Making the Cut -- Day #25

Day 25 already! The time is just flying by.
This week I was on the road again for work, and once again I had to improvise on some of my meals. I probably wasn't as good as I was last week on the road when selecting foods. One, because I went to dinner with a bunch of co-workers at TGI Friday's - I don't think there is anything healthy there! I was able to get a Asian Salad that wasn't too bad; however I am sure the sodium was higher than what I would have liked.
I did try my best with the options I had available. It's just a fact of life that eating while traveling is not that easy.

On a really good note...I have had a pair of pants that Trent bought for me Christmas 2007. I have never been able to wear these pants! I can get them on, but they were too tight in the waist to be comfortable and they did that unattractive "whiskers" thing on the front. (because they were too tight) After noticing how my body has changed and become more tone on my bottom half I decided last night to pull them out of the closet and try them on. For the very first time, I was able to put on these pants AND they were actually loose in the waist.

It was such an awesome feeling to put on pants that are 2 years old (with the tags still attached) and have them fit! I think that out of this whole program, that was worth it all! All the gross food and sore muscles can't compare to the feeling you get when you feel good in your clothes. It's amazing how feeling good about yourself, can make a difference in your day. On the flip side, I think about people who have horrible self esteem, or who are never happy with their body image; how sad it must be to live with that burden and never truly just be in a state of happiness because you are alive and you have been given the gift of a body (even with all of it's quirks and imperfections).

On another good note - while traveling for work, I saw a co-worker who I haven't seen in about 14 months. It was so awesome to hear her say "You've lost weight! How much weight have you lost?" Once again those simple words make all of the hard work worth it -100%.

Only 5 more days to go.

I am definitly seeing a change in my body.

Making The Cut - Day #21

This week flew by so fast! I can't believe that it is already day 21! That means I have less then 10 days to go.

This week I had some difficulty in following the plan to the letter thanks to traveling for work and a surprise dinner party. I thought for sure that I would see the effects on the scale; however I was excited to see that I actually lost three lbs! I think this just proves my theory that I am not getting enough calories in a day and subsequently my body is going into slight starvation mode. As I have said before and as I say to anyone who asks about this program - I hate the food. I think because I don't like it so much, I tend to not eat the full portions and end up short for my daily calorie requirement (which is 1513).

The good news with me not being able to follow the meal plans exactly, is that I was able to find foods while on the go that met the program requirements. The even cooler part was that I had the willpower to choose the better option when it came to ordering! This actually is giving me a boost since I know that when the 30 days is over, I will have learned enough about what foods are better for my body so that I can choose wisely.

I am on the road again for work tomorrow. Now that I know I can choose wisely even while traveling I don't have any room for excuses. It's all about the choices I make.

T-minus 9 days...

Making The Cut - Day #14

Today is Day #14 and I am on the road for work. I am thinking this is going to make this 30 day challenge even more of a challenge for me!
So far, I have had to overcome two hurdles as far as food goes 1.) Airport food 2.) Hotel food.
Have you ever tried to eat healthy while in an Airport? It really is not easy. Luckily as I passed down the temptation for Cinnabon, Pretzel Time, or Ruby's Diner in the Las Vegas Airport, I remembered that Starbucks sells of all things...oatmeal --- along side their 900 calorie muffins and cookies. So there I sat waiting for my flight, eating my oatmeal at 4:00 in the afternoon. First hurdle overcome!

Now for the second hurdle - Hotel food.
I didn't have many options when it came to getting some dinner. I'm kind of in no-mans-land as far as a grocery store goes. So I opted for the hotel bar/restaurant. I reviewed the menu to see what possibilities I had. Luckily I found a meal with steak medialtions, chicken and veggies - No problem right? Turns out the food wasn't too bad, however the meat and veggies came together on one footed plate and in the bottom the veggies were swimming in oils and juices. So, I ate as much meat as possible - however I tried to avoid things that were submerged in the lake of the unknown.

Tomorrow will definitly pose more hurdles like this for me. All day meetings, and a hotel "gym" with a total of three cardio machines. I will do my best to improvise - a phone book probably weighs 3 lbs, lift that enough times and you will feel the burn.

Overall as far as my progress goes, the scale isn't moving in a downward fashion as much as I would like - especially if I am going to loose a total of 10lbs by Sept 1. However, I am definitly noticing a difference in the way my close are fitting as well as my swim suit. Infact, Trent and I went to a birhtday pool party last night and I did notice my suit fit a little better.

The food still sucks - yes sucks - as far as I am concerned. But I am sticking to it and doing my best. This is turning out to be a great mental overhaul. I am thinking about food and my workouts in a whole different way.

Well, here is to Daty #15 - while on the road.

Making The Cut - Day #8

Well I just finished with my workout for Day #8.

Today has definitely been my worst workout day so far. All I can say is ugh. My legs are still sore in some parts - the parts that are getting more muscle -so some of today's exercises were really difficult. Also, today was a hard work out day because there was so much upper body. I seriously have no upper body strength! Today the first thing I had to do was 20 scorpion push ups - I can't even do that many regular push ups, none the less, scorpion push ups. (*scorpion push up is when you lift your right leg up and back towards your left shoulder as you move in the down part of the push up - yeah...not easy)

I am still having a bit of a rough time with the food. It really isn't appealing to me, so I don't want to eat it all, nevermind have seconds. Plus, I think because I don't really want to eat the food in the meal plans, I am not getting my required calories of 1513. (which is probably putting my body into a bit of starvation mode, thus not good for loosing weight) I need to get on top of this part or else my workouts won't be as beneficial.

I am noticing major muscle growth in my legs! I am getting very strong muscle on the sides of my legs and even up higher in to my hips. (thank you squats, & lunges)

Overall today is probably my least motivated day. I guess that is to be expected though. The newness has worn off and honestly - I can't stop thinking about The Cheesecake Factory's Chipotle Chicken Pasta or a Cafe Rio Salad. Not good to be thinking "once I am done, I am going to drive to Vegas or fly to SLC and eat at The Cheesecake Factory "

Oh well. This is part of the program. You have to get over these mental hurdles - it makes you stronger. Besides, the next time I do go to Cafe Rio or the Cheesecake Factory, I am going to savor my meal that much more!

Here is to day #9!

Making The Cut - Day #5

I made it through my first week of workouts! Now I get tomorrow and Sunday off - my legs are so happy!

The first workout was good. I was a little slow on moving from one activity to the next simply because this was all new for me and some of the moves I have never done before. Day two was tough! My legs were incredibly sore from Day 1 and to top it off, lunges and squats were both on the list. All I can say is ouch!
Wednesday was a rest day. I kind of missed going to the gym - weird I know. However I definitely know why it is a rest day. My thighs were still talking to me.
Yesterday's workout felt great. My legs were a little sore when I did the squats, but I really stretched after and that seemed to make a difference. Today was a great workout! I have done almost all the moves already so I was able to keep the pace when going from one circuit to the next.

I am sure I have made some people at the gym wonder what on earth I am doing. I am running around from weights, to circuit to treadmill for 45 mins. Definitely not the normal work out routine.

The food has improved as the week has gone on. We had fish on Wednesday that was good. Then yesterday for dinner we had lamb. I really enjoyed the lamb. It was so tender. The side dish was baked eggplant which I have never had before. It has an odd texture, but no real flavor by its self. I liked the lunch today and actually enjoyed eating it. Tonight was good as well, Apricot Chicken and Spaghetti Squash.

Overall things are going well. I haven't really been craving anything sweet - I thought that would be a struggle for me. The lunches have been so-so, the dinners are improving, but the workouts I actually love!

Only 25 days to go...

ReAL Salt Lake Game 7/3/09

Over the July 4th weekend, Trent and I went to SLC to spend time with the family.
Teresa, Taran and Rylee invited us to go to the ReAL Salt Lake game, so Spencer, Trent and I all went.
None of us had been to a game before so we were excited.

When we arrived at the Rio Tinto Stadium I was so impressed by how nice it was. There defineitly was some money put into this place.

Teresa & Rylee got to enjoy the game from a box. We visited them for a little while. It was really nice in there! Catered food, drinks, a t.v. if you wanted to sit in side at watch it - don't know why you would.

SLC ended up winning the game and then after we got to watch fireworks. It really was great time. I'd love to go again!

Pine Mountain UT

This past Friday night and Saturday, we had Trent's nephew, Taran come stay with us. He had been in St. George for the week, hanging out with his grandparents.

On Saturday we wanted to get out and do something, but didn't want to be in the heat so we went to Pine Mountain. It was so pretty up there and 25 degrees cooler!

We did a little bit of hiking and just enjoyed the outdoors. We took Missy with us as well and she had a good time too.
She had so much of a good time that she found some cow poop and decided to roll in it so she would be pretty. Trent ended up washing her off in the water there. After he got her somewhat clean, she then decided to roll in the dirt because she was now wet.
It was one of those things where rather than get mad at what is happening you just sit there and laugh because it's one thing after another.

We finally got her all washed and headed home after about 2 hours. It was a great time just to get out of the St. George heat and enjoy outdoors.

Making The Cut - Day #2

I found out from some friends at work about the Jillian Michael's program called Making The Cut. I purchased the book in July , and have read it cover to cover and decided August is the month to do this. I decided that during this time I will make some journal positing so 1) I can see where I have been and where I am going and 2) so I make sure I am held accountable by those people who see this blog.

Today is day number two of 30 and I am feeling yesterday's work out!
So far the food has been a little difficult for me. Lots of "new" foods for me as well as a total shock to my tastebuds. (although, fennel smells amazing! I have never had fennel until today - smells amazing, like licorice. The taste is fine.)
The work outs have been amazing though! I really actually enjoyed my work out yesterday and felt really good after, although the lactic acid in my legs and arms is definitly talking to me!
Today's workout was a little more difficult simply due to my legs aching and burning from yesterday, but I still had a good time.

As far as weight goes, I am hoping for 10 lbs in total after the 30 days is over. As of today the scale showed I had lost 2 lbs - not too sure if I am really buying that as "weight loss" yet.

Regardless it is good to have these little "projects" for yourself to keep your body challenged as well as to remind yourself that you are capeable of more than we give ourselves credit for. Besides, my saying in life is: "If you aren't uncomfortable, then you aren't doing it right". We need to get a little uncomfortable in life if we are ever going to make changes and progress.

Here's to day three...

Bryce Canyon - Bike Ride

During out trip in Bryce Canyon, the family all took a ride into Bryce Canyon park. Mark, Teresa, Taran & Rylee ended up driving down for the weekend to ride with us.

In total, Todd, Mary, Troy, Teresa, Mark, Taran, Trent & Myself all rode into the park.

We weren't able to go as far as we had initally planned due to a fire that was burning in the park. We ended up riding to the only lookout open. We only did about 18 miles but due to the elevation it was a little more difficult then back at home.

It was a great time ridding with almost the whole family!

Bryce Canyon 5K

On July 18th was the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon and 5k. I had wanted to do this run since about December because I had heard about how fun it was from people who ran last year. Trent & I decided we would go camping this same weekend at Ruby's Inn and have a little getaway.

We then decided to invite his family since his parents, Troy & Pam and Todd all like to camp.

It was such a great time! Pam & Mary ran the half marathon and actually started at the entrance to Ruby's Inn. Since the 5k started at the end of the half marathon, we had to be past the start line by 5:45am. It was an early morning - but so worth it.

Trent drove David and myself to Cannonville where we were to start. Our race started at 6:30. It was in the 60's when we started - perfect running temperatures. The run was so fun! It was neat to be running in such a rual but beautifull place. To top it off during the first mile and a half we got to watch the sun rise. SO BEAUTIFUL.

In total, I ran it in 33:50 and took 5th in my age group (25-29) Not too bad! David ran it in 33:53 and took first in his age group! Very cool. (he was saying he took first because all of the other guys had heartattacks - NOT!)

After we finished, we waited for Pam & Mary to come in. Pam ran her half in about 1:55 and Mary was about 2:15.

It is definitly something that I would love to do again next year - only this time I think I will go for the half marathon (yikes)