Poor Fido

I'm sitting here listening to BEP's 'I Gotta Feeling' and I can't keep still! I have a seemingly endless store of energy and it's amazing! I even worked out at the crack of dawn! I haven't felt like this since back in 2007...when I was a VEGAN. Wondering why? Because I've been eating vegan for the 3 and a half weeks!

Yup, thanks to that rainy-late-night incident in December that resulted in animal remnants being stuck to the underside of my car (it was dead before I hit it, I swear!) I really haven't had an appetite for meat. I would say, 80% of the time, cooking meat reminds me of poor Fido cooking under my car and it makes me wanna lose my lunch. So right after Christmas, I reverted back to an animal-product free (mostly) diet. I can't even begin to describe how great I feel! I don't need my morning coffee anymore, or my afternoon pick-me-up cup! I'm totally clear-headed!

There are many reasons I decided to do this (other than the Fido incident), first of all, I feel great! Secondly, I think I was meant to be a vegetarian basically out of my love for critters. As a kid, I would cry when my mom would bring home live crabs from the market to cook. And don't get me started on how losing a pet would affect me. And then there was that traumatic incident when I killed a moth in my bedroom and couldn't stop crying about it. Good Lord...haha.

I was a little concerned about changing my diet from a mainly protein-based diet to a whole grain based diet and how it would affect my workouts/running. The first week or so I was a little wonky...I think my body didn't know what the heck was going on. It was craving all the protein it was used to having. Then the second week hit and I haven't looked back. I'm able to workout just as much (if not more) than I have in the past and the difference for me is that I still have energy after my workouts--the same workouts that used to leave me couch-bound for the evening! I haven't lost any measurable pounds for the last three weeks, but I'm definitely losing inches. Woot.

My meals are mainly whole grain based (brown rice, quinoa, barley, millet), with veggies, beans and bean products (tofu and other meat substitutes). It wasn't a tough transition, because I've eaten this way in the past. I will say, though, that I've had one or two red meat dinners in the past few weeks and I wake up with a food hangover. Seriously. Holla if you know what I'm talking about...it's like having a hangover, but without the headache. Weird, I know...

And I can't wait to start working out with Chris Law again! I have the Carlsbad Half Marathon next Sunday, the 24th, and my focus right now is on reaching that goal. I'm so excited about it! And once that is over, I want to jump head-first back into my program with Chris. We'll have to re-hash my diet program now that I'm not eating meat...but I'm sure it'll be fine.

I'm off for now. Will try to post before my half-marathon. Will definitely post after. Take care all... :)

Greetings!

Wow! Has it really been two weeks since my last blog?! When I said I was going to be busy and not blog for awhile, I wasn't joking. Haha.

Well...I have good news and bad news. The bad news, is that I haven't worked out. Nor have I been sticking to my diet plan, AT ALL. I've gone grocery shopping only once in the past two weeks. My diet has mainly consisted of Starbucks skinny lattes,  fast food, and whatever someone brings into the office to share.

The good news, is that I haven't gained anything back...as a matter of fact I've lost a little. I'm sure this is due to the fact that I've actually been BUSY. It's not like I'm sitting on my butt -- I'm working, dancing, singing and running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

Today is the last day of Traditions of Christmas. Which means that between this evening and Christmas will be a mad dash to finish shopping and wrapping presents. So if you're at the mall and you see a blur with big hair swoosh by you...it's me...I hope I don't knock anyone over and Merry Christmas. :) 

I must say...I'm looking forward to getting back on track with my fitness plan. I'm missing it! I HAD upped my goal of 170 to the end of December...that's NOT happening. So, I'm hopping back on the 170 by the Carlsbad half-marathon bus. Which is about a month from now. Oy vey! I've got a lot to do between now and then...sweet.

I hope you and all of your families have a wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate! Take care and God bless!

Challenges

UGH. What a tough week this has been so far (and it's only Tuesday). I'm in tech week for the Christmas show I've been working on and that alone is time consuming and stressful. Throw my monthly female thing in there and that makes it 10 times worse (sorry men...I had to share...the women will understand). Needless to say, I've been trying to stay away from people as much as possible to spare them from a possible outburst of brutal honesty on my part. Haha.

Sticking to my plan this week has proven to be practically impossible. And I knew it would be, I had really tried to plan and prepare for it, but I've failed miserably. There are only so many hours in a day. I have NO time to exercise, I'm only getting a few hours of sleep a night as it is and if I cut into that, I'll be a definite grump all day (although I'm sure the exercise would feel good...maybe I'll TRY it tomorrow). I'm NOT eating according to my plan. I haven't had time to grocery shop and don't even have time to grab 'healthy' food between appointments. I will say, I haven't completely fallen off the wagon, I'm trying to do my best with what I have (while trying to satisfy the ridiculous cravings I'm having for chocolate and the like). I'm definitely not drinking enough water, so I'm feeling sluggish and I have this lingering dehydration headache. Good stuff.

I haven't gained any weight, which is good news. I'm really trying to watch my calorie intake. I can't wait for this week to be over so I can get back to a normal routine. I won't let this get me down or set me back. I have to chalk it up to 'one of those life things' and keep on truckin'. I don't anticipate losing weight this week but I'm thankful that the activities I am involved in are keeping me moving. So I'm still getting some calorie burning in.

Gotta get going...busy-busy. I'll blog at the end of the week, once the madness subsides. I'm soooo looking forward to it.

Have a great rest-of-the-week!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays everyone! It's my favorite time of the year! Christmas decorations are up, my cough is barely lingering and I'm feeling great!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I made dinner this year, and it was good! I didn't pig out like I had planned, i just couldn't do it, mentally and physically. I've worked too hard in the last few weeks to blow off everything I've done and my body just didn't want it. So I ate moderate portions and was just as satisfied as I would have been had I pigged out. (And no food coma--BONUS.) :)

As far as activity for the long weekend. I ran a 10K Thanksgiving morning (and thanks to the SDPD, was cut short 1.5 miles...and none of the event organizers could answer why, which is fine, I was happy to get home early to start cooking AND was I kind of sick of running behind a older lady in a TOO SHORT skirt who had most of her butt cheeks hanging out from below--not a pretty sight--on a few occassions I couldn't breathe from laughing so hard at the reaction on the faces of the people she would run by.) All in all, it was fun. Saturday morning, did an hour on the elliptical. (There was an America's Next Top Model marathon on Bravo, and I couldn't cut my workout off at the normal 45 minutes and miss the last of the episode!) Haha. Then yesterday, did a weight workout ALONE. I think I was harder on myself than Chris would have been. I kicked my own butt and I'm hurting today. It's a good thing--the next three weeks will leave me very little time to workout with Chris. I need to know that I can do it on my own and not make half the effort because he isn't there pushing me. I did it--and will continue to do it.

I was up before the sun this morning for a cardio session...that'll be the routine every morning until my schedule goes back to normal. It's a nice way to start the day, I think--no more coffee needed.

It's lunch time and I'm staring down at a plate of brown rice, chicken breast strips and steamed green beans while my co-workers are anxiously awaiting our month-end lunch that will consist of Chinese food (YUM). Am I feeling deprived? Nah, not really. Because I LIKE brown rice, chicken and green beans. (And I had two cheat days this week...I didn't intend to, I just couldn't let the leftovers go to waste!)

I received two different comments from co-workers today about my weight loss. It's gratifying and motivating to know that the choices I'm making are showing. :)

As the next few weeks will be packed, I probably won't be able to blog much. But once my schedule cools down, IT'S ON!

Have a great day ya'll! Stay well!

Day 15 - Prioritizing

I work a full time job, am currently rehearsing for a holiday show (Traditions of Christmas--East County Performing Arts Center--Dec 10th through the 23rd--contact me for tickets :D), am training for a half marathon and trying to find time to spend with friends and family during the holidays. How the heck do I add and EXTRA 6 hours a week of activity into an already busy schedule? (And I won't mention the time it takes to prepare healthy meals...) Talk about stress...my left eye is STILL twitching!

Last night, I came to the conclusion that my half marathon training isn't cutting it entirely as my 2 hours of cardio a week. Why? Because I'm not between 65% and 85% of my max heart rate when I'm running, which is the optimum heart rate zone for fat burning. I normally run at about 90% of my max heart rate and sure, I'm aerobically fit, but I want to incorporate some cardio in which I'm maximizing my fat burn rather than just depleting stored glucose. That's going to take extra time that I really don't have...or do I?

I've really been struggling with feeling like I've over-committed myself. I mean, there are only so many hours in the day and I CHERISH my sleep. I'm used to getting 8+ hours a night and lately I've been sleeping at around 11 and waking up between 5:00am and 5:45am. (Sooooo not enough sleep for me.)

I realize that my health is (and should be) my MAIN priority. I have to schedule a majority of my workouts at the crack of dawn, because it's the only time I can consistently do them. Yes, some mornings I spend more time than I should arguing with myself about whether I should hit snooze again or get up. Yes, some mornings I just don't have the energy and some mornings my warm bed tries to convince me to stay out of the cold air. But when I finish a workout I never think it was a waste of my time--I'm always thankful that I did it.  

Sure, there are times when unforseen circumstances can throw my schedule off track. In those times, I try NOT to think, 'Oh well, too bad I couldn't work out.' Instead I think, 'Okay, when can I fit this workout in later this week?'

Now that I've entered the third week of my program, I'm really starting to feel the benefits of the changes I've made to my lifestyle. I have more energy to get through the day (without the aid of caffeinated beverages). Food is starting to taste different to me. Last night on the way home from rehearsal, I ate some grilled chicken breast strips and steamed green beans. No salt, no sauce, and it was SO GOOD.

The results I'm seeing are definitely driving me to continue on this path. Despite the few hiccups I've had so far, it really isn't as hard as I keep thinking it should be. I just have to continue doing what I'm doing. I still have a-ways to go in reaching my ultimate goal. Right now, I'm 46% of the way toward my short term goal of 170 pounds and 19% of the way toward 145. Woot!

Oh, and by the way, my elbows are all better now. Just in time for Chris to throw some more planks in our workout tomorrow. :)

Day 14 - Getting Back On Track

May I express how much I dislike being sick? Not only does it throw a monkey-wrench in any type of schedule you may set for yourself; it doesn't go away. Here I am, almost a week after my bed-ridden day and I'm still coughing up tiny chunks of my lungs--after having a HEAD COLD. (Someone explain that to me, it makes no sense). Grr.

On a more positive note, today is the first day I've felt 100%, despite the minor injuries from my attempt at running yesterday. No, actually, I didn't attempt it, I DID it, I just didn't do ALL of it. :)

I had to cancel my appointment with Chris last Friday AGAIN, due to a company function that my boss requested I attend in its entirety (rather than skipping out early for my training session). I really hate cancelling appointments and it isn't like me to do it twice in one week (or at all). UGH. But I promised Chris I would take the lifting class at the gym Saturday morning to make up for it. He asked me to text him afterward just to make sure I did it. Thanks for keeping me accountable Chris, I really appreciate it!

I went...and they've change the format a bit from what I'm used to. Rather than working one muscle group at a time, they've started using exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. It was a little awkward, but I got used to it, and it was a great workout.

I stepped on the scale last Friday and was surprised that it said 177.5. YAY! Which means as of Friday I was 8.5 pounds down from the morning I first worked out with Chris. Now, I'm saying WAS because as of this morning, I weighed 179.5. The few extra pounds I'm sure is my body holding on to any extra fluid it can thanks to my little bout with dehydration yesterday. A few days of proper hydration should take care of those pounds. Good times.

I'll be completely back on track this week and I couldn't be happier about it. This evening, when I get home from rehearsal, I'll be stretching for an hour or so (boy, do I need it). Tomorrow morning elliptical for 45 minutes (and a 3 hour rehearsal in the evening). Wednesday, I'm working out with Chris (woo-hoo!). Thursday, I will be running the 'Run For The Hungry' 10k downtown. Friday, I'll see if I can pop into a yoga class at the gym, then Saturday I'll take the lifting class at the gym again.

It's going to be a CRAZY week! I'm going to need all the energy I can muster up to get through it! Gah!

Ignored Notes To Self

Note to self #1: DO NOT attempt an 8 mile run if you haven't run in two weeks. (Idiot.)
Result: One big blister in the arch of your foot, two sore Achilles heels, two very sore legs, one busted right hip and a sweet farmers tan.

Note to self #2: DO NOT attempt said run after a 'cheat' day. (Especially when you don't drink enough water on your 'cheat' day.)
Result: Mild heat exhaustion and serious dehydration that will have on the couch with a splitting headache for the rest of the day--thus causing you to not finish the tasks you needed to complete--which now must be interspersed through-out a week that is already completely packed from when you wake to when you sleep--if you sleep.

Note to self #3: Watch the news as often as possible.
Result: You would have been aware that the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk would occur DIRECTLY on your running path causing you to end your run at mile 6 due to your heart rate sky-rocketing while trying to dodge through the crowd while yelling 'EXCUSE ME' every 10 seconds. (Very annoying, yet very inspirational at the same time. :))

Note to self #4: DO NOT over commit yourself. (Story of my life.)
Result: Stress and exhaustion that will cause your left eye to twitch for days on end. (So annoying.)

Day 10 - I'M ALIVE!!!

Yes folks, I'm back from the dead! Still a little out of it, but if I spend another day on the couch I'll go CRAZY! It's amazing how much a day of rest can make you feel better. I wish more people would do it. I make it a habit of pushing through sickness and continuing on with my busy schedule, which prolongs my sickness I'm sure...it took everything in me to NOT do something yesterday...at about 10:00am I decided I was going to head down to the gym in my apartment complex and hit the elliptical for a bit, but I talked myself out of then when I stood up from the couch and caught a wicked dizzy spell. Wouldn't be a pretty sight to fall backwards off of the elliptical and crack my head open would it?

Later in the afternoon I seriously contemplated going the 24Lift class because I was feeling better and bummed I had missed my Tuesday training with Chris. But I realized the reason I felt better was because I was doing NOTHING. So back to the couch to catch up on a few weeks of DVRed shows. Good call, I know, because I woke up this morning feeling sooooo much better. :)

The one thing that didn't falter although I wasn't able to get a workout in was my diet. I was FINALLY able to do some grocery shopping and get things that I had been needing through the first week of my program. I know eating well is helping my body heal faster and I'm thankful for that.

I stepped on the scale first thing this morning and saw a number that I haven't seen in awhile. I've dipped below the 180's--I know that may fluctuate by a few pounds depending on how much water I'm retaining, time of the day, yadda-yadda-yadda, but I still can't express how happy that makes me, and how it makes me want to push even harder. AND ON TOP OF THAT--my favorite work pants are a little loose, rather than a little snug. Woot!

Welp, lunch break is over, back to work. Thanks for listening to me rant.

Be well everyone! Until next time...

Day 9 - Sickville

Welp, I'm home sick today. My head is a snot-factory and I can't stand up without getting dizzy. Boo.

I'm glad this is happening now because I can't afford to be sick from this weekend until Christmas. Waaaaay too much going on.

I had to cancel my training appointment with Chris yesterday evening. I'm not happy about that, but I think it's best that I rest and try to get over this first. Then I can pick back up where I left off. He was very understanding about it. (Thanks Chris!)

I did get in 45 minutes on the elliptical yesterday morning. I didn't feel good while doing it, but I did it anyway. THAT would be my mind trying to overcome my body. And THAT probably wasn't the best choice, but oh well, it's done.

I'm going to finish drinking my garlic and apple cider vinegar tea (as gross as it sounds, it works) and take a nap.

Be well everyone! Talk to you soon.

Day 7

I just spent the last two days recovering from the butt-whooping Chris gave me on Friday evening. GOOD LORD! I was pretty much worked to the point of exhaustion and it felt great! The good news is that I'm 27% to my first short term goal and I've lost over 4% body fat! What the...? I know, right? In just 4 days...that's CRAZY. It's all about what I eat and following the program Chris has given me. Getting results like that is definitely a motivator to keep going!

Even better news, is that the soreness in my muscles has pretty much subsided. So my recovery time between workouts won't affect my running as much as it did last week. Yay!

I just signed up for the Pure Fitness 'Run For The Hungry' 10K on Thansgiving. That's 6.2 miles, 6.2 looooong miles. It's doable, I ran 6.5 last weekend, and will have an 8 miler under my belt this week, so I'll be okay. It'll be in my old stomping grounds (downtown), so that will be nice. Familiar territory and a flat course is much appreciated. I'm really looking forward to it..I need all the calorie burn I can get before the food shenanigans that will occur that afternoon. I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, it's the only way I can control ingredients that will fit into the 'healthy' realm. Although I won't subject my family to a stuffed ToFurkey like I did a few years ago. I think they'd disown me if I did again. Haha.

I had my 'cheat' day on Saturday. I was a good girl all morning and afternoon then splurged at dinner with friends. Hey, I figure, if I'm good for 34 meals a week, I can splurge on one and it won't do much damage. (That, and I'm ALLOWED to have a cheat day, how cool is that?)

But I woke up feeling like death yesterday (of course, on my only day off for the next 6 weeks). I laid on the couch ALL DAY. I definitely did not feel well, I don't know if it was exhaustion, sickness or that extra glass of wine I had for dinner. I almost lost my lunch a few times (which could have been attributed to the fact that the pasta I ate had been sitting in the fridge for a few weeks--woops). So, I stuck to eating pretzels for the afternoon. I never realized how salty pretzels are...but they were the only thing I could keep down, so I ate them. I'm definitely feeling a little bloated today from all that salt.

I work out with Chris again tomorrow night. I hope I'm feeling up to par...wish me luck! I have a feeling I'll need it. :)