Just Heather
4
Baby Steps to Better Health
Jan 14, 2013 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

I’ve spent the last week getting prepped for the real meat of the challenge. Stepping on a scale for the first time since before the holidays was the first goal, and now that I have my fancy space scale from Omron Fitness, I’ll be doing it a lot more frequently.

This scale measures not just weight but bmi, body fat percentage, muscle something or other — I guess I have a little more reading to do. I’d tell you what my numbers were, but since I don’t even know what it all means yet, it’s basically meaningless for now.

I do know that it means I have some changes to make. I’m starting small — baby steps, really — in both fitness and nutrition. When I try to make too many changes at once, I get overwhelmed and give up. I’ve started wearing a fancy space pedometer, and though I haven’t made it to 10K steps yet, I’ve improved every day. I think if I can get to the point of actually wearing it all day, I’ll be a lot closer!

I’m learning to take short breaks to walk around. It’s a good chance to step away from work and de-stress, in addition to adding to my step count. The hubby and I are planning to start taking a daily walk as well.

I also began the fitness challenges from Mamavation’s personal trainer. They officially start today, and last week I did a few less reps and lighter weights to ease into it. I’m really looking forward to tackling the full workouts this week. I just need to figure out how to work in running still.

I hate the cold. I hate the snow. I pretty much hate running. But running outside in the cold with snow on the ground? It’s pretty much awesome! I’ve also learned that I just have to make myself run. I don’t like it, and I don’t want to do it, but I feel so good when it’s done.

I’ve never — not even once — finished a run and thought, “Wow. I wish I hadn’t done that!”

And, I feel the same about eating healthier. I’ve never regretted a salad — not ever — but for some reason it’s rarely my first choice.

So, Saturday’s lunch was a grilled chicken salad. Last night, we had salads with our dinner. And today’s brunch was filled with fabulous greens and included a side of fruit. Okay, and a fabulous hot chocolate.

Baby steps, people. I’m getting there! I have to allow myself the occasional treat if I want the changes to stick. It just means I’ll have to skip my bubble bath chocolate tonight. And, it gives me a little more motivation to work it all off before dinner.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 195.8 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: -.8 pounds
Total Omron Fitness Weight Loss: -.8 pounds
BMI: 28

This post is sponsored Omron Fitness as a collaboration withBookieboo Blogging Network and Mamavation — a community dedicated to weight loss for women and obesity prevention for families.  I was provided with product and compensation for my time and honest opinions.

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1
Begin at the Beginning
Jan 07, 2013 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Two years ago, I embarked on a weight loss journey as part of my 40×40 list. I was eating better, working out, and even running. Running, you guys. I lost a total of 22 pounds in 6 months.

And today I weigh exactly the same as I did when I began.

Except, I’m still in much better shape than I was then. This isn’t exactly starting over — it’s just a bit of a reboot.

I have still avoided soda. I’ve still been eating 3 decent meals a day. And, I was still running, until it got far too cold to step outside. I ran Color Me Rad over the summer and Wine at the Line in October. And then I did nothing.

Wait. That’s not true — I did eat a lot of Halloween candy and Christmas cookies.

I finished off the last of my mom’s pecan brittle last night, so it’s time to do this again. I’m excited to be working with Mamavation on a new challenge, as an Omron Fitness ambassador. I’ll be participating in the fitness challenges, adjusting my meal plan, and tracking my progress each week.

I weighed in this morning, and it was ugly. I set a weight loss goal on our new Wii for the next 4 weeks, but my real goal is to get back into habits. I tend to let things go over the winter, because I like outdoor movement the most.

With the support of the Mamavation team and some awesome equipment from Omron Fitness — hello, strapless heart rate monitor; aren’t you gorgeous? — I’m excited for this kick in the pants during the coldest months to really get me going again.

And, I’m counting on you to keep me accountable!


Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds

BMI: 28

Starting Measurements:
Bust: 41″
Waist: 32.5″
Hips: 41″
Thigh: 27.5″
Arm: 12.5″

This post is sponsored Omron Fitness as a collaboration withBookieboo Blogging Network and Mamavation — a community dedicated to weight loss for women and obesity prevention for families.  I was provided with product and compensation for my time and honest opinions.

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5
33. [It’s Not What I Thought.]
Mar 06, 2012 | Filed Under: 40x40, Girls' Night, Party Girl

The 33rd item on my 40×40 list actually reads: Be a bridesmaid. And, I did, but it wasn’t what I thought. It still didn’t satisfy whatever caused me to write in on my list in the first place.

Actually, I’m not sure what possessed me to add that to my list since it wasn’t really anything I could work towards. But, in 2010, my sister invited me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I helped her choose dresses. I answered frantic phone calls. I decorated the church. And, I stood beside my little sister as she spoke her vows to my new brother.

The ceremony was lovely. The reception was super fun. It was all exactly as it should be. And, yet, I still never blogged about crossing that item off my list. Every time I sat down to type it out, nothing came. Until I realized it was never about being a bridesmaid.

It was about having a friend who cherished you enough to ask.

And, it turns out? I’m already there, but it wasn’t a wedding that made me see it. It was walking into a restaurant for a birthday dinner with the hubby and finding out that my Saturday evening was never what I thought it would be.

It was finding a table full of fabulous people who loved me enough to throw an awesome surprise party. It’s friends who get me. Friends who know 35 isn’t easy,with my 40×40 list so far behind the halfway point. Friends who are there for me for fun & laughter or drama & tears.

Friends. I finally have them. In spades.

I have a best friend who would literally do anything for me. I have awesome friends who totally understand me but run with my crazy even when they don’t. I have loving friends who will lend an ear, share a cocktail, and drive me home after one too many.

I have generous friends who will go out their way to be sure I always have what I need — and plenty of stuff I don’t. I have new friends who are already willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat. I have encouraging friends who not only inspire me to be a better person but work to help me get there. I have fun friends who make me smile when I need it and lend a shoulder when I’d rather cry.

Turns out, having friends is kinda awesome. I am so very blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

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7
Mamavation Monday: Wine at the Line
Oct 03, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Two months ago, when I signed up for Wine at the Line, I set a goal to run the whole thing. Then? I spent the two weeks leading up to it super sick. It was all I could do to stay active, but I didn’t finish the Couch to 5K program. In fact, I didn’t even run. I figured I’d be lucky to get through the race at all, but I did want to at least beat my time from Outrun the Sun.

Breathing was tough, between my asthma and the lingering cold. Then, my knee started hurting around the midway point. And, still? I finished a full 5 minutes faster than my last 5K! It all comes down to being in better overall shape than I was 4 months ago. Even though I didn’t run much leading up to the race, I was still active.

There was boot camp and EA Sports, but my Daily Mile profile is looking a little thin. Time to get back on my feet and finish this thing! I’m restarting the Couch to 5K program next week. This time, with the support of a group of local Twitter friends. We’ve been discussing a December 5K, with BgKahuna’s inspiration.

Personally, I think that sounds crazy cold, but the training part sounds good, at least. I tend to stick with things more when I know others are working at it, too. I feel like people are counting on me or something. It worked well for the 30 Day Shred. So, a Couch to 5K group should get me going!

Plus, I did buy another month of Indy Boot Camps. I’m excited to continue the training. I’ve been amazed at how much I’m enjoying group fitness. I never really thought I would like it, but it’s actually pretty inspirational. Check back later this week for an entire post on things that surprised me about boot camp. And next week, I’ll post after pics!

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
No weight loss this week
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

This post is sponsored by Brita and I took the Brita Challenge to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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6
Mamavation Monday: Boot Camp Bargain
Sep 26, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

I am now halfway through my Indy Boots Camp session—the numbers aren’t showing any changes yet, but I’m feeling pretty good. I am feeling stronger these days, plus I managed to kick a cold & sore throat faster than I ever have before. As sick as I felt when I woke up last Tuesday, I expected to wallow in bed for a few days and struggle all week.

Instead, I drank tons of water, kept up on my normal workload and felt well enough to continue exercising. I did not, however, feel well enough to stick with my Couch to 5K training. It’s easy to get off track now & then, but it’s a problem this time around since I’m running Wine at the Line on Saturday. I just don’t think I’m up to the level I need to be able to run the whole thing, but it should still be a fun time.

I’m going to jump back into the C25K next week, and pick another race. There’s a group of local Twitter friends who are the considering Jingle Bell Run in December—having another race on the calendar, with a support system around me, should be just what I need to finally cross “run a full 5K” off my list. At least boot camp is going well!

While I wouldn’t say I love tabatas, I do love how strong I feel when I leave boot camp. I need a lot of serious work on my core, though. I can handle bosu ball situps okay (when I’m not hitting my head on the pullup bar behind me), but I may or may not have fallen off the stability ball today. With only a week and a half left in the session, I was already planning to take up the $5 Saturday morning classes.

It wouldn’t be quite the kick that twice a week classes are, but it fits a little better into my current budget. So, I’m super excited about today’s Living Social deal for a month of fitness classes at only $40! Hopefully, another month of boot camp will give me the strength I need to finally conquer that stupid stability ball. Not to mention, the last 15 pounds I seem to be hanging onto.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Sistahood Question: Where are you planning for your feet to take you before 2011 ends? Any races or training plans?

This post is sponsored by Omron Fitness and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation—a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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41
Mamavation Monday: Time to Tone (Plus Earth Shoe Giveaway)
Sep 20, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Last week was not a good nutrition week. I knew I would gain weight during this particular week as such is the nature of being a girl. But, it wasn’t just that. I was so unbelievably hungry all week—I think it was partly timing and partly the increased calorie burn from boot camp.

Plus, I just totally caved into the cravings. There was chocolate and chips and buttery popcorn. On the plus side, there was no soda! I’m so glad to have kicked that habit. It makes it so much easier to just shake off a bad week and lose the weight again.

I suppose it could have been worse, but I managed to work a lot of it off. Between fitness boot camp, EA Sports Active and the Couch to 5K program, at least I’m getting the fitness part right. My poor body was so sore last week—and, yesterday’s upper body workout slayed my arms.

I missed boot camp, due to another eye doctor appointment, so I threw in an extra Wii workout. And, my triceps are very angry about it. Which blows my mind since a year ago I could never have told you where they were. Now that I’ve lost the majority of the weight, I’m ready to start targeting specific areas.

I just can’t worry about a pound here or there anymore, since it’s going to fluctuate as I build muscle anyway. I want to concentrate on the flabby arms and chunky thighs. I also want to have abs. Real and actual abs. It’s going to be all about toning from here on out—even with my daily mileage!

I won a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes in the Mamavation Move It Lose It competition earlier this year—how cute are these? But, they’re not just a pretty face. The negative heel improves posture and encourages whole-body wellness. I can actually feel my booty toning as I walk. True story.

Plus, I’m excited to give away a pair to one of my readers! You all have supported me through this weight loss journey for the last 6 months, and now I have the chance to give back in a big way.

To enter for your chance to win the above pair of shoes (we can match!), leave a comment here and tell me your next goals! You can earn additional entries by:

For your extra entries to be counted, be sure to leave an additional comment directing me to your entry. Only one additional entry per method (i.e. While multiple tweets are appreciated it, only one will count as a drawing entry.) The contest runs until September 26th at 11:59pm est. One winner will be notified by email on September 27th and receive a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes. Winner will have 48 hours to complete the claim form or a new winner will be chosen.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 175.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 19.5 pounds
BMI: 25.2

Disclosure: I received a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes, for my participation in the Mamavation campaign. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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5
Mamavation Monday: Indulgence = Boot Camp Time
Sep 12, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

I took last week off of blogging my weight loss journey. Mostly because there was no weight loss. At least, that’s what I’m assuming—I took a week off from the scale, too! I just didn’t want to see that number, after an indulgent family weekend.

I spent Labor Day weekend at my parents’ and decided that I wouldn’t stress over foods & miss out on my hometown favorites. We had Procopio’s pizza, Charlie’s chocolates, movie theater popcorn, two (yes, two!) birthday parties with cupcakes & ice cream and plenty of homemade family favorites.

And, I allowed myself to enjoy it all! I made good choices when they were available—fruit, salads, water and veggies—but mostly I just ate what looked good. Basically? That meant a whole lot of carbs. The good news is, I didn’t overeat!

A year ago at these family events, I would have eaten whatever I wanted, skipped the veggies, grabbed a soda, then gone back for more. This year? I didn’t even want seconds—my body is too aware of proper portions & fullness cues to overeat.

I also stayed active—I did jump squats all weekend, on Gruntstyle’s orders. Plus, we played a pretty active game of kickball with the whole family on Monday. I’m thrilled to be in better shape so I was able to take part in it. We had so much fun!

This week, I’m back to following my meal plan. Plus, I was offered the opportunity to join a fitness boot camp this month, and it seemed like the perfect time to try it out. We started earlier today—whew! I thought I had been getting myself in pretty decent shape, but this worked muscles that I didn’t even know existed.

I started out doing pretty well—setting off at a good clip for the warmup walk and leading the pack during our run. Many of the exercises were familiar(ish), but this time? I had a trainer keeping an eye on me, making sure I did everything right and pushing me to go further. It was a fun, relaxed environment where we’re encouraged to push harder but given the freedom to set our own pace.

I was dripping sweat halfway through the hour and out of water before we finished. By the end, I was fading and feeling it pretty good! I hope to have a little more endurance for Wednesday’s workout, now that I have a better idea of what to expect. (Note to self: bring a towel and a larger water bottle!)

This should be an interesting month. My muscles were feeling it so much on the drive home that I took new measurements. I’ve lost another 3 inches since completing the Knockout the Fat program, but I’m hoping to firm up my arms & abs, especially. I’ll also take new “after” photos at the end of boot camp.

I can’t wait to see the results for myself!

Updated Measurements:

Bust: 35″ (-1.5″)
Waist: 29″ (-8″)
Hips: 37.5″ (-4.5″)
Thigh: 20″ (-3.5″ each)
Arm: 11″ (-1.5″ each)


Total Inches Lost: 24″


Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Disclosure: I have received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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4
Mamavation Monday: Kick in the Pants Edition
Aug 29, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

The girls went back to school last week, and I started out doing pretty well. I got the girls ready, took them to school, came home and promptly worked out & went for a run. The run? Did not go well. I was thinking there might be something wrong with my inhaler, and I was right. It’s broken, and I have no refills. Now I have to wait until I can get into my doctor, but that’s not even the reason for this week’s weight gain.

A few days after my first run, I went for a long walk instead—my lungs can handle walking. Then, our week was turned upside down when the hubby’s grandpa had open heart surgery. He seems to be doing well, but it was a long day at the hospital, munching on candy. In retrospect, I should have packed healthier snacks, but we went with comfort.

The next day, after thing were looking better, I went for a walk with Lorelai and picked up the weights for the first time in weeks. I’m guessing that was more responsible for my weight gain than a single week. I still have high hopes of getting into a better routine now that the girls are back in school. It just didn’t happen in the first week.

Okay, so it’s a little worse than that. I actually managed to get myself back into overweight range. In addition to my workout routine not getting reestablished, the meal planning really wasn’t there. We were a chaotic mess of school and hospital visits, and I was so busy focusing on shopping for their healthy lunchboxes that I didn’t do a very good job taking care of me.

That changes. Now. I had a great breakfast, and jumped into a short a workout before lunch. I still can’t run, but I’ll just walk farther, until I can get the inhaler issue fixed. I need a steadier workout routine—when I was into the 30 Day Shred, I was on. it. The steady program and the numbered days helped me stay consistent.

I was considering P90X, but I think I need something smaller first to get me back in the game. Gruntstyle‘s Mamavation workouts are looking pretty solid—I need a good challenge to get me back in the game, though. It feeds into my competitive nature and provides the accountability I need. Luckily, Drill Sergeant Alarik is more than willing to kick my butt.

He assigned Megan and me 250 situps & pushups for today, when he saw us discussing the idea. Then, he gave me 50 more for an off comment. Don’t mess with @Gruntstyle, folks! I’m hoping this is just the kick in the pants I needed to get me back on track.

How do you get a restart with your fitness goals?

{scale pic coming soon. Stupid, broken card reader.}
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 174.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 3.5 pound gain (ugh!)
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 20.5 pounds
BMI: 24.97

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