Hi again! It was sort of a wild and crazy week. Lots going on at work, mother-in-law in town, several fun, but schedule-disrupting activities... but all in all, I'm pretty pleased with myself.
Here's the run down:
Managed to check off every goal every day - drank 4 glasses of water, exercised at least 20 minutes, stayed away from fatty foods and sweet tea/sodas (but I did drink wine... because I made up the rules) and I've been standing at work at least an hour every day. So, woot! Small victories.
Weight's more or less the same, but you'd expect that. I'm still not doing any major dieting, so the weight's not just going to drop off. I mean, I had a cookie at 10 just because they were in the breakroom. And I was a teeny bit hungry. So, plenty long way to go.
The most encouraging thing is that I didn't find any of these small tweaks to be particularly challenging. Yeah, I wanted me some sweet tea at lunch yesterday, but I got unsweet and gave myself a mental pat on the back.
Small victories, remember?
I'm hoping to keep these up for another couple of weeks and then add to them. I'm not totally sure what small things to add. I'll keep thinking on it though.
See you next week! Hang in there and celebrate the little steps you're able to take this week.
Sarah
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Why, hello there!
Hello, dear internet! Doubtful anyone sees this anymore, but I thought I'd resurrect the 'ol blog because y'all... I'm in a serious rut.
First, a lot has happened since, you know, 2012.
First of all, baby. Had one. He's cute. (he's also more than a year old, so weighing the same as the day he came out... um. eek.)
Job. Got a new one. LOVE IT. Everything about it. Including a 35-hour regular workweek. I was supposed to use those extra 5 hours for exercise, etc. Instead I just use it for 1) extra sleep and 2) hanging with the little.
House. Bought one. It's in the neighborhood where I grew up. And, conveniently, it's just up the (tall) hill from our local Greenway.
2013 was pretty crazy for us. So, I'ma use that as my excuse to have ballooned up to (OMG I can't believe I'm about to put this in writing over the internet...) 188 lbs. At 5 feet tall, that puts my BMI scarily into the "obese" category.
Current state of affairs is that I feel like I'm back to my old, non-healthy, sedentary, insecure self. I worked really hard to get away from it, but it was so easy to make excuses in the last year... baby, stress at work, nursing, time management, sleep deprivation, crappy weather... I've become a master at reasons why I look and feel the way I do.
But at the end of the day, I feel crappy. And sitting all day and eating crap all the time doesn't make me feel better - even during the very act! My poor husband is having to serve (again!) as my entire self-esteem. He's in a tough spot - I rely on him to tell me that I'm sexy and beautiful, but at the same time I don't believe a word he's saying. Poor guy. He's trying so hard. He wants to be supportive, but he also wants to do what makes me happy. Is he supposed to say, "Maybe you shouldn't buy that ice cream," or, "have you been active today?" Come on. It's rude of me to put that on him.
So, I know I can do it. I've done it before. I was almost this heavy back around 2009 after P and I had been dating a while. I went to therapy, started running, and learned how to eat much healthier. It was successful, and I wasn't super-miserable.
So why does it seem like such a huge hurdle now?
I referred back to my favorite website: zenhabits.net to help jump start me. One of his suggestions is to make little goals.
Here they are:
Be active 20-30 minutes every day.
Stand up for 1 hour at work.
Replace "fatty" foods (pizza, burgers, fries, BEC bagels from Brueggers...)
Do not drink sugary drinks (or diet sodas)
I'm going to try to make it one whole week. Starting today.
Baby steps, right?
Sarah
First, a lot has happened since, you know, 2012.
First of all, baby. Had one. He's cute. (he's also more than a year old, so weighing the same as the day he came out... um. eek.)
Job. Got a new one. LOVE IT. Everything about it. Including a 35-hour regular workweek. I was supposed to use those extra 5 hours for exercise, etc. Instead I just use it for 1) extra sleep and 2) hanging with the little.
House. Bought one. It's in the neighborhood where I grew up. And, conveniently, it's just up the (tall) hill from our local Greenway.
2013 was pretty crazy for us. So, I'ma use that as my excuse to have ballooned up to (OMG I can't believe I'm about to put this in writing over the internet...) 188 lbs. At 5 feet tall, that puts my BMI scarily into the "obese" category.
Current state of affairs is that I feel like I'm back to my old, non-healthy, sedentary, insecure self. I worked really hard to get away from it, but it was so easy to make excuses in the last year... baby, stress at work, nursing, time management, sleep deprivation, crappy weather... I've become a master at reasons why I look and feel the way I do.
But at the end of the day, I feel crappy. And sitting all day and eating crap all the time doesn't make me feel better - even during the very act! My poor husband is having to serve (again!) as my entire self-esteem. He's in a tough spot - I rely on him to tell me that I'm sexy and beautiful, but at the same time I don't believe a word he's saying. Poor guy. He's trying so hard. He wants to be supportive, but he also wants to do what makes me happy. Is he supposed to say, "Maybe you shouldn't buy that ice cream," or, "have you been active today?" Come on. It's rude of me to put that on him.
So, I know I can do it. I've done it before. I was almost this heavy back around 2009 after P and I had been dating a while. I went to therapy, started running, and learned how to eat much healthier. It was successful, and I wasn't super-miserable.
So why does it seem like such a huge hurdle now?
I referred back to my favorite website: zenhabits.net to help jump start me. One of his suggestions is to make little goals.
Here they are:
Be active 20-30 minutes every day.
Stand up for 1 hour at work.
Replace "fatty" foods (pizza, burgers, fries, BEC bagels from Brueggers...)
Do not drink sugary drinks (or diet sodas)
I'm going to try to make it one whole week. Starting today.
Baby steps, right?
Sarah
Monday, September 24, 2012
Something fun to write about!
Because really, about all I've had time to do lately is to think about this whole, baby thing. Which in and of itself is not a bad thing, it just means I'm kind of neglecting the things this blog is all about... mainly, running.
But, I actually have some running news to report!
Let me back up. I've been volunteering with the Women's Beginning group like usual. I've been hanging with the D group Divas and trucking along at about 1:1 intervals. Not too shabby. I was up to about 10 miles/week.
Then I had some mild spotting. Nothing serious, but the Doc said I had to lay off the miles. Boo.
But, then she cleared me to run again after a couple of weeks, so yay!
Thankfully, it was just in time to run the Women's Distance Festival 5k - the goal race for the program! This was my first-ever race in 2010, and I really wanted to be able to make this the baby's first 5k, too!
This year, the course was at Dorthea Dix campus and it was very, very hilly. I fell in with a couple of C/D beginners and we trucked right along at about a 15:30/mile pace at 1:1 intervals. It was hot, but not too bad. The baby seemed to tolerate it well. Some very mild cramping, but I think it was just a side stitch that is moved over because of all that's going on in my center section. We finished in about 48 minutes (and the course was measured at about 3.25, so I feel pretty good about the time!
Here's a picture from before the race: please note the adorable shirt my husband peer pressured me into buying:
In other baby news, I've got 18 weeks to go. And it's a boy. I hadn't even put that up here yet, had I?? Sorry! He's quite the mover and shaker. My regular pants definitely don't fit, though I did have a couple of pairs from when I was a bit heavier that work OK. When we had the ultrasound 2 weeks ago, everything looked hunky dory (except for slightly low placenta, but that's no big deal at this point. Probably what caused the very minor spotting.)
I'll probably keep running, but maybe not quite so many miles. I figure, 2 miles, on a flat course, a couple of times a week is still pretty good. And that will keep my sciatic nerve from being a little bitch. My husband has also been walking with me a lot now that the weather is getting very nice in the evenings. I keep meaning to do some pre-natal yoga, but it keeps not happening. I'm going to get 3 private classes to learn what I can and can't do, then hopefully attend some regular sessions.
Anywhoo, I'll keep you posted as we keep on this crazy journey!
Sarah
But, I actually have some running news to report!
Let me back up. I've been volunteering with the Women's Beginning group like usual. I've been hanging with the D group Divas and trucking along at about 1:1 intervals. Not too shabby. I was up to about 10 miles/week.
Then I had some mild spotting. Nothing serious, but the Doc said I had to lay off the miles. Boo.
But, then she cleared me to run again after a couple of weeks, so yay!
Thankfully, it was just in time to run the Women's Distance Festival 5k - the goal race for the program! This was my first-ever race in 2010, and I really wanted to be able to make this the baby's first 5k, too!
This year, the course was at Dorthea Dix campus and it was very, very hilly. I fell in with a couple of C/D beginners and we trucked right along at about a 15:30/mile pace at 1:1 intervals. It was hot, but not too bad. The baby seemed to tolerate it well. Some very mild cramping, but I think it was just a side stitch that is moved over because of all that's going on in my center section. We finished in about 48 minutes (and the course was measured at about 3.25, so I feel pretty good about the time!
Here's a picture from before the race: please note the adorable shirt my husband peer pressured me into buying:
 | |||||
| Me and my friend Jade. |
I'll probably keep running, but maybe not quite so many miles. I figure, 2 miles, on a flat course, a couple of times a week is still pretty good. And that will keep my sciatic nerve from being a little bitch. My husband has also been walking with me a lot now that the weather is getting very nice in the evenings. I keep meaning to do some pre-natal yoga, but it keeps not happening. I'm going to get 3 private classes to learn what I can and can't do, then hopefully attend some regular sessions.
Anywhoo, I'll keep you posted as we keep on this crazy journey!
Sarah
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Running for 2 - Women's Program 2012
A slightly random update today...
So far, this year the Women's Beginning Running Group is doing SO well! I think everyone is having a wonderful time. Regan is doing a magnificent job coordinating the program. Definitely putting her Type A tendencies to work!
I'm running with D group this year because I'm supposed to take it a bit easy with the baby on board. We've got a great group and they're improving a little each week. They killed it up the big hill at Creekside today.
The group is going to be featured in Competitor Magazine! We had a photographer come to take pictures today. I'm glad we had a big group - probably close to 50 people. It's been ridiculously hot, so I'm really glad people are sticking with it.
Also, did I mention that it's been RIDICULOUSLY HOT? I know, I know, NC in the summer. But still.
So far, I've felt pretty good about running with the baby. I am being careful to hydrate a lot and not get *too* overheated - though I will admit I was pretty red-faced last Thursday! I felt fine, but I was a little paranoid, so I'll be more careful from now on on the very hottest days. I think the increase in exercise is helping me sleep, too, which is a major benefit. It gives me a boost of energy right after, but I think I'm falling asleep faster.
As for weight gain, which, of course, I'm paranoid about, I've only gained 4 pounds, so I feel pretty good about that. I'm trying not to gain more than 25 per the Doctor's recommendations. We'll see. I could eat carbs ALL DAY. And there are a lot of veggies I'm still not interested in. Especially spinach - which is weird, because that used to be my favorite!
I'm also trying to up my ab exercises - so far, so good. I'm sitting on a ball at work too in hopes to get that core strength up just a hair.
I've got to learn how to sleep on my side this week... every time I try, I wake up flat on my back. I hear that it will be uncomfortable eventually, but that's not the case so far.
Anywhoo, I'm just glad everyone knows now and I can talk about it! :-)
Sarah
So far, this year the Women's Beginning Running Group is doing SO well! I think everyone is having a wonderful time. Regan is doing a magnificent job coordinating the program. Definitely putting her Type A tendencies to work!
I'm running with D group this year because I'm supposed to take it a bit easy with the baby on board. We've got a great group and they're improving a little each week. They killed it up the big hill at Creekside today.
The group is going to be featured in Competitor Magazine! We had a photographer come to take pictures today. I'm glad we had a big group - probably close to 50 people. It's been ridiculously hot, so I'm really glad people are sticking with it.
Also, did I mention that it's been RIDICULOUSLY HOT? I know, I know, NC in the summer. But still.
So far, I've felt pretty good about running with the baby. I am being careful to hydrate a lot and not get *too* overheated - though I will admit I was pretty red-faced last Thursday! I felt fine, but I was a little paranoid, so I'll be more careful from now on on the very hottest days. I think the increase in exercise is helping me sleep, too, which is a major benefit. It gives me a boost of energy right after, but I think I'm falling asleep faster.
As for weight gain, which, of course, I'm paranoid about, I've only gained 4 pounds, so I feel pretty good about that. I'm trying not to gain more than 25 per the Doctor's recommendations. We'll see. I could eat carbs ALL DAY. And there are a lot of veggies I'm still not interested in. Especially spinach - which is weird, because that used to be my favorite!
I'm also trying to up my ab exercises - so far, so good. I'm sitting on a ball at work too in hopes to get that core strength up just a hair.
I've got to learn how to sleep on my side this week... every time I try, I wake up flat on my back. I hear that it will be uncomfortable eventually, but that's not the case so far.
Anywhoo, I'm just glad everyone knows now and I can talk about it! :-)
Sarah
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Big news, folks!
So. There is a good reason I haven't been blogging.
I've been really tired, so I haven't been exercising.
I've felt a little sick, so I haven't been dieting.
I haven't been running because I'm not supposed to get over heated.
Because I am, of course, pregnant!!
See?? This is from 8 weeks, but we don't have another ultrasound until 20 weeks. I'm 14 now and everything is going "perfectly!" Our due date is January 27.
It's been such a whirlwind. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around it yet. There is so much to do! I've been feeling ok - just really hungry and tired. I spend my weekends sleeping and nesting. Work days are exhausting, but I'm lucky to have very supportive friends there. Preston, of course, has been amazing. He is going to be a fantastic dad.
Everyone is so excited to meet "Squishy!" it's been fun telling everyone the last few weeks. I'm glad I finally get to tell you here!
I am planning to stay active throughout. I 'm volunteering with the women's program this year, but bringing up the rear to be sure I don't push it. I plan to run the race with them in September- it's a major goal. I'll be almost to my third tri, but I think I can hang.
So, sorry i've been MIA this spring! Too much going on that I couldn't blog about. Now, I'll try to keep this more up to date as things progress!
Woot!
Sarah
I've been really tired, so I haven't been exercising.
I've felt a little sick, so I haven't been dieting.
I haven't been running because I'm not supposed to get over heated.
Because I am, of course, pregnant!!
See?? This is from 8 weeks, but we don't have another ultrasound until 20 weeks. I'm 14 now and everything is going "perfectly!" Our due date is January 27.
Everyone is so excited to meet "Squishy!" it's been fun telling everyone the last few weeks. I'm glad I finally get to tell you here!
I am planning to stay active throughout. I 'm volunteering with the women's program this year, but bringing up the rear to be sure I don't push it. I plan to run the race with them in September- it's a major goal. I'll be almost to my third tri, but I think I can hang.
So, sorry i've been MIA this spring! Too much going on that I couldn't blog about. Now, I'll try to keep this more up to date as things progress!
Woot!
Sarah
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
IRELAND!
Hey! So, I've been away for a while - in Ireland! The trip was incredible. When I get through all of the pictures, I'll post a few. It was a fantastic trip. It was great to get away and be completely incommunicado for a while.
I haven't been working out or running. So. Hence the lack of blogging. Sorry. I don't really have any excuses... I've just been lazy. Work has been a bit crazy, but let's face it, not anything I can't handle. I'm still eating well and haven't gained any weight.
I'm looking forward to volunteering for the running program this year because it will hopefully give me some motivation. I always gain strength from others. (besides, because we start out slowly, hopefully it'll be a good chance to get back into the swing of things!)
I hope everyone is having a nice summer! It's wicked-hot here. (so really, running would be out this week anyways!)
We did walk A LOT on the trip, which helped balance out the really crazy diet of toasted sandwiches, ice cream cones, and Guinness. :-)
Sarah
I haven't been working out or running. So. Hence the lack of blogging. Sorry. I don't really have any excuses... I've just been lazy. Work has been a bit crazy, but let's face it, not anything I can't handle. I'm still eating well and haven't gained any weight.
I'm looking forward to volunteering for the running program this year because it will hopefully give me some motivation. I always gain strength from others. (besides, because we start out slowly, hopefully it'll be a good chance to get back into the swing of things!)
I hope everyone is having a nice summer! It's wicked-hot here. (so really, running would be out this week anyways!)
We did walk A LOT on the trip, which helped balance out the really crazy diet of toasted sandwiches, ice cream cones, and Guinness. :-)
Sarah
Sunday, June 3, 2012
I'm still here!
But it's been busy, and I've been really exhausted. Work has been really crazy. I haven't been writing here because I haven't been doing much running.
I finally got back to it today. Just a shortie - 2 miles 1:1 with Shruthi (she's easing back in - good excuse for me to take it easy, too!) then another mile walk. Then we hit the farmer's market for barrels of goodies.
It felt great. I HAVE to make myself get up and go to the gym this week.
But, in other news, I've actually lost a couple of pounds! So maybe eating everything is actually good for you? haha. Probably not. I'll pay for this later. :-)
Hope y'all are well!
Sarah
I finally got back to it today. Just a shortie - 2 miles 1:1 with Shruthi (she's easing back in - good excuse for me to take it easy, too!) then another mile walk. Then we hit the farmer's market for barrels of goodies.
It felt great. I HAVE to make myself get up and go to the gym this week.
But, in other news, I've actually lost a couple of pounds! So maybe eating everything is actually good for you? haha. Probably not. I'll pay for this later. :-)
Hope y'all are well!
Sarah
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