Weigh-In 9/28/2016

Another Wednesday, another weigh-in.

Starting: 186.6

Last Week: 183.8

This Week: 183.9

Total Lost: -2.7

Frustration is starting to set in.  I have been working out at least 30 minutes every day, most days an hour. My food choices have been great, not perfect, but pretty damn great.  And yet, the damn scale is not showing me numbers I want to see.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Now that that is kind of out of my system, I will stay positive.

As we all know, the number on the scale is NOT the most important part of a healthy lifestyle.  Going with that line of thought, and to keep myself positive and motivated, here are a few non-scale victories I have noticed that past few weeks.

My clothes are fitting better.
I don't have a massive muffin top in my jeans, and my gut isn't straining against my shirts as much.

Looser belt.
I am THIS close to being able to tighten my belt another notch.

Easier to climb stairs.
I have never had a real problem climbing stairs, but I would be a little breathless/breathing harder upon reaching the top of a flight. Now, I can zip up a few flights at a time with hardly any change in my breathing.

Form improvement.
Strength moves are being a little bit easier because I am becoming stronger, therefore my form is improving because I am slowly leaving modified moves behind.  I have been noticing I am squatting deeper and crunching higher also.

Dissipating cravings.
My candy and junk food cravings are super low. I doubt junk food cravings will ever disappear completely from my life, but my first thought after eating a meal is not SWEETS! When a craving does hit, I have been making better choices.  Instead of buying a candy bar, I will have fruit yogurt or a flavored sparkling water.

So even if the scale is not moving, those reasons above are enough to keep me going!

What's Up Wednesday

Double post today!

I have decided to join my first link up since my return to blogging.

It was a lot of fun reading the various posts for the What's Up Wednesday link-up hosted by Shay, Mel and Sheaffer, and finding some great new blogs to read! 

So much fun that I have decided to share my answers and link up!

WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...Monday night, I made this DELICIOUS chicken and broccoli casserole from Yummy Healthy Easy. Simple, tasty, and healthy.  Add it to your menu next week, seriously.

Photo from Yummy Healthy Easy website

Last night, we met friends to play trivia at a local brewery so we just had Quiznos.  Tonight is my stepdad's birthday so we will going to dinner with my parents.

Thursday, I am busting out the crock pot and making this beauty. I have made this before and it is yummy! This time, I bought a smoked apple-wood pork tenderloin so it will be extra delicious.

Photo from All That Glitters website

Friday we have rehearsal and dinner for my brother's wedding, and Saturday is the BIG day and we will be having the wedding dinner and lots of wedding cake :)

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...our anniversary trip to Europe. For our first anniversary in June, my husband and I took a two week trip to Europe.  We visited London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Rome. Monday, I finally transferred all our pictures from my phone to our laptop so we can print an album.  Going through the pictures again brought back a lot of great memories.  I'll share a few with you.

Canal in Amsterdam

Market Square in Brussels

Big Ben & London Eye

View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo 

Neuschwanstein

Platform 9 3/4 at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter set outside of London

View of Rome from atop the Vatican

Ponte Chiodo in Venice

WHAT I'M LOVING...iced coffee.  Even though the temps are dropping, I cannot get enough iced coffee lately.  Hot coffee has NO appeal at the moment.  I'm sure once the temperatures dip into the 40's and lower, I'll be changing my mind.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...Nick and I bought a new house in June and have slowly been making it ours.  The house is only 15 years old, but the previous owners didn't take the best care of it so we have been working on repairs, painting, and decorating to make it our own.

WHAT I'M DREADING...sub-zero Wisconsin winter that will soon be upon us...Winter is coming. House Stark knows what's up.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON... Two things. 

1. Paring down my reading list.  I am currently reading/listening to 8 books!  Instead of picking up another book when I finish one, I just need to finish another I am currently in the middle of and get back down to only 1 or 2 at a time. 

2. Myself. If you read my previous posts, you will see that I am trying to lose some weight and get back to healthy.  Over the summer, I tend to indulge in too much picnic foods and alcohol and let myself go. Working on getting back on track, working out, and cleaning up my diet.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...My eldest brother is getting married this Saturday!

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...I don't watch much TV, but we have talked about starting Game of Thrones.  I have read the books, but have yet to watch the series.  As for reading, like I said above, eight different books :)  

1. Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

2. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

My husband is not a reader and only read the first three HP books when he was in middle school.  He enjoys the movies, and I am an avid reader, so we decided I should read them to him...lol. I had no idea reading out loud would be so tough, but I really get into it and even do different voices for each character :)

3. The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard

4. The String Diaries by Stephen Lloyd Jones (audiobook)

5. The Likeness by Tana French

6. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

7. The Dark Tower by Stephen King (audiobook)

8. The Secrets of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...currently, Pandora in my office.  Also, two audiobooks listed above.

WHAT I'M WEARING...Fall temps have me busting out rolled skinny jeans with my suede booties.  I bought these last year, and only wore them once...wahwahwah... They are so cute, and I vow to wear them tons over the next few weeks!

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...as mentioned above, it's my brother's wedding on Saturday! I am in the wedding party, as is Nick, and it is going to be so much fun! I am ready to dance, laugh, and probably shed a few tears...wedding always get me, and c'mon, my big brother is finally getting married!

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...my twin nieces first birthday, our last big family camping trip to Wyalusing, Fall and Halloween decorations, the leaves changing colors, and pumpkiny-cinnamony-fall smells! 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...It's a very exciting time in my life because...Nick and I are trying to get pregnant! When it happens, it will be our first child. We are beyond excited for the future, but also slightly terrified which is par for the course, of course :) I have already been blowing up my Wee Ones Someday board on Pinterest :):):)

BONUS QUESTION: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOOD...homemade soups, squash anything, and peppermint desserts!

Weekly Goals 9/26-10/2

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Goals from last week went really well.  I had to make a few amendments, but still accomplished everything.

Mon: 3 mile walk & Total Body Cardio

Tues: C25K W2D1 & Upper Fix

1.84 miles 21:02 - So close to 1.85!

15,754 steps

Wed: Hiking & Lower Fix

It rained most of the day so hiking was out of the picture. Instead a did a 2 mile walk in 30:05

16,283 steps

Thurs: Volleyball (2 games) & Pilates

My team swept both games again!

25-9, 25-23, 25-12

25-8, 25-20, 25-16

Fri: C25K W2D2 & Cardio Fix

1.90 miles in 21:00

Sat: Hiking & Yoga

Once again, hiking didn't happen.  We were supposed to go camping with my parents, but we canceled due to rain.  I did get another 2 mile walk in though.

Sun: C25K W2D3 & Dirty 30

1.73 miles in 21:01

My legs were soooo tired after a week of hard workouts so I took this run nice and slow.

Goal 1: Get 15,000+ steps at least 4 days

4/4 days 14,805 average

Goal 2: Log more than 1.85 miles during one of my runs

Only complete during one run, but was SO close on Tuesday

Goal 3: Complete full week of 21 Day Fix workouts

All seven workouts (Total Body Cardio Fix, Upper Fix, Lower Fix, Pilates Fix, Cardio Fix, Dirty 30, and Yoga Fix) completed.

Completing my goals for this week could potentially be challenging.  My brother is getting married this weekend, and I am in the wedding party.  I have going to try my hardest to get all my workouts in, but it is going to be a busy weekend!

Mon: Total Body Cardio Fix & Pilates Fix

Tues: Upper Fix, Cardio Fix, and C25K W3D1

Wed: Lower Fix, 10 Minute Abs, and C25K W3D2

Thurs: Pilates Fix, Total Body Cardio, and Volleyball

Fri: Cardio Fix, Upper Fix, and C25K W3D3

Sat: Dirty 30 and Pilates Fix

Sun: Yoga Fix & C25K W3D4

Goal 1: Run C25K 4 days this week

Goal 2: 15,000 steps at least 6 times

Goal 3: At least 4 days of 21 Day Fix double workouts

Weigh-In

Welcome to another weigh-in!

Starting: 186.6

Last Week: 184.1

This Week: 183.8

Total Lost: -2.8

A puny loss this week, but a loss all the same.

I really thought I was going to see a big change because I have been eating really well and exercising everyday.  I know the scale is not the most important thing in a healthy lifestyle, but it still can be very motivating and/or discouraging.  Discouragement was unfortunately the first feeling I had after stepping on the scale this morning, but I won't let it get me down.  Even if the number on the scale isn't moving much, I know I am making good choices, have more energy, and my clothes are fitting better.

The week is going well so far.  As I said, I have been eating well and getting my workouts in.

Mon: 3 mile walk & Total Body Cardio
3.09 mile walk
Tues: C25K W2D1 & Upper Fix
1.84 miles in 21:02...sooooo close to getting 1.85+!
15,754 steps
Wed: Hiking & Lower Fix
Hiking unfortunately didn't happen because we have had a lot of rain the past few days and the trails are a mess.  Instead, I just walked in our neighborhood for about 45 mintues total.
16,036 steps
Thurs: Volleyball (2 games) & Pilates
Fri: C25K W2D2 & Cardio Fix
Sat: Hiking & Yoga
Sun: C25K W2D3 & Dirty 30

With the extra cardio and strength training I am doing with the 21 Day Fix videos, hopefully I will have a big loss next week!

Weekly Workouts and Goals

Hello and happy Monday!

Last week went really well, and I am happy to say that I completed all of my workouts, and came this close to also completing my three goals for the week.

Mon: 30 minute walk

Tues: C25K W1D1 & volleyball subbing

1.70 miles in 20:01

Unfortunately, we lost all 3 sets in our volleyball game :(

Wed: Hike in NG park

Thurs: Volleyball

We swept this game though! 25-20, 25-19, 25-21

Fri: C25K W1D2

1.76 miles in 20:03

Sat: Stretch

Sun: C25K W1D3

1.81 in 20:01

I also got in a 2 mile walk so I could get in my 12,000 steps for the day

Goal 1: Finish all workouts

Goal 2: Get 12,000+ steps in each day
12,580 daily average

Goal 3: Stay under 1800 calorie goal each day

This was the only goal I didn't complete, and I was soooo close.  On Saturday, I had a couple beers with dinner at my mom's house and I ended up going 18 calories over my goal.  I came in for a total of 1818 calories for the day, wahwahwahhhh.

I am going to continue with the C25K program this week, and I am also going to start incorporating some strength training and extra cardio by doing a week of 21 Day Fix workouts.

My workout schedule and goals for the week is as follows:

Mon: 3 mile walk & Total Body Cardio
Tues: C25K W2D1 & Upper Fix
Wed: Hiking & Lower Fix
Thurs: Volleyball (2 games) & Pilates
Fri: C25K W2D2 & Cardio Fix
Sat: Hiking & Yoga
Sun: C25K W2D3 & Dirty 30


Goal 1: Get 15,000+ steps at least 4 days
Goal 2: Log more than 1.85 miles during one of my runs
Goal 3: Complete full week of 21 Day Fix workouts

Weigh-In

Even after derailing a bit over the weekend, I had a great weigh-in this morning!

Starting: 186.6

Last Week: 186.6

This Week: 184.1

Total Lost: -2.5

I am hoping to be at 180 by October 1st for my brother's wedding so that my bridesmaid dress will fit a little better, and the rate I am going, that won't be a problem.  I just need to make sure I keep making smart, nutritional food choices and keep tackling my workout schedule.

Mon: 30 minute walk
Tues: C25K W1D1 & volleyball subbing
1.70 miles in 20:01
Wed: Hike in NG park
Thurs: Volleyball
Fri: C25K W1D2
Sat: Stretch
Sun: C25K W1D3

Tonight, I have a hiking dinner picnic planned for me and Nick.  It's a date night "surprise" for Nick and I am super excited!

Weekly Goals

Welcome to a new week!

I was a little late on the uptake last week, and did not set any goals, but I did do a quick workout schedule.

Wed: C25K W1D1
60run/90walk intervals 1.62 miles in 20:01

Thurs: Volleyball
won all 3 sets 25-22, 25-16, 25-10

Fri: C25K W1D2
60run/90walk intervals 1.64 miles in 20:01

Sat: 30 minute walk

Sun: C25K W1D3

I was hoping to extend the motivation I had during the middle of the week throughout the weekend, but that didn't quite happen.  We had a get together at our house Saturday evening so they earlier part of the day was spent cleaning and cooking.  I didn't get out for a walk, but I did do about an hour of yard work.  I may have imbibed a bit much at our party, so most of Sunday was spent recovering.  I didn't run, but I did get back outside for another 2 hours of yard work.  Based on how sore I am today, the yard work was still a great workout!

Even after 3 hours of weeding and digging up random, ugly plants, Nick and I still have a TON of yard work to do.  We bought a new house in June, and are just now getting to cleaning up the yard.  The previous owners were slobs and did not take every good care of the house or yard so we have a lot of catch up to do.  The flower beds are all over grown and the hedges and trees need trimming.  We are slowly making progress, and by next spring, it will be beautiful!

Moving onto this week, here is my workout schedule, and goals.

Mon: 30 minute walk
Tues: C25K W1D1 & volleyball subbing
Since I didn't complete the week last week, I'm starting over.  No moving on until I finish the week!
Wed: Hike in NG park
Thurs: Volleyball
Fri: C25K W1D2
Sat: Stretch
Sun: C25K W1D3

Goal 1: Finish all workouts
Goal 2: Get 12,000+ steps in each day
Goal 3: Stay under 1800 calorie goal each day

Winner Winner

Yahoo! We won!

I am in a volleyball league and our first game was last night.  Team WILSON! took home a win and won all three sets of the match.  Great start to the season!

Even though I am only on day 3 of my journey, I am already feeling really great.  I have been eating well, and getting at least 12,000 steps each day.  This morning, I may have peeked at the scale, and I am already down 3+lbs, mostly from cleaning up my nutrition!

Weekends are always a struggle, but hopefully I can keep this momentum going the next few days.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Workout Schedule

Last night, I started C25K because I need to get back into running.  To need to run for my health, and my sanity.

I plan on trucking along with the C25K until running begins to feel a littler easier again.  Right now, 60 sec run/90 sec walk intervals are perfect. 

Here is my workout plan for the rest of the week:

Wed: C25K W1D1

Thurs: Volleyball

Fri: C25K W1D2

Sat: 30 minute walk

Sun: C25K W1D3

So glad to be back!

Starting again, again

Starting over, again.

I have failed at fitness and blogging a few times now, but I keep coming back because I miss it.  

I miss writing and sharing my thoughts.  I miss the accountability.  I just miss it.

Unfortunately, I am coming back about 10lbs heavier than the last time I started over, again.

I weighed in this morning at 186.6.

The 180s are currently the bane of my existence, but I am the only one that can get myself out.

My brother is getting married October 1st, and I am in the bridal party.  Our bridesmaid dresses are a stretchy material, thank goodness, but my dress is still a bit snug for comfort.  I only have 24 days, but my main goal is to get my nutrition under control and start working out again.  

In 24 days, I CAN accomplish a lot.  Hopefully, I can get down to 180 and feel completely comfortable in my bridesmaid dress.

Cheers to starting again.  Starting anew.  Starting.