Thankfully Not Quitting

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
I can hardly believe it’s the day before Thanksgiving and the official start of the Christmas season.  It seems too soon!  I don’t even feel “in the mood” for it, though my house is cleaned, the laundry is almost caught up and I have all the fixings ready to prepare the traditional Thanksgiving feast tomorrow. 
So, what’s a girl to do when she doesn’t feel quite in the spirit of the days?  She sits down and blogs, blogs to the people who have come along her journey and supported her no matter how imperfect she is.  
You see, one of the reasons I am not “feeling it” is because I’ve been failing at my Finish Strong challenge and that negative feeling is lurking behind all of the wonderful things going on in my life.  It’s bothering me so much so that I want to quit…and yet I don’t. 
Because one major thing I’ve learned on this three-and-a-half-year-long weight loss journey is I’m not a quitter.  I may quit in moments, but overall I will not give up. 
Yesterday I told myself that no one would blame me if I came on here and posted that my challenge just wasn’t going to work out too well this year, so I decided to stop it.  I know people would understand.  
But I thought to myself, “Do you want to quit, or do you want to make yourself get back on track and do your best to finish strong?”
hhhmmm….
Yes, because the goal is to finish strong, and that doesn’t always mean every step is perfect along the way.  
Maybe I went on vacation with the full intention of exercising at least 4 days that week, and only exercised two days. 
Maybe I haven’t been eating the healthiest foods, or in weight loss portions every day.
Maybe I’m not reaching 64 oz. of water drunken daily. 
Maybe I’m remembering that this weight thing isn’t easy, no matter how long you work at it.
BUT – comma – …HOWEVER,
I am forcing myself to remember something else, something totally spectacular for me this week. 
Yesterday, while feeling like a bit of a loser, I made time to go out for a jog.  I decided I’d make it a quick 3 miles, or even just 30 minutes.  No rush for a quick pace, just a jog.  My Garmin was dying, so I used the Nike+ (free) app on my new iPhone to track my distance and time.  As I ran along I heard, “Mile 1, Your average pace is 9 minutes 42 seconds” 
WHAT?!?!  
I just kept going….enjoying the beauty of autumn leaves and brisk air.  Then I heard, “Mile 2.  Nineteen minutes and 28 seconds (or something like that). Your average pace is 9 minutes 38 seconds. (again, approximately)” 
You know that last mile of the run was wonderful as I realized I was running a sub-10 minute pace.  I’ve dreamt of the day I could run a 5K at a 10-minute pace…well, I finished up my run clocking in ….
3.65 miles in 34 minutes and 36 seconds….averaging a 9:28 pace.  
This is a personal best for me, and I didn’t even feel like I pushed myself hard.  I just went and did it.  
Yea, I’m not the perfect weight loss example and I have many more shortcomings than some very health-conscious friends of mine when it comes to eating and exercise, but I am improving.  For every little bit I fall back I push forward a little harder, and the outcome is progress.  
I may not be at my goal weight yet, but I am in the best shape of my adult life.  
So, my grandparents are coming into town tomorrow for two days to spend Thanksgiving with us and I know I may be over my calorie budget for the days, but I am determined that after the family leaves it’s back to the challenge for me.  I will do my best to get down to 159 by the end of the year, and if I don’t?
I’ll keep going.  I won’t give up.  
I know one can get tired of hearing it, but it took many years of neglect to get to my highest weight, so as long as I keep going in the opposite direction I’m choosing to be okay with that.  I’m also choosing to be thankful for the progress I’ve made and to enjoy every moment along the way.  
Please know I’ve not fallen into the depths of despair over this.  It’s just something that’s been nagging me and I really didn’t want to unload on any one person.  Since this concern is completely weight related I wanted to journal it instead.  So, later when someone tells me how vexed they are I can say, “Oh, you should read a post I wrote back…I’ve been there and it’s okay.”  
Plus, I know my reader friends will understand, and that’s another thing I’m thankful for.  I know I’m not alone in this journey.  
Now, I leave you with some beauty I’ve been blessed to look at every day recently as I go to and from my house.  These trees line the street entering our neighborhood.  They only stay this color for a week or two, and I enjoy every minute of their autumn glory.  
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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A Fun NSV

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Well, I was going to post this yesterday, but I was not feeling well at all.  My stomach was upset and I don’t do nausea well.   I have no idea what happened, but I’m feeling a bit better today.  

The fun non-scale victory story goes like this….
Sunday I wanted to put on my lounge pants, but they were dirty.  So, I tried my husband’s and  THEY FIT!! I was so thrilled I tried on his t-shirt too.  It also fit.  
I was just a little tickled.  🙂  My daughter took my phone and took some pictures for me doing the happy dance that I fit comfortably in his clothes.  It was silly, but I was super excited because I never have fit into his stuff like this before.  


Sometimes you have to celebrate…
….even when you’re 25 lbs away from your goal…
…that has taken forever to reach…

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My Brother Joel

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Good morning and Happy Friday!  I don’t have a weigh-in post to share with you today since I’m still out of town til tomorrow.  However, I do have something exciting to share regarding weight….

As I said, I’m currently visiting my brother, my one and only sibling.   He and his wife just had their first baby…darling Miss Lucy.  (See pics from earlier post this week)  It has been a nice week of holding the little one, hanging out and seeing some changes in my brother.  Namely changes in the way he eats.  

The biggest change I see is if he’s still full from a large lunch he’ll eat a light dinner.  He has said a couple of times this week, “No thanks, I’m not that hungry.”  His choice of foods is a little different too.  He eats Lara bars and has had them on hand for me to try.  This is all due to the fact that he is on a weight loss journey of his own.  

The funny thing to me is that he just kind of started doing this and I didn’t even know about it.  He knows I’ve been working on losing weight, but we don’t really discuss the subject much.  He mentioned losing some weight a few months ago and then I saw some pictures and was both amazed and inspired by his success.  So, I asked him if I could interview him for my blog. 

When I read his interview answers I was so encouraged about his approach to weight loss.  It’s real.  It’s something he can sustain forever.  Read on and I know you’ll agree.  


So, Joel : 

How much weight have you lost? 

I’ve lost 50 lbs.

How long did it take (is taking, if applicable)?
I’ve lost that weight over the past 11months.
When did you first feel, or realize, you had a weight problem? 
I’ve always been unhappy with my size, probably since I was a teenager.
What made you want to do something about your weight?

It’s a complex set of ideas and attitudes that cause a person to lose control of their health and it takes facing that and working through that to turn things around. There were a lot of things that were finally falling in to place for me, but I think there was one event that really triggered something in me and that was not being able to find anything that fit at Target. True story. I think going into Target and realizing that they don’t make shirts and pants that are big enough was a small spark that lit a big fire.

How did you decide to get healthier?  A diet? Exercise only? 
I needed to find a way to eat healthier. I’ve done exercise-only before, but that didn’t deal with the root cause, which was skewed idea of the role of food in my life.
Was it easy or hard to begin making the changes necessary to be healthy? 
It’s never easy to make a change like that. 
Did you have a support?  Wife? Kids? Peers?
My wife was very supportive of me. I also have friends and co-workers who were very encouraging.
What has been the hardest thing about losing weight? 
Breaking bad habits. Over the years food had taken on an unhealthy level of importance. Reversing that trend was, is, difficult.
Has their been an easy part of losing weight? 
Not really.
Do you see any difference in attempting to lose weight as a man, versus women working on weight loss?  
I think biologically men don’t have quite as difficult a time shedding pounds. That said, there is a cultural norm that disparages men eating smaller portions and salads as being feminine. This is especially true for guys like me who over time developed a reputation for being a big eater.
Please share a tip or two with us that you’ve learned, or a tip that has made the most impact on your weight loss.
Being healthy doesn’t mean carrots and work-outs the rest of your life. Its all about balance and moderation; quality over quantity.
And because I know we all like to see the visual proof, here’s he is.  I’m stealing a little of his glory, but that’s only because I happen to be visiting him this week as well.  So, of course I wanted to snap a picture of us together.  🙂  


Here we are at his wedding in March 2009 and this week.  
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Being Careful on Vacation

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding

I find I’m having to be careful on vacation by not eating too much, but also of not thinking or feeling too much.  Today someone finished a post by asking,”What are you working on today?” and I replied:

Today I’m working on not feeling guilty for choosing to hold my new niece on vacation instead of go for a walk/run. I’m visiting and keep reminding myself that after  this week I don’t know when I’ll see her again, but the gym and neighborhood (for running) will be there waiting for me next week.

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Meeting My New Niece

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding

I have not been blogging, or reading blogs, because I am out of town visiting my brother and his family.  I’m enjoying my days holding precious Lucy and hanging out with my sister-in-law.

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Weigh-In .. Finish Strong Update #3 (or not)

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Today’s Weight:  167.5
Loss/Gain:  + 2.0 lbs
(Pardon the TMI…)
Welcome Aunt Flo.  Yes, I was happy to see her arrival because otherwise I would have no reason why I was so emotional for a couple days and why I couldn’t seem to get enough chocolate and not care one tidbit about eating for weight loss.
Yesterday morning I thought I wasn’t due for my monthly until next week and I was wondering what the heck was going on.  Then she arrived and all was right in my world again.  The trend for me is to PMS and then right about when I start the emotions are good again and the need for chocolate dwindles back down to somewhat normal proportions.  Whew!
So…let’s add to that no exercise and you have a gain.
Part of me feels I should be upset about this, but I’m not so much and here’s why.
It’s my monthly.  It happens.
This is the week I knew I wouldn’t exercise because I’ve been busy from sun up to sun down helping and participating in a Bible conference at our church.  Literally, the most sitting I’ve done all week is in the car taxying my kids to and from school and in the church seminars.  That’s it.
So, instead of an official update on my Finish Strong challenge because I didn’t get the other things done perfect either
I’m going to leave you with two NSVs (non-scale victories) from this week:
  • There was a donut break at the morning seminars and I didn’t have one.  They served fruit as well and I had fruit and one day had a cheese stick with mine.  Obviously, I had the chocolate and other junk, but that is why I refrained from the donuts.  I knew I’d had enough.  
  • Yesterday my daughter tells me this, “Last year at conference I was so tired, but this week hasn’t been so bad.  I think it’s because of basketball practice every afternoon.”  Yes!!!  She realized that exercise gives you more energy!! It was a happy moment.  
I hope you have a good day.  We’re very excited everyone is off on Monday for Veteran’s Day so we can recoup from our busy week.  
Have a good day, and thanks for checking in!!
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Meet Dave

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Yes, it’s Monday and yes, I do have a motivating story to share with you.  🙂

A little over a month or so I received a text from a friend of mine that went something like this, “I know he doesn’t really want the attention, but I just have to brag..Dave has lost 100 pounds as of today!” 

I knew my friend’s husband had been trying to lose some weight, but since we don’t live near each other I had no idea just how much he’d been losing.  It was such good news to hear.  My friend has been on weight loss journeys with me in the past and we’ve both talked about how it would be a little easier if our husbands would get on board with regards to eating better.  

And he did. 

Plus,  he finally agreed to let me interview him for my blog.  We did this email style and his wife sent the pictures.

So, without further ado, please meet Dave ... 

How much weight have you lost?
I have lost a total of 100lbs. I started out at 347 and am now 247
How long did it take (is taking, if applicable)?
It has taken me a year
When did you first feel, or realize, you had a weight problem?
I have always been a big guy but got real serious about losing weight in July 2011
What made you want to do something about your weight?
 I was feeling more and more lethargic and went to the doctor. My blood pressure was way to high due to the excess weight and lack of exercise. I was put on high blood pressure medication. I went to the doctor for monthly check ups and after 2 months of medication and losing some weight I was taken off the medication. Once I lost some weight I started to have more energy and feel better.

How did you decide to get healthier? A diet? Exercise only?

Eliminating the 2 or 3 44oz sodas that I drank every day. As well as diet and exercise. Changing what I ate. Not really a diet. But changing my eating habits. And exercising. At first I could only ride the bike for 15 mins and each time it started to get easier. I ride now every other day for an hour.
 
Was it easy or hard to begin making the changes necessary to be healthy?
Once I had it set in my mind it was fairly easy. There is always some temptations to eating things you shouldn’t but once my mind was made up it was easier.
 
Did you have a support? Wife? Kids? Peers?
It was something that I really decided to tackle alone but I certainly had support from my wife with meals and playing games with me while I exercised. But having it in my mind that this was something I wanted to do it was what I wanted to do.
 
What has been the hardest thing about losing weight?
Patience. It something that takes time to see results.
 
Has there been an easy part of losing weight?
Once you find a exercise that fits your needs it soon becomes easy. I found that the exercise bike was something that was somewhat easy for me. Something that didn’t hurt my knees. I have had 2 knee surgerys.
 
Do you see any difference in attempting to lose weight as a man, versus women working on weight loss? 
 I think for men it’s a much easier thing to do alone. I necessarly don’t want or need to talk about it. But for women they feel they need a friend to go through it with. To have that support. Women need to talk, men don’t.
 
Please share a tip or two with us that you’ve learned, or a tip that has made the most impact on your weight loss.
I’m sure that everyone is different but for me embrace the scale. Most people weigh once a week. But for me I weigh myself 4 times a day. When I got up, before I exercised, after I exercise, and before I go to bed. For me it helps me keep myself on track. Find a exercise that works for you, something that you enjoy. You shouldn’t hate your exercise.
Dave, thank you for allowing me to share your story on my blog, and a big CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss!!! 
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Weigh-In … Staying Focused

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding

Today’s Yesterday’s Weight:  165.5
Loss/Gain:  +/- 0

We had an unexpected family emergency and I ended up driving my sister-in-law to the airport yesterday morning to go care for my mother-in-law.  All will be fine, but it was not into my plans for the day (of which there were many because I’m readying for company and a very busy week next week.)

So, I didn’t post yesterday, nor did I exercise.

Speaking of didn’t do’s …

  • I want to break 160 on the scale.  I want to see 159 or lower.  Started at 166.0.  I maintained this week.   Still 0.5 of 7 down.
Sub goals:
  • Exercise 4 days a week minimum, shoot for two days of running and two days of something else.  Runs can be 30-35 minutes, but everything else 45-60 minutes.  Only exercised 3 days this week.  I am adjusting this goal to 30-45 minutes of exercise, instead of 45-60.  It’s just more realistic for my hectic life.
  • Track food, even if over calorie budget.  Only tracked half the week.
  • Drink minimum of 64 oz. water daily.  I think I did this the best this week. Some evenings I was sipping water like crazy getting that second 32 oz. bottle down, just because I knew I had this goal.  🙂 
As I told my friend yesterday.  I was very busy and didn’t make myself focus enough on my goals to lose any weight this week.  While I’m glad to know I didn’t gain weight, I need to focus a little more.

This is a very busy time of year and the reason I started this challenge for myself was to be reminded that I need to keep my health a priority.  I don’t think my goals are unrealistic.  And I do think I can do it.  Every day I need to remind myself that on top of taking care of every other commitment in my life I need to keep this one.  

I will enjoy the holidays, and that will include enjoying the knowledge that I finished out 2012 strong and healthy.  🙂
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Not A Costume

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
As I was running today at the gym I was thinking about how today is Halloween and kiddies will be coming to the door all dressed up in costumes and I had a sudden inspiration for a Halloween post for today.  
Because this outfit….
..is not a costume.  
It is an outfit similar to what I wear at least four days a week.  Yes, I love sweats and hoodies and comfy clothes, but I don’t wear sweats or yoga pants just because they are comfy.  
I wear them to workout.  For real.  
And that is something that made me smile as I pushed myself and ran 3.1 in 32:18 with a 1% incline.  
Hooray! 

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A Baking Strategy

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Good morning!
The “Motivational Mondays” were fun, but I don’t want to make that what I do all the time here.  So on to a regular post.
This past weekend was full of baking.  Our church had a 3-night event and had asked for the ladies to bring baked goods to go with the refreshments.  So, Friday I made brownies.  Saturday I made my grandmother’s recipe for a white cake-like cookie.  And yesterday I made pumpkin cookies, with and without chocolate chips.  
My house has smelled good, and I did okay with all that baking happening.  In fact, I figured out what I  told my friend yesterday will be my baking strategy for this holiday season. 
I will bake …. 
And, like yesterday, this much will be given away…
and this much (the large baggie on left) will be kept for the family to enjoy.  
It also works to make a single batch of cookies, instead of doubling and tripling like I used to do for years.  Then I could give some away, but still have plenty for the house.   
Yes, I think I have a plan.  I may still have to deal with the temptation of walking by that one baggie of cookies, but at least it won’t be so many that I’ll fall into the they’ll-never-notice-if-I-eat-one-or-two trap.    
I can also allow myself one cookie and make sure I figure it into my daily calorie allowance; but again there won’t be so many hanging around for days to tempt me to eat too many.  
Yes, I think this will work out nicely.  I can scratch my baking itch, but not eat it all too.  All things in moderation. 🙂
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