Hey guys, how's it going? I'm doing okay with staying on track food wise. I didn't get my first workout in of the week till today and you know what, it was awesome! I was starting a new week (Week 5) today and somewhat dreading it because my last couple of week 4 runs didn't go well and I actually debated repeating week 4 but I'm glad I tried week 5 out and it went great. I had so much energy for it so maybe I've just been a little overtired from working out 6 days a week all of a sudden. But that was this morning's victory.

Diane: Yay 2 lbs down!!! How did your W4D1 C25K go yesterday?

Lyn: I wish I was coming to Dallas! We would definitely do lunch! I have family and my college roommate in Dallas so it would have been triple awesome but no I'm in New York for like 5 days so it's really in an out and no time to travel and see my peeps this time. So unfortunate about Mr. Sexy-Voice's sexy voice being counterbalanced by his shady absent-mindedness (I think you're being charitable. I think he might be trying to be shady in a "likes-your-muffins" way. But then I'm a suspicious type when it comes to married people). It's such a pity that sexy voiced people usually have that "such a sexy voice BUT ...." tick/issue. The Lean Cuisine sounds disappointing but I'll try it when I'm in the states. I'm thinking I might mail my Fitbit in when I get to the States and then have them mail the replacement to a friend of mine. I've got the new one I ordered and it's like "AHHHHHHH!!! I'm RENEWED!!! Exercise has meaning again." What Fitbit did you end up getting. My brother has a birthday in the next couple of months and I'm thinking of getting him an upgrade but I'm not sure which of the new bells/whistles to get yet!


Alright guys, as always my day is more awesome for catching up with you guys and writing out my thoughts and sorting out how I'm feeling about this journey on here. In my mind, things are going horribly with plan but when I sit and write down my struggles and thoughts about how plan is actually going and read what you guys are up to, it never seems so bad or like I'm slogging away on my own. So thanks guys. I wish you guys an amazingly blessed day.

Hi all. Went to spin this morning and it was so packed. I didn't even find a bike available in the room. So, I was heading out to find something else to do, and I remembered they have some spin bikes that are in the regular part of the gym. They are right outside of the door of the spin room, so I got on one of those and just listened to what the instructor was saying. Evidently there were a couple of bikes that opened up after I left, so I should have been patient. But, I was able to get the workout in and I think I did pretty well, just with eavesdropping. Better get there earlier next time. Tonight I'll do W4D2 of C25K. I am pretty excited about the C25K program. It has really helped push me to do better on running. We'll see how it progresses and how I feel after running a 5K, but I have enjoyed it so far. I just might keep running on my list. I think it might be helping with weight loss, too. I think I've lost more this week. I certainly have received more comments.

Lyn77: Hey, that's not too bad on the weigh in!! So now you know and you can move onward and downward! We really are close in our stats! I do agree wholeheartedly with you on exercising giving you such a feeling of power. I haven't felt this good in a very long time!

Toasted: Good for you for moving on to week 5. I think that sometimes it doesn't go as well if you are tired, or maybe something was just off on a couple of days. Love your posts! So glad you are active on here!

Missing a few people though!!!! Hope everyone is doing ok!

Hi all - still here just super busy! Managing to hold it together with TOM making me want to eat every carb in the house, luckily I didn't have to much in the house, although there was 2 chocolate hot cross buns that didn't stand a chance! I don't think the scales are being nice at all and I'm on holiday starting the middle of next week for 2 1/2 weeks so the scale stall is set to continue *sigh* I'm really ready to see some downward movement!!!

Good morning, everyone! Still trying to sort responsibilities. Picked up my kids at the airport Tuesday, so got a full house again. (Only 6 kids and 2 adults in a three-bedroom house this time!)

I skimmed through stuff. Can I just say - I love all y'all! I have been missing my fixes of Toasted hashtags and Diane exercise updates and Kelly enthusiasm and Lyn's excessive humbleness on her rockin' work-outs and Jessica's life updates. I will start doing full responses tomorrow.

For now, I will just say that the last week has been really unimpressive with food and exercise. But I am officially done with my previous job, and am starting to settle into a routine with the new job. My boss (who has also been my mentor since law school) still looks at me randomly, smiles, and says, "I'm so glad you are here." And as I dip into this backlog of files that were waiting for me, I am realizing that my predecessor may have been somewhat inefficient, so clearing out the backlog may not be as challenging as I had anticipated. Here's hoping.

Today has to be a white-knuckle day, though. I am back into "super hungry when I'm not seriously overeating" mode. I have my herbal tea, my water, my convenience low-cal foods, and, hopefully, my head back on straight. My goals for today -- address the "Can I leave for a bit each afternoon to hit the gym?" question, stay within a reasonable calorie amount, and get to the gym to do something.

Lifelong commitment, right?

Hi all! Back to Body Pump this morning. I was slower getting out of bed this morning, but made it to class on time. It was a good workout. We were doing "clean and press" for back strength. Probably went a little too high on the last set of weights, but made it. Last night was W4,D2 of C25K. It was challenging, but I felt pretty good about it. I really like this program! I'm seeing great results from it and it is really helping me. I went home last night and kind of crashed on my bed for a while. I didn't sleep, just laid there. Felt so good!! Then had to force myself up to do some laundry. My scale is back by the washer, so I stepped on for a peek. It looks good! I think the next weigh in should be pretty good.

I think the increase in exercise is having a pretty good impact. I do feel that running is a big help with weight loss, and with the increases in running time on C25K, I think that's been helping me a lot. Then, with the wellness challenge at work, I have added extra walking just to get the 10,000 steps per day. Maybe all of this was good to break through the little plateau I was on. Of course, it still comes back to food plan too. I asked for help from my husband to be more in control at night, and that has worked. He doesn't say too much, but since I know that he might be watching, I am doing better. Ha!

Oh, just to share, I saw a great motivational statement regarding going off plan sometimes. "You didn't get fit from one salad and one workout. You won't get fat from one burger and one rest day." I think that's good to keep in mind!

Laurie: Yay! So good to see you again. I'm sure you are just trying to find your way into a routine at the new job. How nice to hear how happy they are that you are there! Now get to the gym!!

Lyn77: Nice job on the bike! I totally agree with you regarding the bike workout helping out with the upper leg. I think it also helps with the backside, too. I still have fat to lose on my legs, but I'll tell you, the muscles underneath are pretty impressive! Good for you and your miles on the bike!

MissLoud: Good to see you too! So glad you took a minute to post! Hang in there with the TOM cravings. It is a tough thing to have to deal with!

Hey everyone, so... since I last posted there's been a lot going on, which is why I haven't been around (and have been suuuuper slacking in my food, ugh)

Lots of things going on with the church, lots of out and about, and lots of sitting around injured lol.

I managed to aggravate my ankle injury to the point I didn't want to try to navigate the stairs (which means no computer!) and ended up spending most of my time (when I was at home) in my recliner. But I'd also managed to hurt my wrist, too... so yeah. Life was great. Totally. The only moving around I was doing was from my recliner to the kitchen and back with occasional trips to the bathroom and then to bed to sleep. I know I've gained even more. My only hope is that I haven't gotten back up to 300 or past again. I'm too scared to check the scale.

But I need to, so I can keep track of progress.

Because according to the 3 sticks I peed on over the last couple days, I'm gonna be putting my weight loss on hold for a while.

I hope you all are having a fabulous day, and since things have slowed down, finally, I should be able to get back here and post some more! I've missed you all!

Hey Ladies!
I've been gone for a while, but I'm back! Unfortunately so is some of my weight. I've been so unactive and eating out seriously every day due to the fact that my husband is not a huge cooker (all though he is a good cook) and because I fell and hurt my elbow. I'm back now and re-committed. I'm not going to look in the past and just move forward. I've missed all my chats with you ladies.

Hi all! I didn't post yesterday because when I came on, my other post was the last one. Didn't want to feel like I was talking to myself! Ha! Everything is going well. I went to spin yesterday morning, and then did W4D3 of C25K. The running was a little difficult, but I do think that by Friday, I'm starting to really wear down, so it happens. I went to Body Flow this morning and it was surprisingly good. Lots of stretching this time, and I think that helps. I am still involved with the challenge at my office, and I've done pretty well with it. I can tell I'll need to go to the park and walk yet today because I'm nowhere near the 10,000 steps. Oh, and I discovered Quest bars. Oh my gosh, are they good! But so expensive! They are a little better on calories than some of my other ones I've used, so I will probably indulge a little on them. Just can't go overboard!!

Looking forward to tomorrow's rest day!!!!!

Mandy! So good to hear from you and with such good news! I'm sorry you have had some injury issues, but hopefully that is behind you now. Looking forward to hearing more from you over the next 9 months or so!

SkinnyGirlDreams: Good to hear from you too! Sorry to hear about your injury too. Glad you are putting things behind you and just moving forward. That's the best way to look at it!

Lyn77: How nice for you to have such a variety of parks! Good for you getting the walks in!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Hi yah right back Skinnygirl, always hard to get back on the wagon but sounds like you have the right mind set. You can do this! !!!

Mandy!!!!!!!!! Congratulations thats awesome news. Good luck for the next 9 months and beyond! Exciting

Diane your exercising is always so inspirational! I really need to get off my butt. Nice to see your ticker in the 20s you go girl

Laurie sounds like you have your hands well and truly full, don't forget to take care of yourself! Hard to do when you're a mum

Lyn sister in hormone madness!! Its chilled for me so feeling better and cravings have gone, it really is cruel we have to endure a week of cravings in a month - darn hormones! You're right sounds weird to have huge homes only to park on the street, space is something we don't lack in NZ there are only 5 million of us banging around in this country I have more garage than cars!

I don't think I'll get another chance to check in before we leave on our caravan trip, so i wish you all well and will be back early march sometime - hopefully not 10 pound heavier! I feel like I'm just getting somewhere again! We are going to be mostly at the top of the South island where its quite hot so lots of fresh fruit and produce at cheap prices - just need to stop myself from going nutso! It will be an up hill battle though, I'm not kidding myself. So see you all again soon!!!!!

Thanks y'all.

Estimated due date is October 21.

Trying not to get *too* excited until we go in to hear the heart beat on March 16... But it's tough! Healthy little baby nugget!

Mandy what awesome news! Congrats I can't wait to be able to share news like that if it ever happens to me.
Kelly I'm glad you are still around! Have fun on your trip. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back.
Diane I'm so inspired by your workouts. I've always wanted to do the C25K program. I haven't ever committed to it yet though. My hubby loves to do 5k's and we usually sign up for 1 or 2 a year, but I just walk them. I had a lot of issues with my feet and had surgery on them in 2009. It is my goal to be able to run one, though even in basic training for the Navy I don't know that I've ever run 3 miles. (maybe but our test was only for 1.5 miles.)

My goal for today is to eat healthier. We had a potluck yesterday Today my plan at work is to eat special k cereal for breakfast and for lunch my homemade chicken noodle soup and some cottage cheese.

Good morning, everyone!

Mandy! - I am so excited for you! I know that this has been planned for a long time. Can't wait to hear updates on your baby progress. As for the weight loss thing - I'm up, but without a good excuse. We will definitely get this together! (Incidentally, I lost weight with my first baby. Morning sickness isn't all bad, I suppose.)

Skinnygirldreams - That is a fantastic goal. Paired with action steps (which yours is), you've got the makings of a great step forward. Here's to recommitment!

Kelly - You and your jet-set lifestyle have me envious! Have a great, safe trip.

Diane - Yay for new healthy discoveries, even if they are at the pricey end. I am setting a committed exercise schedule, too, and I may do some body pump. One of my new co-workers teaches Body Pump, so she can get me into one for free. I will think of you. =)

Lyn - Look at you - always onward and upward. Glad the move is done. And you know what? If you're doing 4 miles despite injuries, I can certainly get my butt back in the gym.

Had a rough weekend. Things are not going smoothly. Going back to daily weighing as of this morning. Have a set gym schedule. Just restocked my work supply. I can do this. And I will. And I am back up to 212.8. Gonna finish February strong, though!

Have a great day everyone!

Hi all. I'm off for President's Day, so I'll need to be careful or I'll give in to grazing all day. So far, I'm doing ok. I went to spin this morning, and I'll go out later for W5D1 of C25K.

Was NOT thrilled with the weigh in today. No change. At all. I was hoping for something better, but for some reason, I remained the same. I'm not sure if I was not very careful this weekend, or if it might have just been some water retention. It's ok, I'll see how it goes by next weekend. Weight loss isn't linear, either.

Lyn77: Have fun on the trails! Glad the rain is gone now. On the quest bars, I really like the chocolate chip cookie dough and S'mores flavors.

Laurie: Sounds like you have a good plan going forward! You're still in this!!!!

Skinnygirldreams: Ouch. Potlucks are not good! I mean, they are good, but I am not disciplined on those at all.

Mandy: Share with us when you can! Looking forward to hearing about it all!

Good morning, everyone!

Lyn - Lemon martinis sound great. But yeah - it's frustrating what some people consider "healthy." I get that almost any food can be part of a healthy diet, but things like muffins? Delicious, yes. Any different than donuts or cake? Nope. Hope the cramps let up and you get in a great work-out today! And that the food gets easier. High side of calorie range is still within the calorie range, though! You're doing this!

Diane - I now work at a government job, and still don't get President's Day off. Kinda jealous. Also impressed that you're still doing your two-a-days. And you're in Week 5 of C25K! So great!

I got back to the gym yesterday. It didn't feel like I did enough, but I was sore this morning. I benched 90 pounds with 6 reps yesterday, so that's still getting slowly better. I planned on running today, but my running shoes seem to have disappeared. I'll probably just do the elliptical.

Food went well until the end of the day. Then, it didn't go so well. But it's going well today. So far. ;-)

And my weight is down to 211.0. Down 1.8. Because I enjoy the double-edged sword of quick losses and gains. I was considering beating myself up for being so far above 200. And above the 206 I reached in September. But you know what? I have maintained a 40 pound loss for almost 2 years now. I have maintained another 20 pound loss since about August. And I'm doing way better right now than I would have if I had stopped and just accepted it. The starting/stopping thing is not ideal. But it is way better than the stopping/stay stopped thing.

A new day, ladies. T'will be a great one!

Hi all! Went to Body Pump today. It was a good workout and must have been my day for compliments. There was a lady there who hadn't been there for several weeks due to a knee injury. She told me that I'm looking so good. Aw! That was nice! But better than that... I had another lady tell me that when we were doing the tricep workout, she was impressed at how good my muscle looks. She said she hadn't noticed before today and thought it looked good. Yay! And... the instructor told me that the form for my lunges is looking better. I've been working on it, so that was nice to hear, too. Don't let this come across as bragging..... I just was happy to hear it.

Laurie: Hey, you are doing great! Sometimes things come up and will set us back a little bit, but you're still moving forward and getting back to it! Good for you! Oh, and week 5 of C25K is tough! I struggled yesterday, and I'm still going to move on to day 2 tomorrow, but I might have to stay on week 5 a little longer. It seemed so much harder.