I "Get" To Eat Healthy...

Every have that one sentence or moment that changes your life? You hear it/witness it and a light switches on in your head?

Yeah that happened to me at Fitbloggin during the "Stop Keeping Up With the Joneses" session on Saturday, June 29.

My friend Kenlie from AllTheWeigh.com snuck into the room late from another session.

But, her brief time in the room got my wheels turning.

She simply reiterated how someone mentioned about feeling unhappy about "having" to eat healthy to either lose weight or for health benefits.

And she then said: "But instead we can simply say: I get to eat healthy!"

*Mind Blown*

Oh no she didn't.

Why yes she did.

She simply taught me how to reframe my thoughts though a simple sentence.

For the past few weeks with countless travel and unhappiness with some aspects of my life, I have been SLACKING - I mean seriously slacking - in the healthy eating department.

(Note: this is not about needing to drop x amount of lbs - since I haven't stepped on a scale in 3 weeks - but this is about feeling good and feeling healthy! The reasons why I lost weight!)

Too many old habits have been sneaking back into my life to mask or try to bury the unhappiness I am feeling.

So what is happening today?

Today the reframe is taking place.

Today I stop the pity party.

Today I end "Vacation Mode." (Excuse Alert!)

Today I don't HAVE to eat healthy ... I GET to eat healthy.

Why?

Because I need to remember how much better my training goes when I am eating healthy.

Because I owe it to my racing self.

Because the athlete I've become (can I say that?) deserves to be fueled the best way possible.

Because I have the ability to do it.

So how does it start?

It starts by getting #back2basics. It is a hashtag I use when I need to hit the reset button.

Yup, I have hit the reset button more times than I can count. But the important thing is I keep hitting it.

What does #back2basics mean to me?

1) Take the food scale off the top of the microwave and put it back on the counter. 2) Move the measuring cups from the back of the drawer to the front. 3) Put into effect #DrinkEnd ... which means alcoholic beverages are only allowed Friday-Sunday. (Unless there is an extenuating circumstances of course. If my friends win mega millions on a Tuesday, I'm not passing on champagne! ;)) 4) TRACKING everything that enters my body. 5) Stick to my training plans, planned workouts and gym dates that I have set with friends. 6) Continue to hit my #100ozchallenge each day, which means drinking at least 108oz of water each day! 7) Do my #plankaday each day. My core will thank me too. ;)

It seems like a lot, but really there are the basic routines that I have created since joining Weight Watchers and when I hit them I have success. So easy decision is to list them out for myself.

PLUS, I always do better with a challenge! Don't you?

So if you are looking for a little support or looking to buckle down, feel free to join me in using the #back2basics hashtag!!

Can you pass me an apple?

It's GAME TIME!

Weekly Workout Wind Up (5/16-22/13)

I have had one amazing week workout wise. I am loving adding variety to my workout and starting to really add strength training into the regime. I know that I am starting on the ground floor, but at least I am starting! I was in a car accident in 2006 that left my left shoulder pretty weak. BUT I am done allowing that to hold me back. I am also done letting my fear of the weights floor at the gym stop me from starting to lift. Thank you Jillian Michaels DVD for allowing me to break out of my comfort zone in the safety of my own home gym. :)  

Thursday, May 16: Day 6 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 4-Mile Run

Friday, May 17: Day 7 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and Walking Around Boston

Saturday, May 18: Walking Along The Beach/Ogunquit Beach and Day 8 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Sunday, May 19: 12-Mile Run, 45-Minute Walk With Friends and Day 9 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Monday, May 20: Day 10 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 5-Mile Run

Tuesday, May 21: 3.15-Mile Run, Day 11 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred (Day 1 of Level 2) and 30-Minute Swim

Wednesday, May 22: Day 12 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 5k Run

 

I can’t wait to add more swimming to the mix next week…  

Weekly Workout Wind Up (3/14-20/13)

My second installment of Weekly Workout Wind Up... Thursday, March 14: 5-Mile Run, 30 Min  Stairmaster and 15 Min Elliptical

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Friday, March 15: 5k Run

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Saturday, March 16: 14-Mile Run

saturday

Sunday, March 17: One Hour Spin

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sunday-2

Monday, March 18: 5-Mile Run

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Tuesday, March 19: Rest Day

Wednesday, March 20: 6x800 speedwork on the treadmill

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How did you sweat this week?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (3/7-13/13)

Well it is finally time that I put all of my workouts in one post to make it easier for you all to see what I'm doing and for me to keep my week's straight. :P So let's get this party started...

Thursday, March 7: 4 mile Run

Friday, March 8: Rest Day

Saturday, March 9: 2 hours of Spinning while at a Spin Instructor Orientation

Sunday, March 10: 10 mile Run

Monday. March 11: Ran 6.2+ miles And 45 min Spinning Class

Tuesday, March 11: 30 min Stairmaster

Wednesday, March 12: 45 min Tempo Run

Would you all like me to add my Plankaday Streak to this roundup as well?

Dynamic December

I am jumping on board with many of my fellow bloggers and coming up with some goals for December (just a week late ;)). But, now I am looking forward to a #DynamicDecember (I like alliteration so sue me :P).

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So here are the three challenges/hashtags you will see me using in the upcoming month:

1) #hlgDec2Rem - This challenge was designed by Jan (@HealthyLoserGal) and one of my favorite people in the world. :) For this challenge, I am really working on getting #back2basics, sticking with tracking (#trackstar) and getting in my Good Health Guidelines. I'm not going to beat myself up if I miss a day (since I did miss 3 of the 8 days in December), but I'll just try to do my best!

Jan is one of the best motivators, and people, around!!

2) #plankaday - This has been life changing for me. I am not one for crunches, especially with that back injury back in early 2011, so this is a great way to get some core work in without sitting and doing a bunch of crunches - I don't want to do - on the floor.

This program was started by Dr. Sherry Pagoto (@drsherrypagoto) and is open to interpretation. For me, I work on doing at least two planks a day and keeping the variety up! Front forearm plank, front straightarm plank, reverse plank, side forearm plank or side straightarm plank.

I started with a 30 second front forearm plank back in August 2011 and hit my PR of 5 minutes & 15 seconds in November 2012. Anything is possible... :)

I am going to continue to do my #plankaday every day. I am enjoying the versatility and loving the #plankaday community.

3) #100ozchallenge - This is actually the first challenge that I started on my own! I have had at times upwards of 50 people participating. Woo! I feel wicked cool. Okay, that wasn’t cool. Dammit!

Anyway, this is a pretty simple challenge: drink at least 100oz water a day. That’s it. Keep yourself hydrated during the winter months. I just saw on twitter today that “Dehydration can cause ageing & can slow down metabolism as much as 3%” – I am here to not let that happen! Stay hydrated!!

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I set these goals for myself because this is the person I want to be. The person I want to strive to be. The person I will work to be ... one day at a time.

And because of you - my family, friends, Facebook crew and twitterverse - that will hold me accountable, will support me and will keep me going.

The hashtags help to build a community. It opens the doors to new relationships, tips and most importantly more support.

So for me, this is what I will be striving for in December.

What will you be doing for you?

*WINNER ANNOUNCED* Pure Barre Class With Me Giveaway!

**WINNER ANNOUNCED**

Thanks to Random.org, the winner of the giveaway is #7 .... AND #18:

THAT'S RIGHT! Jess at Pure Barre Burlington was nice enough to give away 2 free classes with me instead of 1! Thanks Jess...

Congrats to Heather Federico AND Robin Nichols!!

Thanks to everyone who participated and keep your eyes out for the next giveaway - which will be launching TOMORROW for Sparkly Soul headbands … 

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Are you ready to lift?

Do you wanna feel the burn?

Looking to tone?

Then Pure Barre in Burlington is the place for you! :)

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Just a reminder of what Pure Barre is courtesy of the Founders:

Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to change the shape of your body. Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time. Clients see results in just 10 classes, lose inches in weeks and have fun doing it!

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I've been attending the class for just over a week now & am starting to drink the Pure Barre koolaid :P

Check out some of my thoughts so far: Class One, Class Two and Class Three!

It is definitely a unique workout that hits spots on my body I never knew you could strengthen.

So now it's time for the good news!

You ready?

Are you sure?

Well, here it is ...

... I'm giving away a free class with me at Pure Barre Burlington!

And following the class - we can grab a Dunkin Donuts coffee or a beer (pending time of class) ;)

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So here's how to enter:

*Follow @IrishEyes1982 and @PureBarreMA on Twitter (if you have an account) - leave one comment after following both

*Like Weight Off My Shoulders Blog and Pure Barre Burlington on Facebook (if you have an account) - leave one comment after liking both

and

*Comment below answering the following question: “What about Pure Barre makes you want to check out a class with me?” 

… I will take responses until 2pm ET Wednesday (November 28).

The winner will be picked at random … Good luck! 

#100ozchallenge

So I started the #100ozchallenge on Twitter early in 2012, but I never formally introduced it so I thought I would now. Better late than never, right?

So I gave up Diet Coke on December 7, 2010 ... and have remained soda friend to date! WOO!

But, I needed something else to drink to replace the many many cans of Diet Coke I was consuming a day ...

Enter WATER!

I know. I am ahead of the curve on joining the "drinking water" and "staying hydrated" craze. :)

Well, I noticed that I am better at creating a new habit when I have a challenge or community to turn to.

Then #100ozchallenge was born.

So the goal is quite simple: to drink at least 100oz of water a day.

Seems pretty basic.

The #100ozchallenge hashtag is a great way to find motivation from others and a sense of community.

But, if you feel that 100oz is too much water for you in a day - that is fine. Shoot for your own goal, but still use the hashtag to keep us up to speed on how you are doing.

So I ask, are you in for the #100ozchallenge?

I Should Be My Own #1...

The past few weeks for me have been a negative spiral inside my head. I'm not good enough.

I'm not strong enough.

I'm not worthy.

Why do you bother trying?

I shoulda ... I coulda ... I woulda ...

Now, I think everyone knows that for me the toughest struggle in this whole weight loss journey is switching the mental part from being the first to point out my flaws/self-deprecating humor to being my own biggest cheerleader!

In the deep part of my brain, I know I am worthy of all that has happened in my life in the past 2.5 years, but for some reason it keeps getting blocked by the negativity.

I should be my #1 priority ... ALWAYS!

Then on Saturday morning during my long marathon training run, Jessie J's song "Who You Are" came on my phone. Despite hearing this songs dozens of times before, the lyrics hit me differently this time around ... I really listened to what she was saying.

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I stare at my reflection in the mirror Why am I doing this to myself? Losing my mind on a tiny error

I nearly left the real me on the shelf No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing It's okay not to be okay Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing Everybody's bruising Just be true to who you are

Who you are, who you are, who you are Who you are, who you are, who you are Who you are, who you are, who you are

Brushing my hair, do I look perfect? I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah The more I try the less it's working, yeah, yeah, yeah

'Cause everything inside me screams

No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing It's okay not to be okay Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

But tears don't mean you're losing Everybody's bruising There's nothing wrong with who you are

Yes, no's, egos, fake shows like boom Just go and leave me alone Real talk, real life, good luck, good night With a smile, that's my home, that's my home, no No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing It's okay not to be okay Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing Everybody's bruising Just be true to who you are Yeah, yeah, yeah

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It's like she's been in my head the past few weeks. But, she speaks the truth.

WHY do I let myself get so wrapped up in one mistake? WHY do I beat myself up constantly when I don't reach my own expectations? WHY after all this time do I hold myself to this regard of being perfect all the time? WHY do I care so much about what other's think of me?

I. Am. Human.

I. Am. Me.

And now it is time to remind myself of that.

I don't want to miss out on celebrating my successes because I failed to reach the ideal results that I had in my head.

Life isn't going to go exactly how I want it to, but I need to enjoy the ride while I'm on it.

So today is a new day. I'm ready to be proud of my accomplishments and to pick myself up when life doesn't turn out how I want it to.

I am ready to be my own biggest fan because if I can't do it for myself how can I do it for others.

Okay, it's actually WAAAYYY easier to do it for others than to do it for myself.

So let's rephrase : I owe it to myself to be my biggest cheerleader because I am so many other people's biggest supporter - friends, family, Weight Watchers members - and I need to be there for me ... so I can be true to who I am!

I just need to remind myself that no one is perfect so why do I expect to be?

It's time to love me ... imperfections and all! Because accepting me will allow me to be a better friend, a stronger Weight Watchers Leader and a happier runner!

Just Keep Swimming...

This morning I did my first swim workout in far toooo llooonngg!! Okay one main reason for that was the lack of a bathing suit made for lap swimming in my size. Yes I had one that I have had for years that was WAYY too big, but I just never could get around to buying one that fit. (See: my fear of buying bathing suits in general! :P)

So finally yesterday I decided that since I had a 16 mile run on Saturday, I wanted to get a low impact workout in on Friday and what better way than in the pool. So I asked the wife to borrow one of hers. She is a good 2 inches shorter than me, but I thought it would be able to stretch enough to make it work. I set that aside and proceeded to dig out my goggles and swim cap.

Ohh it felt good to even take those out of the bottom draw!

After my final Weight Watchers meeting of the week, I hit the Boston Sports Club pool near my house - since they always have at least 3 lap lanes available at all times - and was ready to get back to the pool.

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Growing up I always loved swimming. My mom always said I was a natural born fish. I was on a swim team constantly until I hit High School. In junior high, I even coached my own little swim team at the local Boys & Girls Club - Dani's Divers - and had a blast.

But then it just went to the wayside as other sports took the forefront of my time. I tried to get back into swimming after college whenever possible as a way to get back in to shape .

Thankfully our gym in Chicago had a pool, but it seemed every time I tried to hit up the pool it was jam packed.

So I was psyched when we got the Boston to find that this pool always had a couple lanes open and since my schedule is more flexible now I could pay attention to when it is dead.

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So this morning I put the suit back on and I can tell you it felt awesome! I was excited since my ActiveLink (Weight Watchers activity monitor) is actually waterproof so I could wear it in the pool as well! :)

I went into the pool without a clear cut plan and just made one up as I went along. I couldn't remember how much a mile was in "lap" speak so I focused on getting into the rhythm instead.

I felt AWESOME throughout the swim. I loved how I didn't have to worry about my back or my knees or my ankles. I could just let go and swim.

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Since there isn't much thought needed in swimming laps or outside noise to bother you, it is a GREAT time to just think. And as I swam I thought about how it relates my life and my weight loss journey.

No matter how long it had been since I was last in the pool or the last time I even thought about lap swimming ... as soon as I started the freestyle it came right back to me. The breathing. The strokes. The kicks. It was second nature.

My weight loss journey has been the same way ... especially this summer.

As many know I used to work many days straight without a day off when I worked in baseball, which led to a much more regimented schedule - which overall lent itself very well to weight loss and Weight Watchers during the tricky summer months.

Well, this summer is completely different, I feel like a New Member trying to navigate the world of Happy Hours, weekends away, BBQs, etc.

But, I am learning that even if I take a couple of weeks of what I call a "relaxed adherence to the plan" (thanks fellow WW Leaders for that phrase), I know that I can get right back into the swing of it when I need to.

I just need to jump right back in and start swimming...

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So in the words of Dori when it is time to bear down and get back to basics:

Face It Friday – 0.2 lb Gain

Ladies and Gentlemen, this weigh-in shows that tracking and activity and Weight Watchers works. Why you might ask?

Well in full disclosure I weighed in June 1 at 154.8 (0.2 under goal - Woo!) and proceeded to slip up. Oh hell, eat and drink my way through June. Yup! I basically took most of the month of June off from tracking my food. I just sort of went off the Weight Watchers deep end if you will.

BUT ... I did up my activity. I am training for a half marathon so I am putting some serious miles on my sneakers and hitting up a lot of cross training.

When I checked in with myself on June 19 I had probably put on almost 5 lbs. YOWZA!! That's not good.

So I UPPED the activity and when I weighed myself at home on June 29 I had only gained 0.1 lbs from the previous home weigh in 10 days prior. Now during that time my eating was atrocious, but my activity kicked serious butt.

This my friends proves that activity can help you maintain, but you need healthy food choices + activity to = weight loss.

SOOOO on June 29 my dear friend Lindsey (who does WW online) and I decided to make July our bi-atch. Is that how you spell that? I'm not hip enough to really know that lingo. But I digress...

So after the July 4 holiday I got off my bad food wagon and hit the scale. Ooohhh that number wasn't pretty. It was literally 6 lbs heavier than my home weigh in on June 1 ... and 3 lbs over my Lifetime status range.

Oh no that wasn't gonna stop me.

I stepped into BEAST MODE.

I made the week after my bi-atch. I tracked every BLT. I measured out my wine. I weighed all my food. I blogged every food log. I upped my activity even more thanks to the extra incentive of AL (aka Active Link).

And what happened?

I weighed in this morning officially 0.2 lbs heavier than on June 1 ... and right ON GOAL - 155 even.

Yes! Woo!

But more importantly I felt AWESOME this last week. I tracked for 8-consecutive days for the first time since December 2011 and felt in control.

I felt on top of the world.

So yes, I may have slip and slided for 3 weeks, but I got myself back on track.

Why?

Because I NEVER want to go back to where I started. So even seeing how a 5 lb gain - even though most of it may have been bloating or what not - was not fun. I felt GROSS. I never thought I would be in the 150s and feel uncomfortable,

But I did.

And now ... I. Am. Back.

So yes I tripped, but before I hurled myself down the rest of the stairs. I caught myself on the railing and picked myself back up.

And THAT is what matters!