Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ahhhh!

As Jessica recently said....I'm just putting this out there to the universe. I think I could live in NY. Yes... I might need $3 million dollars to buy a home...but once I got past that I would be good. I love the anonymity of it. That probably reveals a fatal flaw of mine....but it's how I feel. I just love all the people -- but then the solitude of being alone at the same time....which makes no sense to me!

On a completely separate note -- you all need to read the hunger Game series of books! I'm on number two -- I'm totally obsessed. I liked the first one -- but number two!!!!!

Melissa

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

MIles to Go

I had a thought - that will take more thought - but I am putting it out there for pondering over the next couple of months!

I thought it would be fun to plot a "halfway" (or partway!) meeting of our miles.  We would have to look on the map to see where we can get in that distance that would be of interest, but I bet we could find something pretty close to do.  So for example, if you have 525 miles in, and I have 480, and we head in one direction, where would that lead us that we could meet?  (Maybe at the Rump Run in Minocqua - sorry, that one just stays with me for some reason!).

Jodie - we would have to be creative with your miles.  Maybe we'll count air miles by doubling them, or we can add all three together or soemthing, but I bet we could figure something out!

Interesting?

JW 17/1000 (OK - I didn't do them yet - but I'm getting ready to leave right now!)

Monday, January 23, 2012

Hooray For Me!

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I totally hurt my butt yesterday.  But due to the power of the challenge, I went to the Y - mind you, in the past, that could have been a convenient excuse.  But even if I used the handicap arm racer thing, I was going to try!

So I slowly schlep there, and get on an elliptical.  Someone has stuck a random smiley sticker on it that said "HOORAY FOR ME!"  It looked like they had tried to clean it off (to no avail) but I think they should leave it on there.  It motivated me to two (slow) miles and 3 quick ones on a bike.

Then as my winter treat I like to sit in the dry sauna for a few minutes (which is about 8x4).  This hugely obese lady came in NAKED. I of course could never do that, esp not that size. She could not have been more friendly (interreputing my solitude!) so I had to talk to her.  I know - she was there working out, she's confident, etc - good for her.  But honestly, next time you think about blowing off  your workout, just keep that HORRIFYING visual in your mind!

JW  14/1000

I'm In

Aha!  A WW challenge.  I like it.  If I'm going to get a bib, then I'M IN!  Hmm ... we might even have to design ourselves t-shirts - LOL!

You will be relieved to know that I found my Bodybugg (after searching high and low and driving people nuts at the Y) safely tucked in the toe of my tennis shoe.  Glad I can laugh at myself.
I was at a yoga class last nite (cool male teacher I love - he plays real music and rides a Harley) and at the very end I totally pulled my left glute.  I can barely walk. I had to take advil in the middle of the night. So I didn't hit a class this a.m., but I am determined to at least slowly get on a machine for awhile and log a few later today.

Knowing that I am trying to shed pounds, I realize that I have to put an extra effort in to hit my burn for the day.  So I think I am going to count only "consious, exerted" miles for now (not my typical daily routine ones).  Of course I leave the right to modify that down the road! It seems realistic - around 3/day and I know if I bike here or there I can catch up.

I want to know how you are logging it.  I'm all about the paper documentation, you know (like my life size IAT map on my wall!).  I need a fun visual, and the satisfaction of tracking it.  Not sure if I want it to be portable, or something my whole family can see. Ideas?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

New Nike Ad!

"Life is a sport -- make it count!"

Melissa

Why let me explain....

As mentioned recently I started up with WW again....  As part of the package I have access to their web site as well.  I started meandering around looking at the blog postings and then found this "challenge" section.  There was a zillion different ones -- but this one caught my eye.  I actually enjoy walking -- but never allow myself to do it....because I feel like it's not hard enough to count as a workout.  But I haven't done any real workout in months.  Maybe a spin class or pilates here or there -- but nothing of any substance.  So I decided that walking was way better than nothing.  I think I need to get my exercise-confidence back.  I'm afraid to even try now -- cause I know I'm so out of shape.  And maybe...just maybe if I enjoy it, I will keep doing it.  A novel idea....huh?

I purchased a pedometer -- the key to all ideas, as you know includes a purchase of some sort! :)  Only $20 -- just slightly more than a journal.....our go to item in most cases.  I now count both my steps and my workouts.  So even on days when a workout is not in the cards -- I still have the satisfaction of logging a couple of miles.  That continuity helps me stay motivated -- or at least that's the plan.  For example....on Friday we had our company holiday party.  So I was in the office for a quick half day -- didn't feel like there was time to change clothes, go to the gym and then change again.  So I headed to the skywalk and walked for 20 minutes and felt pretty proud of myself!

I of course intend to run again....but the winter sucks for that.  The treadmill is so boring.  So I'll log my miles now walking and slowly transition when the weather starts to break -- say June??? :)

So use whatever method you want to log your miles!  And we can make a pack now --I'll make you a special bib to commemorate the event and you can do the same for me.  Of course -- Jodie....we'll make you one to!

Signing of........Mel

Need to Know More!

I don't know if we're ever going to connect live, so you have to explain the 1000 m challenge to me more!  I am intrigued (I don't have anything specific going on, do I?).  I thought it was "workout miles" - do any accumulated steps count?  So like if I log 10,000 in a day, does that count as 5 miles?  I need to understand the parameters!  I kind of tracked last week, but I only accounted for "workout" miles (so my total is 9).  I did learn that the elliptical is much more time efficient than the stepper (took me 20 min to do a mile on that thing!) - but I need to do it for my Vertical Challenge. I guess a spin class could accrue some miles pretty efficiently.

Are you using your jawbone?  I lost my Bodybugg yesterday! I think I left it in a locker at the Y - I hope it turns up there. Esp since I paid to extend my service for 6 months.

I want to know where this 1000 mile thing came from.  Your head? Or did you read about it in a magazine or something? Is it a cult that I don't know about?  I need to know the origins!

Of course the big question is, what is the PRIZE?  Do I get a BIB?! You know I am motivated by the goal.  I have to be able to document it at some point (i.e, a scrapbook page!)  And how are you tracking?  I thought maybe to put it in my SMASH album seeing as I look at it every day and I too intimidated to write in it yet.

Very busy shopping for scrap stuff on line.  FYI CM has 20% albums this month. Can I count finger tapping towards my miles?

Saturday, January 21, 2012

22/1000 on Jan 21st

Yes friends -- that's what I accomplished this week.  I'm loving my pedometer!  I admit I feel a little geeky...but boy, do I love checking to see how many steps I have taken.  It's a bit addictive -- finally an addiction to something that is good for me!  I'm wondering how we adapt it for you Jessica?  I'm not sure you need another challenge....but maybe it's total workout minutes in 2012????

Also need to say I have been back on WW for 3 weeks -- a good portion of 2 were spent traveling and I have still managed to lose 3.8lbs.  I'm feeling pretty damn good about myself.  Just bought some new jeans -- which I feel the need to recommend to both of you.  Silver brand, Suki fit I believe in a Jegging fabric...so super comfortable.  They even come in a short 29" inseam!  I love them!  Yes they are at my store -- by the way when you're there....please I beg you to buy some friendship bracelets!  Just a shameless plug for my business!

Sitting at home waiting on the snow.....there has been so little so far, I'm starting to miss it. :)

Miss you guys!

Mel

Monday, January 16, 2012

Write Diet

Got a lovely journal that needs some ink?  (I know you do!).  I stumbled upon this book, The Writing Diet (Julia Cameron) and I got to tell you, it is working for me!  This author actually teaches "unlocking creativity" (for writers) but found over 25 yrs, that people also lose weight!  It may seem like an odd connection, but times that I have journaled have been at night.  This starts with "Morning Pages" where you write 3 pages of whatever is on your mind - no structure, etc needed.  Just write.  I started 12/17, and I have to tell you - I made it through 3 birthdays (one mine), Xmas, New Years, traveling, etc and I have not strayed once.  Not a crumb of a cookie or cake or whatever.  Not even tempted, really.  I can't explain it, but doing it in the a.m. keeps your focus and priorities set for the day (it doesn't take long to write).  It gives strength, if you know what I mean.  Try it!

Of course the book goes on with all kinds of prompts to ponder (and write about) or times to reach for your journal vs. eating, but I have to tell you I have not even gotten to that point.  I just randomly write first thing in the a.m. with my cup of tea.  I waited to share to see if I kept it up, and for a month I have.
Losing a pound a week is soooo sloooow . . . but it's progress.  It's focus.  One day at a time.

As a sidebar, I found it ironic how many references we have to eating in our language.  Like "we eat when something is eating at us" They go on and on.  It is kind of funny.  The Write Diet!

Jessica

Thank you

I'm in on the challenge!!!! 1000 miles in 2012!
Thank you i needed a push and this is a big one!

Started South beach last week BUT have not started exercising yet so this will get me going!

thank you again!
Jodie

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Just wanted to announce to the universe...I am taking on the challenge to do 1000 miles in 2012. Between walking, running, spinning....whatever! Started today -- did 3 miles! 997 to go!