Back on my feet

 

A lot has changed since my last entry...5 years, 2 houses, and 2 kids later, I'm back. Back to blogging and back to being overweight. When we last spoke (wrote? read?) I was on track to getting my health in order. I was working out, eating only moderately bad, and generally happy with how life was going. The husband and I bought our first house in 2013 and had our first child in 2014.

My body didn't bounce back immediately after baby #1 but it didn't completely betray me either so I tried to get healthy again, watching what I ate and working out. It took a whole year before I felt normal enough to go back to the gym -- I got a new job, got into a new routine, and began working out with a personal trainer...at 5:30 in the morning. But about six months later, and after ringing in the new year (2016) we found out we were pregnant with numero dos (I say we, but let's face it - I did all the work)!

While I felt emotionally ready, my body wasn't ready for baby #2. The pregnancy was wildly different from the first: terrible morning sickness for nearly half the pregnancy, no sleep after the first trimester, and it felt like someone had been kicking me in the crotch 24/7. Luckily, I gained little during this time but since I was still trying to lose the original baby weight from baby number 1, my little weight gain was still a lot. Breastfeeding didn't help much with weight loss and the minute the babies went full-formula, the weight just started to pile on.

So here I am again...well over the weight I was when I first started blogging. Yes, I've 2 babies. Yes, the stress of taking care of aging parents, maintaining a household, a marriage, a job, my sanity, etc all contribute, in some way, to the weight gain. But I'm not the first to have a baby. Or two. I'm not the only one in the world taking care of aging parents and stressing about finances. I'm not the only one on the planet to experience stress from a job while trying to not lose sight of her partner, her sanity, and keep up with her water intake.

Things may be a little more difficult this time around due to the extra time spent commuting/working/spending time with kids...but that can't stop me. I've got to keep my eye on the prize. I've got to get to the point where I'm comfortable in my own skin, regardless of the number on the tag of my jeans. I've done it before. And I'll do it again.

Pushing the Limit

 

 Brace yourself...this may be a long one.

Fall is in the air. Growing up, I hated fall because it meant the onset of cold weather and school. But as an adult, I finally understand why Fall is some people's favorite season. It is quickly become mine. The air is crisp, there is pumpkin flavored everything, and the humidity has disappeared. But on the flip side, the days are getting shorter, the mornings and evenings are getting colder which makes working out outside much more difficult.

Last week, the hubs and I "cashed" in our Groupon and started our month of bootcamp.  It had been over a month since we had done any strength training so the first day was rougher than I imagined. My muscles forgot how to do push-ups, sit-ups, and everything other than standing and walking (and even then it got shaky). After day 1, I could barely walk, sit, or breathe without experiencing any pain. After days 2 and 3, all my movement was severely limited. After day 3, I was glad to take a break. We took lots of walks (and even a short hike) in the following days.

Yesterday, we got back to bootcamp. We did lots of leg workouts but my since my muscles were awaken from their deep slumber, the soreness today is bearable. But today's workout was really pushed me past my limits. Today was our first run day. I had a feeling it was coming but I was not mentally prepared for the amount of running I had in store. When we first started, I imagined that we would run and then loop back to our starting point i.e. run in a full circle. I thought we'd run maybe 2.5 miles and then do something else. I was really wrong. We ran and ran and ran until I thought my legs would give out. THEN the instructor told me "OK, turn around and run back." EEK! By the time he told me to run back, I had done over 2 miles and my feet were killing me. But I ran more than I ever thought I could. I am really proud of myself. I think I ran close to 4 miles and walked about 1. The idea of running with a pack really does help me push through the pain that courses through my body and just push on. But I know tomorrow my legs are going to punish me for working them so hard.

As if the workouts weren't enough of a challenge, Jay and I have decided to make a change to our diet. Despite the warnings advice from my co-workers, we are trying to go gluten free (at least for this week). We started yesterday and I'm already ready to quit. It's amazing how difficult it is to cut out gluten. It's hidden in places I would have never imagined. After our workout yesterday, we got finished late and were starving so we went to PF Changs. We asked them if they had a gluten free menu and the cashier handed over a menu the size of an index card. Their gluten free menu literally had only 6 dishes listed! While it's really hard, I know it'll be worth the struggle. I don't think I could do it forever, but I think it'll really push me to be more aware of what I'm putting into my body.

OK, it's late, my muscles ache and my eyes are getting heavy....good night!

 

Run Bunny Run!

I. AM. EXHAUSTED.

Funny considering I'm writing this entry at 11:30 pm. I probably should be sleeping but I'm too tired to fall asleep now. I was falling asleep all day and tried refueling with caffeine. Now that I can lay in bed, I'm can't fall asleep. Go figure.Warning: this may be a long one and I apologize if it doesn't make sense...

Well, I am happy to report that I can finally cross off a goal from my list. Back in June, I signed up Jay and myself for a 5K, thinking we had plenty of time to train. We did have enough time but didn't really make the time to actually train for it. As the 5K approached, we would sporadically go for a "run" but didn't clock our time or pay close attention to our pace.

Let me preface by saying that on Thursday, I took a Body Combat class at the gym. It fulfilled my goal of one new workout a month. It was fun - martial arts and kickboxing. We did a ton of kicks and punches. As a result, my body felt pretty beat up yesterday and stiff this morning. So I was nervous that I may not have been able to finish the race. But I sucked it up and at 8 AM we gathered around the starting line and went for it.

My ultimate goal was not just to finish, but to not finish dead last. Luckily, I beat that goal :-P Jay and I started running for as long as we could - we got about .7 mile before we started to walk. May not sound like much but when we run on the track, we're tired after .25 mile. We would walk a little and then run again. I would say, we ran at least 1.5-2 miles, more than I've ever run in one go. When we first started thinking about running a 5k (earlier this year or sometime last year) my goal was to run it in 40 mins. Today, I crossed the finish line at 40 mins and 33 seconds. I know it's slow but I ran so much more than I thought I could.

Ultimately, I'm really proud of myself (and Jay). I'm so happy we decided to do it and actually followed through with it. At the end, my shins were killing me, my feet were dead, and my legs felt like jelly. And even though I still don't love running, I fully plan on doing another 5K in the future.

Busted Can of Biscuits

Wow, I don't think I could have found a more perfect picture for today's blog post! Although I wouldn't say "skinny"...

OK, is it seriously almost September?! Where the heck did summer go? Where the heck has this year gone for that matter? Yikes. This month started off really great but is ending not so hot (in the general health area).

For the first two weeks of August, I was doing AWESOME. Jay and I used our LivingSocial voucher for one month of unlimited Bikram classes. The first class was rough, really rough. I wanted to run out of the class and never look back. It was hotter than I had anticipated and even though the moves weren't more difficult than the Vinyasa yoga I've done in the past, I had a hard time completing each move. It didn't help that the first class we took was with a seemingly nice (outside of class) but Nazi instructor. But we perservered and for the first 2 weeks of August, we went 4-5 times a week. I wasn't losing a lot of lbs but was feeling great and my clothes fit better.  I was also feeling more rested, calm, and centered.

Then Jay and  I decided to "buy" a townhouse condo. We put down a contract on some new construction and it was accepted! So for the last 2 weeks we've been busy with work and appointments with our realtor, the design center, and the sales people for the condo. While I'm excited about the prospect of homeownership, all the stress is starting to take its toll. My healthy diet has pretty much gone out the window and I've regressed, at least for the last week, to stress eating. I know it's terrible. Because of the time needed for Bikram (90 mins), I have been unable to find a good time to squeeze it in. Which is sad because I think I have NEEDED to do yoga in the last 2 weeks. 

So I tried to supplement my lack of yoga with running. But in the last two weeks, I think Jay and I have gone for a run only 4 times. AND our 5k is on September 8. Totally not ready but obviously I can't turn back time. 

I've let the stress affect me enough so I'm getting back on the proverbial horse. Today will be my first day back to yoga in 2 weeks. I hope I don't pass out! This is our last week to use our voucher. Next month: bootcamp. Last week, Jay and I each bought a couple of pairs of jeans one size smaller than we wear now. I am determined to fit into them after one month of bootcamp. Oh Lord, help me.

Happy workouts everyone! Namaste.

I'm Bionic

Hollar! I'll try to keep this fairly short because my fingers hurt.

Today at work we had biometric screenings where they do a finger prick to get some blood to figure out your glucose and cholesterol levels. The fact sheet said to fast for at least 8 hours. Well, the first THREE times they couldn't get a reading from my blood. They told me to eat a protein bar and come back. The fourth time worked so apparently fasting was unnecessary. I simply told them I must have had a superpower that was lying dormant. I fully expect for my super powers to manifest themselves in the near future. In any case, those finger pricks hurt and now I'm having trouble typing. Boo! On a happy note, my blood pressure and cholesterol was great but my glucose levels were a bit high. So I've really got to work on monitoring my sugar intake.....

Anyway, I'm on my second week of Weight Watchers. I'm finding it much harder this time around. WW recently updated their food database so now many foods "cost" more than they used to. Couple that with my lowered amount of daily points and you'll understand why I'm having  hard time. Also, since they've updated their database, the mobile app has been less than useful. But I must be doing something right because 2 weeks in, I've already lost 4 pounds.

However, I put back about half a pound since last night. My friend Miogs and I went to Mon Ami Gabi for dinner. I had every intention of getting their Salmon Salad. But like they say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" and I went to hell last night. I ordered their delicious cheeseburger. But God quickly punished me because by the time I got home, I felt so incredibly sick from the grease. I hope this lesson sticks...

So they say it's 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. I've been really trying to eat better and be more conscious of choosing fruits and veggies over chips and cookies. The exercise part though has been lagging. Because I've had bronchitis, it has been really difficult to exercise. Doing one lap around the track has been followed with coughing fits. The cough has gotten better but hasn't fully subsided. I have been able to sleep through the night for the past two nights so there's light at the end of the tunnel. I've only been able to "run" (let's be real, I mean walk 3/4 and jog 1/4 of the 3 miles) 3 times a week. Luckily, LivingSocial had a deal on Bikram Yoga. I bought one for me and Jay so we will be doing yoga the entire month of August. I hope to make it at least 4 times a week but honestly, I would love to challenge myself and do it for the entire 31 days. We'll see what my schedule, and body, allows. I even bought a new mat and Yogitoes! I can't wait to try them.

At least it seems I'm on the right track. OK, done typing. Fingers hurt bad. Happy Workout folks!

Butt Lifts

Ain't that the truth?

Hi folks! It's been a fairly uneventful couple of weeks. I've been sick for the last week. I had a fever of over 100 last weekend. Luckily, it didn't last long but the accompanying cough has. The hubs finally convinced me to go to Urgent Care yesterday. It turns out I have bronchitis - and because of my asthma, it could last another 2 weeks. Yay...I was prescribed some meds and they've helped. I was able to sleep through the entire night last night - first time in weeks! I stayed home today because the meds said they could cause drowsiness so I wanted to make sure I knew how I'd react before going to work. Plus, the doc said I'm still contagious so I wanted to spare those around me. But I'm feeling so much better - no more coughing until I feel like I might puke. I've lost most of my voice but that should come back in the next few days.

Because I'm feeling better, I've asked the hubs to work out with me outside today. I really wanted to play some tennis but it looks like it might storm so I'll have to figure out plan B. Maybe yoga or just running on the treadmill, which I hate.

Weight Watchers sign up was this past Friday at work. I signed up and found that this time around, I get 3 less points to eat per day. I assume it's because I weigh less than I did when I started it last year. I gave myself the weekend off and ate whatever I felt like but I officially started counting points today. My God, I forgot how much it suuuuucks. It's hard to find a lot of good recipes that are Weight Watchers friendly - other than salads. I am not the type to live on salads. I am back to scouring Skinnytaste.com to find yummy recipes that are WW friendly.

I'm also having trouble because my mother, who lives with us, loves junk food and soda. When she didn't live with us, it was a lot easier to keep that stuff out of the house because the hubs and pops didn't care much for junk food and neither drinks soda. Also, she enjoys cooking - especially Filipino food, which is not the healthiest cuisine on the planet. I'm just going to have to figure out how to keep myself motivated with having all these temptations at home...Oh well. Off to prepare some dinner.

Happy Workouts Folks!

Bikini Season

Wow, has it really been nearly 3 months since my last post?! WTF - my bad! Life has been keeping me busy. Since my last post...sorry, had to re-read it since it's been so long. I'm back now. Well, since my last post, I have finished 5 more PT sessions and the hubby and I went on our honeymoon. I hadn't actually lost the weight I wanted to by our vacation BUT I looked better in a bikini than I had 2 months prior. Here, you can see for yourself (sorry, no before picture so you'll have to take my word for it):

Again, not exactly where I wanted to be but happier with my body than I had been in a long time. I started to see muscles and get compliments (shallow, I know). And the fact that I could even don the bikini to begin with was a feat in and of itself. Woot. I think it had been 3 years since I had worn a bikini. We had the best time on our honeymoon in Turks and Caicos. All we did was lounge on the beach, eat, and snorkel. Since the resort was all-inclusive, the eating and drinking was fairly constant. So I gained a little but not much.

Unfortunately, as soon as we got back from our honeymoon, I spent about 2.5 weeks on a business trip to FL. I gained a little more due to the constant eating out. Luckily, my boss eats pretty healthy so fast food was not an option (nor will it ever been) for our business trip and I ate more salads than I normally do. So after the month of June, I'm up about 2 pounds from May. I am having a hard time getting back into the swing of working out and eating healthy but I know once I'm back to it, I'll have no problem losing it.

So, to help kick start (again) the continuation of the weight loss journey, I signed up myself and the hubs for a 5K in September. We've sporadically trained but after my next (very short) business trip, we will get it moving! I figured September was far enough away that we could get closer to an acceptable time/pace. Also, I figured September had milder weather. Thank God I didn't sign us up for a July 5K. With the heat we've been experiencing, I can imagine it would have taken us all of 1 mile before we got heat exhaustion!

Also, my work just announced they will have a discount with Weight Watchers so I'll only be paying half price!! I tried Weight Watchers last year for 3 months and had such a hard time doing it alone but it did help me lose 10 pounds. This time, I'll have the support of at least a quarter of the office so I have no doubt I can do it better this time around. I'm actually really excited for it and can't wait for signups to open.

OK, I should probably get back to work....Happy Workout Folks!