I drove my regular walking route (regular referring to the direction I usually take and not to frequency) and discovered it is 2 miles, not just 1 as I thought. So I'm not so good with estimating distances. The 5K this Saturday would be about 3.1 miles. That would be a little bit of a stretch, but not so much it would kill me.
Unfortunately, my husband's aunt died and the funeral is this Saturday in Utah. The same day as the 5K. Because of other factors, like work schedules, we are still deciding whether to go to the funeral, which means my participation in the 5K is in limbo. We'll see what happens.
But I have a new motivation for walking. I bought the e-book of Mockingjay, which I have been dying to read. So I made this contract with myself that I can read 1 chapter for each mile I walk. This evening I did my 2-mile route. Then later I needed to make a quick trip to the store and decided to walk there with a couple extra blocks thrown in to make it a full mile. So I got to read three chapters tonight. And Chapter 3 is one of those mini cliffhangers and I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! So it is likely I will drag myself out of bed a little earlier in the morning to get in some walking/reading.
And it occurs to me, I walked 3 miles today. That is nearly the equivalent of a 5K. I had some Writing Excuses podcasts on my MP3, which made it nearly painless. Well, other than the sweaty and sore part. But it made it not boring. Seriously, with the right motivation, I could walk a 5K every day. Maybe I don't need to pay an entrance fee and get the shirt. I'd rather use the entrance fee to buy another book or two. And I have plenty of shirts. In smaller sizes. That I would like to wear again.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Can she do it?
Ok, I go back to work today. Granted it is just for today and I don't go back for the school year until next week. Yikes! Where did the summer go?
When I made it my goal at the beginning of summer to defeat the hike that I thought would be the death of me, I was really scared that I would give up, roll over and play dead until time to actually die. I am impressed with myself that I have been consistent and that the hike is now enjoyable and I look forward to it. And more than that, I now only stop once for about 90 seconds and then I am off and can do the hike in 8-10 minutes as opposed to the 45 it took me the first time.
Now the scary part is when I can no longer go in the mornings. Like today. I would be almost at the top of the hike right now, but I would not have time to get home and showered and changed in time to be at work at 7:30 and when school starts I have to be there at 7:15. So, no more morning hiking. Except on Saturday. I am going to try to go in the afternoon/evenings from now on, but am not sure how that is going to actually work if it is 90-100* because I can't be out in the heat. So we will see how it goes.
This morning I did 2 yoga cds and my 10 minute dance it off video and feel pretty good about that and if it is too hot, I will run on the treadmill when I get home. I am determined to lose the rest of this weight, but more than that, I have enjoyed feeling better this summer and I will be healthy and will not let work get in my way.
ETA
After work I checked my mail, fixed a yummy ceasar salad pizza, (I'll post the recipe sometime. It was seriously yummy) filled my camel back bladder with water and the pack part with my lip gloss, camera, wallet, phone and keys, changed my clothes, put my Sketchers Shape ups on, grabbed the kiddos and headed out. We did the hike that we normally would have done this morning. But can we say everyone in the city was doing the hike for FHE tonight? I think I like mornings better- it is cooler and quieter and less crowded. But I did it. So that makes a small workout in the morning and a hike in the evening and I feel great.
I am amazed that all day I was wanting the clock to move faster so I could come home and go hiking. Really? Two months ago I would have called you crazy if you had suggested that I would crave hiking. I have never liked it very much, but now my body wants to move, move, move! This is very exciting to me. But we will have to see what my body says come winter and snow and cold and no way I am climbing that mountian. Will I want to get on the treadmill or do an exercise cd? We'll see.
Now, I am off for a long soak in the tub with a good book.
Night all!
When I made it my goal at the beginning of summer to defeat the hike that I thought would be the death of me, I was really scared that I would give up, roll over and play dead until time to actually die. I am impressed with myself that I have been consistent and that the hike is now enjoyable and I look forward to it. And more than that, I now only stop once for about 90 seconds and then I am off and can do the hike in 8-10 minutes as opposed to the 45 it took me the first time.
Now the scary part is when I can no longer go in the mornings. Like today. I would be almost at the top of the hike right now, but I would not have time to get home and showered and changed in time to be at work at 7:30 and when school starts I have to be there at 7:15. So, no more morning hiking. Except on Saturday. I am going to try to go in the afternoon/evenings from now on, but am not sure how that is going to actually work if it is 90-100* because I can't be out in the heat. So we will see how it goes.
This morning I did 2 yoga cds and my 10 minute dance it off video and feel pretty good about that and if it is too hot, I will run on the treadmill when I get home. I am determined to lose the rest of this weight, but more than that, I have enjoyed feeling better this summer and I will be healthy and will not let work get in my way.
ETA
After work I checked my mail, fixed a yummy ceasar salad pizza, (I'll post the recipe sometime. It was seriously yummy) filled my camel back bladder with water and the pack part with my lip gloss, camera, wallet, phone and keys, changed my clothes, put my Sketchers Shape ups on, grabbed the kiddos and headed out. We did the hike that we normally would have done this morning. But can we say everyone in the city was doing the hike for FHE tonight? I think I like mornings better- it is cooler and quieter and less crowded. But I did it. So that makes a small workout in the morning and a hike in the evening and I feel great.
I am amazed that all day I was wanting the clock to move faster so I could come home and go hiking. Really? Two months ago I would have called you crazy if you had suggested that I would crave hiking. I have never liked it very much, but now my body wants to move, move, move! This is very exciting to me. But we will have to see what my body says come winter and snow and cold and no way I am climbing that mountian. Will I want to get on the treadmill or do an exercise cd? We'll see.
Now, I am off for a long soak in the tub with a good book.
Night all!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It was like having a lemon ripped from my chest!
No, really it was. I know I have been a major slacker. I am not proud to say that I have no weight loss to report over the last few months, especially since I started the year with a bang. But I just started not feeling good, and got so tired all the time, and was having trouble sleeping. And so when I first started to notice my chest getting a little flabby, I just got depressed and thought "I am fatter than ever." Luckily I didn't hold that belief for long, especially when the area just below my bra line started to ache all the time, and I went to the doctor.
Turns out I had a tumor the size of a lemon that had been growing more inside than out (hence how it got so big I didn't notice) and it had been pushing against my lungs (hence the lack of oxygen that effected pretty much everything). So it is now out and luckily benign and I can really say it has taken a weight off my chest!
So I guess that means I am back. With no more excuses I need to start eating right, working out, and avoiding all those things I know are bad for me. One of those is to cut down on Coke since I really got re-addicted because I was using it to help me get through the days. I am not going to lie and say I will never drink it again, but I am going to try to go down to a couple times a week instead of daily and go from there.
I will check in next week hopefully a pound or two lighter and feeling better, both physically and emotionally.
Turns out I had a tumor the size of a lemon that had been growing more inside than out (hence how it got so big I didn't notice) and it had been pushing against my lungs (hence the lack of oxygen that effected pretty much everything). So it is now out and luckily benign and I can really say it has taken a weight off my chest!
So I guess that means I am back. With no more excuses I need to start eating right, working out, and avoiding all those things I know are bad for me. One of those is to cut down on Coke since I really got re-addicted because I was using it to help me get through the days. I am not going to lie and say I will never drink it again, but I am going to try to go down to a couple times a week instead of daily and go from there.
I will check in next week hopefully a pound or two lighter and feeling better, both physically and emotionally.
Catching Up ...
First off, I'm so excited to read through the posts for the last little bit and see the progress that has been made. Way to go, ladies - I really could not be more proud of you.
I'm not sure what happened to me. I'm still super-exhausted and I hit a patch of, "I just don't care right now." I got out of the 290's and then I just crashed. I haven't weighed since, and it all seems too hard. I need to get myself replenished and built back up, but every time I think I am, I crash again. The car accident + my dad's illness + my dad's funeral + not enough sleep + not eating enough nutrients + stress with work + stress with social situations + stress with finances + stress with family = Tristi just doesn't care right now.
I'm trying to, I really am. But I may just need more time.
I'm not sure what happened to me. I'm still super-exhausted and I hit a patch of, "I just don't care right now." I got out of the 290's and then I just crashed. I haven't weighed since, and it all seems too hard. I need to get myself replenished and built back up, but every time I think I am, I crash again. The car accident + my dad's illness + my dad's funeral + not enough sleep + not eating enough nutrients + stress with work + stress with social situations + stress with finances + stress with family = Tristi just doesn't care right now.
I'm trying to, I really am. But I may just need more time.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
One step at a time
I am still hiking 3 times a week. It has been an adventure, to say the least- stepping on snakes, (well almost stepping on one anyway), hikers in front of us finding dead bodies, exploring new territories, feeling better, getting stronger, losing pounds and inches. And I am finding on days that I don't go hiking, my body starts craving that movement, that exercise, that euphoria that comes after I am home again. Best exercise routine I ever embarked upon. (see this post for an explination of some of the afore mentioned exploits)
So it was with pleasure that I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down 10.2 lbs since the beginning of June. I am now at 175.6. That is so exciting to me. (Tristi, you could update the sidebar if you want and have the time)
I was thinking about what changed for me and why it seems so much easier this time around.
1. I already spent a year revamping my diet- with diet meaning the way I eat as opposed to a temporary food change. I think that has made a huge difference. I stopped looking at diet as a temporary change and looking at it as what it really is- the way I eat. I no longer feel deprived of food because I am not "on a diet" but "eat a healthy diet". I no longer think about what I can't have until I am off my diet, because I am no longer on a diet. What I eat is fuel for my body, not my soul, so there are no forbidden foods, only foods that are good fuel or not so good fuel.
2. I have dealt with a lot of the painful past and feelings and things that were blocking me. Things, hurts, wrongs, injustices, etc. that I felt I needed to hold on to in order to protect myself from being hurt again, or so I could justify my; hurt, anger, disgust, sadness, pain... When I learned to free myself of all that, I could free myself of weight that I could just not let go of. Have I resolved everything? Not even close, but I have learned how to work on it and know when I am holding on and what to do about it. But I still have a long ways to go in this area.
3. I think this is the biggest thing that I have learned this summer- I am the boss of me. What I mean by this is simply this: I was sent here on earth to learn how to become master over my mortal body, to learn how to make this body subject to the spirit, not to let it rule. Because really, if I let the mortal body rule, the choices and decisions it makes will almost always be wrong or hurtful. When I went to the dr. in early June and he started listing the things wrong with me, the things my body was deficient in, the things that were going to be wrong, I got mad. I was making good choices and doing what I thought were the "right" things and still I was having issues. Life is not fair! that was my first reaction.
Then I decided that yes, life is not always fair, but it is not about what is and is not fair. I could choose to be old and broken and wait to die, or I could refuse to be old and broken and choose to live. Who exactly was in charge here? Me or my body? and I choose me. I and I alone choose whether I exercise everyday or not. I and I alone choose what I put into my mouth, what I buy at the store, what I watch, what I do, say, think.... And only when I quit finding an excuse, a justification for what I am or am not doing, then and only then will I truly be in charge of me. Because I absolutely refuse, REFUSE to be old and broken at 47.
Because I am the boss of me. Not my appetite, not my cravings, not my size, weight, inches, or anything else that is part of my mortal body. Because I am NOT my mortal body. It is only the thing that holds me while on this earth. And I and I alone am the boss and was put in charge of making it what it is or not.
But I truly believe that if I had not spent the past couple of years putting things into place, this realization would have been much harder to execute. But I am doing it, I am climbing that mountian and I will make it. One step at a time.
Now I am off to take a hike.
So it was with pleasure that I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down 10.2 lbs since the beginning of June. I am now at 175.6. That is so exciting to me. (Tristi, you could update the sidebar if you want and have the time)
I was thinking about what changed for me and why it seems so much easier this time around.
1. I already spent a year revamping my diet- with diet meaning the way I eat as opposed to a temporary food change. I think that has made a huge difference. I stopped looking at diet as a temporary change and looking at it as what it really is- the way I eat. I no longer feel deprived of food because I am not "on a diet" but "eat a healthy diet". I no longer think about what I can't have until I am off my diet, because I am no longer on a diet. What I eat is fuel for my body, not my soul, so there are no forbidden foods, only foods that are good fuel or not so good fuel.
2. I have dealt with a lot of the painful past and feelings and things that were blocking me. Things, hurts, wrongs, injustices, etc. that I felt I needed to hold on to in order to protect myself from being hurt again, or so I could justify my; hurt, anger, disgust, sadness, pain... When I learned to free myself of all that, I could free myself of weight that I could just not let go of. Have I resolved everything? Not even close, but I have learned how to work on it and know when I am holding on and what to do about it. But I still have a long ways to go in this area.
3. I think this is the biggest thing that I have learned this summer- I am the boss of me. What I mean by this is simply this: I was sent here on earth to learn how to become master over my mortal body, to learn how to make this body subject to the spirit, not to let it rule. Because really, if I let the mortal body rule, the choices and decisions it makes will almost always be wrong or hurtful. When I went to the dr. in early June and he started listing the things wrong with me, the things my body was deficient in, the things that were going to be wrong, I got mad. I was making good choices and doing what I thought were the "right" things and still I was having issues. Life is not fair! that was my first reaction.
Then I decided that yes, life is not always fair, but it is not about what is and is not fair. I could choose to be old and broken and wait to die, or I could refuse to be old and broken and choose to live. Who exactly was in charge here? Me or my body? and I choose me. I and I alone choose whether I exercise everyday or not. I and I alone choose what I put into my mouth, what I buy at the store, what I watch, what I do, say, think.... And only when I quit finding an excuse, a justification for what I am or am not doing, then and only then will I truly be in charge of me. Because I absolutely refuse, REFUSE to be old and broken at 47.
Because I am the boss of me. Not my appetite, not my cravings, not my size, weight, inches, or anything else that is part of my mortal body. Because I am NOT my mortal body. It is only the thing that holds me while on this earth. And I and I alone am the boss and was put in charge of making it what it is or not.
But I truly believe that if I had not spent the past couple of years putting things into place, this realization would have been much harder to execute. But I am doing it, I am climbing that mountian and I will make it. One step at a time.
Now I am off to take a hike.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Is that what I really look like?
Hey, everybody, I'm back! For a while there, I was so sick of dieting. I just didn't have the mental energy to do it anymore. I had sort of convinced myself that I was okay. I mean, I'm only about 40 pounds overweight. That's not such a big deal, right? Then I went to my 30-year high school reunion. Everyone insisted on taking pictures. Here's me with two of my good friends, Debbie and Melissa.
That's me on the right. Of course, I am standing next to Melissa, who hasn't changed much since high school, except she looks better. Debbie, on the left, has really been through a lot since we graduated, and she still looks good. I look like someone brought their mother to the reunion. The bags under my eyes are so big the airlines would charge extra luggage fees. And that weird expression on my face? I think someone made me laugh. But I couldn't just relax and smile, because deep down I knew I looked terrible (especially compared to these two) and I was feeling so uncomfortable. I hate having my picture taken.
So here I am again. I need to challenge myself and so I will be participating in the Mesa Falls Marathon on August 28. Don't get too excited. There's a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K, and a 1 miler. I'll be in the 1 miler, or possibly the 5K. My normal walking route is 1 mile. I just need to bump up my speed. And train. A lot.
Beyond that, my main goal is to lose weight, get healthy, have some really good pictures taken, and plaster them on Facebook so all my old classmates can see them.
That's me on the right. Of course, I am standing next to Melissa, who hasn't changed much since high school, except she looks better. Debbie, on the left, has really been through a lot since we graduated, and she still looks good. I look like someone brought their mother to the reunion. The bags under my eyes are so big the airlines would charge extra luggage fees. And that weird expression on my face? I think someone made me laugh. But I couldn't just relax and smile, because deep down I knew I looked terrible (especially compared to these two) and I was feeling so uncomfortable. I hate having my picture taken.
So here I am again. I need to challenge myself and so I will be participating in the Mesa Falls Marathon on August 28. Don't get too excited. There's a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K, and a 1 miler. I'll be in the 1 miler, or possibly the 5K. My normal walking route is 1 mile. I just need to bump up my speed. And train. A lot.
Beyond that, my main goal is to lose weight, get healthy, have some really good pictures taken, and plaster them on Facebook so all my old classmates can see them.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Happy dance time
I just came home from the doctor's office. Good things are going on here.
Blood Pressure- down. He has me on 1/2 of the lowest possible medication and I am still going down. Soon I will be off!!
Weight- down 6 lbs in 4 weeks!! He said good job, keep it up, and we set a goal for 30 more pounds. I would like 60, but have to be realistic here.
I have continued hiking 3 times a week and it has gotten easier every day. My daughter started taking the GPS with us to track distance and time. We found out that the hike to the water fall is 1/2 mile. The GPS tracks moving time and stopped (resting) time. When we first started taking the GPS we were taking 13 minutes moving time to get to the falls with 13 minutes stopped. Friday she and I made it to the falls with only 5 minutes stopped and 8 minutes moving!! And then we hiked another 3/10 mile above the falls.
My goal is still to make to the falls with less than 60 seconds stopped time.
Blood Pressure- down. He has me on 1/2 of the lowest possible medication and I am still going down. Soon I will be off!!
Weight- down 6 lbs in 4 weeks!! He said good job, keep it up, and we set a goal for 30 more pounds. I would like 60, but have to be realistic here.
I have continued hiking 3 times a week and it has gotten easier every day. My daughter started taking the GPS with us to track distance and time. We found out that the hike to the water fall is 1/2 mile. The GPS tracks moving time and stopped (resting) time. When we first started taking the GPS we were taking 13 minutes moving time to get to the falls with 13 minutes stopped. Friday she and I made it to the falls with only 5 minutes stopped and 8 minutes moving!! And then we hiked another 3/10 mile above the falls.
My goal is still to make to the falls with less than 60 seconds stopped time.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Still here
I haven't written on here for awhile, but nothing weight significant has happened. I lost 10 pounds and quit losing. I know why. It's because I haven't been working on losing weight. I've done well enough to keep steady with my weight. Now I need to get myself moving more and start losing weight again.
I'm at 188 and I (like Tristi) don't want to see the higher weight again. I'm out of the 190's and I don't want to go back.
Hopefully the next post will be to exclaim that I've lost weight again. And hopefully it isn't 3 months down the road.
I'm at 188 and I (like Tristi) don't want to see the higher weight again. I'm out of the 190's and I don't want to go back.
Hopefully the next post will be to exclaim that I've lost weight again. And hopefully it isn't 3 months down the road.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Stress Levels Still High
Stress levels still high, high, high . . . and eating is now high, high, high too. With all these highs you'd think I'd be happier.
Nope. I'm scared to step on the scales. I can feel the weight I've gained. On the upside we go to Phoenix in a few days and my friend's hubby has an aunt and uncle who have a sweet swimming pool and we're planning on going every day while we're there. So at least I'll be doing some exercising!
I'll let you know when I get my courage up to weigh myself!
Hooray!
If I were Irish, I would say, "Saints be praised!" and then probably something in Gaelic. But I'm not Irish. I think I have one Irish person in my whole line. I'm Welsh, British, and Norwegian, and I'm not sure what they would say. So I'll just leave it at "hooray" and maybe a "yeehaw."
I have left the land of the 290's.
That's right - as of this morning, I am 287.5. Phew!
The Land of the 290's is a terrible place to be. All the plants are dead, it's too hot, and it's dreary. You might pass someone on the path, but no one ever says hello. It's a miserable place ... oh, and there's piped-in piano music a la Floyd Cramer.
I am so glad to be back in the 280's. It's not an amusement park, but there is some color to the sky and the animals don't bite as much.
I remember passing through the Land of the 270's. They sort of whizzed past - I wasn't there very long. I'd like to return, get the lay of the land, maybe buy some postcards. That's next on my travel itinerary.
But I'm never, ever, ever going back to the 290's. Ever.
I have left the land of the 290's.
That's right - as of this morning, I am 287.5. Phew!
The Land of the 290's is a terrible place to be. All the plants are dead, it's too hot, and it's dreary. You might pass someone on the path, but no one ever says hello. It's a miserable place ... oh, and there's piped-in piano music a la Floyd Cramer.
I am so glad to be back in the 280's. It's not an amusement park, but there is some color to the sky and the animals don't bite as much.
I remember passing through the Land of the 270's. They sort of whizzed past - I wasn't there very long. I'd like to return, get the lay of the land, maybe buy some postcards. That's next on my travel itinerary.
But I'm never, ever, ever going back to the 290's. Ever.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Best-Laid Plans
Since I last posted, I've had a few bumps along the way. My food choices have been mostly good ... mostly ... and exercise has been happening more frequently. But on Saturday night, I got really sick - inhaling all that smoke from the fireworks did a number on me, and walking back to the van from the fireworks display, my left hip went out and my leg stopped working. I sent my husband up ahead to get the car to come pick me up. Since then, I've been battling nausea, but the leg has repented.
But I'm not giving up. I've decided that while giving up is very, very tempting, it's not going to happen. How can I give up when I'm not happy? I don't think a person should ever be content to lay a project down until they're happy with how it turned out, or feel peace about walking away. There's no peace happening here. So, I'm not giving up.
But I'm not giving up. I've decided that while giving up is very, very tempting, it's not going to happen. How can I give up when I'm not happy? I don't think a person should ever be content to lay a project down until they're happy with how it turned out, or feel peace about walking away. There's no peace happening here. So, I'm not giving up.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A Hike With a View
This is another repost from my personal blog. I did another hike post today as well.
Up the street from the high school, by the town water tanks, is a little park with a pavalion for picnics and get togethers. I didn't even know the pavalion was there until last week, so I am not sure how long it has been there. But then I don't go to this particular park very often. In fact, I think Ethan was a baby the last time I actually got out of my car and wasn't just dropping a child off for an activity. And that time it was winter and we were sledding.
Anyway, this park also it the trail head for some hikes in the foothills around town. A couple weeks ago Brandi's Activity day leader handed me the schedule for the summer activity days. 1 a month for the next 3 months. The first one was a mother/daughter hike up to the water fall just above this park. It was scheduled for a Thursday evening. My first thought, I am sorry to say, was that I was glad it was a Thursday because Brandi has soccer practice at the exact time of the hike so I wouldn't have to go.
Well, when Brandi saw the schedule she asked if she could skip soccer just this one time. Pleeeaaseee?
Ok, it was a mother/daughter thing, and a church thing and who am I to tell her that soccer is more important than mother/daughter stuff, or church stuff? And besides, she has been meeting with her trainer, and had that extra 5 hours last week at Velocity training, and gone to every single practice since she started. So it was agreed that we would go.
And wouldn't you know it, that day turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far- almost 100*. Have I ever told you that I don't do well in the heat? Well I don't. I wilt and get physically ill. Not a pretty site. But I drank a lot of water that day and borrowed a camel back from the kids' dad and Brandi took Jess's and we set out at the appointed time. Somehow we were still about 10 minutes late. Don't know how that happened because it isn't that far from our house. But the rest of the group had gone on already. So that left Brandi and me along with 2 other moms and daughters that pulled up at the same time.
So I have never been up to the falls. The kids have all been, but for one reason or another, I have never made the trip with them so I had no idea what kind of hike this was going to be. Easy and gradual strolling? Steep and hard almost rock climbing? Wide walking and talking trail? Narrow, hang on for dear life goat path? I had no idea. So I asked the kids how they thought I would do.
Jess said I would be able to do it, it was a fairly easy hike. I asked Ethan if I needed to wear pants so I wouldn't get scratched on tree limbs etc. or would my capris be ok. He told me that capris would be fine because it was a wide path. "In fact they take vehicles up it mom, so it is pretty wide and easy."
So I am thinking we have an easy and gradual strolling walk and why have I not ever gone before. And those of you that have been up there can quit laughing now.
Dirt path, yes wide enough for a vehicle, but it is not a smooth path, it is full of rocks and gravel and tree roots. And it is not gradual. And within the first few yards I knew it was not going to be as easy as the preprogrammed workouts on the treadmill- even with the highest incline setting.
I had Brandi take a picture of me before we left, just as proof that I actually made it up there.
This is headed back down. Brandi put on Jess's hoodie because it was kinda chilly down in the shadows next to the falls
Up the street from the high school, by the town water tanks, is a little park with a pavalion for picnics and get togethers. I didn't even know the pavalion was there until last week, so I am not sure how long it has been there. But then I don't go to this particular park very often. In fact, I think Ethan was a baby the last time I actually got out of my car and wasn't just dropping a child off for an activity. And that time it was winter and we were sledding.
Anyway, this park also it the trail head for some hikes in the foothills around town. A couple weeks ago Brandi's Activity day leader handed me the schedule for the summer activity days. 1 a month for the next 3 months. The first one was a mother/daughter hike up to the water fall just above this park. It was scheduled for a Thursday evening. My first thought, I am sorry to say, was that I was glad it was a Thursday because Brandi has soccer practice at the exact time of the hike so I wouldn't have to go.
Well, when Brandi saw the schedule she asked if she could skip soccer just this one time. Pleeeaaseee?
Ok, it was a mother/daughter thing, and a church thing and who am I to tell her that soccer is more important than mother/daughter stuff, or church stuff? And besides, she has been meeting with her trainer, and had that extra 5 hours last week at Velocity training, and gone to every single practice since she started. So it was agreed that we would go.
And wouldn't you know it, that day turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far- almost 100*. Have I ever told you that I don't do well in the heat? Well I don't. I wilt and get physically ill. Not a pretty site. But I drank a lot of water that day and borrowed a camel back from the kids' dad and Brandi took Jess's and we set out at the appointed time. Somehow we were still about 10 minutes late. Don't know how that happened because it isn't that far from our house. But the rest of the group had gone on already. So that left Brandi and me along with 2 other moms and daughters that pulled up at the same time.
So I have never been up to the falls. The kids have all been, but for one reason or another, I have never made the trip with them so I had no idea what kind of hike this was going to be. Easy and gradual strolling? Steep and hard almost rock climbing? Wide walking and talking trail? Narrow, hang on for dear life goat path? I had no idea. So I asked the kids how they thought I would do.
Jess said I would be able to do it, it was a fairly easy hike. I asked Ethan if I needed to wear pants so I wouldn't get scratched on tree limbs etc. or would my capris be ok. He told me that capris would be fine because it was a wide path. "In fact they take vehicles up it mom, so it is pretty wide and easy."
So I am thinking we have an easy and gradual strolling walk and why have I not ever gone before. And those of you that have been up there can quit laughing now.
Dirt path, yes wide enough for a vehicle, but it is not a smooth path, it is full of rocks and gravel and tree roots. And it is not gradual. And within the first few yards I knew it was not going to be as easy as the preprogrammed workouts on the treadmill- even with the highest incline setting.
I felt old and broken. And poor Brandi kept going ahead and then stopping and coming back for me, asking if I was alright and trying to stay with me. Then I heard water cascading over rocks. And then this came into my view.
And I was hoping we were there and that the hike wasn't really that bad, just needed to do it a few more times so I could keep up with Brandi. Then we got this close and I realized that it was not the water fall but just a mini fall of water. And the trail in front of me only got steeper and narrower. I used taking this picture as an excuse to stop and really catch my breath and give myself a little pep talk along the lines of those that Jillian Micheals give people on The Biggest Loser.
It is about here that the trail is no longer accessable by vehicle. By this time the other two moms were so far ahead that I could no longer hear them walking. But every time I wanted to say, "I can't" I thought of Jillian saying "What do you mean can't? Don't you ever say those words to me" and I took one more step- just to that tree, just to that bend, just to that little flat place... And Brandi never got mad or impatient, just kept encourging me on. Until
Brandi had fun playing with the other girls in the water while I sat on a rock and chatted with the other moms.
Of course going down was much easier, and faster,than going up. I also decided that it was pathetic that the hike up was so hard for me. I am not sure how far it is from the trail head to the falls. My pedometer said it was 2 miles round trip,(but the same pedometer said it was only 1 step from my laundry room to my living room when it is across the room, up a flight of stairs and down a short hall). Trevor said he thought it was a mile up. There is a little sign at the trail head giving the distance to 3 places, but since there is no sign at the falls, I have no idea if they are one of those places or not.
So back to it being pathetic that it was so hard, I decided that this summer is not going to pass by without me conquering this trail. I am going to hike until I can do it without soundng like the big bad wolf. But I am going to do it in the early morning hours when it is not so hot.
In fact, the girls and I went yesterday morning and it wasn't as hard as last Thursday. My biggest problem was my ankle where I tore all those tendons and ligaments when I broke my foot. But they will only get stronger, right?
This is headed back down. Brandi put on Jess's hoodie because it was kinda chilly down in the shadows next to the falls
This is the trail that branches off of the main trail
and goes down to the falls.
So the plan is to hike up to the falls every Monday and Friday morning. On Wednesday we are going to hike a different trail that Jess found the other day. Tuesday and Thursday I will continue strength training. And at the end of summer I will take that hike and maybe Brandi will have to hurry to catch up with me.
On a totally unrelated note, just after you get back on th main trail after coming up from the falls, this is the view
See that red building? The tannish builing right in front of it is where I used to work.
Indeed. 
A Sharp Slap in the Face
Yes, it's wake-up call time ...
I mentioned that I've been scared to get on the scale. Well, there was good reason for me to be afraid ... very afraid. This is the only place where I'm posting my weight, and I trust you will all be very kind to me ...
290.2
That's right. In 9.8 pounds, I will weigh 300 pounds. This is what happens when you let things just happen and you don't take control of them. I've gained 6 pounds since the car accident.
I absolutely refuse to weigh 300 pounds. I will not do it. Not gonna, no how, no way.
And yet, if I continue to be oblivious, that's what will happen, and at my current rate, I'd be there before Thanksgiving. Not a lot to be thankful for there, is there?
So, starting today, I'm taking control. Breakfast was a banana and a handful of Spanish peanuts, and a small bowl of low-sugar cereal, because I haven't been to the store to get non-sugar cereal. Lunch hasn't happened yet, but when it does, I'm going to be taking charge of it. I'm also going to be Tweeting my progress regularly. Follow me at #goTristigo I think that will be better than blogging a kazillion times a day, but I won't be Tweeting my weight.
Cheer me on, guys - if I don't do this, then my life won't change, because I'm the only one who can change it.
I mentioned that I've been scared to get on the scale. Well, there was good reason for me to be afraid ... very afraid. This is the only place where I'm posting my weight, and I trust you will all be very kind to me ...
290.2
That's right. In 9.8 pounds, I will weigh 300 pounds. This is what happens when you let things just happen and you don't take control of them. I've gained 6 pounds since the car accident.
I absolutely refuse to weigh 300 pounds. I will not do it. Not gonna, no how, no way.
And yet, if I continue to be oblivious, that's what will happen, and at my current rate, I'd be there before Thanksgiving. Not a lot to be thankful for there, is there?
So, starting today, I'm taking control. Breakfast was a banana and a handful of Spanish peanuts, and a small bowl of low-sugar cereal, because I haven't been to the store to get non-sugar cereal. Lunch hasn't happened yet, but when it does, I'm going to be taking charge of it. I'm also going to be Tweeting my progress regularly. Follow me at #goTristigo I think that will be better than blogging a kazillion times a day, but I won't be Tweeting my weight.
Cheer me on, guys - if I don't do this, then my life won't change, because I'm the only one who can change it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Food, Glorious Food
This is a post I wrote Saturday over on my personal blog, but I thought you all might fnd it useful as well.
If you have read my blog for any time, you know that I stopped eating sugar, white flour and most pre-packaged, processed foods a year ago in order to try to be healthier. And you also know that the dr. tells me that I am still broken in spite of it. That was really discouraging for me and I admit that I had few days of pity party. But this darn vitamin D makes it hard to stay down in the dumps for too long.
So instead of going and eating a bunch of junk food, I decided to fast and pray and study about what to do. I am convinced that the answer lies in the food I put in my body. But just cutting all the obvious things was not helping, so I did a lot of pondering over the last week. A couple of things came to mind or just crossed my path and caught my attention. Things that I might have passed by if my mind had not been focused.
1) My friend mentioned on Face Book how much she loved Bountiful Baskets and my interest was piqued so I asked her about it. More on that later
2) I was folding towels and turned the t.v. on and it was tuned to a random channel. The program was a cooking show. The chef was making a roast or something and the host asked why it was so small. The chef answered that it has only been in the last 50-60 years or so that we went from eating mostly fruits and vegetables in season and putting a little meat with it to making meat the main focus of our meals and sometimes forgetting to add in the fruit and vegetables and as a result we are an unhealthy people.
3) In our church we have what is called "The Word of Wisdom" contained in a book of scripture. If you ask most people not of my faith what is in the word of wisdom, they will probably tell you that it says we can't drink coffee or alcohol or smoke. But it contains so much more and I felt that I needed to reread it with that in mind because if I would just follow it, I could heal my body. So I got out my scriptures and re-read the 21 verses. I will admit that I skimmed through the thou shalt not parts because I pretty much have that down- I think- but slowly read the rest:
My take away was that I need to increase my fruits, vegetables and grains and decrease my meats. But have you seen the prices of produce lately? And I am lucky? to have children that love fruits and veggies. I go to the store on Sat. morning and by Sunday evening there are no oranges, apples, bananas, avocados, cucumbers.... left in the house! Really.
4) I stumbled on this site (she also has a blog). A way to help my food storage and bank account be healthy as well. I haven't tried it yet, but I am going to start next week and see how doable it is with the foods that I can eat with no sugar, asparteme, high fructose corn syrup etc. (I know my sister uses this site and I get their weekly e-mail, but for some reason I just could never make it work for me. So we will see how this does for me)
So Monday evening I ordered my fist Bountiful Basket. Actually I ordered 2 because, see above statement about fruits and veggies and my kids. I also ordered the Italian package option and a 24 pound case of peaches. And I spent $57! I know. I never leave the produce aisle with that low of an amount, which makes it hard to make the rest of the grocery money cover the rest of the list.
Ethan and I went and picked up our baskets this morning. We were early, so we volunteered and helped out in the getting everything ready for everyone. In return, we got extra produce- a sweet bonus. And I was amazed at the amount of produce I brought home with me! (pictures below)
The only downside I can see is this- I like to do my grocery shopping Friday evening or early, early Saturday morning. I can't pick up my baskets until 9:30ish and I don't want to make my menue/grocery list until I know what I have so I don't duplicate or leave out something. But I will just have to rearrange and figure it out because the Lord has blessed me with a way to eat the way he wants me to.
Indeed.
If you have read my blog for any time, you know that I stopped eating sugar, white flour and most pre-packaged, processed foods a year ago in order to try to be healthier. And you also know that the dr. tells me that I am still broken in spite of it. That was really discouraging for me and I admit that I had few days of pity party. But this darn vitamin D makes it hard to stay down in the dumps for too long.
So instead of going and eating a bunch of junk food, I decided to fast and pray and study about what to do. I am convinced that the answer lies in the food I put in my body. But just cutting all the obvious things was not helping, so I did a lot of pondering over the last week. A couple of things came to mind or just crossed my path and caught my attention. Things that I might have passed by if my mind had not been focused.
1) My friend mentioned on Face Book how much she loved Bountiful Baskets and my interest was piqued so I asked her about it. More on that later
2) I was folding towels and turned the t.v. on and it was tuned to a random channel. The program was a cooking show. The chef was making a roast or something and the host asked why it was so small. The chef answered that it has only been in the last 50-60 years or so that we went from eating mostly fruits and vegetables in season and putting a little meat with it to making meat the main focus of our meals and sometimes forgetting to add in the fruit and vegetables and as a result we are an unhealthy people.
3) In our church we have what is called "The Word of Wisdom" contained in a book of scripture. If you ask most people not of my faith what is in the word of wisdom, they will probably tell you that it says we can't drink coffee or alcohol or smoke. But it contains so much more and I felt that I needed to reread it with that in mind because if I would just follow it, I could heal my body. So I got out my scriptures and re-read the 21 verses. I will admit that I skimmed through the thou shalt not parts because I pretty much have that down- I think- but slowly read the rest:
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.
4) I stumbled on this site (she also has a blog). A way to help my food storage and bank account be healthy as well. I haven't tried it yet, but I am going to start next week and see how doable it is with the foods that I can eat with no sugar, asparteme, high fructose corn syrup etc. (I know my sister uses this site and I get their weekly e-mail, but for some reason I just could never make it work for me. So we will see how this does for me)
So Monday evening I ordered my fist Bountiful Basket. Actually I ordered 2 because, see above statement about fruits and veggies and my kids. I also ordered the Italian package option and a 24 pound case of peaches. And I spent $57! I know. I never leave the produce aisle with that low of an amount, which makes it hard to make the rest of the grocery money cover the rest of the list.
Ethan and I went and picked up our baskets this morning. We were early, so we volunteered and helped out in the getting everything ready for everyone. In return, we got extra produce- a sweet bonus. And I was amazed at the amount of produce I brought home with me! (pictures below)
The only downside I can see is this- I like to do my grocery shopping Friday evening or early, early Saturday morning. I can't pick up my baskets until 9:30ish and I don't want to make my menue/grocery list until I know what I have so I don't duplicate or leave out something. But I will just have to rearrange and figure it out because the Lord has blessed me with a way to eat the way he wants me to.
How the baskets looked when I brought them in
All the amazing yumminess laying on my counter top.
And if you have been in my kitchen you will know that this takes
up almost the entire bar.
There is only about a foot of space left after the celery and lettuce and the
box of peaches is right at the edge.
Two close ups of the veggies and the fruit
Brandi was so excited about the plums and the peaches because I
refuse to purchase them if they are more than $1/lb
Jake was excited about the grapes for the same reason
The Italian pack (cilantro, basil, thyme, onion, mushrooms, eggplant, zuchinni, garlic) and the peaches.
I am wishing I had gotten 2 boxes of peaches.
I will admit that I had to look up recipes for the Swiss Chard because I didn't have a clue how to use it or what to make with it. If I like the recipe I choose, I'll post it.
Next up- a post about hiking.
Indeed.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Vacations and Weight . . . Oh My
As soon as school got out we went on vacation, pretty much. We headed out to Yellowstone and then to Montana to visit with Damon's family. I did pretty well at Yellowstone. I might not have done fabulously with eating, but the first night we got there I went on a walk with my dad (we even jogged--just for about thirty seconds, but STILL) and the next day we walked around at Yellowstone. So I figured that even if diet hadn't been great, at least I'd done SOME exercising.
In Montana however, I didn't do so well. My diet was WAY worse AND we didn't exercise all that much.
I was afraid to weigh myself when I got home. As a matter of fact I did some unhealthy things when I got home. And I took a couple of days to weight myself. When I did I was NOT happy. I had gained. Almost back to 190. Over the past week to two weeks? or so I've done better--well not better. If I know I'm going out to dinner that night and my calories will be high, then I don't eat until that time. It's the only I way I know how to manage the calories when I know I'm eating out.
Although I haven't done that very often I have done it. Anyway, my exercise hasn't been very good either, BUT, somehow I've gone back to around 184-185. Which makes me feel slightly better. I'm still trying to get down to that 182.
Here's the deal though. We go back on vacation July 10th and we are basically gone until August 10th. The first place we're going to--my friend Hilary--she has a treadmill and access to a sweet swimming pool so I can get myself exercising. BUT, the eating? Yeah, that won't be so great. And then off to New York and then North Carolina and I have NO idea how exercise is going to work out with that or eating.
OH, and my extended family is dealing with some SEVERE issues and there is a LOT of stress in their lives and by extension--mine. HUGE issues. The kinds of issues that we'll be dealing with for years to come. Divorce, mental breakdowns . . . just some really big things. And that has made my life at home very busy. So exercise is going by the wayside and I have to admit, because my stress levels have gone so high, they're beyond comfort food--we've actually entered the realm of the 'upset stomach' stress, so it's been really easy to not eat very much or well. Which isn't good either because that also messes up the whole metabolism thing.
All in all, things are bad right now. But still. I'm determined to not let myself go. Even if I don't get to lose this summer if I can maintain this weight range from 184-185, or even get down a couple more pounds, I think I'm going to try and just be stable. It is so hard to gain that weight back and have to start the cycle all over again. I do NOT want to do that. I don't. So even though things are hugely stressful, and we're having a huge vacation this summer, I need to take control and be in control.
So if I'm eating out, I'll eat really slowly and when I'm full, even if the food is delicious, I'll stop eating. Even if the plate is still half full, it's better to waste that food then to gain weight. And I'll try to do some exercises in my hotel room. And if that hotel has a place to exercise or swim, even though I hate exercising in front of people I'll try and do it. I know I'll be walking a LOT in New York, which is great. I can take control. I can maintain this weight even through all of this stuff. And eventually I can start losing again.
We can ALL do this.
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