:wave: Yoooo-hoo!

Anyway, I'm weighing almost daily at the moment just out of interest (Mr Tom's still hanging around) and this morning - 11st 10 3/4lbs!!!! That's the lowest weight I've seen (164 3/4) that's 3/4lb away from normal! And it makes it 2 1/4 lbs lost since Sunday! :rofl: :dancer: I'm still not convinced it's actually right though! :crazy: I just keep checking to make sure I haven't jumped back up to 167 and it just keeps going down. :crazy: :rofl:

This is seriously wierd! And I know I say I ain't a scale watcher... Well. *ahem* :o I'm more of a scale observer at the moment... I'm just not taking it seriously! :rofl:

That is so exciting with the scale, Jenfrus! Way to go. I actually saw a pound less on the scale today which was exciting.

SusanB, I *think* that was a compliment haha so thanks but I still want to be in "the group"! I know you are like a Fitday guru so feel free to analyze me and tell me what I could be doing better. Some days I'm able to come home for lunch and get better fruits/veggies but when I am on the road all day I stick with protein bars, etc...

AND big news is that for some reason my friend felt guilty about ditching me this weekend (muhahaha) and still has agreed to run the 5-k with me again. We ran 4 miles yesterday and we are pumped!

Ok you can stay. :) A 4 mile run! You're making me tired.
I'll have a look at that fitday sometime today. The weather is crappy again so I'll be here!
Jenfrus? We were talking a few days ago about yu making some calorie changes, did you? That drop is encouraging yes?
Morning Gaylyn, Veerie!

Hey guys, check out my ticker! I'm down 2 pounds and broke that nasty 140 mark (again ;) ). I think I'll be back to 134 in no time and, then, look out 120!

2frus, I'm so happy for you!:hug: I am an admitted scale addict but I always advise against it. Like my mom always told us, "Do as I SAY, not as I DO." :D I don't get emotional about the number or anything - I just like to see it. These days I'm hopping on all the time out of pure amazement. Even when I inched back up to 141 getting on the scale was motivating. I just couldn't help but be fascinated that I was actually worried about being in the 140's. After all, I did spend an awful lot of time completely ignoring the 200's. :p Oh, and the dress you have picked out is beautiful. When is the big day?


Lizzbabe, I'm impressed with your running skills. I WANT to be a runner but I have a looooong way to go and I'm not sure I'll ever get there. I had recontructive ACL surgery back in college and that kind of impact can give me trouble. It is 100% better since I've lost weight and I don't do so bad on the treadmill but running outside on pavement is much harder on my knee. I may never be in a marathon but I think I will be able to work up to a 5K before too long.

Susan, so how is 127 working for you? Does it just feel really light? You must describe it often because I've made you my friendly competition. My new mantra is "Gotta catch up with Susan!":lol: Of course, that puts extra pressure on you to always stay a few steps ahead of me so I've got something to chase!:D

Where is everyone else? Are you guys doing okay?

Wahey :dancer: Liz - a 5K what time are you trying to beat? Glad you got your race after all!

Susan, no I didn't make any calorie changes at all. I was aiming at averaging 1800, after 5 days nothing happened, I thought I'd give it a week. Was 2lbs down after a week of Zig Zagging calories. Decided to stay averaging 1800 this week and it's still dropping :eek: Oh and when I aim for 1800, according to fitday I'm actually getting 1900, so I'm a VERY happy bunny! :dancer:

Yeah come on Miss 127 - how does it feel? :rofl: It's really funny but even though the lovely sweet precious scales say over 2lbs lighter... I don't feel any different! :rofl: Isn't that the stupidest thing?? I was so hung up on the scales not moving and thinking I'd feel a whole lot better when they moved and they have and I don't feel any different! :lol: Just 3/4 lb to normal! That will be strange!

I'm trying to stay "ahead" of YP in UK chicks and running chicks (she doesn't know it though! ;) ) I think I might have managed it! She's taller than me anyway and is already normal! :lol: So go racing Susan and Lucky!

I'm feeling quite psyched today, had good food, got a 2000kcal day today so I have snuck in a Kendal Mint Cake for carbs before during and after kickboxing and it hasn't affected my ratios much!

Oh yeah and I'm planning on really pushing my box splits tonight :D and just generally going like the clappers - I'm all caffinated and ready to go!

Wahey! Bring on the day :hyper:

I was just thinking something the same Lucy ... I mean Tricia :) I wouldn't mind one bit if we arrived at 120 in any order! When we both arrive at 120 in any order.
Runners make me mildly envious too. It just looks so ... accomplished ... as if that person really knows what they are doing fitness-wise.
Liz? is this a race or charity run? something like that?

Ooops missed Jenfrus. We were posting at the same time. I also forgot to tell Tricia that I'd have to think about what 127 feels like. Now I'll tell ya both ... let me think on that and a couple loads of laundry and I'll get back to you.

Wow you ladies are active this morning! I have to admit it........I'm a scale addict also. :D I was also down a pound this morning to 153!! AND my hip meausrement hit 39.75!! One of my goals has been to have a hip measurement in the 30's. When I started my hips were 53".:o

2frus~~ I'm with you on the normal thing. I just got there 1 lb ago. Good for you on your losses!

Susan~~ Is it snowing there? We had a freak snow storm last night. I came out of the grocery store and everything was covered. It's supposed to be +14 tomorrow though. Gotta love those chinooks!

Tricia~~ YAY for breaking the 140 mark!

lizz~~ Glad your friend is joining you for your run! And congrats on the pound lost.

Morning Veerie! Have a great day ladies!!

Gaylyn

Warning! Teary eyed blathering inside!

How does it feel to be 127? Well, for one brief shining moment in Jan'05 I was 119 so it kinda feels a bit like "what the heck happened?" but good.
I can cross my legs right round and tuck my food under my calf again, comfortably.
My boobs get places before my belly.
My shoulders ARE actually a little wider than the rest of me.
The roll I can grab just above my belly button is about the fullness of a new tube of toothpaste.
My bra band is loosish and I should get new ones. Did I mention that I now can buy them at WalMart or any old where. Hoo Rah!
This site http://www.halls.md/chart/height-weight.htm is waaaay more fun.
I feel a sense of accomplishment and I'm not sure if that would be so pronounced if I didn't have you guys assuring me that what I'm doing is an ambitious undertaking. Alone, we mire ourselves in our doubts and misgivings. We are constantly aware of mistakes, backslides, treacherous thoughts. As a group, we tell each other (and hence ourselves) that it is hard work, it's a good job, it's so worth it, despite our misgivings we are headed in the right direction.
I'm glad you asked me this. I'm not sure I would have appreciated 127 quite so much if I hadn't stopped to think about it like this.
Thanks gals! What an awesome group! :hug:

HOOORAY :woo:

Wow this is quite an exciting morning isn't it? Lots of posting! I am just home quick on lunchbreak then headed out but wanted to respond a bit.

2frus, my best 5-k time is 24:20 I believe. The last race I did was 5-miles and I don't remember the time and the 5-k before that was hilly so it wasn't a PR. We will see how this weekend turns out.

I never used to be a runner but I've realized how much better my body responds to running than anything else. I always say I could walk for hours on end and not notice a difference but have me run a couple times a week and it really shows!

Susan, the race is just for fun but I have done charity races before. My friend and I like the free t-shirts and free food (healthy of course!)

Tonight we are going to another friend's apartment and I am bringing a lightened apple crisp for dessert but thankfully all the guys that come have big appetites so I won't have to bring leftovers home.

Gosh, Susan, you've made me even more anxious to get there!

The I asked the question was because the couple of months that I spent at 134 I felt physically light for the first time ever. I've weighed much less than that but I had never been obese before so I didn't really think about how it felt to carry that little weight. I experienced much of what you described as well, but what really struck me was that I actually felt small. It only took about 5 extra pounds before that feeling went away. To some extent that is "head stuff" because my original goal weight was 135. Being one pound lighter than that I know had a mental/emotional impact. But, mostly, my body really did feel different. I didn't hold in my stomach, or think too much about how my clothes looked - I just assumed they looked fine, and I felt less clumsy. Things like that. Anyway, I was thinking if that is what 15 pounds from my ultimate goal felt like I can't even begin to imagine what 7 pounds from goal (or GOAL for that matter!) must physically feel like. I appreciate you giving me a sneak peak!

Need a boost 'almost there's'? Go here http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/av.htm I am lighter than 85% of women my age and height! How feather light and dainty does that make me feel!

Wow Lizz, great time for your 5K :D Gives me something to aim for ;)

Lucky and Susan I like your head stuff! I think I said earlier that even though I've dropped nearly 3lbs this week (officially 2 3/4 as of this morning) I still don't *feel* different, my tight trousers are still tight and I can't see where it's gone from! :lol: But I know that the heaviness feeling is in my head, and some days, when DF picks me up or cuddles me like I'm the tiniest thing, I feel small at last! I won't ever be tiny at 5'8" but it would be nice not to feel like Amazon Woman sometimes!

Had a brutal circuits class last night, felt quite faint at the end, but that might've been the fact that I was quite dehydrated! Then they made me spend 40 minutes doing nothing but back kicks. I hate them. :rollpin: blah.

Didn't quite hit the floor with my splits, but they're still getting there! I will have the instructor stretch me further in my private lesson on Saturday. Oh god that's tomorrow! :yikes: :rofl:

Well I'm scheduled for leg weights tonight - I am really going to have to concentrate on form since I think my knees don't do what they should. Oh and DF is out, so that means I can go to bed at a ridiculously early time and get up early for my kickboxing lesson. Excellent....


Oooh I just tried that calculator.... I'm 59th %ile - 41% of my age group are heavier than me! Ha hahahahahahahaha!

2frus, I am with you on the "tall and not tiny" thing--it seems like all my friends are short so no matter how much weight I lose I still tower over them. Oh well gotta work with what you've got right?

:yes: Indeedy! It would be nice to be tall and willowy rather than tall and "statuesque" :rofl: I have a lot of oriental friends who I tower over, however my bridesmaids are my height! Good plan no?

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to pop in quick and say what a terrific, inspirational group this is! What a motivated group of powerhouse women -- I'm truly impressed!

SusanB, you're my hero. Thanks for posting the bmi calculator site. What a lovely little ego boost on a Friday morning!

2Frus, what are back kicks? I still cannot believe you can do splits. That's incredible.

Good morning Tricia and Gaylyn!

Good luck with the run, Liz. I'm sure you will be a total track star!

It is coooold here today (glad I got that wood stacked all by myself SusanB!) I am off to work and then will be heading to the gym on my lunch hour. Hope everyone has a terrific Friday!

Oh back kicks are my worst nightmare :yes: basically you stand in your left fighting stance, do a half turn (to face the back) then *thrust* your leg backwards to the front, bring the leg back by bending the knee and turn towards the front. I have a wierd thing going on with my hips and my balance and they are just generally :devil: I was doing fairly good ones on one leg last night and the other leg was just appalling! I don't think it helped that I was feeling slightly faint and dehydrated! Anyway so I got quite narked by the end of it all and my instructor was holding a pad for me to kick and I was really trying to put him through the wall! I was soooooo annoyed! :mad: :rofl:

The most annoying this is I don't think they're going to let me go for my next belt until I can do back kicks :tantrum: *sigh* never mind!

Anyway enough kickboxing for today - it's my day off! :lol: I've bought myself a nice wedding magazine to wallow in the bath with when I get home and I've done my weights. And I've treated myself to a choccy bar :o which was delish :D

Okay, 2frus and Lizzbabe, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, complain about being to0 tall. Take it from a gal who is only 5 foot 2 - there are a lot of things worse than being 5'8. Oh, I don't know, LIKE BEING 5'2! :lol:

2frus, I love hearing about your kickboxing because my son takes Tae Kwon Do. They aren't the same thing, of course, but lots of similar moves. He's only 7 and I am AMAZED at the things he can do with that little body of his. They have a move that sounds almost identical to your back kicks and that class of kids does them laughing the whole time and barely breaking a sweat! And they'll do these moves over and over until they get it right without ever showing the first sign of frustration! I think of them when I've got a nasty attitude about going to the gym - it will all be FUN if I just don't think of it as WORK!

I've got a big, long workout planned for this afternoon. I've missed exercising the last couple of days. Well, "official" exercise anyway. I cleaned house and did laundry so I've been up and down the stairs almost constantly (that is on purpose, by the way - I always make sure I have to take several trips back and forth). I had planned on going to my favorite step class and doing weights last night but DH got stuck at work and I ended up having to take my son to his belt test instead. We usually take turns attending the tests and award ceremonies so that the other two kids don't have to sit through it all and it was his turn to go. I just hate it when someone messes with my plans. But, that is okay, I'll work extra hard today. :strong:

My eating is right on track and I feel like I'm really back into the swing of things. Funny, even after a year of working to lose weight I still find myself surprised that I'm actually doing it!

Hope everyone has an awesome day and a great weekend! Good luck on your run Lizzbabe!:goodluck:

Good Morning Ladies!

I must say my height is one thing that I've never complained about. Probably the ONLY thing. lol I'm 5'6" by the way.

So far so good today. Yesterday was a real mental struggle( I tell ya, I'm my own worst enemy) but I managed to stay on track, so yay for me.

Hope you ladies have a great weekend. My dh and I have our Valentine's night all planned out for Saturday because he won't be here on the 14th. Good luck on your run lizz!

Gaylyn

Thanks for all the good wishes--it will be COLD tomorrow but we are still planning to go for it!

Went out with the girls from the office today (mexican food!) but I ordered the lunch size chicken fajitas with corn tortillas and no refried beans so it wasn't too bad. Plus I brought in peanut butter cookies I made last night and I did not eat a single one...and there were none leftover to tempt me either.

2frus I am very impressed with your kickboxing. I am way too uncoordinated for that. Gotta get in some pilates now though so check in with y'all later.

Just a kwik-post before kickboxing (again - it's 7am :tired: )

I'M NORMAL!!! I weigh 163.5 :D :hyper: :dancer: :woo:

:faint:

Wooohooo doesn't it feel great to be "normal"?? Congrats!!

Normal ... hmm ... I kinda think you're extraordinary! Both of you.

Aww thanks. You're not so bad yourself Susan! P.S. this is wayy too early for a Saturday. I have a race to prepare for, what's your excuse?

I have to go to work. I had a uniform that is a t-shirt tucked in straight pants hanging on the front of my rack. Last night, I was gonna wear it today for sure. .... I can't do it. I didn't even try it on. I have on a short fitted top but it doesn't tuck in.
Argh .... my messed up head.
Go Lizzy ... run like the wind! I wanna hear an empowered report later.

Wow! I guess you have to get up pretty early to catch up with you lot. Is that the secret of your success? If it is, I'm in big trouble!

I have 25 days left until I leave for St. Croix. That's 25 opportunities to eat healthy, get a lot of exercise and sleep well. I am shooting for 4 pounds lost over the next 25 days. I think I'm up for the challenge!

Hope you all have a terrific Saturday! Can't wait to hear about the race, Liz!

Aww shucks Miss 127 ;) :D

Let us know how you do Lizz.

Veerie - perhaps that's it, early mornings are the secret to weight loss! We'll write the book and make millions! :rofl: I was in bed at 8pm last night though... I was just bored and too tired to do any working out so I took myself to bed after a nice bubble bath and a book! I'm so sad - so bored if I can't work out :lol:

Lucky, ah it's not bad being tall at all at all! You shortstuffs can always wear heels ;)

That is correct! And it's much easier to shorten pants than it is to make them longer!

Goils! I am soooo weary now! Phew, time for a nap methinks!

I never had to worry about pants being too short--my height is all in my torso!

Race update: well it was kind of how I expected..cold and very WINDY! The first half was all face to the wind which I am not used to so it slowed me down a bit but the second half was easier. Came in at 26:00 (not a great time for me) but because of all the college girls that jumped in front of me right at the end I came in 4th for my age group and didn't get a medal. Boo! My friend had a hard time with the wind so when I finished I headed back and ran the rest of the way with her too.

Now my boyfriend has the apartment in a shambles trying to set up for his new projector that comes in monday so I am just cleaning and getting things rearranged.

Congratulations, Liz!! That is fantastic. So you were running 8:22 minute miles, right? Even without wind, that is very impressive time! Yay for you!

It sure is quiet around here! Hope that means everyone is having a fun weekend.

I had a great day of eating and exercise yesterday and had been looking forward to an evening of sitting on the couch watching movies. Then my BF invited a friend from school over. She's tall, thin, perfectly dressed -- everything that I am not. I hate myself for saying this, but I instantly disliked her. I wish I could get over this comparing myself to others thing -- it seems very juvenile and petty. Still, I felt disheartened. Am I the only one who does this?

Nope Verrie, not alone at all. A few us shorties decided today that one of the nurses in our ER would have to be 'put down'. She just makes the rest of us look chubby.

Wow, you ladies were active this weekend. My dh is home on the weekends so I don't get a lot of computer time.

Congrats lizz!! Nothing wrong with being 4th.

Yay for normal people!!! Congrats 2 frus!!

I went shopping yesterday, minus my kids, so I was able to try on some clothes in peace. Much to my surprise I was able to fit into a size S skirt!! It's one of those cute long denim ones with the big slit and it looked good!! I should have bought it but I couldn't justify spending 55 on it. My dh would NOT have been happy with me. Still it put me in a great mood for the rest of the day.

Feeling very strong and ready to take on the world today. Lets hope this energy continues.

Gaylyn

This is a copy and paste of my post on another thread, that's how lazy I feel today ......
A new week ... hmmm. I'm a bit messed around. I just finished my 3rd of 4 weekends in a row (one more to go starting Thurs). Four or five shifts over the weekend, ya know. Everybody does the TGIF thing and was grouchy this morning because it was Monday. I feel like I live in the twilight zone.
I also feel like I need an abrupt halt, regather and restart. I just feel messed up!
I'm going to clean up my kitchen, get fabulous food out for supper and go have a nap. Then when I get up, I'm going to pretend it's a new day and go good.
Did you all read Ilene's post called something like are you lifting heavy enough? I think between that and my uber-supper ... I'll be off to the races!

Oh Gaylyn ... I wish your energy was transmittable. I'll just read your post over and over a few times :)

Susan, I don't know how you do it. Seriously, I think I would be a raving lunatic if I worked your schedule. The fact that you can do that AND still have the energy and motivation to workout and clean your kitchen (something I often neglect) is truly impressive. You should give yourself a big pat on the back.

Hooray for feeling so good, Gaylyn! Most of the time I come out of the dressing room totally discouraged and grumpy, so I'm sure it's a great feeling to be so psyched.

Hope everyone had a good Monday!

When I think I'm hard done by, I just need to read some threads. At least I don't work 12 hr shifts!

The good news is that I've been doing much better since I decided to start over today. Sooner or later I'll have to enter the cinnamon hearts and chocolates I had instead of breakfast .... maybe last thing before I go to bed.

Mmmmm...cinnamon hearts and chocolates....

That reminds me that tomorrow is that great celebration of chocolate (ooops, I mean love.) I don't really have a problem with Valentine's Day. The hard part is that day after, when all the candy at the supermarket is half price. And I think "Wow! A bag of mini Snickers for only $1...how can I not buy this?" And then I think I will be good and put the bag in my freezer and have little treats from time to time. Until the next day when I find that my pockets are full of wrappers and the bag is empty. It's not good to be this predictable.

Anyone doing anything fun for Valentine's Day?

Veerie I am totally the same way--that clearance candy calls my name so I will do my best to avoid the whole scenario.

Went out and bought a mini Ben&Jerry's chocolate fudge brownie ice cream for my BF--he loves the stuff and I never buy it so they had the cutest little containers and I decided he was worth it! Since for Christmas he stuffed my stocking with protein bars and some sugar free candy I think he's finally realized I can't handle the temptation of the "good stuff"!

Today went all right--meals were kinda scattered but I did my best. Along with the protein and fiber goals this week I am going to make sure I am getting at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday. Fitday is my new best friend!

Oh and thanks for the race support everyone! Did a quick 4 miles after work before my sign language class tonight and it felt much better weather-wise.

Yeah I'm kickboxing for valentine's! :rofl:

I got shortbread for V-day last night, in a heart shape. Get this, he made it with margarine because butter would've been unhealthy! :rofl: :lol3: :lol: :rofl: Bless his little cotton socks :)

Having a slight whoopsie - I'm in camel mode after pepperoni pizza at the weekend. Also the "shortbread heart" probably hasn't helped much! Trying to eat as clean as possible today. However I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaay under calories, so I best buy some more food! Hope the :devil: scales go back down by the end of the week.. Here endeth my daily weigh-ins! :rofl:

It's a grey day today - feeling slightly below-par. I'm sure some Pepsi will pep me up! Oh and I have to take the bike in for an MOT today. I'm not particularly looking forward to that hassle! Well at least it will be legal and it's getting a new chain, which saves me doing it! :D