Motivation and Nay-sayers!

The other day my friends and I had a Facebook comment discussion about motivation and negativity.

I'll start with the positive (of course!)
Here is a great quote from my friend, Donna L...

...I love visualizing my end result as I plod around the track at the Y! I keep thinking "eyes on the prize, girl! eyes on the prize!!!"

I love this!  and when I ran yesterday (Yes, I am back to running!) I thought about this quote and tried to visualize the finish line of a race.  I will get there!  I will get there!  It helped!  Yesterday I jumped into week 2 day 1 even though I slacked for a few days last week.  It was OK.  The extra 30 seconds on the individual runs  felt long but the entire routine went faster.  I would really really love to figure out how to make my own soundtrack with the audio indicators of when to run and when to walk.  I am so over the techno stuff on the podcast!

So what else can motivate you?  I know that a lot of people lose weight for an event.  Reunion, wedding...seeing someone that hasn't seen them for a long time...

But why not pretend that you have an event...even if you don't?  When you are making food choices mentally think about whatever event or person will motivate you.  I know that the big picture is overwhelming but everyday that you make better choices is a good one.  I hesitate to say "one day at a time" but that is really true.  Even if you have a large amount of weight to lose just getting started...the small victories...will make you feel better!  and, yes, one day you too will love going to the gym!  and even running if that is what you want to do.

I would love to hear what motivates other people!  Please share!

On to the negative...the nay-sayers...
I am so so lucky to not have encountered this myself.  Or it could be that I live in my own little fantasy world and just don't hear them!

Here is another quote from the wise Donna...

I am NOT letting the naysayers and poo pooers of my past get me down. I've discovered that my first reaction to anyone saying anything negative to me about my 5K quest is to think "I can't do it". SO...I've decided that fingers in my ears and a "I can't hear you...lalalallalal" attitude is in order for anyone who says a negative word to me!!!!

You go, Donna! I cannot believe that anyone is giving Donna negative feedback! She is the nicest person and already looks great!  Of course she can do a 5K! 

I feel very lucky to have positive people around me, in person and on Facebook.  You all motivate and inspire me every day!  I am so appreciative to anyone that has ever walked or run with me!  Told me about an affordable gym!  Given me recipes.  So so much support on sparkpeople.com and facebook.  and the positive comments.  Thank you!  I mentally log every comment that I receive and that is what I think about while on the treadmill!

So the next time that you see anyone exercising or trying to be healthy...give them any kind of high-five.  We love it!

Thanks!
Laura

"I've got a feeling...

that tonight's gonna to be a good night!"

I love listening to my iPod while on the treadmill...or anytime that I am exercising alone. (or alone with the hoards of people at the gym! blocks the BBs!)

And then I usually end up with a song in my head.  All day!  :)  and not always a song that I listen to any other time except when I am on the treadmill!

Today it was Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. "I want your love and your lover's revenge..."

This was my playlist this morning...

Pump Up the Jam

Tik Tok

Fergalicious

Life is a Highway

Bad Romance

Just Dance

Ice Ice Baby

Fat Bottomed Girls (inspiring!)

Don't Cha

Single Ladies

Grace Kelly

The Way You Make Me Feel

Those are some of the songs that I listened to today!

I would love recommendations!

Just took a break from blogging to walk!  Thanks, Vickie and Ryan!

Just a few more notes today.  I made it to the doctor (actually for this uninsured girl it was the skeevy urgent care - yay!) and now have a refill on my meds!  AND immediately lost all 7 of the pounds that I gained.  That is a lot of water.  Sometimes it's hard to be a woman!  But anyway...glad that it's gone!

Also, I am having a weird foot thing.  I walk for hours outside with no issues but when I walk on the treadmill my foot falls asleep at about 45 minutes.  It's very annoying.  I changed to better socks.  (love them!)

DeFeet AirEator 2.5in We Cycle 2 Cycling/Running Socks - AIRWEC (XL) 

and that helped with the blisters on the tips of my toes.  But still have weird foot sleeping.  And I Don't want to be a treadmill foot dragger!  I hate that noise!

I have been treadmilling long enough that I can now listen to music and text while walking.  Thanks to everyone that keeps me company via text!

And that's it...except for a small confession...I have not been running. :(  I stopped when I was out of my medication.  And I have not started back up yet.  I feel especially guilty because there are people that I have inspired that ARE running.  I am a fraud!  ugh!  OK, OK...I will start again tomorrow!

Until next time!

Laura

Today was a bad day. :(

I have been thinking about what to write all day.  I tend to be a very happy, optimistic person and I don't like to dwell on the bad stuff.  But if my blog is going to be honest I need to write about the bad and the good.  So here it goes...

I gained 7 pounds.  7!  In one week!  I got on the scale today.  Said "what the hell?!?"  got off...moved the scale...got on again...did it again.  Still the same number.  WTH??  In a week?  I am upset and shocked and pissed.  Now, those of you who do not know me are thinking "I guess that she didn't really hit the gym everyday"  or "Must have been some good donuts!"  But no!  I did hit the gym.  and I ran.  Every day!  and I skipped all the brownies and goodies...and even chips!!  The one thing that is different this week is that my prescription for hydrothiazide doesn't have any refills left.  I need to make an appointment to see a doctor to get a refill and I just haven't.  So I stopped taking the pills about a week ago.  So water retention...maybe...but 7 pounds??

If I am going to gain 7 pounds I wish that I could have enjoyed it!  I want to go back to yesterday and have a brownie...à la mode!

So after a nice pep talk from my sister (thanks, Beth!)  I pulled up my big-girl panties and tried to have a normal day.  I did have to work at Girl Scout cookie central from 7:30am until 10:15am (yes, loading up a million boxes of cookies) and then pick up a van full of boxes for my own Girl Scouts.  But I did get to the gym eventually.  Still did my 60 minutes of hilly treadmill and 30 minutes of weights.  Still ate healthy (NO COOKIES!) and I am trying to suck it up.  Still grumpy, though.

I'm sorry - this blog is boring me!  So I will leave it with bra talk!  I am loving my new sports bras!  They do a fantastic job! (and it's a big job!)  Here is my bra (well not MY bra but the one I use)

Enell-3-White 

If you want to know the size that I wear in regular bras and the size I bought in an Enell send me an email or hit me up on Facebook.  I am not publishing that!

Tomorrow is a new day. I will call the skeevy-people-r-us clinic and make an appointment.  and hopefully have better news next week!

Laura

Horray for Friends!

Yesterday I completed Week1 Day3 (W1D3) of the Couch to 5K running program.  It was easy.   Yes!  It actually was easy!  The main reason is because I had a great running buddy.  (Thanks Trish!)  She is actually able to talk while running (probably because I am so slow!) and makes the time go faster.  So we met at the local high school at 6:30am did the run/walk program and then...

Met for rollerskating in the afternoon.  3 hours of exercise that was just plain fun!  At the end, the kids were asking to leave and I was saying "just one more song!"  Thanks to my friends, Trish,  Janelle and Stevie for coming along and bringing their kids.  It was a fun and healthy afternoon.  And Trish, Janelle and I have decided to have a girls night out at the next Roller Derby match!  Don your green and black and join us! Anyone know where to buy neon green fishnets?  ;) !

Trish is an exercise fiend!  She does boot camp, yoga, step class and I don't even know how many other things...but she posted on Facebook that I help motivate her!  :)  She says that when she sees my early morning (before 5am!) posts about hitting the gym that it motivates her.  Thanks for letting me know, Trish!  and it shows...you look fabulous!

Speaking of the gym...I have to head there now!  A line forms before the 5am opening time.

Today it's 60 minutes on the treadmill, hill level 12 and then the weight machines.  Remind me to tell you about my hamstrings!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

Off the Couchers

People have been telling me that they are being inspired by me.  me!?!  It amazes me.  I started a list on the right for my Off the Couchers.  If you have felt inspired to make healthy life changes recently drop me a line and I will add you to the list.  One person on the list is there because She inspired Me!  Thanks Cheryl!

Today was my gym day.  I did 60 minutes on the treadmill, level 11 hills at 3.3.  To be honest, I could probably do 3.5 but I like to enjoy the walk.  I love listening to my iPod, zoning and thinking.

Today I thought a lot about Facebook.  It has been wonderful for getting back in touch with old friends and for reconnecting with family.  I use it to keep in touch with my NY friends and I love to see everyone's updates and photos!  I have reconnected with my sister, Beth, and discovered that we actually have quite a bit in common.  I have become friends with people that I don't know very well in real life.  Donna!  and found that we have a lot in common!  It has been great!

And now I use it to help me stay accountable for exercising.  If I need motivation to get out the door at 4:45am you can bet one of my east coast friends will give it to me!

Is there a downside to Facebook?  Yes.  I have to confess that even though the name of my blog is Off the Couch that I am rarely On the couch.  Patrick jokes that he is going to name his blog Off the Facebook!

I should have named it Off the Desk Chair!

And is every connection a good one?  At least with Facebook you can "hide" people. 

So far, I have really enjoyed all of my connections, new and old.

Running day tomorrow!  My BFF asked me if I like running.  and I had to say "yes". Yes, I do like it.  and I am very surprised,  and this is big news...I signed up for my first 5K. New Balance Run  On May 15th!  and I would love to sign up for a 1/2 Marathon in June.  It's called See Jane Run and looks very fun.  and adult.  Champagne, Chocolate and a chance to feel Taylor Lautner's abs for all ladies that finish. 

See you there!  :)

Please send me a note if you are an "Off the Coucher"!

Thanks!

Laura

Running - the day after

Yesterday I did W1D1 of the Couch to 5K plan.  It doesn't seem like much in the way of running.  Just 60 secs of running, 90 secs of walking, etc for 20 minutes.

I usually walk up and down hills for 60 minutes on the treadmill so I didn't think this little bit of running would do too much.

Hit the gym this morning after much procrastinating, started my walk on the treadmill and "ow!".  Wow, I am feeling it from yesterday.  And that makes me so happy!  Every other day is run day...so legs - you better suck it up before tomorrow!

Something I learned while on the treadmill today - The song "Shut up and Drive" is not actually about driving.  Who knew?  Is anyone interested in my play lists?  It would be great if I could connect my blog and my iTunes!  anyone know how?

Something that I thought about while on the treadmill today - Why does my razor have a scented handle?  really. If soap is in your eyes, you can still find the right razor? seriously

I am trying 2 new recipes this week.  Sweet Potato Chili and Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bread  (thanks Vicky!)  I will post the recipes after I have tried to make them. :)

Until next time!

Laura

My name is Laura and I am a chip addict

That was the title that I could not remember yesterday!  and it is true.  As healthy as I have been for the past few months I cannot give up tortilla chips.  I make homemade salsa (which is awesome, by the way!) and love it with salt-free tortilla chips.  I have to take the bag away from myself!  I love, love, love them.

An example of my chip issue...Patrick and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Friday night.  We had salad at home so that we could have something good unhealthy later.  We took a long walk around downtown San Jose trying to decide where to eat.  We passed Ben and Jerry's.  I have not had sweets for months.  I LOVE Cherry Garcia (it's the best flavor - don't even try to tell me different!) So Patrick says - "Why not have some ice cream as a Valentine's Day treat?"

I chose nachos from Baha Fresh instead.  So worth it.  So good.  I have a chip issue!

I am still trying to figure out the programming on this blog but I am going to add an off the coucher list!  For example, my sister has started the C25K program!  and of course, my friend Cheri!  She is my original inspiration.  She does spinning - every day!  and lost over 100lbs!  You are awesome Cheryl!

So if you are "getting off the couch" message me.  I will add you to my list!  (when I figure out how to make one!)

One more item - and it's big!  I ran today!!  I started the C25K.com program!  Here is the program Cool Running!
And I did not die!  yay!  Always a plus.  The first minute was tough.  I looked at the stop watch at 20 seconds.  The 6th time was much better.  and day 2 will be even better!  (I will be using a podcast instead of holding and looking at a stop watch!)

Until next time!
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy New Year!

This is what I look like after running...

 

Yeah, totally faking the smile.

An epic title for today's blog that I forgot...

I think about my blog while on the treadmill.  (I have to do something for that 60 minutes!) and I try to text ideas to myself so that I don't forget them.  Today I thought of a title that was so great I knew that I would not forget it.

I did.  I am not ready for these senior moments.

Yesterday I said that I would tell you more about what I am doing.  It's simple really...I am walking.  A lot.  I have been tracking since December 17th and have walked 300 miles.  I walk every chance I get.  With anyone that will walk with me!  Thanks Vicky, Ryan, Janelle and of course, Patrick! (and Snickers!)

I started being happy with a little 2 mile loop.  and trying to get 10,000 steps  (I use this!! Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer) and now I am doing about 7 - 10 miles/day and over 20,000 steps.

To track calories and mileage I use a wonderful site called Sparkpeople.  It's completely free!
www.sparkpeople.com  You can get meal and exercise plans but I just use it for the tracking and for the community.  If you decide to join link up with me, my user name is laurajg1.
If there is any interest I will publish my tracking calender.  I love to see how many fitness minutes I have logged.

I, also, joined a gym and go everyday.  I walk for 60 minutes on a hilly treadmill.  Level 10 hills at 3.3 mileage.  I was walking at level 14 and 3.5 but my heartrate was going to 185.  I read that it is counter-productive to have it at that high...if anyone knows more about this I would love to hear it!

I do a circuit of weight machines every other day.  I use relatively low weights but do 3 sets of 20 reps each.

As for diet...I am not following any plan or program and I am not taking pills.  I just eat less.  I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (love Farmers Markets) and I limit carbs.  I have pretty much cut out sweets other than flavored cream in my coffee. (one a day that I enjoy so so so much!)...I do have a tortilla chip issue...more about that in the next blog!

Finally - I have to give a shout out to my sister, Beth!  I joined a group on Facebook called Couch2 5K as I am thinking about a 1/2 marathon.  Well, my sister not only joined the group but she started doing the program!  Now she is inspiring me!  So I am going out today to get my Valentine's Day present. (sports bras! - I can't beleive that I said that on here) and I will start the program tomorrow.  Wish me luck - I am Not a runner - I am a fast walker.  But I will do it!

Thanks for reading!
Laura

Going to the gym is not glamorous.  No makeup, wonky hair!.  

My Blog!

This is it!  I am finally posting something on my new Blog.

This Blog was Patrick's (DH) idea.  I have been working on getting healthier since December 17th.  I have exercised every single day (with the exception of Christmas)

To my surprise, I have been quietly inspiring other people to eat better and to exercise.  So Patrick suggested that I start keeping a blog for my own record.

So here I am!

The first hurtle was coming up with a name!  Here are some of the rejects:

From Blob to Blog

The Pound Shed - (with a logo of a scale inside a shed)

L(ess is m)aura's Blog

Weight for It...

Being Overweight is Dumb

Take a Load Off

A One Weigh Ticket to... (Losing Weight?)

I've Come a Long Weigh

Pound-ing Away A-Weigh?)

Heavy Duty

Then I decided that this Blog is not about losing weight...it's about being healthy.  So this was the next set of ideas...

Health in a Handbasket

What the Health?

Exercising Demons

All in a Day's Work (Out)

A Woman's Work(out) is Never Done

Off the Couch

Turning Leaves / LeafTurner

Hit the Road

All Year's Resolution

And thus "Off the Couch" is born! (thanks Brian!)

Oh, and I guess that I should say that I have lost 40lbs.  More on the hows and whats next blog. 

I hope that you will follow me...and add comments to let me know you are here!

Thanks!

Laura :)