Exercise: 35 min elliptical (resis. 14) + 43 min running; Weight training: 25 min upper body; Calories: 1740 if I eat everything that I logged in. Otherwise it's more like 1680. We'll see....
It was SO HARD not to reach for a very much wanted glass of wine last night. But I didn't! I told myself I was going to stop at 1530 calories and I did. I stopped.
I woke up at 4:30a this morning, right before the alarm went off, and went to the gym to get in my exercise, since the kids are off of school today. I had told myself that I didn't have to do any weight training but I was enjoying the music on my XM radio so much that I decided to do weight training before going running on the treadmill (i don't run to music because my XM Tao is too heavy so I plug my headphones into the treadmill and can listen/watch TV). And then I went running. Because I was on the treadmill, I could increase my speed and know exactly how fast I was going. So I pushed it a little bit and ran faster than I normally would if I were out on the street.
My mother is emailing me about Thanksgiving (US) plans. It is already stressing me out. My mother does not like me very much. She makes her own plans and then if I wish to join in, that's fine, but everything revolves around my brother, my step-father, my grandfather. I have no problem staying at home for Thanksgiving and just chilling out, but my Daughter gets very unhappy without a big party to-do to go to. Then I feel angry and resentful towards my daughter.
Any insight or advice or psychotherapy would be much appreciated.
EVENING EDIT: Apparently, I misunderstood what my mother wrote to me -- because she was not very clear and I believe that she does that deliberately to confuse me -- because she was rather hoping that I would "take the bait" and offer to host Thanksgiving dinner for our family (parents, sister, bro & SIL & twins, my family). I have not decided if I am up to it, but at least I don't have to put up with two-faced aunts and crazy grandparents. And I get to serve what I want.
Yes, can you imagine that? Thanksgiving at Donkey's house. "Who gets to carve the eggplant?" "Somebody please pass the Beano will ya?" We shall see. I'm going to step back, wait and see how this plays out.
Struggling to stay at the top of my recommended calorie range. Well, can ya blame me? What a Donkey Day this has been... My nerves are shot.
Progress as of today: 13.5 lbs lost so far, only 0.5 lbs to go!
SATURDAY:
Exercise: None; Weight training: None; Calories: 1632 -- although I was feeling "munchie" at bedtime and woke up hungry on Sunday.
SUNDAY:
Exercise: 65 min elliptical (intervals); Weight training 25 min legs (machines); Calories: 1530 and DETERMINED to keep it there.
My Husband surprised me last night with a Day Off today! So I plan today to be the Day Off he should have had on Wed/Thurs. Pretty much relax and do what you want (after going to the Grocery Store). It is very hot and humid here, so really, resting is the best thing to do, although I do plan to do some shopping (great workout, Shadetree! LOL!) for a curtain for my kitchen. The afternoon sun comes blazing in while I wash the noon and evening dishes. This will help keep out the heat in the summer, and insulate against the cold winter nights.
I really am a person who prefers the dark.
I am facing a dilemma on Monday. Monday is Columbus Day here in the U.S. (which I think is the dumbest day off in the history of humanity). So of course, the kids are home from school but Husband has to work. My Daughter has a play date with a friend from our old neighborhood, although I have no idea what time she plans to come over (probably around 10a). Monday also promises to be hot and humid again.
My dilemma is: How to manage running on Monday.
I think what I will do is get up very early and get to the gym as soon as I can around 5a and do the elliptical and maybe weight training). Then I will come home and go for a short run (3 miles). Or I will take my running shoes (aka "runners") with me and run on the treadmill at the gym. Which if it is as hot and humid as it is today, might just be the way to do it.
Anyway we shall see.
EVENING EDIT: Finished dinner, had a little apple pie (just a little) and I'm determined to keep my calories at 1530 and do no more snacking. I am enjoying a cup of green tea right now and I have 1L of water to drink. Listen to me, I'm talking metric. LOL! :-)
Progress as of today: 13.5 lbs lost so far, only 0.5 lbs to go!
Exercise: 48 min running (4 mi) + 35 min elliptical (resist. 14) + 30 min bike ride w/daughter; Weight training: 25 min upper body (machines); Calories: 1580 but I will probably have some frozen fruit later on (calories ended up being 1700)
I was so excited to update my Current Weight this morning that I started my diary entry early :-)
EVENING EDIT: It was hot and humid today. I am glad that I got out there to run first and then went to the gym. Husband was off of work today and the kids were off of school. My daughter and I rode our bikes around the subdivision to look at the houses with Halloween decorations.
Tomorrow is my "day off" from exercising, but if it is decent weather, I would like to take the kids on a long bike ride. It's been a while since we've done that.
Progress as of today: 13.5 lbs lost so far, only 0.5 lbs to go!
I still have a small amount of faith in myself!
congrats on your weight! :) you deserve it - you've been adding up a good amount of cardio lately! :)
donkey, have a really GREAT day :)
Exercise: 65 min elliptical (single hill); Weight Training: 25 min lower body (machines); Calories: 1550
I ended up having 20 frozen grapes last night, which pushed my calories up 1800, and I am fine with that. I am not going to obsess about it, because as it is, sometimes I overestimate my portions, so it all evens out.
The thing I like about the frozen fruit or the frozen "Go-Gurts" is that there's no big danger of getting out of control. Even if I have 50 grapes, that's still under 200 calories. If I have 1-2 Go-Gurts, that's 80-160 calories. However, if I have a dish of ice cream, then I tend to serve myself way too much, even though I use a small custard cup to hold the ice cream.
So you may think that I could do the same idea of portion control with ice cream, such as an ice cream bar or a pre-packaged cup of ice cream. However, I find that not only is this extremely expensive (and very wasteful) but with ice cream, if I want more, I go and get more. Whereas with grapes or yogurt, when I'm done, I'm done. It's enough for me.
Weigh-in tomorrow!
EVENING EDIT: As much as I am craving more dessert (had a Go-Gurt, working on a cup of coffee), I am not going to have anything more. I already had something. That is sufficient and tomorrow is weigh-in. I WANT TO REACH MY GOAL WEIGHT!!
uhhh, thanks for the GOOD suggestions. I'm in a really strange mindset right now. of course i'll let you know how tomorrow goes! :)
i guess all of life is a learning experience, right!? :)
Exercise: 35 min elliptical (resist. level 13) + 58 min running (5.14 mi); Weight training: NONE; Calories: 1730 --- BUT ----
I so want something for dessert. I am at the limit for my calorie range (1740), so anything else would be excess. I would *love* to have a dish of ice cream, but lately, I've been eating frozen "Go-Gurts" which are low-fat yogurt "sticks" that are marketed towards kids. One portion -- one CONTROLLED portion -- has 80 calories and really satisfies an ice cream craving. I also have some frozen grapes that I could savor slowly (because they are frozen). So I have 2 good, healthy choices. I'm still trying to resist.
Today I got mad at some lady walking her little dog on the bike trail. If you have a dog, you need to have it on a short leash when people are passing by. I ran by her once and she *laughed* because the dog chased me (retractable leash was extended so it was long). I passed her on the way back and the dog started coming after me again. I said "GET AWAY! GET AWAY!" and she's like, "I'm really sorry"
No she's not, because if she was, she would have retracted the leash length. So I said to her, "Yeah, I THINK SO!" She was rather taken aback, so I tacked on "B****!" rather loudly. But maybe she thought I was talking about the dog. Gosh some people are SO STUPID. I have very little patience for stupidity and arrogance.
You know, I LOVE gogurt and never thought about tossing it in the freezer! I have some in my fridge and I'm going to toss them into the freezer, what a great tip!
Here's an episode similar to yours from my "way-back" machine: "I went on my usual jog yesterday at dusk. I had been hearing murmuring and a bell-ringing sound (not an old-time bike bell). I just ignored it. I turned onto a street and stayed to the left on our somewhat narrow streets, although there is plenty of room for two cars and people walking on at least one edge.
I turned to look behind me as I rounded the corner and saw some people on bicycles. They all were wearing helmets. I really took no note; I simply thought they'd pass without incident. They turned where I did and took awhile to catch up to me. You know I'm a pretty slow jogger, but they seemed to hang back quite a ways. So I heard the ringing again, and again I ignored it. A man passed me on the right and said, "Hi." Then a boy passed. Just after him, a girl (about 10-12) passed, then immediately cut to directly in front of me to where, in retrospect, I could have just tumped her and her bike right over. She stayed there in front of me for a few seconds and I said nothing, just thinking she was inexperienced. Then she sped up to catch up to the man and he said something like, "Good going!" or "Good job!"
I was a little dumbfounded at first and thought, "What kind of parent would put their child up to that?" All of this knowing it was getting dark, they had no lights on their bikes, what if there had been oncoming traffic, and why was this man hell-bent on riding three abreast after they passed me a little ways. All I could think was, "What an idiot, teaching your child road rage." It was just bizarre. I wanted to think I hadn't really seen this happen."
I walk my dog all the time and am adamant about keeping her away from others--you came upon one of these stupid people who do extraordinary things that put them and the kids or dogs at risk. It amazes me--I used to spit (a bad habit to get into--I don't recommend it) or shoot the finger at drivers who did things like the little girl on the bike, though it didn't matter. I never actually spit AT their car--haha. I cuss alot, but I also come across alot of people who wave at me especially on my bike. (I'm not especially proud of my spitting and bird-shooting and cussing, but I guess I feel like I have to do something to defend myself--even if it's just to vent MY frustration.)
Don't let one idiot ruin your run!
Exercise: 65 min elliptical (intervals); Weight training: 25 min lower body (machines); Calories: 1850 (a little high)
Today my legs felt so heavy. I may have to think this increased resistance idea on the crosstrainer. We'll see how tomorrow goes. It's supposed to be a running day too.
I went to my old house -- the one we're trying to sell -- to put up Fall decorations. The house is empty, so the few touches that I do put up/out are the only thing that really give the space some decor. (Most rooms still have curtains, though.) One of the things I put up was a garland of autumn leaves (plastic) across the front porch. Well, I didn't buy enough of it, so I have to make the long trip up there tomorrow to finish lining the porch. It's a big PITA, but on the other hand, I won't be eating and I won't be sitting! The other decorations do look nice :-)
glad you are doing this! and, the weather is probably still pretty nice so this outdoor exercise is WONDERFUL!
Exercise: 35 min crosstrainer (resistance level 14) + 41 min running; Weight training: 25 min upper body (machines); Calories: 1470 but will probably be a little higher as I want to have some frozen fruit later on.
With the new month come new changes.
Today was the first day that I scaled back on the elliptical AND increased the resistance level. I have decided that on non-running days, I will go for the whole hour. It just doesn't feel right to do less than an hour. However, for the sake of running, I will only do half on running days. And on days that I go the full hour on the elliptical, I will do a resistance level of 10 or 12, instead of my usual 8. I will try for level 12 tomorrow.
I used an online map-mile website to figure out how far I'm running. (www.mapmyrun.com) Imagine my disappointment when I found out that I have not been running as far as I thought I was. But I mapped out quite a few routes, some that I haven't tried yet, so that I will be able to know how far I am running. This was mostly inspired by a mileage challenge I am involved in (quite similar to the minutes challenge I was involved with last month).
One more note, on my way home from the gym, I was observing a white van parking on the shoulder of the road I wanted to run on Sunday morning (but did not do). You can imagine my surprise when a bunch of questionable young men got out of the back of the van with orange jumpsuits with big letters saying "COUNTY JAIL" on the back of them. Yikes! Good thing I didn't plan on running that route today! I'm sure they are doing trash pick-up, so the route will be clean for me on Sunday :-)
(Weigh-in on Friday)
EVENING EDIT: Experienced some horrible, awful anxiety this afternoon. Felt as though I hadn't accomplished anything and felt terribly guilty because my Husband would be coming home from work. Really felt awful. Have not felt this horrible in a long time.
donkey, i'm proud of you and your goals. why can't I get some standard goals in place!!?!?
you have no idea how much your feedback is helpful when i feel the way i have been. I really hope to make a change in my lifestyle these months leading up to the New Year. I'm always making changes and I never keep diet or anything the same. I guess I get bored. I hope to have some really great updates these few months! :)
Saturday:
Exercise: 20 min walking + 40 min putting up Halloween decorations; Weight training: None; Calories 2360
Sunday:
Exercise: 65 min crosstrainer (single hill); Weight training: 10 min legs (machines); Calories: 1460
I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday! My calories were really good until we went out for dinner, which was late because Husband had to work 12 hours and didn't get off until 7p. I had a good dinner, but came home and had 2 dishes of ice cream. OMGosh what WAS I thinking??!!
I did not get up early to run this morning, and my daughter is feeling ill today, so I have very little hope of running today. So much for converting to my running schedule of Wed/Fri/Sun. I'll be back to Mon/Wed/Fri and running among strange landscaper men. Oh well, that's what I get for slacking off for a day.
It's funny how one bad meal can really derail a person's best effort.
EVENING EDIT: Say good-bye to those 65 minute workouts on the elliptical. For the month of October, I plan on increasing the resistance and decreasing my time on the crosstrainer so that I have more time available for running. All in all, it was a good day, it was a good month. I look forward to reaching my goal weight in October!
Progress as of today: 10 lbs lost so far, only 4 lbs to go!
I hope your daughter feels better and that you get some good exercise in!
Exercise: 65 min elliptical (gluteal) + 58 min running; Weight training: 15 min lower body (machines); Calories: Let's say 1700 (my counter shows a little less, but that's OK)
If you will notice, I weighed in today and my weight has gone up 1.5lb. Needless to say, I was not very happy about this, on top of the crushing depression that I was feeling from our house selling problems.
WARNING: The following 2 paragraphs have TMI that is of a personal nature. If you are easily offended, I suggest you skip them and read my concluding remarks instead.
I came to the conclusion that there are 2 reasons why my weight was "up". One of them has to do with hormonal cycles, so I won't go into that, except to say that 2x a month, I tend to put on a little water weight. I also have to fight cravings 2x a month as well, but I have been doing well with that. (On the plus side, I feel very romantic around this time of the cycle, iykwim.)
The second reason why my weight is "up" is that last week I managed to weigh in after a Daily Donkey Dump. Today, that was not the case. Of course, after I had had my morning's cup of coffee, we were at DDD x2 (YES, I said "2" and boy were they GREAT). I am sure this had some influence on the numbers.
So I am trying to remain optimistic. You can see that I had a great run today. Once again, I ran to the kids' school and back, but this time I shaved 7 minutes off my time. So I must be running faster although I cannot tell this when I run. (I feel so slow.)
I am also thinking positive about my house situation as well. So today, after I get cleaned up from running, I am going to the store to buy autumn decorations for the old house, to show people that it is a loved house and it decorates very well. When the house sells, I can use these decorations for my current dwelling, so it is not money wasted. I know my son wishes that I did more holiday decorating. Well, I do but it's just not at the house that we live in. Next year, I'm sure it will be :-)
Progress as of today: 10 lbs lost so far, only 4 lbs to go!
Holy COW you are a powerhouse workout diva! I am so very impressed!
My sister had her house on the market for almost a full year and gave up on ever selling it, and suddenly one day someone just decided that yes, they wanted it. They had to hurry up and pack and buy a new house in 30 days. Just when it looks bleak, that is usually when it happens. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
As for the weight, I wouldn't be terribly concerned about it as you've been kicking butt with your exercise. Keep up the running and the elliptical and it's got to start going down again.
Exercise: 65 min elliptical (intervals); Weight training: 15 min upper body (machines -- only 3 exercises) :-(; Calories: 1540
I am feeling really tired today. This is almost like TOM/AF/PMS kind of tired, except that it's not time for that. I hate it when I want to do so much at the gym and my body craps out on me like that. Oh manure! :-(
And especially since tomorrow is weigh-in day. Ugh, I'd like to squeeze in as much as I can. I said in a previous entry that I'm rather nervous about this week's weigh in. Oh well, let's not get carried away, and keep things in their proper perspective.
EVENING EDIT: I'm a defeated Donkey tonight. Today we found out that the people who wanted to buy our house in June (but couldn't sell their house first) have sold their house but no longer want to buy our house. :-( They want to spend more money on a new house with bling-bling. Nevermind that our house is a good house with tons of room for upgrading (huge fenced in backyard). Oh well.... This really hit me hard in the heart. I felt like diving into some peanut butter or cheese all afternoon long.
Now I am off to the library with my son for the quarterly meeting of Yu-Gi-OH! Club. He *loves* this -- the game, the cards, being with other kids that love Yu-Gi-OH! I would rather stay home and watch Survivor and CSI. The things a mom does....
I just hope I don't console myself after the meeting with a ton of ice cream. That would be so bad. I must remember that weigh-in is tomorrow.
Progress as of today: 11.5 lbs lost so far, only 2.5 lbs to go!
You're right, keeping things in their proper perspective is imperative...it is just a number and you are more than that. Your minutes on the elliptical are impressive, I am gonna have to up my time to catch you.
Weigh in tomorrow - you don't really need that ice cream tonight, do you?:)
Hey, well done on that weight loss! Don't be alarmed if the scale fluctuates a little. The fact that you saw that weight means that at the very least it's just around the corner, if it isn't already here to stay. Know what I mean?
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I have a "glass of wine" now each night, they are my cacao beans, lol. The chi machine, I will try to explain this in tomorrow's entry...too much to go into here.
Can you let your daughter go to your mother's for Thanksgiving and you stay home? Might or might not work.
shadetree on 10/08/2007:
Last year my husband and I decided we were tired of the whole hassle of it all - everyone arguing over whose house it was going to be at, who was bringing what, then you get the other family (mine, as I'd much rather be with my husband's family than my own) complaining because you aren't going to spend time with them...So we stayed home and had lasagne. completely boycotted anything traditional. It worked for us, even my son said he preferred it that way. But if he did have an issue, I suppose I'd just send him off to wherever to join in with the others.
Good job on the exercise today! Glad you could get it in early enough to spend the day with the kids!
workingit2 on 10/08/2007:
Seriously, you are my idol with all that exercise. As far as the family thing...I WISH i knew how to handle family. If I ever discover the trick to it, I'll let you know! lol
biscottibody59 on 10/09/2007:
Not really enough info to comment in a detailed way, but I will say that if your daughter has a good relationship with your mom and they enjoy each other's company (despite the fact that you may not have any of that), don't stand in the way of her spending as much time as possible with her grandmother.
And I'm not one of those who thinks we should force ourselves to spend time with people we can't stand--even for one Thanksgiving Day, even for the sake of "family" and "keeping the peace," etc--if you don't want to do it--don't. If you're going to complain and be bitter every step of the way--it's not worth it. At least I wouldn't think it would be. Pack up the kids and volunteer at a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and have what you want for dinner when you get home. On the other hand, if you can put all those negative feelings aside and enjoy the whole process--go for it!
I've found that when you set ground rules, people either respect them AND you and move on with a relationship with you or not (including FAMILY). I'm 48 and I just don't have the stomach for crap like I used to. And I still have some long-term friends who totally understand me--haha--so I must be living my life right to some degree:-) I also have a very long-term friend who totally became an ex-friend and I can't tell you how much resentment I have for the time I invested in that "friendship." I am great friends with others in her family. Go figure!