Current Weight: 164.2
Lost so far: 45.8
Pounds to go: 19.2
Well, my weight is still up a little but it's better and, more importantly, the measurements fell. So, it seems I've got a little new muscle and less fat. On that note, I *hate* the body fat calculators that use tape measurements, so freaking inconsistent. When my measurements were taken by calipers the first time it came out as 27.4 and the calculators said 26.66 (this one) and 27.5 (this one). I figured that was actually pretty close and so those might actually work well enough in between caliper measurements to see how I'm coming along.
Then I lost a few inches/pounds and now it's all wonky and they are irritating me. Now the first one says 26.22 (so not much change) and the second one says 24.7, a 3% drop. I looked at a few others and actually got measurements anywhere from 4.5% (ha!) to 70% (OMG). I went back to the first one, that had me in the 26% range, and looked to see what would have to change to make that number go to 24% and it said I would have to drop almost 5 inches off my waist and 10 inches from my hips. At a 23 inch waist and 28 inch hips (not sure if that's even *possible* at my height/hip bone width) or at a 20 waist/30 hips I think I'd look pretty damned gross. So that calc sucks. But the one that was closest (27.5 was only off by .1 the first time) says that I've gone down almost 3% in 4 weeks which also seems unrealistic. I guess I'll just have to wait for the caliper checkup in a couple of weeks. In either case, I seem to be making progress, so today is definitely a better day.
How's your day going?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
A Down Kind of Day
Current Weight: 166.2
Lost so far: 43.8
Pounds to go: 11.2
This weekend was really hard for me. I went on a hike on Saturday and it was beautiful, we hiked for 10 miles on the Tahoe Rim Trail. My legs were sore but up to the task and it was a really lovely morning hike. Then on Sunday I stepped on the scale and it was up 3 pounds in one day... In my mind I know that it's because I worked my muscles really hard and that makes muscles retain water. I KNOW that but it's still depressing as hell and yesterday I had a very frustrated cry that it just feels like I'm not really making progress any more. I have ran, hiked, or been on the elliptical almost every day for 3 weeks now while still being very careful about what I eat and I weigh more right now than when I started and it's not just gaining muscle/losing fat because my measurements are not changing.
Just typing that I want to cry all over again. I know that I can't gain 3 real pounds in a day and water weight is all it is but when you're retaining water it just looks different in the mirror and I feel like a failure. Then I think well, I'm still down 44 pounds from last Christmas, how is that a fail? But I just can't kick that feeling. And what's worse is that since I'm now in the healthy BMI range, and I'm not technically "fat" anymore, I feel like I don't have a right to feel frustrated about a lack of progress. Skinnier girls aren't supposed to cry about being fat, right? It's just that I want to be able to run a marathon. I want my thunder thighs to finally look like they have muscles and not just jello on them. I want to be fit and healthy and not just "skinny". Skinny isn't good enough without fitness.
I'll keep plugging along but I'm really struggling with some self doubt right now.
Lost so far: 43.8
Pounds to go: 11.2
This weekend was really hard for me. I went on a hike on Saturday and it was beautiful, we hiked for 10 miles on the Tahoe Rim Trail. My legs were sore but up to the task and it was a really lovely morning hike. Then on Sunday I stepped on the scale and it was up 3 pounds in one day... In my mind I know that it's because I worked my muscles really hard and that makes muscles retain water. I KNOW that but it's still depressing as hell and yesterday I had a very frustrated cry that it just feels like I'm not really making progress any more. I have ran, hiked, or been on the elliptical almost every day for 3 weeks now while still being very careful about what I eat and I weigh more right now than when I started and it's not just gaining muscle/losing fat because my measurements are not changing.
Just typing that I want to cry all over again. I know that I can't gain 3 real pounds in a day and water weight is all it is but when you're retaining water it just looks different in the mirror and I feel like a failure. Then I think well, I'm still down 44 pounds from last Christmas, how is that a fail? But I just can't kick that feeling. And what's worse is that since I'm now in the healthy BMI range, and I'm not technically "fat" anymore, I feel like I don't have a right to feel frustrated about a lack of progress. Skinnier girls aren't supposed to cry about being fat, right? It's just that I want to be able to run a marathon. I want my thunder thighs to finally look like they have muscles and not just jello on them. I want to be fit and healthy and not just "skinny". Skinny isn't good enough without fitness.
I'll keep plugging along but I'm really struggling with some self doubt right now.
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| Lake Tahoe from the Tahoe Rim Trail |
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| Lake Tahoe from the Tahoe Rim Trail |
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| Washoe Lake from the Tahoe Rim Trail |
Friday, August 24, 2012
New Low
Current Weight: 163.2
Lost so far: 46.8
Pounds to go: 8.2
A new low number on the scale today, yay. We've done a ton of hiking this week and my bottom is definitely feeling sore from it. I guess that means progress so I'll totally take it. I might get another hike in tomorrow but it depends on how some other things line up. If not, I'll try to get on the elliptical again or something to make up for it. I am going to shoot for 3 pounds over the next 4 weeks, which is a little aggressive, but I think I can maybe do it.
Oh, just to show you the crazy ass trail we've been hiking, here it is. That little red circle holds two full grown adults to give you a little perspective. That trail is *steep*. We hiked that one on Wed. and Thur. and then on Thur, instead of walking down it, we RAN down it. Even more crazy but you feel on top of the world for the rest of the day from that exhilaration. Happy Friday!
Lost so far: 46.8
Pounds to go: 8.2
A new low number on the scale today, yay. We've done a ton of hiking this week and my bottom is definitely feeling sore from it. I guess that means progress so I'll totally take it. I might get another hike in tomorrow but it depends on how some other things line up. If not, I'll try to get on the elliptical again or something to make up for it. I am going to shoot for 3 pounds over the next 4 weeks, which is a little aggressive, but I think I can maybe do it.
Oh, just to show you the crazy ass trail we've been hiking, here it is. That little red circle holds two full grown adults to give you a little perspective. That trail is *steep*. We hiked that one on Wed. and Thur. and then on Thur, instead of walking down it, we RAN down it. Even more crazy but you feel on top of the world for the rest of the day from that exhilaration. Happy Friday!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Switch Back, Take 2
Current Weight: 164.4
Lost so far: 45.6
Pounds to go: 9.4
Well, I finally hit a wall today. Up until now I've been pushing harder and harder and nothing was making me sore or really tiring me out. Sounds good in theory because it means I'm much stronger but that also means I'm not making much progress. So this morning, instead of the usual hike, we turned and headed up the much harder switch back trail. There are 7 switch backs in total, from the first one that's a killer, the second that is nothing, and the others that fall in the middle somewhere. I made it up the first one. I know that doesn't sound like much but really that one is the monster with some killer inclines. The last time I tried it, I didn't even finish the first one. Today I finished it and then we headed back down. And now I am still not sore but I am SO tired. My muscles could totally keep up but my heart was pounding and I had to stop to catch my breath a lot since I'm just not used to that level of incline/cardio. Tomorrow I will push it further, probably the first two since the second is much easier. I'll bring my camera this time so you can see it, too :)
Lost so far: 45.6
Pounds to go: 9.4
Well, I finally hit a wall today. Up until now I've been pushing harder and harder and nothing was making me sore or really tiring me out. Sounds good in theory because it means I'm much stronger but that also means I'm not making much progress. So this morning, instead of the usual hike, we turned and headed up the much harder switch back trail. There are 7 switch backs in total, from the first one that's a killer, the second that is nothing, and the others that fall in the middle somewhere. I made it up the first one. I know that doesn't sound like much but really that one is the monster with some killer inclines. The last time I tried it, I didn't even finish the first one. Today I finished it and then we headed back down. And now I am still not sore but I am SO tired. My muscles could totally keep up but my heart was pounding and I had to stop to catch my breath a lot since I'm just not used to that level of incline/cardio. Tomorrow I will push it further, probably the first two since the second is much easier. I'll bring my camera this time so you can see it, too :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Going Down
Current Weight: 165.0
Lost so far: 45.0
Pounds to go: 10.0
The number on that scale was at 164 and it's been flirting with it but not passing it. By the end of the week that number is going to hit 163. Period. Today I hiked 4 miles, went to Zumba for an hour, and ran on the treadmill for a half mile. If required, I will do that every day this week to get that down :) Yes, I know I am a cardio queen at the moment. For the next 3 weeks that will not be changing either but after that (my next body fat % check) I will add in some type of weights to switch it up.
If you wanna get leaner, you gotta get meaner!
Lost so far: 45.0
Pounds to go: 10.0
The number on that scale was at 164 and it's been flirting with it but not passing it. By the end of the week that number is going to hit 163. Period. Today I hiked 4 miles, went to Zumba for an hour, and ran on the treadmill for a half mile. If required, I will do that every day this week to get that down :) Yes, I know I am a cardio queen at the moment. For the next 3 weeks that will not be changing either but after that (my next body fat % check) I will add in some type of weights to switch it up.
If you wanna get leaner, you gotta get meaner!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Broken Plateau
Current Weight: 164.0
Lost so far: 46.0
Pounds to go: 9.0
I finally broke the plateau. I've been floating that weight for about 2 weeks now so it was SO nice to see it fall this morning. My mile time is slowly shaving down, now it's about 11:30. A little at a time and I will get it to 10:00.
Lost so far: 46.0
Pounds to go: 9.0
I finally broke the plateau. I've been floating that weight for about 2 weeks now so it was SO nice to see it fall this morning. My mile time is slowly shaving down, now it's about 11:30. A little at a time and I will get it to 10:00.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
11:40
Current Weight: 165.0
Lost so far: 45.0
Pounds to go: 10.0
The pain while sleeping on my left side is getting better as the angle I sleep at is adjusted a little now. I liked the old way better but at least it stopped hurting. A friend showed me how to pop my hip (like you would pop your knuckles) and that helps a little bit with the numb sensation. It keeps coming back but I haven't laid off on exercise either so I guess I get what I work for (or rest for, as the case may be). My doctor appointment is on Monday but I may end up needing to talk to a chiropractor about this one.
In other news, my mile time is down to 11:40 which is about 2 minutes off of what it was originally. I'm still shooting for 10 minutes with longer distances and I think that so far it's pretty good progress. I'll have my next body fat measurement on Sept. 11 and I'll get to see how the work is paying off. I've heard that if you are really dedicated you can go down .5% a week but I'll be thrilled with 1-1.5% over the 6 weeks. Since my measurements are going down but my weight is not I think I'm headed in the right direction. On the other hand, I'm still a total newb at this so we'll see how it goes.
And, going off on a tangent, I had the oddest comment yesterday. I'm down to 165 which, for me, is a BMI of 23.7 and a body fat percentage at 27%. So I'm in decent shape but not fantastic shape. Ideally I'd like to be around 155 (BMI 22.2) with 21% body fat which is possible but will take some work and time (the 21% being more important than the 155, depending on added muscle). But yesterday someone made a joke about me being anorexic. I realize it was a joke but behind every "just kidding" is an element of what they really think. My goals are healthy and eating as an anorexic will NOT get me to my goals. The person who said it, though, is in good enough shape to know that so I just don't understand. Maybe she thinks I weigh less than I do or my body fat is lower? At my height (5'10") I do carry weight pretty well. I guess I'll try not to let it bother me so much as I know my goals are healthy and I'm working with someone at the gym who also thinks my goals are in the right place but I think I need a thicker skin.
Lost so far: 45.0
Pounds to go: 10.0
The pain while sleeping on my left side is getting better as the angle I sleep at is adjusted a little now. I liked the old way better but at least it stopped hurting. A friend showed me how to pop my hip (like you would pop your knuckles) and that helps a little bit with the numb sensation. It keeps coming back but I haven't laid off on exercise either so I guess I get what I work for (or rest for, as the case may be). My doctor appointment is on Monday but I may end up needing to talk to a chiropractor about this one.
In other news, my mile time is down to 11:40 which is about 2 minutes off of what it was originally. I'm still shooting for 10 minutes with longer distances and I think that so far it's pretty good progress. I'll have my next body fat measurement on Sept. 11 and I'll get to see how the work is paying off. I've heard that if you are really dedicated you can go down .5% a week but I'll be thrilled with 1-1.5% over the 6 weeks. Since my measurements are going down but my weight is not I think I'm headed in the right direction. On the other hand, I'm still a total newb at this so we'll see how it goes.
And, going off on a tangent, I had the oddest comment yesterday. I'm down to 165 which, for me, is a BMI of 23.7 and a body fat percentage at 27%. So I'm in decent shape but not fantastic shape. Ideally I'd like to be around 155 (BMI 22.2) with 21% body fat which is possible but will take some work and time (the 21% being more important than the 155, depending on added muscle). But yesterday someone made a joke about me being anorexic. I realize it was a joke but behind every "just kidding" is an element of what they really think. My goals are healthy and eating as an anorexic will NOT get me to my goals. The person who said it, though, is in good enough shape to know that so I just don't understand. Maybe she thinks I weigh less than I do or my body fat is lower? At my height (5'10") I do carry weight pretty well. I guess I'll try not to let it bother me so much as I know my goals are healthy and I'm working with someone at the gym who also thinks my goals are in the right place but I think I need a thicker skin.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Body Odd
Current Weight: 166.6
Lost so far: 43.4
Pounds to go: 11.6
When I first started on this journey towards a healthier me I was, of course, in awful shape. Some friends of mine had a regular hike that was about 4 miles and I started going with them. Around the top (2 miles in), I started to feel pain in my left hip area that felt like I had slightly pulled something. I figured I wasn't used to hills so that was probably the cause of it and since the pain went away and eventually stopped happening it was safe to assume that building the muscle up fixed the problem.
Fast forward to now. I'm much lighter than I was then and I no longer get that pulled feeling but now I'm having other issues. For the last 2 weeks I've noticed more discomfort when sleeping on my left side (I usually switch back and forth between sides throughout the night). I thought it was because the hip stuck out more and maybe it made me uncomfortable because it didn't have as much padding? I wrote it off a bit. But off and on for the last 2 days my hip has gone completely numb. Today the numbness is even radiating sideways into the pelvic area. I did go for a short run this morning (15 minutes of walk/jog alternating) but prior to that I had not exercised for a few days so that wouldn't explain yesterday's numbness.
I made an appointment with the doctor for next Monday so maybe I'll find a solution. A friend of mine said that it may just be that while running my strong right side can do the exercise but my naturally weaker left side isn't up to the task yet. He thinks the problem will likely resolve itself over time as I get more used to the routine of running. Thoughts? Anyone experienced this before?
Lost so far: 43.4
Pounds to go: 11.6
When I first started on this journey towards a healthier me I was, of course, in awful shape. Some friends of mine had a regular hike that was about 4 miles and I started going with them. Around the top (2 miles in), I started to feel pain in my left hip area that felt like I had slightly pulled something. I figured I wasn't used to hills so that was probably the cause of it and since the pain went away and eventually stopped happening it was safe to assume that building the muscle up fixed the problem.
Fast forward to now. I'm much lighter than I was then and I no longer get that pulled feeling but now I'm having other issues. For the last 2 weeks I've noticed more discomfort when sleeping on my left side (I usually switch back and forth between sides throughout the night). I thought it was because the hip stuck out more and maybe it made me uncomfortable because it didn't have as much padding? I wrote it off a bit. But off and on for the last 2 days my hip has gone completely numb. Today the numbness is even radiating sideways into the pelvic area. I did go for a short run this morning (15 minutes of walk/jog alternating) but prior to that I had not exercised for a few days so that wouldn't explain yesterday's numbness.
I made an appointment with the doctor for next Monday so maybe I'll find a solution. A friend of mine said that it may just be that while running my strong right side can do the exercise but my naturally weaker left side isn't up to the task yet. He thinks the problem will likely resolve itself over time as I get more used to the routine of running. Thoughts? Anyone experienced this before?
Friday, August 10, 2012
Feeling Good
Current Weight: 165.6
Lost so far: 44.4
Pounds to go: 10.6
The scale is flirting with the last 10 pounds again. Maybe tomorrow I'll get lucky with some movement? Hmm, time will tell I guess. I'm really feeling like I'm kicking butt right now and that's a nice change. I've run a mile twice this week, hiked 4 miles twice, gone to Zumba twice, and hit the elliptical once. That's 7 workouts recently and the week isn't quite over yet and I've got to tell you that is something that I *never* thought I would get to. I had embraced a diet change and some exercise but so far I have done every workout because I wanted to. Not because of the weight loss benefits (though it is a nice bonus) but just because I was feeling it. So I'll tell you from experience, the self motivation does get easier. If you start out slow and stay away from burning yourself out, you will eventually feel like you're on the top of that mountain.
Lost so far: 44.4
Pounds to go: 10.6
The scale is flirting with the last 10 pounds again. Maybe tomorrow I'll get lucky with some movement? Hmm, time will tell I guess. I'm really feeling like I'm kicking butt right now and that's a nice change. I've run a mile twice this week, hiked 4 miles twice, gone to Zumba twice, and hit the elliptical once. That's 7 workouts recently and the week isn't quite over yet and I've got to tell you that is something that I *never* thought I would get to. I had embraced a diet change and some exercise but so far I have done every workout because I wanted to. Not because of the weight loss benefits (though it is a nice bonus) but just because I was feeling it. So I'll tell you from experience, the self motivation does get easier. If you start out slow and stay away from burning yourself out, you will eventually feel like you're on the top of that mountain.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
12 minutes
Current Weight: 166.0
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
Today after Zumba I hit the treadmill in the Fitness Center. I am down to a 12 minute mile so far. My short term goal is to be down to 10 minute miles in the next couple weeks and then work on being able to maintain that for longer and longer distances. I'm hoping that since I had already done Zumba today and I was a little tired that next time I'll beat 12 when I'm starting with the treadmill.
Tomorrow morning is my 4 mile hike and then we have plans this weekend with friends so I may not get another shot at the treadmill till Monday. We'll see.
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
Today after Zumba I hit the treadmill in the Fitness Center. I am down to a 12 minute mile so far. My short term goal is to be down to 10 minute miles in the next couple weeks and then work on being able to maintain that for longer and longer distances. I'm hoping that since I had already done Zumba today and I was a little tired that next time I'll beat 12 when I'm starting with the treadmill.
Tomorrow morning is my 4 mile hike and then we have plans this weekend with friends so I may not get another shot at the treadmill till Monday. We'll see.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Building Endurance
Current Weight: 166.0
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
No weight changes to report but that's fine by me as I'm not really trying too hard on weight loss at the moment. I'm trying to lower my running time and be able to run 3 miles without stopping and that's gonna take some focus for a while. It will probably also add some muscle so I'm hoping to at least balance the amounts (add muscle while losing fat for a net 0 or net loss) but as long as I don't hit 170 it's fine for now. I can keep going without stopping for about 20 minutes so far, not too bad. I'm still super slow but the duration is increasing.
Also, I discovered a new muscle in my leg that isn't covered by fat anymore so wahoo! I'm also adding some more inner thigh workouts to build up that muscle a bit. If the fat there is gonna be stubborn and not go away then it's at least gonna have a solid foundation.
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
No weight changes to report but that's fine by me as I'm not really trying too hard on weight loss at the moment. I'm trying to lower my running time and be able to run 3 miles without stopping and that's gonna take some focus for a while. It will probably also add some muscle so I'm hoping to at least balance the amounts (add muscle while losing fat for a net 0 or net loss) but as long as I don't hit 170 it's fine for now. I can keep going without stopping for about 20 minutes so far, not too bad. I'm still super slow but the duration is increasing.
Also, I discovered a new muscle in my leg that isn't covered by fat anymore so wahoo! I'm also adding some more inner thigh workouts to build up that muscle a bit. If the fat there is gonna be stubborn and not go away then it's at least gonna have a solid foundation.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
13.5
Current Weight: 166.0
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
So today I started training for a 5K in October. My very sad starting time is 13.5 minutes for a mile. Sigh, well, I guess there's no where to go but up and it's as good a place to start as any. Onward!
Lost so far: 44.0
Pounds to go: 11.0
So today I started training for a 5K in October. My very sad starting time is 13.5 minutes for a mile. Sigh, well, I guess there's no where to go but up and it's as good a place to start as any. Onward!
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