking a can of coca cola last night while snacking on buttered sourdough toast. Did I mention it was 12:10 am? Yeah, well that's where I am these days. The stress of school, work, money, SADS, hormones and I haven't been getting much sleep. It has not been good. On the bright side, I'm keeping up my workouts and I"m maintaining my 10lb weight loss. I will celebrate even the small things!

So, all is not lost! I got in a 4.5 mile run yesterday with hills(ok, 'inclines'). It was a great run because I was conquering the inclines and running at a faster pace. Plus, once reaching the top I just kept right on running. This is major for me because, hills were not my friend. All my training has paid off. According to my Garmin, I burned more calories than I usually would during a 4-5 mile run. Guess I was working hard? Speaking of hills...I've been having major heel pain. I think it's plantar fasciitis. No, this is not undiagnosed. I suffered from plantar fasciitis several years back. I always assumed it was weight related because, the podiatrist would mention losing weight when he was treating me and, once I dropped the first 50lbs it went away. Well, now it's back with a vengeance! It's extremely painful and I'm scheduled to see the doctor in a couple days. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need physical therapy....again. I tell you, turn 37 and my body falls apart. Actually, let me tell it, my body fell apart at 27. :-)

Going forward, I need to do better. My goal today is to journal every single thing I put into my mouth, good or bad. We shall see how that goes.

'Some people say I am insane for running; I say running keeps me sane' author unknown

The plan today was to run 8 miles. Well, I ended up running a total of 9.25 miles. I haven't ran more than 8 miles since my half marathon. In the three weeks since that race I've managed to run a total of 17 miles. That's an average of 5 miles a week so, I knew before I started my 8 9.25 run that it would be challenging, after all I was used to running at least 20 miles a week. Your body literally forgets what a long run feels like, at least mine does. I can't speak for others but when it comes to running, it is never easy for me, not even a 3 mile run.

Surf n Santa December 3, 2010

Like I've mentioned a few posts back, my goal is to hang out at around 8 miles. This way, when it's time to train for a 10 miler or half marathon the transition won't be as grueling. Speaking of training. I have decided to run the Surf n Santa Va Beach 10 miler!!! I'm so excited! I ran it last year and at the time, it was an inaugural race.The race organizers who put on this race are great! They're also responsible for the Shamrock half which is another fun run. Every participant received a finishers medal, the water bottle I'm holding, the jacket I'm wearing, Santa hats and bells for your sneakers(I opted not to don my hat or bells for the run...guess you could call me Scrooge? lol). This year it will be even more fun than last years race because two of my favorite people have decided to walk the Frosty 5K that takes place before the 10 miler. This way, I get to do something they always do for me....cheer them on!! I'm like a proud mama. Lol! So, back to my 9.25 run. The first 3 miles(like usual) were tough but, it got easier. It was a little warm. I actually found myself wishing it was cold but, it was a beautiful sunny afternoon. By the end, I was thinking...bring it Surf n Santa, I could take you on today! :-) I totally could have ran 10 miles today but I had to remind myself that I haven't done a long run in a few weeks and I didn't want to overdue it and cause myself to get an injury.

I was in the checkout line looking like this!!!

Overall it was a pretty good run until, I remembered on my way home that I needed to stop at the store and pick up toilet paper. Everyone was looking at me funny and I couldn't figure out why? I knew I was sweaty and I'm pretty sure I smelled but, I totally forgot that I lose a lot of salt and once it dries I look like a complete freak--->Exhibit A









The Good:
1. I finished
2. Ran 1.25 miles more than I'd planned
3. Beautiful Sunny Day!

The Bad:
1. A bit warm

The Ugly:
1. Exhibit A , lol

OOC aka Out Of Control!

I'm feeling so much better! That cold was no joke and, it kept me in bed for a full week(my vacation at that!).

I've been OOC!! It all started with the birthday pies. Unfortunately it didn't end with them, in fact, it was just getting started. Life got in the way and I got a little distracted(you can relate, right?). In other words, I didn't bother journaling, counting points or measuring my portions. Luckily I only managed to gain 2lbs. It is so hard to lose and maintain weight loss. I realized a long time ago that I will always struggle somewhat with my weight. For the last year and a half I've been battling these same few pounds. Up, down, up, down....repeat. I even found myself repeating one of my old mantras like 'I don't look like I weigh'. So, why bother with these stubborn 10lbs?! Umm ok, keep telling yourself that Tracey! I got to the point where I decided I may not 'look' like I weigh as much as I do but, clearly I weigh what I weigh. Yes, it helps being able to hide a few pounds but, what good does that do if you're still not happy with your weight? At any rate. I'm back in the saddle! I took a minor detour but, now I'm back on course.

I haven't managed to get in a long run since my half marathon...three weeks ago! That is all about to change. I plan to run 8 miles this weekend. I'll will blog all about it. I'm sure there will be stories to tell. :-) My longest run was this past Tuesday. I managed to get in 5 miles. It felt pretty damn good. Well, after the first 3 miles. The first 3 miles are killer for me. Hate, hate, hate it!

Now, I'm off to my yoga class and boy do I need it!