Re-Calibrating!

As usual I am gearing up for a trip to NY and Toronto....then home for the weekend and off to Mexico (work trip).  I'm doing much better than 2 weeks ago when I was leaving on my last crazy journey.  Then I am back for most of June and all of July -- woo hoo!  That alone makes me want to celebrate.  I am thinking long and hard about what is next for me -- primarily from a physical perspective...but you never know.  I think there is a transition coming for me....still need to understand what that may be.  Could be a perspective or could be something more literal....so stay tuned as I work through that.  I loved your card Jessica.....the caterpillar dies and the butterfly is born.  Oddly enough I almost bought a journal with very similar words on it.

Had a good week from a workout stand point -- this week will be challenging as usual.  But I am not afraid!  Jessica -- when is your dirty girl thing?????????

Thinking about both of you and hoping all is well and there is optimism in the air and in your hearts!

MM

New Beginnings

Spring season, new quarter, new month . . . whatever you want to call it, the time has come (for me) to stop fooling around! Tomorrow I am starting on the So Beach "protocol" so wish me luck! I have two weeks of menus/shopping lists laid out so I am ready to go (of course I start the journey headed to NY, but that is my life!). I have 12 weeks until our vacation (first to Houston for my sister in law's shower, then straight to Montana family trip). So my goal - I am stating it here for all to see and keep me accountable - is 15 lbs. Of course the exercise goes without saying anymore (how weird is THAT statement?!)

Queen Fu (that is what Sam calls me lately. He is a Ninja warrior).

Thank you!

I'm in a crazy place......  Thanks for the kind words Jessica and the encouragement.  And Jodie thanks again for making the call of intervention.  Who knew the people at the suicide hotline would call you -- now that's customer service! :)

Me experience in Portland goes beyond what I can explain in this blog -- at least at this stage.  I feel like I had all these things exposed -- some of which I expected and many that I didn't.  It has made me feel weak, humble and yet hopeful.  I'm not sure what it all means -- but hopeful that I will find a way to live my life in a more true way and with greater sense of who I am.

What I will say here is that I truly need friendship -- I need to care deeply about people and I need them to care about me in the same way.  I need to be loved and need to take the time to love others.  Not just communicate -- but feel.  Posting that sad note and having both of you reach out to me in your own way is so much what I needed.  Thank you sincerely -- you help me to know that I matter.  Jessica -- I know you are probably wondering what the hell is going on with this Portland thing.  This Strozzi thing is like soul-searching on steroids.

Enough for now -- just needed to air some of this emotion.

MM

3 Degrees of Sep

I have one other thing to share . . . Doug (who I mentioned is training like a maniac) challenged his brother and sister to do the Disney Half Marathon in Jan. Connie is interested, and Brian (who is now 50) did not say "no." I'm sure I'll get roped in to it - Disney is not my first choice to run again, and besides I already did a half in FL! If I want to do a half in half the states, I need to move on . . . then again, at my pace (one a year) I'll be pusing 70 with that goal, so I might as well just scratch it right now. Anyhow, my point is that if Melissa had not ludicruously challenged me three years ago, I would not have rubbed off on Doug, who is now passing it on to two more people. See how contagious you are? The streak continues . . . Jessica

RELAX!

Melissa! No guilt allowed! Just relax! That's why we work so hard 90% of the time - to be able to indulge and relax on occassion. You look amazing, ten yrs younger than you are, a successful career, and own prada shoes! Frankly, I am surprised that you are not an alcoholic with how much stress you have - work, travel, worrying about your Mom and self-induced perfectionist that you are. I'm glad you unwound and had a few glasses of wine - you not only need it, but definitely deserve it! Just land in Portland, remember the last time you were there (?) and ran your PR half and drank lots of good wine! Hopefully when you get back, spring will start arriving and the world will be good again. You know how to fix this - GO SHOPPING! I'm serious - I just made a trek to Dick's (for work technically) but OMG -the new running lines are so much fun. Neon colors, dots, stripes, tye dye, crazy prints - Nike looks amazing. A new outfit always brings the MoJo back! "Each day begins with new strength, resolve, and spirit." No looking back! RELAX and ENJOY! JW

Mojo needed......

Whoa is me.....  I have had a rough week.  Work was more out of control than normal and honestly sucked out every ounce of energy I had to give.  Then a freak snow storm hit Friday night into Saturday morning -- causing me to cancel my long run, then an extra fun Wine party now makes me not want to work out today.  I ate bad this week -- trying to counteract my misery from being overwhelmed at work....we all know how effective that methodology works.  So now I'm in a slump.  Also leaving in a few hours for Portland, then Dallas on Tuesday and Indianapolis on Friday to see my Mom.  God help me.........

I literally feel emotionally distraught about all of this.  I'm getting tears in my eyes as i type this.  I hate this feeling of being out of control  -- kind of like I don't even have the energy to try.  Sorry to unload on everyone -- but I'm feeling pretty darn sorry for myself and I need to tell someone.  I'm trying to remain calm and just move forward.

It was good to hear the positivity in everyone's posting -- I will think about how I renew myself and get back on the wagon.

Thanks for listening!  MM

Re-energized!

Hello People! So I went the day of your Post to the library and got a So Beach book. The concept is very similar to many other books I have read, so I'm all over it! I need a new "structure" (if that makes sense) - not WW, not track protein, etc. It's all laid out and easy to follow. So I ordered the book (and a cookbook). I didn't want to start immediately b/c we are gone next week for 10 days when I won't have complete control, so I figured I will still be as cautious as I can and then start fresh after break. Thanks for the mojo! You know how we all touch other people? So Miranda's new "streak" (totally on her own) is to "touch a basketball every day." She has decided that is her sport ("today" at least, you know how that goes with tweens). She has been at it over a week, so I am proud of her! We are just creating streakin' fools! J

New Day!

Thanks for the tips, ladies! I will get my food scale and cups back out; and work on upping the veggies (I also read that Jodie - 9 servings a day). Maybe that will "rev me up." And I brushed off my journal - I'll log it all honestly to see if they can figure something out. I realize it is a function of calories in and out so it shouldn't be so complicated, and I've got the OUT figured out I think! BTW, kudos to Tim - I know he has been a little sporadic over the years (back or whatever his explinations were) so I am so happy we have touched another life! His golf game will improve! Doug is working towards a tri this summer, and wants to run a full before 50 (nut - he has knee issues, but is bullheaded!)

diet

Jessica I have lost weight on the south beach diet. Some of my best practices for dieting is preparing my food on sundays. I cook chicken, hard broil eggs, and cook alot of vegetables. some of my favorite vegetables to cook are roasted califlower, sweet peppers, small tomotoes. (425 degree for 15 minutes) I steam big bags of string beans and brocolli. Also i make a big salad for the week and put it in a big glass bowl with plastic wrap on it. (this keeps it flesh for days) It usually takes a few hours but really makes a difference on what i eat throughout the week. I bag all my food in small lunch plastic bags and have it ready to grab. All my other snack are bagged in 100 calories portions so i control my calories. I read somewhere that women over 45 need to eat 9 portions of vegetables a day. I drive alot in the car and eat my vegetables as snacks when i drive. Hope this helps you. Jodie

I'm so inspired!

Wow --  let's just bask in the glory for a moment.....3 women, with families and careers, 45+ years old and everyone has got this workout thing figured out.  Are you aware how many people would kill to be one of us????  Do you know how many people our age or with our busy lives can't imagine working out 4-7 times a week?  How many people do you know who fit this bill???

Jessica....I would love to spend a week with you, observing what you eat.  I just can't believe you can't lose weight.  I do recall it was a slow process for you when we were doing it together.  But it's not physically possible to stay the same if you are burning more calories.  So something is a miss -- but not sure what.  You are working with professionals so I'm not sure what advice I could add.  If I had to guess -- I would say portion control.  I feel for you -- it is so frustrating to not lose weight when you are trying so hard.

Jodie -- how cool that you are getting so comfortable at the gym.  And I very much agree -- a friend helps a lot.  So sad mu running buddy is moving to Milwaukee this fall.....perhaps another connection for Jessica! :)

Checking on an Aikido class this week....not sure if I can get in -- but it's on my list.  I'm intrigued by the whole martial arts thing!

P.S.  Tim is also "streaking" in his own way.  He has worked out 5 days a week since the beginning of February!

MM

NEED NEW HELP!

OK Peeps . . . you know that I have been quite dedicated to the streak (which by the way, I did get up early before Denver trip, I felt great all day, and did score an order from TSA! Of course I was exhausted all the next day ...). There are all of the obvious benefits to this project: I know my heart is healthy, that I a flexible, mood, yadda yadda - but to be honest my mission is to lose some weight! Do you think the scale has budged ONE pound? NO! I lift weights with a trainer 3 x most weeks, and have gained over 12 lbs of muscle so I know that I am stronger (I leg press almost 600 lbs for pete's sake!) but no total weight loss. I still wear the same size clothes. My thyroid is fine (I just had it checked). I sporadically food journal (my trainer looks at it) and work hard on veggies and protein choices. What is the problem?! Even Miranda lost 5 lbs already. I hiked 5 (hilly) miles yesterday; biked (hilly!) 8 today. I feel good. But think how much more I would enjoy it if I was 20 lbs lighter! So, knowing you have both successfully lost weight, I need some ideas of something new to focus on to lose some poundage. The exercise I got down - I need another element that is going to work on this old body! HELP! Jessica

no turning back...

This has been a Good week for me because I stepped up my workout. I now have a friend training me for the 10k and she has me doing planks, sitting ups , working on the machines at the gym and even running on the trend mill. Can you believe this? Next week goals are to learn the circuit at the gym and start running at the track. It really helps to have friends who will help coach you and train with you and who will not let you use the word "Can't". I knew once i signed up for the 10K there was no turning back. Advil is becoming my friend these days! Hoping to find that thrill that the both of you talk about!!!! Jodie

London Calling.....

I made it home last night around 8:30.  I just need to own up to the fact....the streak is over for me.  I am working out a lot -- but not everyday.  I need to balance my mental health with my physical health.  Still working out probably 5 times a week -- but the travel is just too much.  Walked like crazy in London and Barcelona.  Then ran 8 miles this morning at 7am on a Saturday after a Europe trip.....I think there are extra points for that.  I might add had probably my best ever avg. pace for a 8+ mile run.  So all the working out seems to be paying off.

I think the mud thing you are doing -- sounds very similar to the races Jessica and I have signed up for to.  But a 10K will be challenging with the obstacles.  Good for you!!!!  You are going to get the addiction -- sounds like you are starting to get it now.  Is your daughter going to do it to?

I'm going to call you tomorrow Jodie -- we have a lot to talk about!!!!!

MM

Call me crazy!

Hey guys, Looks like the both of you are still dedicated to your commitments. Great! Well yesterday I kicked my commitment up because I was tired of not commiting 150% of my energies to fitness and life. I signed up yesterday for a 10K Mud Run for MS for June 11th. It's a run and obstacle course. Call me Crazy but i needed something to kick me in the butt. So last night i started training for this event. Walking, running, ab work and planks. OMG!!!! Yes melissa i did 4 plank sets and sit ups! I have a friend who does training and offered to train me, so now i can't back out. I convinced 3 of my friends to do this event with me so it should be fun!!! Look up the website and sign up for one in your area. Last week's vacation was great! I did not go surfing because i bang up my knee horesback riding the day before. Did yoga 3 days, walked and did kayaking. Active week but i still found time for the spa 4 days and drinking! Beautiful place! Looking forward hearing from you guys. Jodie