Extreme Makeover - Me Edition

It's Wednesday - again! (where did the last week go??) - and that means it's Extreme Makeover - Me Edition over at Amber's! What a great way to get positive feedback and encouragement from lots of gals who are trying to accomplish the same thing I am - taking care of myself, and making it a priority to be healthy and exercise. If you'd like to join in on the fun, head over to {aefilkins} to get the scoop on how to participate!

My Progress For the Week

This week? Not so good - damn you, Cadbury Mini Eggs! My weight is actually UP (like 3 pounds up!) in spite of the fact that I worked out 6 days, including a 5 mile run, 4 mile run, and a couple days doing the FIRM. I just do not get it. I know I am building muscle, and the scale does say that the fat % is going down, but muscle also burns calories every day so you'd think the more you had, the more you'd burn. And seriously - it's not like I've been gorging on chocolate cake and mexican food (although I'd like to!) I know some of the weight is water retention (hands and feet are very sausage-y) but I'd REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE TIPPING POINT IS - at what point does your metabolism kick and and fat burn?? So - here's me, disgusted with myself and my scale. I know that many of you participating in this are trying to lose more than my 5 (now 7!) piddly pounds, and I apologize if it sounds petty/whiney/bitchy/whatever. But I'm approaching that magical age of 4-0 in the not-too-far-off future, and I'd really like to get it off. I really thought training for this race next Saturday would do it. If anyone has any magical wisdom to share, I'd love to hear it!

Amber's Question of the Week

Share some of the music that you work out to. What helps you rock it!? What gets your blood pumpin?

I have to say, I don't listen to any! If I'm at home doing a DVD, I just listen to whatever they have to say; if I'm on the elliptical, I read (at least through most of it); and when running, I just tend to veg out or think or listen to the birds. It is SO noisy at the house CONSTANTLY, so I really just enjoy the quiet of the outside, or working through problems in my own head, or even just listening to myself breathe. Of course, all of this only once I've hit that 'groove' where I'm not gasping for breath up the first hill :-)

I tried running with my i-pod a few weeks ago and really just found it more distracting than anything else, I found it hard to find my pace so I just turned it off. Hubby thinks that's strange, but I say, whatever works for you!

So, this is my last week to train before the race, and (once again) I'm going to try to stick to my calories each day, drink more water and less coffee, oh - and floss! Need to be better about flossing, so says the dentist (and my own head). And now I must run and finish cleaning the upstairs so I can get on with getting ready for the yard sale this weekend (goodbye lots of baby things!)

Comments

  1. I gained too. Hubby reminded me that we ate out a lot over the weekend while my sister was here.

    I wish I knew more about metabolism and why a body holds onto weight.

    Maybe we need to do some research!

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, muscle weighs more than fat, but you're right, it gets frustrating when the number on the scale does't keep going down. I'm so impressed with your workout routine and conditioning for the race. You must be feeling like you're in the best shape of your life, and that is quite an accomplishment! :)

    Here's to next week!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wish I could help you some way, but I just don't know any magic of how metabolism and all that works! You are awesome though! Who cares if you have 5 or 7 pounds to lose, and I have 407 lbs to lose, we can all get frustrated, that's why we are here for support.:-) Keep it up you are doing great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. There are days when I have to run with no tunes. Usually those are the days when I am out for a fun run and just want to look at the scenery. Relax and let go :) Sometimes the tunes just get me spun up.

    Hava a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Jen- I think that being the best YOU that you can be is the goal here. The 5 pounds you need to lose is just as important as the 50 pounds I need to lose. To be the best person you can be isn't always just about weight loss, like you said about flossing, if it is important to you then it is important. Be proud of where you are! I am proud that you are training and have a goal-that is great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. First, if you think flossing may help with weight loss... I think the primary concern here is dental hygiene.
    Kidding.
    Tanielle has it right: Everything is relative 5 pounds, 50 pounds... it's the voices in our heads that are our biggest obstacles.
    Keep positive.
    And call your dentist....

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Jen!

    Another friend of mine is training for a race and she wasn't loosing anything. She said she wasn't drinking enough water. The minute she started to consciously drink water the weight came off.

    Good luck this week!

    Much love from NJ,
    Sue
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. I gained this week too. I'm in the same boat...only 5 more lbs. to go {now 7}. It's very frustrating when they come off and then go right back on again. I think the last 5 - 10 lbs. are always the hardest because you're body is trying to keep you at what is already {probably} a good weight for you. {At least that's what I tell myself}

    Just keep running...it will come off...just a little more slowly and a little more frustratingly {yup, made that word up}

    xoxo ~Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think you're doing awesome! I can't wait to get my endurance up to the point I can start doing those 5 mile runs again!

    I do think sometimes music can distract you from your pace when you're running. It's harder to match than a walking pace.

    I like TV when I workout indoors! Pathetic...I know!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those mini eggs get me too! I just need to throw away all thecandy!!! I have tried running with my IPOD, but it flops too much and the arm band thing bothers me...

    It sounds like you are getting tons of exercise! Don't get too discouraged :)

    I am getting ready to sell all my baby stuff too.... It makes me kind of sad :(

    PS Thanks for the bloggy award! I have been BUSY, but I will try and get on it tonight :) Thanks!!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I agree with some of the others here. I think that as long as you are exercising, a little chocolate here and there is absolutely necessary!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good to meet you!!

    I don't think that there is some magic point when it just starts to burn off. Our bodies are so complicated! Just keep on pluggin away and it will start to go and go QUICKLY!

    You know what is so funny is that I dieted through Thanksgiving, Christmas and had NO problems.. but easter.. and Cadburry Mini Eggs.. OH MY GRAVY how hard was that not to eat!! I love those things!!

    I am following!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am feeling exactly the same way! Hard week. I haven't even gotten up the strength to post about it.

    At least you are exercising. Your body is getting leaner each time you do it. Keep up the good work!

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can relate to your frustration. It get's almost to the point of why try? Then you think if not I will be miserable.
    I too can not run with music. I do a lot of DVDs but to go on the treadmill or just dancing around the house I like the tunes.
    Good luck with the yard sale and you upcoming race. Good for you!! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

    ReplyDelete
  15. First off, you do not look a day over 25...I have a hard time believing you will be the big 4-0 soon.

    Second, I think you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I totally suck for not commenting until now. Seriously.

    I think you are doing AWESOME! Look how much you're working out! And the flossing?? That should count for something too!? :)

    I think that Sue made an interesting point. I'm interested to know that if you started drinking a bunch of water, how it would affect you. I don't know a whole lot about thin people that train and how their metabolism works. When you've got a lot to lose, it obviously comes off much easier. But when you're thin, it's a whole different mix.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments are awesome :) Leave one!

Popular Posts