Oh my aching back!

So, I didn’t post last week and with good cause. In my old age, my body has begun to creak and crack! For the past few weeks I’ve had some pretty bad back pain in the same spot and it has gotten progressively worst. After breaking down and going to see the Dr., I have an appointment with a specialist and I have some medicine for until then.
In turn, I did take a bit of a break from working out and this is what I got in in the past 2 weeks.

Workouts:

Wednesday
2/20 – Jogged 2.85 miles; Average pace 13:27 min/mile – Calories burned - 326
Sunday
3/3 – Casual Biking 5.75 miles; Average speed 2.4mph – Calories burned – 96 (mind you this was a SUPER easy ride so I’m not surprised by the calories burned being low.)

As you can see I’ve been slacking… big time. Aside from my workout slacking, I’ve been slacking in the MFP department too, BUT this week is going good so far and I’m excited for next week’s blog.

Until then!

March Weigh In Results...

OFFICIAL 
WEIGH-IN TIME!!!  

Re-Cap...

January 7, 2013=182.6 lbs
   February 1, 2013=181.6

Goals From Last week:
~Start using MFP=Done!
    *I've used it every day this week.

~Weigh in on 3/1=Done!

    *Also updated on my "Nicole" page.

How this wk went down...

2/25 Mon: None-Recovery!
2/26 Tues: Gym->Rowing w Chad:30mins/6,051meters/331cals 
2/27 Wed: Gym->Lat X:33mins/74floors/325cals

2/28 Thurs: Gym->Run w Chad:23:41mins/2.44miles/360cals
3/1 Fri: Gym->Leg Day w the boys

3/2 Sat: None
3/3 Sun: None

 

Overall..Im pretty freakin proud of the past months results!!

On May 15, 2012, I had gotten down to my lowest weight, Since starting this journey on Oct 3, 2011. I weighed in that day at 174.6. It only lasted ONE day by 5/16 I was 176.8. May 21, I was up to 179. May 30th, 180....and ever since its been an up and down between 183#-175#. Never saw that 174 again!

UNTIL...This month!! Not only did I SEE 174, but I saw it pass on by as I strolled down to my NEW lowest weight=171!!

It may not sound like many #s, but in my head knowing in all this time I haven't slacked on the exercise, in fact Ive increased it!..I feel like Ive been working my A off to "maintain" AND Ive even had "gain"...Its been a struggle..to say the least...and its all due to my diet. Although I wasn't slacking on the output (exercise), I had slacked on the diet...well... or what use to work, just wasn't working anymore for me (for my new weight). I had to make a new change..And I have done just that! 

This past month, I began eating small meals through out the day. Previously it was odd for me to eat breakfast...Well not only did I start eating breakfast..but I started eating small meals at 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2-3pm, and then a portion controlled/more protein focused dinner. Which Im trying to do earlier than I use to (before-8,9,10pm). Now we are usually eating about 7-8pm. Still not the greatest but it is an adjustment for my house hold. Its all a work in progress...

As for the meals..I don't really mean eating "meals" just something, at those times. Could be anything from...a banana, an apple, some grapes, a handful of raisins or a handful of nuts, a PB&J or a turkey sandwich are a few typical for breakfast/snacks/lunch times. Then for dinner... I try to eat a reasonable portions, No going back seconds, lots of veggies and lean meat. 

As for the carbs..YES I still eat them! But Ive been trying to do them better. 
Ive tried 14 grain whole wheat bread, wheat pasta, brown rice, sweet potatoes and...with the exception of the sweet potato, which I did like..but I can't say I love it more than a real potato, its a change..but the others, I love them all! 
Easy changes I can do. I do still limit how much of it I have (that is key) but its great to know I don't have to eliminate those favorites from my diet all together to accomplish the goals I want to. I CAN live with these changes! And that's what excites me the most about it. I know that is key for me to do this as a "LIFESTYLE CHANGE". I really think this is the biggest change that helped give my metabolism that boost again, if fact I know it was.

Im excited to be moving in the right direction again... 

Goals for this upcoming week:

~Work out 5-6 days/week

~Keep up w MFP

~Enter the world of the 160#s!!??!!?

    (Im wishful hoping/thinking /praying here!)

Ok so, If you don't know me...Im a picky person. No doubt that adds to the saying "If I can do it, Anyone can.." But I am trying to venture out a little bit and try some new things, like I mentioned about the brown rice, wheat pasta. Im also hooked on the turkey ground meat..easy changes. Anyway, Im trying to add new things to my diet..and would appreciate some feedback in this dept. :)

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Friend Making Mondays!!!

In an effort to reach out to more readers and find motivation from others, I've started reading and participating in other blogs.  I read what others are saying, comment, and hope that they can then turn to this blog and get something from it in return. 

I'm taking part in Friend Making Mondays over at All The Weigh!

This week's questions are:

1. What do you love most about Spring?

The FLOWERS!  I can always tell when Spring has arrived because the flower selection in the supermarket changes!  There are more flowers and the colors are vibrant!  My favorite color flower is yellow!  In fact, I purchased a dozen yellow roses on Saturday and they only cost me $9.98!  Wish I had taken a picture now that I'm thinking about them =(

2. If you’re lucky enough to have a Spring Break, what will you do to enjoy it?

I am not one of the lucky few that has a Spring Break.  But, if I did I'd probably spend it relaxing, exercising, cleaning house, and catching up on things I normally don't have the time to do. 

3. What is your favorite flower?

Hard question because I love flowers!  I'll give a few of my absolute favorites instead:  pale pink peonies, yellow tulips, and purple/blue/or pink hydrangeas! 

4. Do you have a garden?  If so, what do you grow?

No garden but I will have one...one day!

5. Share one thing that you hope to accomplish during Spring.

I hope to shed some major pounds!  This is the best time for it.  Winter is cold, Summer is hot, Spring and Fall are the best times for me to be active outdoors!  Bike riding, walking...I'm ready!

6. Do you do Spring cleaning?

I'm in the process of selling my house.  Every weekend is Spring cleaning!  LOL.  Typically I don't!  My house is kept pretty clean 99.9% of the time!

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it’s almost Spring, doesn’t mean that it feels like it for some of you.}

Here in NOLA it was cold over the weekend but today is beautiful!  Chill with some warmth, sunny.  I think it's a high of 68 today, though I'm stuck at work inside...

8. Share one photo that you’ve taken during the month of March.  My dog..Fat Girl

Fat Girl, the not-so-mini dachshund that is bigger than her 2 other litter mates!  This chunk-o is HEAVY!  She's the sweetest pup and the coolest little dog!  Love my Fat Chunky Bad Girl!

9. What’s your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon?  Hmm..depends on the weather...I mean is it sunny and HOT or sunny and cool?  Nothing beats a bbq or get together with friends when the weather is nice!

10. If you could spend the day doing anything in your city, what would you do?  Ooo...let's see.  First, I'd take the ferry from Algiers Point to New Orleans, I'd want to do the cheesy segway tour of the city followed by trying out the new double decker tour buses!  Yes, super cheesy!  I'd want to hit the French Market and look around.  I stroll down Royal Street to check out the shops that I walk past for work but never go in.  Grab lunch somewhere nice with awesome food, sit on the balcony and enjoy the passersby!  New Orleans is the best city to get lost in for a day!

I Love Mondays!

Happy Monday Morning everyone!  My weekend was a busy and cold one!  I'm ready for Spring, though I'm NOT ready for Summer!  Summer down here is SO hot! 

Know why I love Mondays?  Because Biggest Loser comes on Monday nights!  I get so excited to watch the show, see the contestants and the changes they are making and I am just a little TOO involved in the contestants themselves!  I am Team Danni all the way!  She just seems like the kind of person I'd be friends with if I knew her in real life!  Love her!

I also am getting just a little tired of Gina.  She's busting A and doing great but ENOUGH WITH THE CRYING ALREADY!  I know there's a lot more I don't see so who really knows what her deal is but it's getting to the point where she is annoying to watch!  I was SO MAD when she beat Danni in last week's challenge and got immunity!  I thought for sure Danni would go home but my girl banged out 10 pounds like a CHAMP!

Jackson is also becoming one of my favorites just because he's so sweet and from what the trainers say and what the other contestants say, he's the biggest motivator! 

Like I said, a little too wrapped up in the contestants!  LOL!!!

This week on BL is MAKEOVER WEEK!  Can't wait!!!!!
So here's what I've been up to since last Monday....

Last Week's Goals

How My Week Went

Sunday - DONE!

Monday - DONE!  Did Body Pump Class

Tuesday - DONE!  I switched it up and took Spinning at 5:30 instead of Body Pump at 6:30!  Only did half of the spin class, but that's a whole other story!  Let's just say they are getting new bikes but until then we're using old bikes and after trying 2 bikes and stopping, I got so frustrated that I left! 

Wednesday - DONE!  I switched it up a bit.  Instead of 3 miles on the treadmill, I did 1.5 miles on the treadmill followed by C25K D2/W4 (again).  I just felt like running!  I only did 5 minutes on the stairclimber b/c my legs were really tight after the running.  I did my ab work but I skipped the Body Combat Class b/c once I was finished with my workout there was still 40 minutes til class.  I headed home to let my pups enjoy the beautiful weather instead.

Thursday - DONE!

Friday - DONE!

Saturday - DONE, but with changes..  To make a long story short, my sister had to bring my nephew to an academic test but Friday night she was stopped by a cop for an expired license plate (she didn't know it was expired).  She was terrified of driving her car for fear of getting a ticket.  Literally, as I was walking out the door, I see a hand written note on my door asking me to wake her up that she needed me to bring Brock to his test b/c she didn't want to drive her car.  UGH!  I was up, made my shake, dressed and walking out the door!!!  But things happen and you gotta roll with the punches!  I ended up doing 1 mile on the treadmill, followed by C25K D1/W5 (5 minute warmup walk, 8 minute run, 5 minute walk, 8 minute run, cool down), 10 minutes on the stairclimber, and ab work.  It wasn't the two classes I'd hoped for, but I did my best.  I also did yard work and cleaned my house like crazy b/c we had a house viewing scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m.! 

Then..

Sunday - I went to the gym and did a little over a mile of run/walk intervals on the treadmill.  I was tired and had a headache..the gym was hot.  Excuses, excuses.  I've exercised non-stop for over a month, I don't feel bad about slacking a little today!

What's New??

My appointment with Pennington is this Wednesday.  I'm excited to see how I'm doing and get that official weigh-in number!  I've been doing great and exercising like a beast.

Today at noon I have my first meeting with a dietitian.  I am doing this all online, which will be an odd experience, but hopefully a good one.  I've never done meetings online so we'll see how this goes.  I'll update next week on how my appointment goes and about my meeting with the dietitian!

Yesterday I had a baptism to attend and I saw some people I hadn't seen in a little over a month and they all commented on how great I look!  That is a huge motivator and it really gave me that boost I needed!

I had a box under my bed that contained about 8 pairs of jeans that were all too tight.  I pulled out that box on Friday and tried every pair on and every pair FIT!  I was so happy with myself!  It feels nice to be able to wear a pair of jeans that I haven't in so long.  At least 2 pairs were a little too big.  Too cool! 

Goals For This Week!

1.  Workout every day!
2.  Lots of water
3.  Tackle little projects in my head!
4.  Ride my bike! 

I didn't have time to print out my workout plan but it's pretty much the same as last week, though I am trying to pump myself up to take the dang Zumba class!  LOL  We'll see!

Have a great week and keep on working towards your goals!





Not the week I hoped for

Nothing great to post this week. Monday and Tuesday I worked out on the stairs at work and according to my sport tracker app I burned 600 calories total doing so. Tony and I also started boxing Monday night and again Tuesday night not sure of the calories burned because I didn't have my sport tracker on. Here's where I started going down hill...Wednesday started the sore throat, cough, congestion fun. Thursday I got a little worse and Friday even worse than Thursday. I haven't exercised and I've been hungry. I'm planning on doing a lot of sleeping and back to the stairs on Monday! Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!! 

Same Story - Different Day

I’m not doing as good as I’m capable of doing.  But, I’m not doing terrible either.  I’m still in a funk, but I seem to be somewhat functioning through it.  I am still doing a really good job with food choices.  I’m even starting to realize that I like these foods.  Lol  I am taking the stairs in the parking garage and at school.  I’m just not doing my walking at lunch.  I don’t always get to enjoy my lunch hour.  Sometimes I have to work; sometimes I have homework to do; sometimes I’m just to damn lazy.  I have a treadmill at home as well as an elliptical.  What are some exercises y’all do at home without machines?  Anything?

I would say that I think working full time and going to school full time are the reasons I’m not doing as good of a job, but let’s face it – this ain’t my first time at the rodeo.  I don’t really know why I let myself want it, but not go for it.  I am my own worst enemy.  The ONLY good I am getting out of this is that I am eating better.  That is what is helping me to not gain anything (and only lose absolute minimum – ugh).  I guess it could be worse.  I could be gaining weight.  I am REALLY trying to find positive things to look at.  Lol

I just need to do it.  there’s no secret to my goal.  EXERCISE.  What the hell is my problem?  Why am I setting up my own roadblocks?!  What I need is a good kick in the ass.  Like I said, same story – different day.  L



We're only 1/2 Crazy!! 13.1

WE ROCKED-N-WE ROLLED!!! :D

This past weekend was our BIG race! The Rock-N-Roll 1/2 Marathon!  A.....L..o..n..g..13.1 miles! We went into the race with NO training...& We got less than 3 hours of sleep the night before. As Chad said "We have got to be the worst 1/2 marathon-ERS in the history of marathon-ING." Yes..that bad! But we had No excuses...We woke up exhausted..Got our butts out there in the freezing cold.. We prepped for the worst weather (bc we were expecting rain on this day all week) We had our jackets, ponchos, and backpack of supplies prepared for whatever weather was to come, just in case. Luckily, God was kind to us and it turned out to be a beautiful day! We could not have asked for better weather. It was sunny, cool, nice breezy wind, felt awesome! And we did great weaving in and out of all the people, the mile marker signs seemed to come and go by quickly and we made great time. We ran for a little over 6 miles straight. Then we stopped for our first potty break.**Mind you the furthest I have ever run, prior to this run, was a 5k (3.1 miles)** Stopping caused us both to start cramping. We continued on and had to stop yet again for another bathroom break, by this time my calves felt like rocks, totally stiff hurt to walk on but actually felt better when jogging..So we continued on. Looking at the Endomondo stats we can tell when we ran/walked/stopped...Total we ran/jogged about 8-9 miles (pace ranged bw 9:34-12:29) and we walked/jogged the other 4-5 miles (pace range bw 13:02-19:46). We went into the race thinking we would run 1/2 and walk 1/2, So we are very happy with how we did!!!

Im excited for several reasons:

1) We exceeded our expectations running more than we thought we would be able too.

2) I beat myself!! My previous 1/2 time, RnR 2012 was 3:21:04. Beat myself by 30 minutes. I also had a time in my head, I was hoping to come in under 3 hours. & I DID IT!

3) Im really loving this addiction!! Im looking forward to signing up for a 10k (maybe the CCC 10k in March??) I have it in my head I can run the whole race! & I can't wait to try! 

4) I can't wait until my next 1/2 marathon bc I know w more sleep and some training...I can do even better next time! :D 

Official Race Stats:

Official Finishers Certificate:

Race Fun Pics:

 Video Mile 13, Right before we crossed Finish Line!

Last Weeks Goals:
~ Workout Monday-Thursday, as usual=DONE!

~ Friday/Saturday easier on the wk outs=NONE
~ Sunday Rock & Roll ½ Marathon w Chad=DONE!
As for last week: 

18Mon: MAC Gym->Stair Master:25Mins/102Floors/229Cals
                                        +Body Pump w S&S/1hr class 

19Tues: Run w Chad:23Min/2.33Miles/346Cals

20Wed: AM: Gym-> Treadmill/Ran 1 mile/10:34min/130Cals
                                    +Lax X/20:22mins/3.02miles/210Cals
                PM: Body Combat @ MAC w Shannon /1hr class

21Thurs: Gym-> Spin Class w Chad: 45mins/708Cals 

22Fri:NONE     23Sat: Rest day! 

24Sun: ROCK-N-ROLL ½ Marathon: 13.1miles/2:52:01/2800Cals

**I did use my watch, I didn't take a pic and don't have my watch w me today..I will update this when I see what it really was, but i think it was about this..*
_______________________________________________
As for next week...
My goal is to start using MFP religiously!!
I had been using Loose It daily..I made the switch to MFP, love it..but have really slacked with logging.   
Also: Friday is March 1st-My official weigh in! Im hoping the scale is my friend!! Stay tuned for more on that..I will post my results next Tuesday.