Hi Everyone. What a summer - I'm taking a moment to start a new thread and just say whew! We leave for Oregon tomorrow. My little D's last play performance is tonight. I have no idea how much work I will have tonight. Both houses' appraisals have come in and both were right where we wanted them. The house thing is now into the final hoops.

Why start a fitness thread with what is going on in my life? Because we who are 5% know that health and fitness weaves through everything that happens. When life demands little of us it isn't so difficult to be healthy - but life is seldom like that, and what this group is about is recognizing cycles, constantly evaluating where we are in the scheme of things, and constantly, even daily, starting over! Perseverance is really the key to 5%.

In case you are new and are wondering what the heck I mean by 5% - the name came because "only" 5% of people who lose weight and get fit - supposedly - are able to maintain it. That figure is usually bandied about so we can all moan about how hopeless it all is and stay on the couch - I guess anyway. But what we see is 5% of pure possibility. If anyone can do it it means, it can be done. And if it can be done, then there's no reason why I - or you or you or you - can't be one of those 5%.

So join us if you are optimistic and into self discovery - this is a great group.

Steph I am thinking of you constantly with all the sad changes in your family, all the new stress - but there you are analyzing everything, staying organized and cool, and walking. I've been walking too and I am concluding that I want to do a lot more of it! I tend to overlook it for fancier fitness but it is so wonderful. Hang in there.

Absmom I think you are amazing, going for another tri and staying with it - you are truly 5% and will meet your goals and then some!

Painterwoman - Are you still working with that program, or are you 'freelancing' right now? How are things going?

I have only been to the club a few times in the last 5 weeks or so. But I've been walking daily after dinner with DH unless the play schedule or something major thwarts us. We have had uninterrupted time to talk - a rarity - and we both like to walk at a clip. We live walking distance to some great natural trails, of course, and also have explored neighborhoods we have never seen before. Yesterday we started out in affluent-land - and I was humming the theme from "Deliverance" by the time we emerged in another era and circumstance. I'm not as up on the toning as I like to be but I feel I'm doing great for aerobic stuff, and even doing good things for the butt with walking. Stay tuned this fall, as I keep the walking and add the BP back in.

I went shopping for something to wear for the wedding. I got a sheer black beaded top that I will wear over a tank that is just gorgeous and a skirt. Happy with it all. But then comes the fun part of the story - my zipper broke in my jeans when I was in the dressing room.. (These were ancient jeans, no loss!) I called out to the girl who was helping me and asked her to find me jeans so I could buy something to wear home. It is a junior-y sort of store so I told her to find me a 6. I was astonished when these calvin klein jeans she got me were absolutely gaping at the waist. Back to a sound 4, I am. She brought me some ridiculous hip huggers (and she thought I looked good in them, but they are really unflattering in my book), but I ended up getting a lower-rise boot cut pair of navy pants that look really smashing, and I found a great fitted top and decided: I need to pay more attention to clothes! I get a bunch of tried and trues and then, since I'm not a shopper, I get in a rut. I loved this experience - the sales girl took a stab at my age and was wrong by 10 years, a favorable wrong...

So: Traveling. Usually that means a lot of restaurant food and sloth - but it also means beach walking and hotel spa stuff, plus just relaxing. I'll fly back up to Juneau to work on moving for 3 days and then BACK to Oregon, then will be home for good - in a new house - on the 20th or so. Just in time to end the summer, get girls ready for school, move into a house, start a new garden - and take a big breath!

I'll be scarce after tomorrow afternoon - But I'll look forward to reading all about every one of you. Anyone who wants to jump in with us here is welcome!

Juno

I tried to get on yesterday but just never had enough time. I have a little bit of time this morning before my two kids and the only two daycare kids I have go and enjoy our last Friday of freedom. Everyone is back FT starting next week and after having the new baby for one week - I might be sitting and enjoying my arms every Friday!! He is actually a really good content baby and still the time needed to take care of them

We are all actually doing fine here and no one has a doom and gloom mood over them. Some really bizarre things have happened here this summer outside of the really tragic things so we are kind of examining "living for the moment" vs. a lot of the putting off we do. I know that everyone goes through this after losing someone but I usually am pretty good at learning and applying it so I hope I can get the family to go along. We have put off some of our household tasks in favor of doing things we wanted to do. We never go out on Fri. nights and tonight we are heading to Irish Fest in St. Paul just to get out and have some Friday fun.

I have been very good at jumping back into my exercise cycle. I had to make my spreadsheets because that really is some type of motivation for me. Without it, I just wasn't compelled to get it done!! I am pushing myself harder on the running - just made my stints shorter so I don't get burned out. I'm not an endurance person so I don't think that is something I should try and change. I think the biggest race I can ever undertake is a 5K. That's my limit on wanting to run

Juno - That is like the outfit I bought for a wedding in Sept. My shirt is beaded with a bit of rust & gold in it too. Looks great with my black skirt. I am really trying to look at clothes and am going to shop in some less "sloppy" places then I do. I even bought some really nice shirts on sale that look better than what I have. I think the big diffence in clothes on me would be to learn how to tailor or hire one. I am a size 8 on the bottom yet I have to buy really large shirts to accomodate the top. I hate that.......

Speaking of which - ABsmom - how did your consult go?????? I really have a dream of making myself a few cups smaller because they are just an annoyance in my life. My mom and sisters all are 100% behind me but DH just puts up a stink when I bring it up. I keep telling him to strap two balling balls on himself and see how pleasant it is all day. They really aren't bothersome in that way, I just don't like the way they make me look. I was a D by my junior year in college and after having kids they just got huge. I have to buy custom made bras in order to get the right support. Even the lady who profits off my bra orders told me to get a reduction because I am too small for them

I love walking Juno. We do it every day with the dogs and are at a semi fast pace. The new dog slows us a bit in the beginning but we are pushing him lately and he is getting faster. He is a bit of a pain though.....still can't get him to sleep all night so I am a bit annoyed. Plus he is obsessed with water and we don't know if it is psychological or a medical condition. We tested for basic stuff and vet said to hold off on the other things til the end of Aug.

Feeling good, feeling strong and wishing that for all of us!

Steph

A quick reply re mammoplasty reduction. One of the women in my book group is married to our local plastic surgeon, she is an N.P. and works with him in his office. This isn't an "L.A." kind of vanity practice, they do all sorts of things, and the doc is also a specialist in hand surgery - I think he can even do reattachments, etc. Somehow at book group the topic of breast reduction came up and Kim was going on with a lot of conviction about how those "are are happiest patients." I say if you are done nursing all the babies you are going to nurse, what is the harm in getting a consult?

Later
Juno

Juno - I know two "friends of friends" that are smaller than me and have loved the results. I just haven't looked into cost, etc....I can't have it done now anyhow because of the no lifting requirements. Can't do daycare and not lift!! I am kind of planning it for two summers away. After youngest gets out of 1st grade I am either taking a month off or quitting daycare. That's my plan I know DH is totally against it but he doesn't like it when I change the color of my hair (which I do yearly). I just have to kind of plan it and do it with the help of a girlfriend vs. hubby support. He'll get over it when I'm done

Hey all!

Thanks for the new thread Juno! I’ve really been celebrating my Tri for the last two weeks and NOW I need to get myself back on track. I am signing up for the Half Marathon group that will start meeting September 2. I’ve decided that I REALLY need something BIG that I can’t back out of – in order to keep myself motivated, and the workouts productive. The fee for this group includes the race registration as well, so I give away 40 bucks if I chicken out. Unfortunately I’ve told everyone I know so I don’t think there’s any chance I could back out short of breaking a limb… I will give it my all!! October 19th is the big race!

As for my consult – it went well. I have another appointment on September 29 where they will take photos for the insurance company and as prep for surgery and other stuff. This is something I have wanted to do since I got my big breasts in Jr. High… I went from nothing to a full D and with each child I’ve gained a cup… Like you Steph, nothing ever fits right – dresses are impossible, bras are expensive and difficult to fit and exercise (especially running) requires a bra that costs as much as my sneakers! As far as the recovery, the dr. said that barring any complications, I could expect to resume normal exercise after 2 weeks – most feel fine as soon as the drains are out a few days following surgery. I’m hoping to schedule around the holidays so that my mom and DH will be able to take time off without too much grief. DD 2 is almost walking now so that should make things a little bit easier?? Any back pain, rashes, etc. could allow for insurance to cover the procedure. I've had back issues, neck pain, dents in my shoulders, etc. My dr. doesn't think there will be any questions.... Something to think about Steph?

As for exercise -- Keep running and walking --- just moving is a step in the right direction. You are SO right JUNO – No time is ever “stress free” or routine. Every moment is different from the next and we have to adapt – NO EXCUSES… So you can’t get to the gym --- WALK, climb the stairs, watch your food intake, make good choices and do the best you can with what you’ve got! If you’re not happy with how things went today – well, start over…. Again and again and again… This is my life, this is what I have to keep telling myself.

Can I just say ---- WOW on the shopping trip JUNO !!! (You too STEPH – these sizes!) I would LOVE to go into a store and buy something that looked awesome in style and color --- instead of buying something simply because it fits??!!! I will get there at some point… I really do see this in my future.

Steph - Glad to hear that the new baby is content and that – while busy – things your way are returning to a more “normal state” . It is a wonder why it takes a tragic event to stir things up. I am glad that you are making the changes and living more thoughtfully. I also hope the new pup has a speedy adjustment. I am sure it can't be easy!

Things here have been a little out of sorts. DH is off on business tonight returning Wednesday. Both DDs have had some sort of virus – cold, fever, so I’ve had excuses for missing the gym for the last three days. Like I said – I am on the structured training plan starting tomorrow. The group officially starts the 2nd, but the trainer said I should be doing at least 3-4 miles comfortably 3 days a week before we start. I need to keep it up and then some… I really just hope that there are other slow people like me…

Well, DD2 is throwing her usual bedtime tantrum… Three is such a crazy age. Some days are just chalk full of wonder and discovery, hugs and kisses… and other days make me feel as if we live in an asylum… Today it is the latter…

HELLLOOO PW - Hope things are well in TX!

Happy Sunday!
Absmom

Hello all! I feel like I'm such a stranger again but it was so good to log in and see the 5% group still alive and kicking!!

Life has gotten crazy busy this past year. Between getting engaged and moving in together, I'm learning how to be a step-mom too. H lives with her mom but we do get her usually 3 evenings a week and overnight Friday.

I took a few months off at the gym but have joined a new gym that is closer to home so have been back at it. And the days I don't get there, our puppy keeps me active since he loves going for long walks.

I'm going to have to go back and read up on what's been happening with all of you. So glad to see you still here!!

Justy

Hi Justy - I think I was a lurker when you were posting... Welcome back!! Good to see that you are still keeping 5% even with all the major changes in your life! Hope to hear more from you!

I thought I would check in quick... Steph - hope your doing well - back in full swing with all of your kids!!! Check in soon!! Juno - I know you;re off in OR. ENJOY !!

My new training regimine is underway... I've got my spreadsheets - (Steph, nice idea). I ran 3.5 miles on Monday and 2.25 and lifted yesterday. Today I have a drs. apt. but will try and run tonight. I have to log 12 miles this week and lift twice. One of the runs has to be 4 miles. I am committed and I am DOING this, but really dreading the start of every workout... I feel fine when I am in it and I am really challenging myself with the speed, endurance thing. I feel great when I am done, its just getting started. Hope it passes... I am officially signed up for the training group - NO TURNING BACK...

Eatingwise, I could do better. Something about DH being gone on business that gives me license to eat... I've had the kids all day alone after all... I should really get a grip.

Well, DD2 is napping and I've got lots to do... We had really bad rain yesterday - worst I've ever seen (4" / hr) and our family room (built on a slab) got some water. Just the rug, but I've got a few loads of sopping towels to do... YUK!

Happy Wednesday!
Absmom

Very brief quiet here this morning so I will type while all is calm! I still am missing kids every day so life hasn't returned to it's full schedule yet......but next week only one is still PT but all the rest are here FT until school starts. Yeah (for school starting not all the kids!)

I think the toughest part about being a woman and trying to keep in shape is all the other things we have to do. I am not saying that DH isn't busy because he is but it is work and then bigger projects vs. all the daily stuff. When he came home yesterday I just said that I was moving to a new house and would just come and visit them every once in a while. I wasn't even having a bad day Last night I did strength training but I had to keep checking on our youngest outside.....and then the same with cardio. Meanwhile he was with the other kid but never had to be interuppted. It's just the busyness of being a woman that tries to thwart being in shape!! Plus all these hormone issues

I am feeling much happier about my workout this week compared to last but I still have a ways to go because I felt much stronger in the beginning of the summer. A lot of slacking going on here!!! Since I didn't have those darn spreadsheets I was being non-productive. Now I have them all here on my desk so no excuse.

Just Stubborn - I am so glad to see you back here!! Life has thrown all of us some curves but we are all still here moving forward. I think we all have to slow down when we have a big change because you can't do to many things at once. I started the PT mom stuff when I was 23 ...... I got too close and became the FT mom for a long time Put a big crimp on my social life!! It was a big adjustment just being a PT mom especially being the step. That is a whole different journey and I wish you tons of luck.

Now where is Shorty????? Lisa I've given up on hoping you will ever return but just in case you are bored and happen to stop by here......Hi

Absmom - Your training regime tires me just reading about it. I should hire you as my coach. My dad was a big runner but I think now he is only into walking with my mom. They were avid sports people when I was a kid....now they walk and mom does yoga.

Okay baby crying -gotta go!!

Steph

SOOOOO unmotivated today, but I have to make myself RUN. Three miles that's it. I am still SOO sore from lifting Tuesday. Those squats are murder on the quads. I feel ok until I want to go downstairs or sit down -- ouch!

Lots to do today. Feeling pretty good - except that I would rather skip the gym... Suppose to be hot today, better enjoy the A/C while I can... AT THE GYM... I am doing my best to make myself GO!

Anyway, STEPH - you sound a bit out of sorts, but GOOD that you're back on your more structured program. My best advice - when you're working out - Do your best, don't just go through the motions.... You'll get the strength back in NO TIME! As for the workload of a mother.... UGH.... No wonder noone tells us this stuff ahead of time - Women would never marry!!!

GOTTA GO! DD2 is on her way to the stairs!!! again and again....

CIAO!
Absmom

A quick check - Yesterday's run was awesome. The first time that I ran straight for 35 minutes and felt great the whole time. It made me realize that the work I've put in is finally paying off!! I have a long run tomorrow (4 miles) and I will have made it through my first training week! Only 11 more to go... The moral of the story is keep doing what you're doing - results will come!!

Off to my sisters for a day by the pool. With crazy schedules as they are, it looks like this will be the last hoorah of the summer. Happy Happy Friday to you all !!
Absmom!

Hellooooo? Is there anyone there? Just thought I'd check in quick to let you know that I've started with week 2 of training. A hard lifting day at the gym. Squats, leg extension, leg presses... YOW! I am already sore, can't imagine what tomorrow will bring. Running is good, 3 miles is the goal for tomorrow. Think I am going to work on speed - see how long I can go at a faster pace - 6 on tread... Foodwise - not so good, But as I have learned from Juno ---- starting over is always an option.

Steph --- what's going on? How are things with the new babe? I am sure you;re busy getting your own kids ready for school.... YOU ARE SUPERWOMAN!!

Well, DD1 is ready for bed - all by herself. DH has work to do at the office so I am flying SOLO!

Cheers@!
aBSMOM

Today is Day 2 back at work after a week off. You would think I'd been gone for 10 years!! The busy-ness just never stops. Oh well, at least I know I'm needed here too

But we got fabulous news on the weekend. Right now H has been living with her mom and we get her a couple evenings a week and Friday nights. Well, starting in September, she will be living with us part-time. One week with us, one week with her mom and so on and so forth. Yay!!!! I am so excited about this. She is a fabulous girl and we get along really well. Dan is very happy about this too since he has really missed having her around fulltime. It's going to be another adjustment but it is all good.

On the health front.....I'm starting to get frustrated. My scale is not moving anywhere. I know I'm not supposed to rely on the numbers but since my focus right now is on losing weight again I can't seem to help it. I know I need to buckle down and not worry about the scale but sheesh would it be so hard for the needle to move just a little bit????

absmom, kudos on the running. I'm not that crazy about running tho have always wanted to be able to. I'm an elliptical girl myself.

How is everyone else doing??

I was out of town for a few days visiting relatives and of course had to take a day to get back in the groove now that I am home. I vowed to post today so at them moment I have just a few minutes.

Congrats JS (and it is great to see you here!). I think the best thing C and I had was the fact that we had custody of her for many years...being the weekend mom was tough but after you get used to being a FT mom I think that can really strengthen the relationship. I get along with DH's ex so that is good too.....he talks to her once a year - I am the one she calls. I was with C this weekend - had to drive 4 extra hours to include her but would never think of not getting her.

Absmom - get out! You are superwoman - you running Diva Goddess!!!! I am a lightweight superwoman (one with moderate muscles and saving powers).

I had the day off yesterday but still managed to sneak in my workout. I have been doing 4 during the week but as of last week I am doing 5 or beating myself up. I need to push and I'm starting to get into the old cycle. I made a vow to be at a certain weight by my birthday which is Sept. 27. I have a friend that weighs about the same that is going to try and get to that limit too. I think maybe having someone to shoot for this goal with will be helpful. DH is exercise and weightloss guru now and I just let it go in one ear and out the other. I struggled for years to take off 10 pounds a year and he just dropped 35 like the drop of a hat. He doesn't have much left to go but the 10 pounds on me vs. the 10 pounds on him is discouraging and annoying. He is now walking around trying to get me to eat chips and I'm just ignoring him.

Off to get some more things done while the baby is sitting here nicely smiling at me!!

Steph

Hi All,

Steph - You have more than a month to reach your goal ! I'll be cheering for you!! Tell your DH to lay off the chips - Men and women are totally different --- its not fair, but OH WELL. My DH can decide to drop a few lbs and it just seems to happen, I just look at food and I gain... Such is life.

JS! Good luck with the new family situation. It is very refreshing to hear someone enthusiastic about building a relationship. My dad's second wife didn't want anything to do with us and made things pretty horrible for us. I hope things work out for the best!

HELLLOOO Juno! Happy House!! HELLOOO PW! Hope TX is less oppressive than Mass... I am so ready for fall....

Week 2 of my 1/2 marathon training is going well. I am STILL SO SORE! Squats with an added 30 lbs are KILLING ME... I could barely go up stairs, down stairs or get in and out of a sitting position... Today I weeded for an hour and my back is killing me... I am scheduled to lift tomorrow again, but I'll have to see if I feel any better.....

Well, DD1 is NOT letting me have any time today.... I guess I better just give it up and fill up the pool as promised....

Happy HOT Wednesday!

Absmom

Hi everyone! I'm back from Oregon today. I'm still not "in the groove" but have one quick doc to transcribe tonight to ease my way back to full time tomorrow. I type now from the new house. I'm exhausted.

The wedding was great and also seems like it happened a decade ago. DH stayed the weekend (wedding was teh 9th) and came home, the girls and I went to the coast with my parents, and my sister and her DD were there. Great time! I then left on the 13th to return to Juneau to work on the move.

I learned when I arrived (late at night on the 13th) that we had to be OUT of the old house by 3:00 on the 15th completely! Also that the new owners would be in at the same time we would be moving, to do some painting. Also that we would not have a key to the new house until noon on the 14th.

About 25% of our stuff was packed in boxes, but the rest was all like normal, stuff in drawers, closets, cupboards, armoires etc. Further, all the friends who said theywould help us were working of course.

We did it. We had a moving company do the piano and other furniture and we just were massive movement machines and did it. Fortunately new house is less than a mile from old house. We got a u-haul truck and used our Honda CRV and basically made it our policy Not To Stop. By the morning of the 15th the kitchen and some yard stuff was mainly what was left, plus some clothes from the closets etc. I was a little appalled - no time to steam vac the carpet? Uh, under the appliances, hello? Evidently not a big deal for the buyers. I cleaned the fridge out and vacuumed and mopped the kitchen floor. They were so excited to get in there - they love it and love all our decor (oh my gorgeous carpet!) so that was that.

Then I flew down Sunday, got down to Oregon Coast on the night of the 17th. 18th - college girlfriends arrived, we were up very late talking and drinking wine. Yesterday we went to Portland - a day's drive - and were up late yet again. This morning up early to catch the plane.

My girls left the old house to go on vacation and returned to the new house. We have boxes all over the place but slowly it will fall into place.

Fitness? I walked almost every day down south. When DH and I did the move I was sore like a new weight routine would do! I miss the formal exercise, and particularly body pump, but feel like I did okay on the being-active front. And all I have to say is this: School starts in one week!

Must be diligent with my one client because I'm very sleepy. Happy 5% all!

Justy, it's great to see you checked in and strong BTW! What a journey you have taken.

More as soon as I can do it!

Juno