Congrats Paula! And...let's run in December!

Yea to my sister who got to her weight goal today! Paula had her second daughter 8 years ago and finally got past all of that to get to her goal. She is healthier, thinner and running. Well done!

Speaking of running, Paula just gave me a challenge and I will share it with all of you. Runners World is having everyone take a pledge to run at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Years. http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/the-2013-holiday-running-streak  Now, this is a lot more difficult if you live in Chicago and it is snowy and cold. For those of us who live in Australia, this should not be difficult. 1 mile is 1.6km. That takes a normal person about 10-12 minutes to walk. Of course, it takes me 14 minutes to run. :) It is such a great idea because the holidays are just filled with crappy food and alcohol. So, take the pledge with me. Every day.


 

Thanksgiving, no Thanksgiving

I decided no Thanksgiving dinner as I didn't want the extra calories. But as I sit here watching the Cowboys beat the Raiders and dreaming of pumpkin pie, I am wondering...should I make some turkey for my roommates tomorrow night?

alcohol adds up

So, the silly season has started and I am usually pretty good with the DONT DRINK YOUR CALORIES rule. I will always choose sugar over alcohol. I have given up on juice and other caloric drinks. But with the client lunches and drinks, it is already getting out of hand and December isn't even here yet!

Today's alcohol calories:
1 glass of pinot             81
1 champagne                91
1 sav blanc                  119
1 shot of tequila            97
1 shot of absinthe!!!!   103

                                  =491!!!!!!

What was I thinking and don't even talk to me about the absinthe - disgusting and absolutely potent. Almost half my daily calorie allowance in alcohol. How many more work events do I have? Alot! I am going to have to start running 5 hours a day to burn it all off.

gobble gobble

It seems like even when I am not in the States, I find it difficult to behave during Thanksgiving week. Once the holidays come around, so many routines evaporate and long lunches, dinners and even brekkies pop up.  Tomorrow, I have a team breakfast, a client lunch and friends dinner. It is just a bit overwhelming.

I need to repeat the mantra - what can I do today?  And keep it simple. I will try!

Monday Motivation

Isn't this the truth? It is the little things.  Losing 1/2 pound a week is 26 pounds a year!

Sunday weigh-in

Well, I can't be mad that I gained that pound back this week. Not only was it a very emotional week with many work issues, I was also just needed chocolate like a drug.  Definitely not a great week, but not a bad one either. I am ok and back on.

Date	Weight lbs	Loss/Wk lbs
21-Aug-11	272.80
25-Sep-11	248.90	23.90
10-Oct-11	243.98	4.92
16-Oct-11	243.10	0.88
23-Oct-11	242.22	0.88
30-Oct-11	231.00	11.22
6-Nov-11	230.78	0.22
13-Nov-11	229.68	1.10
20-Nov-11	229.02	0.66
27-Nov-11	239.90	-10.88
4-Dec-11	237.80	2.10
11-Dec-11	242.50	-4.70
18-Dec-11	245.50	-3.00
25-Dec-11	244.50	1.00
1-Jan-12	244.50	0.00
3-Jan-12	242.50	2.00
7-Jan-12	228.14	14.36
15-Jan-12	227.04	1.10
22-Jan-12	225.50	1.54
28-Jan-12	236.94	7.56
5-Feb-12	234.74	2.20
12-Feb-12	234.74	0.00
19-Feb-12	232.10	2.64
26-Feb-12	234.30	-2.20
4-Mar-12	230.12	4.18
11-Mar-12	232.54	-2.42
18-Mar-12	230.12	2.42
25-Mar-12	228.14	1.98
1-Apr-12	230.56	-2.42
8-Apr-12	226.16	4.40
15-Apr-12	228.58	-2.42
22-Apr-12	231.44	-2.86
29-Apr-12	226.38	5.06
6-May-12	225.50	0.88
13-May-12	226.16	-0.66
18-May-12	224.40	1.76
27-May-12	222.64	1.76
3-Jun-12	226.16	-3.52
14-Jun-12	225.72	0.44
17-Jun-12	226.60	-0.88
24-Jun-12	232.00	-5.40
1-Jul-12	230.80	1.20
8-Jul-12	224.00	6.80
15-Jul-12	219.60	4.40
22-Jul-12	228.00	-8.40
29-Jul-12	224.80	3.20
9-Aug-12	224.80	0.00
12-Aug-12	226.80	-2.00
19-Aug-12	226.20	0.60
26-Aug-12	224.60	1.60
2-Sep-12	223.50	1.10
9-Sep-12	221.20	2.30
16-Sep-12	223.80	-2.60
23-Sep-12	227.20	-3.40
30-Sep-12	225.80	1.40
7-Oct-12	225.00	0.80
14-Oct-12	220.00	5.00
21-Oct-12	224.20	-4.20
28-Oct-12	220.80	3.40
4-Nov-12	224.20	-3.40
11-Nov-12	224.00	0.20
18-Nov-12	225.40	-1.40
25-Nov-12	225.20	0.20
2-Dec-12	227.00	-1.80
9-Dec-12	227.80	-0.80
16-Dec-12	224.80	3.00
23-Dec-12	225.60	-0.80
1-Jan-13	222.80	2.80
6-Jan-13	228.00	-5.20
13-Jan-13	228.00	0.00
20-Jan-13	218.70	9.30
27-Jan-13	218.20	0.50
3-Feb-13	221.60	-3.40
10-Feb-13	220.40	1.20
17-Feb-13	222.00	-1.60
24-Feb-13	219.80	2.20
3-Mar-13	218.60	1.20
10-Mar-13	222.00	-3.40
17-Mar-13	220.20	1.80
24-Mar-13	223.20	-3.00
31-Mar-13	218.40	4.80
7-Apr-13	222.00	-3.60
14-Apr-13	224.00	-2.00
21-Apr-13	226.60	-2.60
28-Apr-13	223.40	3.20
5-May-13	223.40	0.00
12-May-13	224.20	-0.80
19-May-13	222.80	1.40
26-May-13	223.00	-0.20
2-Jun-13	223.00	0.00
9-Jun-13	218.40	4.60
16-Jun-13	225.30	-6.90
23-Jun-13	218.00	7.30
30-Jun-13	218.80	-0.80
7-Jul-13	221.80	-3.00
14-Jul-13	220.60	1.20
21-Jul-13	216.80	3.80
28-Jul-13	219.80	-3.00
4-Aug-13	221.40	-1.60
11-Aug-13	223.80	-2.40
18-Aug-13	223.40	0.40
25-Aug-13	224.60	-1.20
1-Sep-13	224.20	0.40
8-Sep-13	222.20	2.00
15-Sep-13	225.20	-3.00
22-Sep-13	223.20	2.00
29-Sep-13	222.40	0.80
6-Oct-13	224.80	-2.40
13-Oct-13	224.40	0.40
20-Oct-13	224.40	0.00
27-Oct-13	224.20	0.20
3-Nov-13	228.40	-4.20
10-Nov-13	226.20	2.20
17-Nov-13	225.20	1.00
24-Nov-13	226.20	-1.00

The next 5k

ANOTHER cold, rainy morning in Melbourne but I was up at 6:30 on a Saturday morning to run the Corporate Games 5k. I don't have my time yet but my goal was to NOT come in last place...and I didn't! I did get lapped my many people doing the 10k, but I felt great after my 5k. Good race!

Too slow? Too good!

The Corporate Relay was scheduled and the email went around the office - a team of three runners each running a 5k around Albert Park Lake. The guys said we should have a team but they didn't want me on their team and I do understand why - because when you are super slow, everyone has to wait for you which is crap when you are running a relay race.  Finally, young Sammy suggested I run on his team which I thought was nice but by the time that happened it was too late to join.

So, I decided to just get up and run the 5k by myself in the morning before work!
And it was the easiest 5k I have ever run. I can't believe I just said that. But, it was. I really didn't struggle at all.

Well, this Saturday, I have to run the same course for the Corporate Games 5K so we will see if I still think it is easy!!!! HA!

Monday Motivation

I love this. Getting up early is hard, but not losing the weight is worse.

Sunday Weigh in

I was good this week but a little busy this weekend. I was still able to lose a pound this week. I am excited about this upcoming week. I have two 5ks this week and am happy the weight is slowly coming off.

Date	Weight lbs	Loss/Wk lbs
21-Aug-11	272.80
25-Sep-11	248.90	23.90
10-Oct-11	243.98	4.92
16-Oct-11	243.10	0.88
23-Oct-11	242.22	0.88
30-Oct-11	231.00	11.22
6-Nov-11	230.78	0.22
13-Nov-11	229.68	1.10
20-Nov-11	229.02	0.66
27-Nov-11	239.90	-10.88
4-Dec-11	237.80	2.10
11-Dec-11	242.50	-4.70
18-Dec-11	245.50	-3.00
25-Dec-11	244.50	1.00
1-Jan-12	244.50	0.00
3-Jan-12	242.50	2.00
7-Jan-12	228.14	14.36
15-Jan-12	227.04	1.10
22-Jan-12	225.50	1.54
28-Jan-12	236.94	7.56
5-Feb-12	234.74	2.20
12-Feb-12	234.74	0.00
19-Feb-12	232.10	2.64
26-Feb-12	234.30	-2.20
4-Mar-12	230.12	4.18
11-Mar-12	232.54	-2.42
18-Mar-12	230.12	2.42
25-Mar-12	228.14	1.98
1-Apr-12	230.56	-2.42
8-Apr-12	226.16	4.40
15-Apr-12	228.58	-2.42
22-Apr-12	231.44	-2.86
29-Apr-12	226.38	5.06
6-May-12	225.50	0.88
13-May-12	226.16	-0.66
18-May-12	224.40	1.76
27-May-12	222.64	1.76
3-Jun-12	226.16	-3.52
14-Jun-12	225.72	0.44
17-Jun-12	226.60	-0.88
24-Jun-12	232.00	-5.40
1-Jul-12	230.80	1.20
8-Jul-12	224.00	6.80
15-Jul-12	219.60	4.40
22-Jul-12	228.00	-8.40
29-Jul-12	224.80	3.20
9-Aug-12	224.80	0.00
12-Aug-12	226.80	-2.00
19-Aug-12	226.20	0.60
26-Aug-12	224.60	1.60
2-Sep-12	223.50	1.10
9-Sep-12	221.20	2.30
16-Sep-12	223.80	-2.60
23-Sep-12	227.20	-3.40
30-Sep-12	225.80	1.40
7-Oct-12	225.00	0.80
14-Oct-12	220.00	5.00
21-Oct-12	224.20	-4.20
28-Oct-12	220.80	3.40
4-Nov-12	224.20	-3.40
11-Nov-12	224.00	0.20
18-Nov-12	225.40	-1.40
25-Nov-12	225.20	0.20
2-Dec-12	227.00	-1.80
9-Dec-12	227.80	-0.80
16-Dec-12	224.80	3.00
23-Dec-12	225.60	-0.80
1-Jan-13	222.80	2.80
6-Jan-13	228.00	-5.20
13-Jan-13	228.00	0.00
20-Jan-13	218.70	9.30
27-Jan-13	218.20	0.50
3-Feb-13	221.60	-3.40
10-Feb-13	220.40	1.20
17-Feb-13	222.00	-1.60
24-Feb-13	219.80	2.20
3-Mar-13	218.60	1.20
10-Mar-13	222.00	-3.40
17-Mar-13	220.20	1.80
24-Mar-13	223.20	-3.00
31-Mar-13	218.40	4.80
7-Apr-13	222.00	-3.60
14-Apr-13	224.00	-2.00
21-Apr-13	226.60	-2.60
28-Apr-13	223.40	3.20
5-May-13	223.40	0.00
12-May-13	224.20	-0.80
19-May-13	222.80	1.40
26-May-13	223.00	-0.20
2-Jun-13	223.00	0.00
9-Jun-13	218.40	4.60
16-Jun-13	225.30	-6.90
23-Jun-13	218.00	7.30
30-Jun-13	218.80	-0.80
7-Jul-13	221.80	-3.00
14-Jul-13	220.60	1.20
21-Jul-13	216.80	3.80
28-Jul-13	219.80	-3.00
4-Aug-13	221.40	-1.60
11-Aug-13	223.80	-2.40
18-Aug-13	223.40	0.40
25-Aug-13	224.60	-1.20
1-Sep-13	224.20	0.40
8-Sep-13	222.20	2.00
15-Sep-13	225.20	-3.00
22-Sep-13	223.20	2.00
29-Sep-13	222.40	0.80
6-Oct-13	224.80	-2.40
13-Oct-13	224.40	0.40
20-Oct-13	224.40	0.00
27-Oct-13	224.20	0.20
3-Nov-13	228.40	-4.20
10-Nov-13	226.20	2.20
17-Nov-13	225.20	1.00

Lest we forget

I am on the lookout for BEFORE pictures of me and in particular, pictures from 2009-2010 which is when I was my largest. Because I didn't like having my picture taken as a big person, it is really difficult for me to find photos and particularly full length photos of myself. I wish I had taken an official picture, but I didn't, so now I am on the hunt.

So, take a look and if you can find a fat pic of me....please send!

A Chobani a day, keeps the doctor away

I keep reading all this great research on yogurt and greek yogurt.  The benefits include reducing high blood pressure, ensuring you have the probiotics you need and just keeping you fuller longer because it is a great source of protein. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-yogurt

Our household dessert every night is a Chobani yogurt prepared in different ways. Usually, with a yummy fruit on the side. Tonight I made blackberry Chobani with mango, blueberries and a strawberry. Yummo.

Is it Melbourne or Chicago?

I ran my first 5k in several months tonight and it was great. My friend Tim, kind of promised firemen and Tiffany but not really. I did NOT want to do this one. Even though it is late spring here in Melbourne the temps have been at about under 50F/12C. But, I told Tim I would do this charity run and I did. I was the slowest person in the race. I wore three shirts and a beeny. I got a little bit lost. But I never stopped and I completed the race.

The only Duck I ever liked

I have become a little obsessed with Steve Prefontaine lately. His attitude on training and running is absolutely inspirational. I also love that he didn't believe he was talented. He believed that he just endured more than anyone else. I believe that anyone can do anything so I love his philosophy.

If you follow me on Pinterest, I have started a Pre area of quotes and running motivations.
v

Does iphone make an app that kicks me out of bed, dresses me for the gym and puts me on the treadmill?

I saw this picture on a motivation site and loved it. I am not sure if it was a joke or not, but I now have my alarm set this way with warnings. Just another reminder to get up and do it!

Monday Motivation

This one is dedicated to my sister - there will come a day when I can not run, today is not that day!

Sunday weigh-in

After 4 race days this week, I was really worried. I weighed in mid week and was horrified! It doesn't take much to put it back on. I have worked on getting back on track naturally. As I said in an early blog, more water, more exercise, less calories. I lost a kilo or 2.2 pounds and feel great. I went for a run and a 5k walk today. I have five weeks left in AUS before xmas and want to make the most of my time here.

Date	Weight lbs	Loss/Wk lbs
21-Aug-11	272.80
25-Sep-11	248.90	23.90
10-Oct-11	243.98	4.92
16-Oct-11	243.10	0.88
23-Oct-11	242.22	0.88
30-Oct-11	231.00	11.22
6-Nov-11	230.78	0.22
13-Nov-11	229.68	1.10
20-Nov-11	229.02	0.66
27-Nov-11	239.90	-10.88
4-Dec-11	237.80	2.10
11-Dec-11	242.50	-4.70
18-Dec-11	245.50	-3.00
25-Dec-11	244.50	1.00
1-Jan-12	244.50	0.00
3-Jan-12	242.50	2.00
7-Jan-12	228.14	14.36
15-Jan-12	227.04	1.10
22-Jan-12	225.50	1.54
28-Jan-12	236.94	7.56
5-Feb-12	234.74	2.20
12-Feb-12	234.74	0.00
19-Feb-12	232.10	2.64
26-Feb-12	234.30	-2.20
4-Mar-12	230.12	4.18
11-Mar-12	232.54	-2.42
18-Mar-12	230.12	2.42
25-Mar-12	228.14	1.98
1-Apr-12	230.56	-2.42
8-Apr-12	226.16	4.40
15-Apr-12	228.58	-2.42
22-Apr-12	231.44	-2.86
29-Apr-12	226.38	5.06
6-May-12	225.50	0.88
13-May-12	226.16	-0.66
18-May-12	224.40	1.76
27-May-12	222.64	1.76
3-Jun-12	226.16	-3.52
14-Jun-12	225.72	0.44
17-Jun-12	226.60	-0.88
24-Jun-12	232.00	-5.40
1-Jul-12	230.80	1.20
8-Jul-12	224.00	6.80
15-Jul-12	219.60	4.40
22-Jul-12	228.00	-8.40
29-Jul-12	224.80	3.20
9-Aug-12	224.80	0.00
12-Aug-12	226.80	-2.00
19-Aug-12	226.20	0.60
26-Aug-12	224.60	1.60
2-Sep-12	223.50	1.10
9-Sep-12	221.20	2.30
16-Sep-12	223.80	-2.60
23-Sep-12	227.20	-3.40
30-Sep-12	225.80	1.40
7-Oct-12	225.00	0.80
14-Oct-12	220.00	5.00
21-Oct-12	224.20	-4.20
28-Oct-12	220.80	3.40
4-Nov-12	224.20	-3.40
11-Nov-12	224.00	0.20
18-Nov-12	225.40	-1.40
25-Nov-12	225.20	0.20
2-Dec-12	227.00	-1.80
9-Dec-12	227.80	-0.80
16-Dec-12	224.80	3.00
23-Dec-12	225.60	-0.80
1-Jan-13	222.80	2.80
6-Jan-13	228.00	-5.20
13-Jan-13	228.00	0.00
20-Jan-13	218.70	9.30
27-Jan-13	218.20	0.50
3-Feb-13	221.60	-3.40
10-Feb-13	220.40	1.20
17-Feb-13	222.00	-1.60
24-Feb-13	219.80	2.20
3-Mar-13	218.60	1.20
10-Mar-13	222.00	-3.40
17-Mar-13	220.20	1.80
24-Mar-13	223.20	-3.00
31-Mar-13	218.40	4.80
7-Apr-13	222.00	-3.60
14-Apr-13	224.00	-2.00
21-Apr-13	226.60	-2.60
28-Apr-13	223.40	3.20
5-May-13	223.40	0.00
12-May-13	224.20	-0.80
19-May-13	222.80	1.40
26-May-13	223.00	-0.20
2-Jun-13	223.00	0.00
9-Jun-13	218.40	4.60
16-Jun-13	225.30	-6.90
23-Jun-13	218.00	7.30
30-Jun-13	218.80	-0.80
7-Jul-13	221.80	-3.00
14-Jul-13	220.60	1.20
21-Jul-13	216.80	3.80
28-Jul-13	219.80	-3.00
4-Aug-13	221.40	-1.60
11-Aug-13	223.80	-2.40
18-Aug-13	223.40	0.40
25-Aug-13	224.60	-1.20
1-Sep-13	224.20	0.40
8-Sep-13	222.20	2.00
15-Sep-13	225.20	-3.00
22-Sep-13	223.20	2.00
29-Sep-13	222.40	0.80
6-Oct-13	224.80	-2.40
13-Oct-13	224.40	0.40
20-Oct-13	224.40	0.00
27-Oct-13	224.20	0.20
3-Nov-13	228.40	-4.20
10-Nov-13	226.20	2.20

Saturday morning nerd

No matter how I run, I am not cool.
I decided that this morning I would run if it was raining and people who run in the rain, look cool.

I decided that I would take the dog with me and try running with her and people who run with dogs look cool.

I can guarantee that I did not look cool.
I looked like a slow, wet, nerd with dog poo in a bag in my hand.

But I did get up and go. :)

I saw a number on the scale today I never thought I would see again

Weighed myself mid-week and am not happy. But there are so many changes I can make so I am not worried.

1 - drink my darn water!
I walk around in a state of constant dehydration. Just drink. I will feel fuller, longer and the health benefits are fantastic.

2 - keep it simple
I am not going to worry about a million different things. I am just going to eat less and exercise more

Great idea!

My roommate brings pictures of ripped bodies with him while he is working out to inspire him - he puts up a picture of the body he wants. I love this idea.

I think I would do it a bit differently - maybe bring a pic of a hot guy that I will be able to date when I get to my goal weight.

I do get to date Ryan Gosling when I get to goal, right?

Race day calories

There are so many, that I can't even count them!

Lunch -
2 lamb chops
small spoon of gnocchi
small spoon of salad
small spoon of seafood salad
2 pieces of chilled salmon

Dessert -
Caramel pudding cake
Chocolate cake
scoop of fruit

Afternoon tea-
Two scones with cream and jam
Cheese and crackers

Champagne Mumm  - constantly refilling my glass. I am guessing...5 or 6 glasses
One glass of red wine

Two more race days and I am done with spring carnival!
But, at least I look good (Merilyn - here are the pictures you requested!) :)
Guineas Prelude, Caulfield Guineas, 1000 Guineas, Caulfield Cup, Manikato, Derby Day, Melbourne Cup