I am the Biggest Loser...Kinda.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Arwen

After the 300 hush puppies (because I'm sure I ate more than Diva) and the peach cobbler (not that good actually) last night, I hit the grocery store. I got some more juice for my smoothies as well as some lettuce and other stuff. Even thought I am three cans away from a total Coke Zero (only 40mg of sodium per can, yo), I did not buy another 12 pack. We shall see how this goes. I also bought my fave little grape tomatoes and lettuce for my lunches/dinners.

I am also perusing bikes. I just think if I can find soemthing to do, i will be better. I tried to walk to the mailbox yesterday but I don't have shoes that are comfortable. And I have really ouchy feet. One of the things that keeps me from exercise is my physical pain levels.

WHINE.

Perserverance and persistance. That's my motto.

I also picked up the Weight Watchers magazine (turned it face down on the conveyer so no one else could see it--snort) It actually had a ton of information along with recipes. Not sure what I think about their point system but the recipes and stories were very good.

Arwen,

Whilst I agree that Weight Watchers is an amazing organization...and the point system works for some people....it's actually just a conversion of calories to points.

Biggest Loser makes a book called "Easy Swaps" That has a list of all the things we love. Pasta, french fries, even hushpuppies....and what you can do to make something similar with a ton less calories, and less sodium, and all in all better for you. *smiles*

Just a suggestion

Originally Posted by Diva

Well.....so this morning, I had my yearly doctor's visit.....and I'm thinkin'....so I chose to eat FRIED food the night beFORE? What was I thinking?

My BP was a little elevated, but nothing drastic.

AND....I have lost 22 lbs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So perhaps it would have been a little more had I not succumbed to the Hell that IS the Hushpuppy..

They also measured my height....and I am now a 'victim' of old age.....I'm 1/2" shorter. I can no longer bump up my 5'3 1/2" to 5'4"......I am now 5' 3".



All in all.....I'm feeling pretty good right now.

Oh, Licious I am so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *hugs*

22 lbs is amazing!! Wish I could kiss ya cheek!!

And Gemme....while I realize that Diet Sodas are certainly not the best things fo us....and I realize that, believe me. I was only saying that I know that attempting to give up everything all at once can be so sucky. And if someone has been drinking only 2 sodas a day, this in itself will NOT inhibit WEIGHT LOSS. That is my goal. Weight Loss. So, if I have given up fried foods, fast foods, cakes, candy, alcohol, cigarettes, and lazy ass on the couch, etc. It will not KILL me to cont to drink 2 diet sodas and not deprive myself of EVERYTHING I love all at once.

I certainly agree that Diet Sodas should eventually be cycled out of our lives. However, I haven't begun to cut out ALL preservatives, ALL processed foods just yet. I"m working on a day to day basis of weight loss. My goal is not necessarily to get healthier (while this is certainly a side effect of weight loss) for now it's just to get smaller. I want to wear sexy clothes. I want to be able to run around and do things easier.

I'm not saying that everyone shoud have the same view as me. I know this may not be only reason I have to lose weight but for me....right now....I want to LOOK better. That is my motivation, that is my goal.

So Diet Sodas have no calories, no carbs, and only a small portion of my daily sodium. I drink 1-3 a week. And No, I won't be giving those up right now.

*nod*

[Arwen]

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I can't exercise.

I don't have the right shoes.
I don't have the right clothes.
It's raining.
I don't have a bike.
I don't have time.
yadda
yadda
yadda

This morning, after working on one of my books, I just got up and turned on my iPod. I have two groups (one is 20 minutes and one is 30) of music that I used to use when I did the step aerobics on the WiiFit board.

Well you know what? I was barefooted wearing nothing but a heavy terry cloth robe.

I danced. I moved. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes. At the beginning I did stretches, then I unloaded the dishwasher. Then I boogied and sang my lungs out.

Y'all should be thankful that you do not live with me. I am not American Idol material unless it's the outtake reels. LOL

But I did it. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes and broke a sweat.

I've also not had any cafFIEND today. I did have two squares of my dark chocolate though. Grin!

What was wild was when I put in 30 minutes of dancing and it ZEROED out my smoothie. THUD. All that health gone like that.

hee.

I know. It was just the calories, but it made me laugh.

[Linus]

Arwen, any amount of motion that is more than usual is always good. Rule of thumb is that 3,500 calories == 1 lb. So if you reduce a little and exercise a little more, that 3,500 calories drops faster than you realize.

[Arwen]

Originally Posted by Linus

Arwen, any amount of motion that is more than usual is always good. Rule of thumb is that 3,500 calories == 1 lb. So if you reduce a little and exercise a little more, that 3,500 calories drops faster than you realize.

I had fun because I have a mirror in my living room and I could see what a DORK I look like when I'm dancing.

And in my vivid imagination, I danced with many of you.

PinkieLee, you were particularly good at two-stepping with me to "Down In Mississippi And Up To No Good" while G rocked the house on "Put A Girl In It".

Can y'all tell the kind of music I have on my 30 minute selection? LOL

[amiyesiam]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I can't exercise.

I don't have the right shoes.
I don't have the right clothes.
It's raining.
I don't have a bike.
I don't have time.
yadda
yadda
yadda

This morning, after working on one of my books, I just got up and turned on my iPod. I have two groups (one is 20 minutes and one is 30) of music that I used to use when I did the step aerobics on the WiiFit board.

Well you know what? I was barefooted wearing nothing but a heavy terry cloth robe.

I danced. I moved. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes. At the beginning I did stretches, then I unloaded the dishwasher. Then I boogied and sang my lungs out.

Y'all should be thankful that you do not live with me. I am not American Idol material unless it's the outtake reels. LOL

But I did it. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes and broke a sweat.

I've also not had any cafFIEND today. I did have two squares of my dark chocolate though. Grin!

What was wild was when I put in 30 minutes of dancing and it ZEROED out my smoothie. THUD. All that health gone like that.

hee.

I know. It was just the calories, but it made me laugh.

oh, you have a wii fit too!!!!!!!!!

I love it cause

it totals my minutes
it estimates calories burned
it weighs/does BMI every time you get on it
it tracks it all on a nice little chart
Bare FOOT oh yes oh yes
in the jammies yippie
no having to shower to go out in public just so you can exercise and shower again!!!!!!!
you can add and track other exercise you do (like shoveling LOL)
it keeps track of how you do on each exercise so you can see your actual progress and it means that you can not over or under estimate what you have done or not

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by canmarielan

And Gemme....while I realize that Diet Sodas are certainly not the best things fo us....and I realize that, believe me. I was only saying that I know that attempting to give up everything all at once can be so sucky. And if someone has been drinking only 2 sodas a day, this in itself will NOT inhibit WEIGHT LOSS. That is my goal. Weight Loss. So, if I have given up fried foods, fast foods, cakes, candy, alcohol, cigarettes, and lazy ass on the couch, etc. It will not KILL me to cont to drink 2 diet sodas and not deprive myself of EVERYTHING I love all at once.

I certainly agree that Diet Sodas should eventually be cycled out of our lives. However, I haven't begun to cut out ALL preservatives, ALL processed foods just yet. I"m working on a day to day basis of weight loss. My goal is not necessarily to get healthier (while this is certainly a side effect of weight loss) for now it's just to get smaller. I want to wear sexy clothes. I want to be able to run around and do things easier.

I'm not saying that everyone shoud have the same view as me. I know this may not be only reason I have to lose weight but for me....right now....I want to LOOK better. That is my motivation, that is my goal.

So Diet Sodas have no calories, no carbs, and only a small portion of my daily sodium. I drink 1-3 a week. And No, I won't be giving those up right now.

*nod*

Oh, no...no....no! I was just commenting on a post, Candace, not saying "drop it now!"

Girrrrrl, I've got too much going on with myself to jump all over someone else. I just know that I know some valuable shit that I've picked up over the years. Not that I've always put it into practice, but I KNOW it. That's got to count for SOMEthing, right?

I still have some diet sodas in the garage too. I wasn't judging you.

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

oh, you have a wii fit too!!!!!!!!!

I love it cause

it totals my minutes
it estimates calories burned
it weighs/does BMI every time you get on it
it tracks it all on a nice little chart
Bare FOOT oh yes oh yes
in the jammies yippie
no having to shower to go out in public just so you can exercise and shower again!!!!!!!
you can add and track other exercise you do (like shoveling LOL)
it keeps track of how you do on each exercise so you can see your actual progress and it means that you can not over or under estimate what you have done or not

And ami is now the OFFICIAL Wii Fit promotions person. If these aren't enough reasons to get one, I don't know what is!

[Puplove]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I can't exercise.

I don't have the right shoes.
I don't have the right clothes.

...snippie...

Well you know what? I was barefooted wearing nothing but a heavy terry cloth robe.

I have learned that if I stop to think about working out, as in "will I or won't I" or if I entertain any thoughts about what steps I have to take to get exercising -- I'm not going to do it. The second I make exercising an option, I have just decided I'm not going to do it today. (I've been making it an option every day now for a couple months...that's stopping right now!)

So....anything I can do to remove steps helps. A major one is the hassle of putting on running shoes, lacing them up, then loosening them because they're too tight across my high instep, but then they're too loose, adjusting and tightening, blah blah blah...so I eliminated shoes from my workout routine. I just do it barefooted. I figured that's healthier than not doing it.

Lo! and Behold!
I'm happy to see that more and more research is supporting the idea that it is better for our bodies to run and do aerobics barefooted instead of in shoes.

The basic facts they're pointing out are are: With shoes on, we land with all our weight on our heels. In addition, supportive and structured running shoes do not allow our toes to spread. The foot's natural operation when running is to absorb the impact throughout the foot and to spread the toes to balance and absorb more. This protects our knees and ankles.

I don't know anything about foot doctoring or the anatomy, physiology or any malfunctions, injuries and stuff. But, I love seeing this research.

Now, I'm looking for research about working out or running in terry cloth robes. I bet they wick away the sweat....

[Arwen]

Originally Posted by Puplove

Now, I'm looking for research about working out or running in terry cloth robes. I bet they wick away the sweat....

Thanks so much! I am going to remember the point you made about the moment you make it a choice. You've got a rocking bod so I know you know!

And the terry cloth robe made me sweat so that's gotta be good right?

Although...my heart did take a turn when I saw BLOOD on my arms.

Then I realized it was red fuzz from my robe.

[Puplove]

Originally Posted by Arwen

Although...my heart did take a turn when I saw BLOOD on my arms.

Then I realized it was red fuzz from my robe.

HAHAHA!!! Ask me sometime about the first tattoo I got (mostly red) and misperception about blood...

I"m glad the choice moment makes sense to you. At least the way I work - as soon as I give myself the option to decide, I've already given myself permission to blow off exercising. So if I'm serious, I don't get to make a choice about whether I'm going to do it, I just have to just like I would have to do any other commitment to someone else.

Thanks for the rockin bod comment - even if I've rounded it out quite a bit in the past few months (evidence = clothes are too little)!

[Diavolo]

Originally Posted by Arwen

Although...my heart did take a turn when I saw BLOOD on my arms.

Then I realized it was red fuzz from my robe.

I think you're the only person I know who bleeds terrycloth.

[Arwen]

Dear Fellow Losers,

Um, guess what? I've not had even ONE soda since Wednesday. Not even ONE! And I've been drinking a lot more water. So w00t for me!

Haven't done the movement thing because I've been engrossed in a story I'm working on. But I did get 1700 words written yesterday which is awesome for me. Usually it's 250 here, 500 there. LOL

I've also been really focused on eating the right things. I slip and slide some but overall, I'm eating like someone who really cares about my body.

So thanks for this thread, Candacebaby! And thanks for this planet, Dusa and Jack. And to all the losers here, thanks to you as well.

Love
Thankful Femme

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I also picked up the Weight Watchers magazine (turned it face down on the conveyer so no one else could see it--snort) It actually had a ton of information along with recipes. Not sure what I think about their point system but the recipes and stories were very good.

I think I have every issue of the Weight Watchers magazine from the last year and a half. I love their recipes (might even try a few out sometime) and am gonna take the weight loss success stories and maybe make a motivational scrapbook out of it so that if I ever get down or discouraged I can just look at those stories and know that if they can do it then so can I

Oh, and of course I'll be here with you all getting encouragement as well

And and, I went to the doctor's this week and I lost four pounds in two weeks .......... no complaints here, YAY Me

Originally Posted by christie0918

Have you tried the sugarfree koolaid/crystal light things? I also have an aspartame issue, but these don't seem to bother me. I have gone from drinking literally a 12 pack+ of mountain dew (non diet) to NONE since August. My personal favs are the "Hawaiin Punch" Orange and Limeaid Berry.

I'm bad for downing a 2L of pepsi in like 1-2 days, but I wanna try those crystal light drinks packets just cuz I've heard lots of people raving about it!!!!

Originally Posted by Diva

AND....I have lost 22 lbs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So perhaps it would have been a little more had I not succumbed to the Hell that IS the Hushpuppy..

All in all.....I'm feeling pretty good right now.

WOOHOO for losing 22lbs Ms Diva, thats fantastic

Originally Posted by Arwen

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I can't exercise.

I don't have the right shoes.
I don't have the right clothes.
It's raining.
I don't have a bike.
I don't have time.
yadda
yadda
yadda

This morning, after working on one of my books, I just got up and turned on my iPod. I have two groups (one is 20 minutes and one is 30) of music that I used to use when I did the step aerobics on the WiiFit board.

Well you know what? I was barefooted wearing nothing but a heavy terry cloth robe.

I danced. I moved. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes. At the beginning I did stretches, then I unloaded the dishwasher. Then I boogied and sang my lungs out.

Y'all should be thankful that you do not live with me. I am not American Idol material unless it's the outtake reels. LOL

But I did it. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes and broke a sweat.

Good for you Arwen! Even if its just something like dancing around the house and singing (even if one is not good at it) its that kind of feel good stuff that not only helps us to lose weight but also produces those endorphins that make us feel good

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

oh, you have a wii fit too!!!!!!!!!

I love it cause

it totals my minutes
it estimates calories burned
it weighs/does BMI every time you get on it
it tracks it all on a nice little chart
Bare FOOT oh yes oh yes
in the jammies yippie
no having to shower to go out in public just so you can exercise and shower again!!!!!!!
you can add and track other exercise you do (like shoveling LOL)
it keeps track of how you do on each exercise so you can see your actual progress and it means that you can not over or under estimate what you have done or not

How is the Wii Fit for exercising Ami? Do you recommend it?

My mom knows that I wanna lose weight and she is thinking about looking into getting it for our whole family so that we can all use it to work on losing weight. I don't really wanna go to the gym and feel uncomfortable changing as well as exercising in front of complete strangers, so doing it in the comfort of home is probably the best way to do it. I'd also wanna get games for it like bowling, golf etc so that there are other fun things to do on the Wii to help get into shape

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Arwen

Dear Fellow Losers,

Um, guess what? I've not had even ONE soda since Wednesday. Not even ONE! And I've been drinking a lot more water. So w00t for me!

Haven't done the movement thing because I've been engrossed in a story I'm working on. But I did get 1700 words written yesterday which is awesome for me. Usually it's 250 here, 500 there. LOL

I've also been really focused on eating the right things. I slip and slide some but overall, I'm eating like someone who really cares about my body.

So thanks for this thread, Candacebaby! And thanks for this planet, Dusa and Jack. And to all the losers here, thanks to you as well.

Love
Thankful Femme

Ahem, missy. I believe it was 1701 words. Every single word counts!



I was logging my food intake today into TDP and after only one cup of oj (NOTHING more!), I was at 108% of my recommended sugar intake. Holy crap! No WONDER I consistently go over my sugar rda. Yikes!

I'll be at 400% by the time I've had my dinner and snack (an apple and an orange are in my future).

<---- loves her sugar

[Galahad]

Everyone here is really inspiring me to get started again. I need to lose about 100 lbs. One thing I read about in a spark people exercise article and try to do is move my arms about to get my heart rate up. I have sore feet and can't run or walk much. When I add waving my arms about and punching along with stepping or walking, I work up a sweat and get the pulse racing 3x faster than just marching or jogging along. I need to force myself to do it every day. It gets boring. Looking up exercises vs. calories burnt,I found shadow boxing is one of the best. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right, but it breaks the monotony.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Galahad

Everyone here is really inspiring me to get started again. I need to lose about 100 lbs. One thing I read about in a spark people exercise article and try to do is move my arms about to get my heart rate up. I have sore feet and can't run or walk much. When I add waving my arms about and punching along with stepping or walking, I work up a sweat and get the pulse racing 3x faster than just marching or jogging along. I need to force myself to do it every day. It gets boring. Looking up exercises vs. calories burnt,I found shadow boxing is one of the best. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right, but it breaks the monotony.

At my Y, they have a couple of 'bikes' that have hand 'pedals' for those who shouldn't/can't move their legs well. The motion is just like the foot pedals, only it's at chest level. Maybe a place near you will have one of those too!

[Galahad]

Sounds like dog peddling. I think I'd get really bored just cycling for 30 minutes. Great for people that can't use their legs at all though. I'll stick with the shadow boxing, windmills, waving,swimming, signaling, arm movements. Dancing around on the cushions etc. It helps to know there are so many of you out there exercising whether or not you want to.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I can't exercise.

I don't have the right shoes.
I don't have the right clothes.
It's raining.
I don't have a bike.
I don't have time.
yadda
yadda
yadda

This morning, after working on one of my books, I just got up and turned on my iPod. I have two groups (one is 20 minutes and one is 30) of music that I used to use when I did the step aerobics on the WiiFit board.

Well you know what? I was barefooted wearing nothing but a heavy terry cloth robe.

I danced. I moved. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes. At the beginning I did stretches, then I unloaded the dishwasher. Then I boogied and sang my lungs out.

Y'all should be thankful that you do not live with me. I am not American Idol material unless it's the outtake reels. LOL

But I did it. I stayed in motion for thirty solid minutes and broke a sweat.

I've also not had any cafFIEND today. I did have two squares of my dark chocolate though. Grin!

What was wild was when I put in 30 minutes of dancing and it ZEROED out my smoothie. THUD. All that health gone like that.

hee.

I know. It was just the calories, but it made me laugh.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SISTER THIS IS Exactly what i did the other day!!!!!!! SOOOOOO much fun, eh??

Just dancing around acting goofy. I picked up my kitty and did a few twirls with her...she was.....umm...NOT interested!!! hahhaaa...they just sat there and stared at me bewildered!!!!!!!!!

I didn't care

GREAT JOBB!!!!

Originally Posted by Puplove

I have learned that if I stop to think about working out, as in "will I or won't I" or if I entertain any thoughts about what steps I have to take to get exercising -- I'm not going to do it. The second I make exercising an option, I have just decided I'm not going to do it today. (I've been making it an option every day now for a couple months...that's stopping right now!)

So....anything I can do to remove steps helps. A major one is the hassle of putting on running shoes, lacing them up, then loosening them because they're too tight across my high instep, but then they're too loose, adjusting and tightening, blah blah blah...so I eliminated shoes from my workout routine. I just do it barefooted. I figured that's healthier than not doing it.

Lo! and Behold!
I'm happy to see that more and more research is supporting the idea that it is better for our bodies to run and do aerobics barefooted instead of in shoes.

The basic facts they're pointing out are are: With shoes on, we land with all our weight on our heels. In addition, supportive and structured running shoes do not allow our toes to spread. The foot's natural operation when running is to absorb the impact throughout the foot and to spread the toes to balance and absorb more. This protects our knees and ankles.

I don't know anything about foot doctoring or the anatomy, physiology or any malfunctions, injuries and stuff. But, I love seeing this research.

Now, I'm looking for research about working out or running in terry cloth robes. I bet they wick away the sweat....

I love you.

That is all.

Originally Posted by Arwen

Dear Fellow Losers,

Um, guess what? I've not had even ONE soda since Wednesday. Not even ONE! And I've been drinking a lot more water. So w00t for me!

Haven't done the movement thing because I've been engrossed in a story I'm working on. But I did get 1700 words written yesterday which is awesome for me. Usually it's 250 here, 500 there. LOL

I've also been really focused on eating the right things. I slip and slide some but overall, I'm eating like someone who really cares about my body.

So thanks for this thread, Candacebaby! And thanks for this planet, Dusa and Jack. And to all the losers here, thanks to you as well.

Love
Thankful Femme

I'm so proud of you for all you are doing, babes!!!

And all of you are doing so great. I just know 2010 is the best year for all of us!!!

I can't wait to see you guys at the reunion and when I come home to texas to visit. *smiles* it's gonna be so great

Originally Posted by Galahad

Everyone here is really inspiring me to get started again. I need to lose about 100 lbs. One thing I read about in a spark people exercise article and try to do is move my arms about to get my heart rate up. I have sore feet and can't run or walk much. When I add waving my arms about and punching along with stepping or walking, I work up a sweat and get the pulse racing 3x faster than just marching or jogging along. I need to force myself to do it every day. It gets boring. Looking up exercises vs. calories burnt,I found shadow boxing is one of the best. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right, but it breaks the monotony.

Welcome...and I am so excited that you are joining us in this journey

Keep us updated on your progress. Also...I really really like your ideas *smiles*

We can't all or just yet

sometimes, in fact, all I really wanna do is

hahahaaaaaa



Everything is going okay. I don't know if I"m going to lose any weight this week b/c though I am still counting my calories I haven't gotten the burn in lately.

I really think I"m going to start my period soon (tmi I'm sure) b/c i have the appetite of a lioness. Kassie says it's b/c my metabolism is faster b/c i'm losing weight and while I am inclined to believe that it still doesn't make it fun when I am hungry. The first few weeks I was eating such great food that I didn't even realize I was dieting. Now, though I am still eating the same great food, I'm wanting more of it, ya know?

Alas, as long as I don't gain any weight I will be pleased with my progress this week.

I love you all.

[Diavolo]

I saw the posts about stationary bicycles being boring and I get that. Our gym has a big cardio theater so every bike has a hook up to the sound, some even have their own televisions built in. That can help pass the time. Personally, I'm working on my broker's exam so I read. The only problem with reading or watching television is that it's important to keep the intensity up. Whatever intensity is for you. So I would recommend on a bike keeping the RPM's over 90, under 110. On a EFX keeping the strides over 140. Then adjust the tension to suit your fitness ability. I get Jillian Michaels' daily blasts. Something she said a couple of weeks ago was "Are you phoning in your workouts?" At the time I was phoning in the cardio. Now right before I get on the machine I say "Don't phone this in". Same with walking. You can walk or you can walk. It's a walk not a stroll. Don't be phoning it in. In addition to my morning workouts, I'm trying to take one dog for a 2.5 mile walk every day. The weather has been ass here, not as ass as it is back east, but ass for California. It'll be easier once the torrential rains slow down. One of the greatest memories of my childhood was walking with my Grandfather. He had a heart attack and the Dr. told him to walk 5 miles every day. As a child it was such a joy to run along side that big man every afternoon. It probably got him another 10-15 years.

Keep up the good work everyone! I'm taking the afternoon off. Goodboi is coming over and we've got steaks and New Orleans style BBQ shrimp and a full wine cellar and all the sorts of things that guys like to eat and drink while watching the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints!!!

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Diavolo

I saw the posts about stationary bicycles being boring and I get that. Our gym has a big cardio theater so every bike has a hook up to the sound, some even have their own televisions built in. That can help pass the time. Personally, I'm working on my broker's exam so I read. The only problem with reading or watching television is that it's important to keep the intensity up. Whatever intensity is for you. So I would recommend on a bike keeping the RPM's over 90, under 110. On a EFX keeping the strides over 140. Then adjust the tension to suit your fitness ability. I get Jillian Michaels' daily blasts. Something she said a couple of weeks ago was "Are you phoning in your workouts?" At the time I was phoning in the cardio. Now right before I get on the machine I say "Don't phone this in". Same with walking. You can walk or you can walk. It's a walk not a stroll. Don't be phoning it in. In addition to my morning workouts, I'm trying to take one dog for a 2.5 mile walk every day. The weather has been ass here, not as ass as it is back east, but ass for California. It'll be easier once the torrential rains slow down. One of the greatest memories of my childhood was walking with my Grandfather. He had a heart attack and the Dr. told him to walk 5 miles every day. As a child it was such a joy to run along side that big man every afternoon. It probably got him another 10-15 years.

Keep up the good work everyone! I'm taking the afternoon off. Goodboi is coming over and we've got steaks and New Orleans style BBQ shrimp and a full wine cellar and all the sorts of things that guys like to eat and drink while watching the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints!!!

I know what you mean about phoning it in! I see a lot of folks that bring a magazine and plop it in front of them while on the treadmill or bike and they "work out" at a slow to non-existant crawl. If you want to read, great! Read. If you want to work out, work out.

It used to really get under my skin, but I've learned a way to use my irritation to my own benefit. It's like, okay, you want to waste your time, well it's your time to waste, but I'm not going to waste MY time and I up the intensity of my own workout. I win!

[christie]

After 3 days of no power (thank you, snowstorm), I was hesitant to get on the scales today.

I am UNDER 200 for the first time in about 3/4 years. 30lbs from my goal weight and 27 days from the 40th bday. I feel pretty damned good about that. yay me