Catching up

Wow do I have some catching up to do. First off Im so sorry I have been keeping everyone up to date, with rehearsal every night for the play and now Saturday rehearsals too its been a bit crazy. Here are a few new things though.

1) Running:
            My running is going great. 3 miles in 30min is my new average and it feel so good to be that fast. When I first started running I wanted to be able to do that and it seemed so far away. I was reading a old post from when I first started, and checking out my runs on my Nike page. I used to run a 14:55 mile then I got a bit faster and 12:30 was my norm for so long now Im running a 9:50 mile at a VERY comfortable pace, I can still talk and everything. If I push it I can run a 8 min mile but I can only do one mile that fast. This last sat I had another long run. I ran 8.5 miles in 1 hour and 34 min. I only stopped to walk once for 10 min. It felt so good to go so far and I can feel my running boundaries being pushed. It also really got me excited for the Tinkerbell Half which is in just 76 days :)

2) Emotions:
         I feel like my emotions have been all over the place lately! For a few weeks I just haven't been on my WW game and have been not tracking one day then doing really good the next. It totally plays a toll on you and I had some WI were I lost 2.6 then gained it back the next week then lost 3.4 last week. I was determined to have another loss and get myself out of this funk I have been in. Easier said then done, let me just tell you. I have been stressing over PTA stuff and trying to get everything we needed done, done and its taking WAY longer then I thought it would. Then Mick came home last week to inform me his company just got sold and he might be out of a job.....STRESS......add on normal life stuff like my job at the apartments, kids school work and homework, House work, and the play......Yeah I felt a bit overwhelmed. Then Mick and I sat down and talk and remembered what is meant to happen will happen and we will be ok. So I refused to stress over things I could not control and just worked on de-stressing things I could. Result a awesome week (that included some Mick job related questions answered that took alot of stress away) and I had another loss.

3) Family:
         The play definitely has me and the kids busy at night, I have had rehearsal from 7-10 Mon-Thur for the last 3 weeks and now we have 10-4 Saturdays and tech week is coming up fast and so is Opening night!!! I have all my lines memorised, all my blocking notes down and go over them everyday. The kids work on all their stuff too and are having a blast doing it. Im starting to memorize the music I need to (some songs Im on stage others Im back stage with my book singing). The cast Im working with is amazing and i have made some cool friendships. Halloween was a blast and the kids look so stinking cool/cute this year. I have a huge cake to make for my cousins upcoming birthday, and so excited to spend Thanksgiving at my aunts house this year with all my fam.

If you have read this far you deserve a award for it :P I know Im not that interesting but I like to get down all my thoughts. Thanks for reading all my gibb-er-ish.

4) Weight Watchers:
          Today was such a awesome day at WI because I FINALLY did it.....I hit my 75 lb mark and got my cool 75 lb ring for my key chain. This one has felt like it has taken forever to get, but I finally got it and now my eyes are set on my 100 lb ring :)
       After my few yo-yo WI's I last 3.4 last week and 2lbs this week. Total lost is 75.2, and I weight 179.8 lbs. BEST part I weight less then Mick now!!! Anyone who knows my sweet hubby knows he is 6'4 and skinny. Mick and I have been together for 13 years and I have never weighed less then him, so that alone is a huge feat for me. It feels so good to say that, and the fact I can say I have lost a crazy number (75 holly crap) is just so much fun!
      So the half marathon is in 76 days and I would LOVE to be at 100 lb loss goal. I want to make a tank that I will run in that says "Lost (number) pounds and found my wings" then on the back "Now watch me fly!" I feel I can do it if I really buckle down from now on till Jan. Its another 25 lbs I would need to lose. I know I can do it but it does still seem like a huge goal that might be a bit tough to reach, but Im going to put my whole heart in to it and have no regrets in the end whether I make the mark or not. Crazy thought if I do do it, I'll be 10 lbs from my goal weight! WOW!!

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 179.8
Goal weight: 145
Total gone and never to be found: 75.2 lbs :)

7 miles

That is how many miles I ran today. 7, man that's a crazy number to me. Alot of numbers seem crazy huge right now hehe.

It was a good run, the first half was a bit hard. I mean yesterday was our big Dance recital and I was dancing all day. So to get up today and go run 7 miles...... yeah I was feeling it. But I did it and it felt really good. No regrets, that's my motto when I run. Leave it all on the trail or treadmill and have no regrets.

This week I lost 2.6 lbs and I'm down 72.6 lbs. My 75lb key ring is right there and so are the 170's. Last night at the recital I was getting alot of comments on how I looked. It felt really good, I even had one of my best friends there and she commented on how skinny I looked. Then she asked me if I ever remember being this small. I had to think for a min, then it dawned on me...NO, never in my adult life.

Its the truth, my whole adult life I have never been this small, fit, or athletic. I have never been able to say I'm athletic ever in my life, so that's a new one too. It feels so good to finally be accomplishing so much. It was really cool last night at the recital too, one of the ladies from my WW meeting (and her hubby) came last night. Its so awesome to have so much support. I didn't get a chance to see her after the show, so I cant wait to see if she enjoyed it, on Friday.

Stats
Starting weight: 255 lbs
Current weight: 182.4
Goal weight: 145
Total lost: 72.6 only 37.4 lbs to go!!
95 days till the Tinkerbell Half Marathon :)

So can you tell.....

Im having an off week when I dont post. PMS week totally killed me last week. I felt crappy (for lack of a better word) I didnt want to run but I pushed, I wanted to eat EVERYTHING in my house. It sucked!! I had a gain of 0.6 last week. It didnt really bother me I knew it was coming. Getting out of the PMS week mood is hard though.

So this last week I did OK, not great but ok. I lost 2.6 lbs this week. CRAZY!! Im at my 72.6 lbs weight lost total. Im hitting crazy numbers, I mean they are frighting numbers. When I tell someone I lost 72 lbs I get this crazy shocked look. And the truth is, it is crazy, its more then what my 10 year old son weighs. The best part, the part that makes me smile, is that that crazy number is going to get bigger. I cant wait to see it get ridiculously HUGE! I cant wait till Im at goal and people I meet could never imagine me at my starting weight.

My good friend Yentl said to me the other day "I saw you and Mick walking and BOY do you look tiny next to him". Mick is tall and skinny so to thing I look small next to him is so crazy to me.

Im feeling better, PMS week has gave its toll thats for sure. Running is definitely something I have to force myself to do right now, but that's ok cause Im running a 10 min mile right now so I'll take it. The Tinkerbell half is in only 98 days. Im so excited I cant wait to run it. I feel like that is going to be a hung accomplishment for me.

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 182.6
Goal weight: 145

We got Parts!

Skyla and I both got parts in A Christmas Carol. Sky will be Lucy Cratchit (tiny Tim's older sister). She is so excited to be in another play. I got offered to be in the Ensemble. I love the ensemble, singing, dancing and being on stage a ton, with out the worry of lines (I feel a little intimidated having lines, so I'm pretty happy with what I got).

Rehearsal's start tomorrow :)

IM so excited

I have been pushing as much as I can lately. I can see and feel all my hard work paying off and it feels good. Today I had a long run day (part of my training) this run made me feel so strong its amazing. I ran 5 1/2 miles without stopping AND i did it in 1 hour!!! 11 min mile pace!! I'm so excited and feel so good. My confidence has sky rocketed, I really feel I'm going to be able to finish the Tinkerbell in 3 hours.

Only 110 days left :)

70 lbs BABY!!!!

This week I lost 1.8 lbs hitting my 70 lbs gone mark :)

I'm so excited!!!! I cant believe I lost 70 lbs, that's such a crazy number to me, the other crazy number 39.6 that how much I have left to lose till I hit goal! Its amazing to me how numbers can run your life, but these are good numbers, healthy, be here for my kids numbers and it feel good hitting each mile stone. It has NOT been easy by any means LOTS of ups and downs, but in the end it feels good.

I am now 111 days away from the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. My training is going great, I'm getting faster which is nice. Right now I'm running a 10.50 mile (much better then a 15 min mile). Tomorrow I have 5.5 miles to run, and I'm determined to run it all with out stopping. Its the longest I will be running without walking, but I want to do it SO bad. I cant wait to go to Disneyland. I'm so excited for this run.

Anyways Here are my stats :)

Stats:
Starting weight: 255
Current Weight: 184.6
Goal Weight: 145
Total lost: 70.4

Another mini goal REACHED!!!!

So as you can tell I kinda gave up on the calender LOL.

BUT....................


I hit another GOAL!!!! I have lost 68.6 lbs total and now weight 186.4, this is a huge goal for me cause this is what I weighed when I was 18 years old and met my awesome hubby Mick!

Mick says I carry it way different then I did back then and I look smaller at this weight then I did when I was 18. I'm so excited!! I also just bought my first pair of skinny jeans and had to get this cute shirt for a tap dance I'm doing and its a XL in juniors!! I haven't fit in to juniors since high school!!


Yeah its been a great few days, I'm still on cloud 9, and to top it off I ran 2 miles today for my half marathon training and did it in 19 min and 44 sec. I had a 9.50 pace, the fastest I have ever ran and it was a pretty comfortable pace :)


Man I feel good!!

O Skyla and I auditioned for A Christmas Carol (with stage 1 the same theater company Sky did Wiz of OZ). We both had call backs yesterday :) now we are just waiting to see if we got parts. Here is My head shot......... What do you think?

 

And here's a pic of me dancing one of my hula's with these young 21 and 23 year old girls I just love to dance with.

And just for kicks here is the loves of my life.......

 

WW Calender day 20

"8 Weeks till Thanksgiving. What do you want to achieve between now and then"

I cant believe the Holidays are so close. Its crazy how fast this year has just flew by. Right now I'm in full Half marathon training mode. There are only 119 days till my run. My goal for right now is to just run strong. I would love to be in the 170's by Thanksgiving too though :)

WW Calender day 19

OK so this has nothing to do with WW but I had to share..........I GOT A CALL BACK FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL!!!!!

I have been called back for 2 parts. I'm so excited, its this Sat and I have about 15 pages of a script to try to remember (we are doing a reading and can bring the pages with us, but I want to have most of it memorised) and I have 2 songs to learn too. I cant wait I really hope I get a part. Talk about a confidence builder!

Skyla also has a call back for 2 parts, so we are both working had :)

WW Calender day 18

Isolate a behavior the keeps you from reaching your gaol. Work on that this week.


I think the main thing I need to make sure I do every week is watch my fruit and veggie intake. Some days I do really good others not so good, and it really does make a HUGE difference in how my week goes. I'm really going to try to get all 5 servings in everyday.

WW Calender day 17

"Say nice things to yourself today. Start with "I am worth all this extra Effort"."

Saying nice things to yourself isn't always easy, but its is necessary. A positive attitude is key to a happy life. I have learned to stop sweating the small stuff, and that just because things don't go right doesn't mean I'm not worth it. I'm worth all the hard work I'm putting in to my weight loss.

The best part of this new attitude is I'm happy with me. I'm doing things I used to love to do, for instance......I auditioned for a play, A Christmas Carol. My audition was last night and I had to sing, and do a monologue. It was awesome!!!! I'm so happy with how it went and that's all I can ask for. I would LOVE a part but if not its ok there is always the next one :)

WW Calender day 16

"What small activities will you incorporate into your schedule to achieve your daily activity goal?"

Now that I have the activelink and I'm don't with my assessment, My challenge gaol in to get 9 AP each day. I have been averaging 7 so not to bad. Its pretty cool to see what percent of your goal you have done when you plug it in.

I love a good challenge so making my activelink go off the charts is my daily goal LOL.

WW Calender Day 15

"Craving a food you haven't had in a while? How will you feel if you have a small serving?"

Today we went to the movies to go see Finding Nemo in 3D. I love that movie and its so well done I had to see it in 3D, and I (mick or the kids ether for that matter) where NOT disappointed. It was amazing in 3D. I haven't been to the movies in what feel like so long. I when I did go last time I didn't have popcorn. I love Movie popcorn with butter yyyuuuummmmm. So today I decided I wanted some. Instead of getting a large popcorn for me and Mick to share. I opted to get a kids pack, it comes with about 3 cups of popcorn, a small 12oz soda (I got a Diet Coke) and a small pack of fruit snacks. It was just enough! It felt good to have my popcorn and a small soda. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I did have the fruit snacks too, mainly cause they were there and I did want something sweet. Next time though I'll just have Justin and Sky split them, they weren't worth the points to me.

Its funny how things change and something just are not worth eating anymore. Others are worth a whole days point :)

WW Calender day 14

"Are you all ready for those tailgate parties or ball games? Do you have healthy snacks to grab?"

I have learned that I SO need to have fruit and go to snacks in my house. Not just to take some where, but just to have cause I'm a snacker. My weeks go so good when I have lots of fruit and snacks to go to. Speaking of good weeks I had another great WI. I lost 3.2 lbs this week for a total of 66 lbs!!! I'm so excited I'm out of the 190's and really want to stay OP so I can get further from the 190's as I can.

Stats
Starting Weight: 255
Current weight: 189
Goal weight: 145

WW Calender day 13

"If you ever need a helping hand, its at the end of your arm.....and remember you have another hand: the first is to help yourself, the second is to help other." Audrey Hepburn

I love this quote, it can speak volumes, especially about weight loss. For me my weight got out of control because I was using both hands to take care of everyone else. Once I really learned that I couldn't help others if I didn't take care of myself, I backed off of alot of things. And you know what I'm much happier then I used to be :)

I put me and the things I need to do first all the time now. My food and having what I need to stay OP, are things I always make sure I have on hand. Simply because if I don't I know I will just eat what ever in the house, go off track, then the guilt and depression will start because I'm then so far off track. Once that feeling sets in I don't want to do much cause I just plain feel like crap by that point. How can I put on a happy face for my kids and Mick? How can I enjoy doing anything with them (or anyone else) when I'm so distracted by the fact I feel like I failed?

I HATE!!!! I know its a strong word to use but its true I HATE feeling that way. I don't want to miss out on things because I feel crappy. So I come first and I do what I need to do, because if I don't I cant enjoy, let alone help anyone else.

This was a hard lesson to learn and it has taken me years to get to this point, but really its ok to say no to things, its ok to not give your time, its ok to put what you want first. Its OK, it really is. I really feel I'm a better mom, wife, and friend because of it. Now when I do something for someone else I give my whole heart to it because I feel good and want to really help or spend the time being with them.

You really do have to take care of yourself before you can help anyone else, Its a tough lesson to learn but once you get it.....You got it :)

WW Calender day 12

"What is one habit, if changed, could move you toward your weight-loss goal?"

OMG this one got me thinking, I think the one habit I have is taking little bits or "Taste testing" things. I need to stop this!

I don't count the points, who's going to figure out points for a bite, right? But sadly I know these do add up to points and I'm only hurting my efforts. I know its a habit I need to break, and I know when I do I'll be able to reach my goal with a little more ease. So today I'm making a promise to not taste test or bite anything. I'm going to only going to eat things I track and thats it.

One day at a time :)

WW Calender day 11

"Learn how you can help families in need. Go to WeightWatchers.com/LoseForGood."

So the lose for good campaign is awesome. During this time how ever much weight WW members lose is how much food (pound wise) WW will donate. The best part it is goes by center location. So if during the month my center loses 1000 lbs, WW will donate 1000 lbs of food to a local food bank. Also you can always bring in non-perishable foods to a center too.

Ok so off topic today is 9/11 a very significant day here in the USA. Its a day when so many lost their life because of hatred. I can still remember the day it happened, where I was, what I was doing, and freaking out because my Mom and sister where so close to it all.

Now that my kids are 10 and 7, they are learning about it in school. Justin has been asking all kinds of questions about it, because he has been to NY before and my mom is only about 2 hours from NYC. So this is a place Justin is familiar with, and knowing something so senseless and tragic happened there is hitting home a bit for him.

Today is a day to remember those who took a risk to save others, those who lost their lives, and to keep all the families of loved ones lost in our hearts and prayers.

USA United we Stand United we Stay!

WW Calender day 10

"Feeling full but bored? Choose activity or water rather then food. Activelink Make every move count."

I will so eat out of boredom, its such a bad habit and I'm happy to say I'm winning the war on this one. Its also a habit I see in Mick and the kids and I'm stopping it with them now. I tell them to grab some water or go outside and play. Something rather then eat when I know they all ready had a snack or meal and they are just bored.

Most of the time when you think your hungry anyways your really thirsty so water is a good option. I know for me finding something to distract myself is always good. So WW has this new toy called Activelink and yes I got one. It track all your movements and figures out how much AP's you earn a day just from your normal day to day activity's. Then it challenges you to move more, not workout more (all though that's always a plus) but just move more in general. Being active is more then working out 3 days a week (or what ever your doing). Activelink is a cool way to see your whole day and what you did. Are you as active as you thought? or are you way more active then you thought you were? For me.....I have no idea YET!

When you first get it you have to do an assessment week. You wear the Activelink for 8 days, all day each day. You don't change anything you do, just do what you normally would do, don't add anything new and don't try to do more then what you normally would do. After the 8 days it tells you how much you move just doing your normal day to day stuff. This becomes your base line. The level of activity you know you can hit every day, now the challenge.....go above that base, basically move more through out your day and earn some AP's.

Right now I still have 5 day to go so Ill let you know what it says when I'm done. Its really hard not being able to track any of my activity for now and not seeing it is driving me crazy. Its also really hard to not do more, I want a good reading but I don't want to do more and then not be able to get to base each day.

So bottom line GET OFF YOUR BUTT :)

1 year ago today....

I joined WW and started this blog. WOW how time can fly!

I cant believe its been a year all ready, and I cant believe how much my attitude has changed, my eating has changed, the number on the scale has changed, all of it has changed. All for the better :)

I feel pretty good right now, I feel like I have accomplished something amazing. So last year Sky danced at a street festival and I got one of these....

Yesterday I got one again. I think its going to be my yearly reward at this festival. It was just as good as I remember last year and still worth the points. Here is a Link to the post from last year. It was crazy to re-read my first 2 post. Wow how things has changed :)

WW Calender day 9

"Are you going to your Weight Watchers meeting this week? Plan to stay for some motivation."

My meeting days are Fridays, and yes I always plan on going and staying. I love my meetings, I love the people in my meeting group. They are all supportive and we all know, no matter where we are in our own personal journey, we are all in the same boat. I also LOVE my leader. She is amazing, super supportive, and is always pushing me to do better. Meetings are not for everyone though and that's fine too. One thing though, whether you go to meetings or not, is we all need support. Just making sure you get the support you need somewhere is important to success.

For me my meetings are my "ME" time. Its the 30min a week I take for myself with no questions asked. I get to be re-energized, have my WI and see how I did for the week. I get to see friends who get "it" and totally understand my feelings and struggles when it comes to losing weight. I also love the rewards :) I'm such a sucker for some recognition. My 10% key ring hangs on the rear view mirror in my car with my 2 16week clapping hands and my 25 and 50 lb ring hanging on it. I love seeing it and touching it and having it be my reminder of how far I have come and that I can do this.

Yes I'm planing on going to my meeting and yes I will stay for the whole thing, cause I'm that important and worth it to get the motivation.

WW Calender day 8

"What a great day to go to a farmers market and buy fresh vegetables. Add them to every meal."

I love the Farmers Market! Today we just happened to be going to one because Sky and I were both dancing with our dance studio at a street festival. This farmers market happened to be the same day in its usually spot just outside the street festival. So after all the dancing we walk walked around the festival and on the way back to the car we hit the Farmers Market. I could spend so much there but we didn't.

Tomorrow is another one that I really like maybe we will wake up early and hit that one. We do need some fruit and veggies in the house :)

WW Calender day 7

"Vary your routine today by earning activity points in a new place or by taking a different route."

Hhhhmmmm a new way? I think I'll have the kids do this one with me. Our school is only a mile from our home but with a 7 and 10 year old sometimes a mile can be a very long walk. So I think today we will try something new. We will park at the library and walk to school from there. Its only about 2 blocks but it will have us walk a different way and we all will get some exercise in. I also have WI today so I'm thinking I'll squeeze some more activity by parking at the top of the parking garage by my WW center and walking the whole way down.

Also later today I'm going to do some yoga, I haven't done yoga in a wile and since its a rest day from running yoga would be a nice change.

What way will you get more activity in?

WW Calender Day 6

"Always eat breakfast. Get that metabolism going!"

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we have all heard that, but...... how many of you really eat it?

I know for me I used to NEVER eat breakfast. When I was a kid I would have cereal or something, but once I hit JR high and my mornings were a "do it yourself" kind, I never ate. I make sure my kids eat, but up in till a few months ago I was still having a hard time eating in the morning. I'm not a big breakfast person anyways (unless someone else is making it for me hehe). So now even if I'm not in the mood, I still have my coffee and a piece of fruit. At least its something and I'm getting my metabolism going and ready for the day.

Now that I started my half marathon training, all the articles I have read about proper training stress how a good breakfast is key to a long run. My body is going to need fuel to burn, but its going to need the right fuel. So today I had a good breakfast and I feel good already about it. I had a WW smart one. It was Waffles (wheat) with turkey sausage, and I had about  6 big strawberry's with it.

 It filled me up, I got a fruit serving in, and the waffles are a good complex carb which is what you need for running (and yes I had my coffee too, I'm a big coffee person and need that good wake up in the AM). The other thing to remember is your tummy needs time to digest it all too. So I'm passing the time blogging to let my body do its thing before I jump on the treadmill for 30 min.

I think the main thing I need to remember (ok we all need to remember) is that we need to eat to lose weight / keep the weight off. If we are skipping breakfast our metabolism cant start and that's what really helps us lose weight. So for the sake of reaching my goal, I think I can eat breakfast every morning.

So what did you eat for breakfast?

(this was so not a plug for smart ones, but it really was what I had. I'll buy smart ones every now and then when I know I wont have much time to cook, or that I know me so well and that I'm really lazy in the morning :P)

WW Calender

Every month at the last WI of the month my leader Joeann, give is us these cute WW inspired calenders. Each day has a message/thought for the day. I always look at it and think about it but I have never blogged about them or really put alot of heart in to each one. I decided this month I really want to do each one full out. So since it is the 5th all ready Im going to post the first 5 days. Then each day I will post the thought/question/change for the day. Do what you want with them but Im going to really try to implement them and then blog about my thoughts.

Sept 1st = A new month bring new opportunities. What is your weight loss goal for Sept?
   ME: My weight loss goal for Sept is to not have a gain bigger then 1lb at any WI. Im hoping to not have a gain at all but Im being realistic, because gains do happen sometimes even when you do it all right.

Sept 2nd = Plan ahead for the week. Make a shopping list of healthy foods.
   ME: I actually did this today (cause IM going shopping tomorrow) I printed out some new recipe's to try and made my list. All the recipe's have veggies in them so I know I will be getting at least 2 GHG's in at dinner.

Sept 3rd = Eating out this Holiday? Ask for a to-go container when you order and pack up half your portion before you begin to eat.
   ME: This is always a great idea. I didn't eat out this weekend though so I haven't had a chance to impalement this one, but I will keep it in mind.

Sept 4th = How could the Lose for Good campaign motivate you to achieve your goal?
    ME: click on the link to learn more about the LFG, it definitely will help me stay motivated because the weight I lose will have WW's buying food for someone in need. The more I lose the more people will get to eat, not to mention I plan on bringing in food to my WW center by the end of the month. It will be as many pound as I have lost in the month.

Sept 5th = Pay yourself a compliment today. Place real value on the power of positive self talk.
   ME: I look cute today. I fit in to this cute little sweater a friend gave me a wile ago and that made me feel grate. I wore it with some jeans a cute purple tank. I felt good in it and Mick even gave me a complement about how he loved the layers on me :) Yep I looked good today!

What about you?

2 steps forward 1 big step backwards

Ok so its not that big of a deal, but I had a gain last fri :( a pretty big one too. 5.2lbs.

I knew it was coming, I planed it (it was our 10 year wedding anniversary and we went to Santa Cruz over night) It was fun and I had the best time with my hubby all to my self. Even though I planed on not counting my points that weekend, the weekend turned in to the whole week. So 5.2lbs isn't so bad (I have friends that can gain way more then that in just a few days, every ones body is different) but any gain still leaves a sting.

Some times I just feel like its 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Ether way I'm still going in the direction I want, it might be slow getting to goal but I will get there.

In other Christal related news......Today was the first day of my 20 week training program for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon!! I ran outside today instead of on my treadmill and did pretty good. I was a bit slower outside but not by much. I feel so good!! Now I need to be really on top of what I eat cause I feel it when I'm not eating good y runs feel hard. I will definitely be posting more about each run, especially my long run days (7 miles seems so far).

Happy Dance!!

1.4lbs going this week for an amazing total of 65.4 lbs GONE!!!!! and I'm out of the 190's!!!!!

I'm so excited right now I cant even put it in words. Today is also mine and Micks 10th wedding anniversary :) what a awesome day it has been. We are going away for the weekend with out the kids and I'm trying really hard to pre plan my food and treats but I don't think I'm really going to worry to much about it. I want to just have a relaxing weekend with my hubby. Sometimes the plan just needs to take a break, but then you need to get right back on it. That's my plan for the weekend especially since we are going to Santa Cruz again :)

Anyways WWWOOOHHHOOO 65.4 lbs GONE BABY!!

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 189.6
Goal weight: 145
Total lost: 65.4, 44.6lbs to go till goal weight :)
Only 146 days till the Tinkerbell Half Marathon.

Running

I'M so excited right now....and sweaty really sweaty, but so excited. Now that I have a treadmill in my house I really want to use it as much as possible and I do have to admit not having to run in the sun and hot weather is such a nice perk of owing one.

I also want to challenge myself. I have always (since I began running) worried about my time for some reason. Now that the Tinkerbell half is only 4 month out and my training for it starts in 2 week have really been worried about my time. You have to have a pace of 16 min a mile. I can do that I know I can. Right now I feel I can easily run a mile in 11-12 min, and keep that pace for a long time, but I still want to be faster. I know that's kinda crazy but the idea of being able to run one whole mile in 10min has always seemed so out of reach and for some reason I want it.

Till today :),  I ran a whole mile in 9 min and 59 sec!!! I was going 6 miles per hour and OMG was it a work out, after that I slowed down to 5.5 miles per hour for another mile but man it felt good to finally run that fast and not be completely done. I still went for a whole nother mile it was so cool! SO it took me 21 min to run 2 miles today and I feel so good right now.

Now I'm going to drink some nice cold ice water and take a shower cause I feel so sweaty its kinda gross :)

On another off topic note, Skyla had her last show for Wiz of OZ and next moth her and I are auditiong for A Christmas Carol, I used to love doing plays in high school and have really missed it. Doing this one with Sky would be so fun, so wish us luck and I will let you know what happends :)

Happy Birthday to...

ME. Today is my birthday and it has been an amazing day :)

I got my treadmill that I have been using all week, my new phone with the awesome WW apps that have made staying OP wile we are out super easy. The best part..........

..........
..........
.....
...
..
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I LOST 4 LBS THIS WEEK!!!!! 4 flipping pounds!!!!

I almost cried at my WI it really caught me off guard, I wasn't expecting it at all. I mean I was really OP this week and figured I would have a loss but not 4 lbs. I have lost a total of 64 lbs and I'm 6lbs away from weighing what I did when I met Mick at the ripe old age of 18 :)

Wow that's crazy to think I'm 31 years old today and I'm 6 lbs from the weight I was when I was 18 years old CRAZY! I'm so excited and feel amazing. Best Birthday ever :)

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 191
Goal weight: 145
Total gone: 64
Only 46 lbs to goal :)
Only 153 days till the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in Disneyland!!

WI and being spoild

On fri I lost 1.8 lbs and have finally lost 60 lbs total :). I'm only 50 lbs from my goal, I'm so excited it feels right there. My birthday is also this fri (so WI will be cool) my super sweet hubby got me a awesome bday gift.

He found it at a garage sale and its perfect! It works great and is in amazing condition, its only 2 years old and the lady who had it took really good care of it. It folds up so it doesn't take to much room and Mick put it right in the living room for me by the TV, so I can walk/run and watch TV lol. He also got me this...

A new phone!! A 4G android phone and its awesome, I have my Weight Watchers apps on it and its so cool. A huge upgrade from what I did have. Mick is so sweet and is always trying to spoil me, I am one lucky girl that's for sure :)
Love you sweety and thank you for my awesome b-day gifts your the best, I LOVE YOU!!

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 195
Goal weight: 145
Total gone: 60
Tinkerbell Half Marathon in 156 Days!!!

Its me!!!

Mick tells me all the time now that I need to be in more pics, because I don't have enough images of me at this weight. So he has taken it upon him self to get me at random points and times. Here are two he got over the last few days.

Going to the beach

Going to Santa Cruz in my new size 14 Capri's and Large size tank from old navy :)

OOO and the other day I made a awesome 6 point breakfast I just had to share....

2 point iced coffee, half a cantaloupe, a 3 egg white and cheese omelet with onions and tomato's mmmm it was so yummy.

Yesterday Skyla and Mick went for a Daddy Daughter day so Justin took full advantage of just me and him. He asked me if we could go to the skate park down the street. Then he tells me "Its not that far mom you should run wile I ride my scooter". So I did, little did I know it was a whole mile from my house and it was like 75' outside. I was HOT!! Then we get to the park and there were to many teenagers Justin was a bit out of his league. We ran back home so I could get my debit card, then we walk the 1.5 mile round trip to 711 to get Justin a Slurpee. :) it was hot but it was fun and I'm glad I listen to Justin and got a good work out in.

It so nice to know

so many people check my blog. I have had friends come up to me or just make comments about things they read on this blog ( no one really comments on here so I wasn't sure if anyone read any of this) :). Its so nice to know people are reading my blog. I had one friend tell me that I help to inspire her to join WW and to get back on track, that felt really good! Its make all my venting about bad weeks and bragging (yep I brag happily) about my good weeks feel that much more worth it to me. I have had so many stories of other peoples success inspire me that it feels really good to do the same for someone else.

So last fir I had a awesome WI I lost 4.2 lbs!!!! I lost all the weight I gained plus 0.6. I was so excited and it helped me to get back on my game. This week I did really good too I lost .6 again (after a big loss last week I didn't expect much this week, but hay at least the scale went in the right direction). It feels so good I feel like I'm finally back in a grove. Mick was even home for 3 day this week and I still did what I needed to. Its definitely getting easier, Micks munching habits are becoming easier to not follow. I'm also finding the will power to stick to my treats instead of his (which I'm usually not a big fan of anyways, I would just eat it because he was). Mick is also.....slowly......but also learning to stop asking me if I want things or commenting on things. Such as at Great America......

Me: I'm having such a hard time being OP, I'm so glad we brought our lunch and I planed funnel cake for a treat later. I'm sticking to my plan for today!!
Mick: You know what you need to do, so just do it stop whining. You have this babe!
Me: thanks sweety. I love you.
Mick: love you too.

5 min later.....

Mick: let go in the candy store.
Me: ok
Mick: kids pick out 1 treat, Christal do you want something?
Me: no I'm good (as I walk with Mick wile he looks for what he wants)
Mick: are you sure?
Me: Yes I'm sure.
Mick: come on they have chocolate......O look babe Carmel apples your fave!
Me: NO I don't want anything, I'm having some funnel cake later. I'm good.
Mick: Ok......are you really sure they have York peppermint patty's.
Me: Mick SHUT UP! I love you but really shut up. I'm fine, get yours and the kids stuff and lets go.
Mick: (gives me a hug) I'm sorry I just like spoiling you.
Me: I know but please stop, man your like a drug dealer HAHAHAHA!
Mick: HAHAHAHA I know I'm sorry.

Buy our stuff, walk out of the store and.......

Mick: Want a sweet cream Pretzel? You love those.
Me: Really?!! (walks away)

Hours later at the funnel cake stand....

Me: Mick what do you want?
Mick: Just one with strawberry's.
Me: Ok........(I order 2 funnel cakes with strawberry's, and go back to our table with them)
Mick: Why are there only 2? I thought you planned to have one?
Me: I did but I really cant eat a whole one so I'm going to share with the kids.
Mick: Ok....Is that enough for your guys?
Me: O yeah, these things are huge.

Me and the kids eat our funnel cake, I have about 1/4 of it and let them have the rest. Just enough for my sweet tooth with out going over board.

Mick: you want some of mine?
Me: No thanks sweety, I'm full and have had just enough, finish up so we can go on more rides :)
Mick: come on help me finish this.
Me: DRUG DEALER!!!!!!
Mick: HAHAHAHA I'm sorry never mind, back off my funnel cake women!!! LOL

O how I love my hubby, He is my biggest supporter and the biggest food pusher ever LOL. He means well. At least he is learning, he doesn't ask to much any more and when I say no, No is becoming no.

I cant help but smile as I typed that story, It felt good to stick to my plan and it totally paid off weight wise, but its also those moments that make me love my life and who I get to spend it with.

OK so back to WW!!! This weekend we are going to Santa Cruz and I'm all ready planing my food. I know I need to put at least 10-15 points aside for something sweet, deep fried and covered in sugar (possibly chocolate too we will have to see) LOL. Come on its the Boardwalk! I am planning on bringing our lunch though so that will help, and I'm going to make a good egg white omelet with veggies tomorrow morn, with fruit. A good breakfast always starts the day off right. Here's to a OP weekend :)

Stats:
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 196.6
Goal Weight: 140
Total Lost: 58.4 :) only 1.6lbs to go till I hit my 60 lbs mark!!!

Getting back on track

This week has been much better then the last few. I have really stayed OP all week and it has felt really good. I didn't workout like I would like but one thing at a time right. I have really just need to slow down and take one thing at a time, and it has so worked. I'm actually excited for my WI tomorrow. I just hope I'm back to where I was. I'm all ready getting my plan together for next week, and hoping if I really stick to it I could hit my 60lb goal next fri :)

That would be so cool!!! I need to just stick to what I know and be on it. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes :)

On a totally unrelated note check out this cute cake I made last week

Making so many cakes lately and having to smell cake and frosting and sugar.....my sweet tooth has really not been a prob....the smells kinda make me sick now LOL. Don't forget about my other blog Homesweethomecakery.blogspot.com You can check out all my cakes and I do take orders :)

Not my self :(

For some reason I just haven't felt like myself and I haven't been completely OP and its really getting to me now. I had a small gain this week and this is the first time I have ever had 3 WIs of nothing. My mom was here and I planed on a gain, so that wasn't bad. Then the next week Mick was home and we were all over the place, I was pretty OP and had a maintain. This week I just wasn't with it. I felt off, I tried to stay OP but had a some slip ups. The result?..... A .8 lb gain :(

Luckily I have a awesome leader and after I WI she could tell I wasn't feeling it. SO she came and sat with me and we talked. She chuckled and asked if this was the first time this has happened (a few week of nothing) I told her yeah and kinda laughed too. This is my first big struggle, I knew it was coming, I know these happen and I know the closer I get to my goal the more they will happen. Still doesn't stop the sting of going through it, but Joann said to just keep going. "Take it one minute at a time till one hour at a time seems due able, then take it a hour at a time till one day seems due able, just keep going, keep pushing and you will get there". Its nice knowing I have a great leader who gets it, This is why I go to my meetings the support is amazing.


So as of right now I have my head together. I'm staying OP today, I have my meals all planed out and just got TONS of fruit in the house. So I have plenty of zero point snacks. We are heading up to my Aunts tonight (who I haven't seen in so long, I cant wait to see her and my cousins!!) Not sure what food we will be having but I'm thinking of bringing some and I will have my WP's to use too, So I'll be ok.. Best part is tomorrow we are going to a lake all day with them, we are going to swim and kayak all day. I'm taking full advantage of this. Hopefully I can rack up some big AP's. I'm also bringing my laptop so I can have my e-tools handy. So that's my goal for the weekend and I think if I can stick to that I can handle the rest of my week ok too.

Stalemate

I feel like I'm at a stand still right now. I have done really good watching my points all week till yesterday. I didn't go over board but I did eat some of my activity points which I never do. So technically according to WW's I'm still OP, but for me I'm not, I don't lose when I eat my activity points unless I have earned a huge amount (like 65 for the week).

I did stretch out my WP this week too, and ate the last of them yesterday, so I have been doing really good. I peeked on the scale again and it was up even though I have been OP. It just seems so hard to stay completely on track like I know I should be to lose weight. Its also so hard to not peek on the scale to see how I'm doing.....I think I need to have mick hide my scale from me.

Self sabotages is so easy to do and so HARD to get out of. I know I'm OP, I'm not in the red and its only Tue. I still have 3 days till WI so I can always do some activity to amp it up. For some reason though I don't feel like I'm on track. I'm half way to my goal and its hasn't been easy but this last half seems so hard. I knew it would get harder as I got closer, but its all me that's making it hard. I really want to be down to 175 or so when our big recital comes in October for dance. That's another 25 lbs (or so) to go.

Another thing, is working out is so hard. Its summer and I love having the kids home, but it makes it hard to do the workouts I want. We have gone to Great America a few times (we bring our lunch so being OP is easy) and we do get LOTS of walking. We have been swimming a handful of times, sadly the weather isn't cooperating with me and its hasn't been warm enough to swim in our freezing cold pool that often. On the weekends we have gone for walks, I got to go Kayaking with a friend at Lake Chabot for 2 hours which was a blast!! I just wish I could run more then I do, but summer doesn't last forever and I do love having the kids home. So I can give up my running for a few more weeks. I mean I will be running alot pretty soon when my training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon starts.

Things don't always work out how we want, but I know if I just keep going I will get there its just getting there that is hard sometimes. It is nice to see how far I have come though :)

Update

So my mom was here last week and I didn't really count points. It wasn't to bad It was nice to just enjoy her here and not worry about tracking. I did have a 2.6 lb weight gain and I was ok with that. This week hasn't been any easier. Mick has been home for 5 days on vacation and we have been out all day everyday. I'm totally expecting another gain this week and once again I'm ok with it.

It summer time and its not so easy to be completely OP when people or visiting or your on vacation. Sometimes to have to let go (a bit don't go overboard) and just have fun. One fun thing we got to do was go to Great America (I love having season passes). I finally got to take my pic with snoopy :)

Here is last years 6/11

I was HUGE!!!

Here was the pic we took on Monday.....

Now I really don't feel to bad taking 2 weeks off, so to say, from being OP. Man check out my kids boy do they grow fast in a year hehehe.

Heres a side by side :).....my new fave pic!!

Now taking Cake orders :)

My best friend and I decided to go in to business together and started a small at home bakery. You can check out or cakes and goodies at the Home Sweet Home Cakery blog, and even place orders with us at Home Sweet Home e-mail, Please feel free to pass our info on to any and all. :)

Thanks,
Star and Christal

And another one bites the dust!

Another pound that is!! I feel like I'm on a roll lately its so nice!!! I lost .8 this week (almost a pound) and Ill take it!

Mick (my sweetie pie hubby) and I were talking today at his lunch and he gave me a big hug and said he was so proud of me. Its always nice to hear the support. I told him this is the smallest I have been since the kids have been born (who are 10 and soon to be 7 years old now, so its been a LONG time).

Mick said it was crazy to think that, then he said "pretty soon you'll be at the weight you where when we meet" (187). I told him yep and I cant wait, then I saw this look on his face, so I asked him what he was thinking. He said "We are going in to uncharted territory! I cant imagine you being smaller then that?" I laughed and said "what are you going to do when the day comes and I weight 150?" he just laughed and said very lovingly "I cant tell you the kids are in the room" We both cracked up and he gave me another hug and told me again how proud of me he is.

Its so nice to have an amazing support system at home. Mick and the kids are so into it with me and encourage me like no one else. Support is key to weight loss, it makes a huge difference. Best part is Mick and the kids are on my eating habits and their taste in things has changed too. We always have fresh fruit and veggies in the house, and surprisingly our food bill has gone down a lot.

Another thing I'm really excited about, is my Mom will be here tomorrow night :)!!!!! I cant wait to see her and my super cute nephew. My mom has been my other big supporter (so has my BFF Star, shes amazing) I text my mom after every WI on Fri right before my meeting starts. I have been giving her all my updates and stats every Fir, and she always text or calls me back with something encouraging to say. She is always there to listen, even when I called her crying after my first gain and my first big gain, and when I called crying cause I was out of the 200's :) she is the best!

I haven't seen my Mom in a year, almost a year to the day. So this reunion is going to be so cool, last time she saw me I was at my highest weight 260. Now I'm going to be so much smaller, I'm so excited to see her reaction. I haven't sent her pics or anything, so this is going to be fun.

This is my motto lately, and it is so true.....

Keep going :)

Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 197.8
Goal weight: 145
Total lost: 57.6

McDonalds

Yep it doesn't matter where you live you all know those golden arches and what they mean....fatty food, lots of deep fried things, some of the highest calorie ice cream you can find. Yet knowing all this still does stop people (or me) from eating it.

and when you have gone so long with out it...... well sometimes it is rewarding to have some. I had a busy day and night for that matter and I didn't get home till 8:30pm. So I had to find something for dinner. Mick thankfully went to McDonalds and got dinner for him and this kids, but not me cause I always pass on fast food now. Well there wasn't anything in the house for me to really make a meal out of (I need to go shopping). So my sweet hubby got his shoes on and told me he was going back to McDonalds to get me dinner (its right across the street from my house....yeah Ouch!). I told him No but he went anyways. He got my old fave a 2 cheese burger meal with a Dr Pepper and he even got me a Rolo Mcflurry (OMG what was he thinking). It all looked really good....and I was really hungry.

I ate my fries first, and they were so yummy, then I had 1 of the cheese burgers and my McFlurry. I put it all in my etools and was pleasantly surprised. I was still OP!!! I had 17 DP left for the day and 18 WP I totally forgot I had!! My dinner was yummy and I feel every point was worth it. Sometime you just have to have that "I'm probably going to end up in the ER" meal. The best part for me was the first bite was just as satisfying as the last, and now I'm over it. I enjoyed it but I enjoy my fresh meals way more. No to mention it has made me feel really sluggish and is kinda weighing heavy in my stomach, good thing its almost bed time. :)

The Point........Indulge, once in a wile as long as its worth it. We are not perfect and never will be, so eat it be done and move on.

Yep it was good :)

HELLO ONE-DERLAND!!!!

I did it, I officially am out of the 200's!!!! This week I was on the money, I was so on top of it and it paid off. Now I am so determined to NEVER see that scale ever say 200 anything again. I even went to Great America ( a theme park for those who don't know what it is) and a Baseball game (wwooohhhooo GO OAKLAND!) and I totally stayed OP all day. I used all my DP and only 7 of my WP, plus I earned 6 AP today. I feel so good and on top of the world.

I cant stop smiling :)

Stats....
Starting weight: 255
Current Weight: 198.6
Goal Weight: 145
Total Loss: 56.4 LBS!

Its Official....

Im registerd for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon!! Cant wait for Jan and the fun time it will be running through Disneyland. Im so excited!!!

Keep going...

Its so hard to keep up this journey sometimes. I have lost 55 lbs so far and reached a big goal for me. On friday I weighed 200 lbs on the dot. That was a nice feeling! It gave me the drive to keep going, but at the same time I'm getting frustrated.

There is a reason WW's tells you to only weight in 1x a week, its mainly because your weight changes everyday all day and trying to weigh in at the same time and same day each week will give you the best judge of weight loss. I on the other hand (like most I'm sure) have a bad habit of "peeking" at the scale all week long. This is where my frustration is coming from.

I want to see that scale read in the 100's so bad, that everyday since friday I have been peeking each morning. I have been doing really good with my DP and WP and have not gone over. I have been getting some exercise in (even went swimming yesterday for 2 hours with the kids), but that darn scale isn't going in the direction I want. It has gone up but it usually does on the weekend cause I eat most of my WP on fri, sat, and sunday. SO that's to be expected, this week I have been really good and tried to spread my WP out longer and I did. I used the last of them yesterday.

Now I only have my 30 DP each day for the rest of the week. I'm ok with that I just really want to see the scale go down!!! I know I will get there as long as I keep going, but sometimes its just so hard, I want the results I want now!! That isn't going to happen so on with sucking it up and just Keep going!

On another note, registration for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon opens today!!! Im so excited to sign up and start my half marathon training. Im going for a run today after Mick gets home from work, now that the kids are on summer break running has to be done when Mick gets home, the kids love riding their bikes and scooters but when I have them do 2-3 miles with me, without stopping.....yeah they don't like it to much hehe.

Stats......
Starting weight: 255.0
Current weight: 200.0 HALF WAY TO GOAL!!!
Goal Weight: 145.0

Mini goal REACHED!!!!

At WI yesterday I hit s big goal for me. I lost 4.2 lbs this week reaching my 55lb mark. I now weigh 200 lbs on the dot!! Onederland will be mine next week for sure :).

Best part of reaching this mini goal I get to go shopping for a bag with this logo...

O YEAH BABY, it will soon be mine (next week when we get paid lol) I cant wait to go shopping I have wanted a Coach purse forever (but could never justify paying so much for one) and now I finally feel I deserve to get one. Next mini goal is 25 lbs away and I get matching Coach sunglasses :). Still not sure what to go for my goal weight prize, I'm thinking a Disney cruse........

WI today

I had WI today and I'm so happy I lost the 3.8 I gained last week and another .6 this week for a total of 4.4 for the week!! I'm so close to being out of the 200's I could cry. I'm determined to work my butt off to lose this last 3 bls and be in Onederland!!!

Mother Nature

sometimes is not very nice.

*****WARNING****
this post is going to probably be TMI (to much info) but it is whats going on with me that every women has to deal with :)

SO all last week I just felt, for lack of a better word.....Crappy! I was tired, had no desire to do anything, and felt hungry ALL the time. I didn't have any motivation to work out so.....I didn't. I stayed with in my DP and WP for the first few days, then I was eating more hear the there (not totally overboard but not OP). I knew I was going to have a gain and I just didn't feel right and I just didn't care. So I went to WI and had a 3.8 lb gain. Not surprising considering it was that TOM, and I ate a very high salt dinner the night before. That gain SUCKED!!! I could have done so much to stop it, I could have pushed myself out of the funk I was in, but I didn't. I let me self get consumed. The gain so much didn't bother me, it was how I felt that was really getting to me.

So its been a whole week since (WI tomorrow) and I still didn't do everything I should have this week. I didn't really work out, but I did track. I got all my GHG in and did do lost of walk around over the weekend at Great America. Hopefully the scale will be a little nice to me tomorrow, but if not, I have no one to blame but myself.

It is so hard to do what your supposed to all the time every time. Then when something comes up and makes you feel crappy its really hard to pull out of it, and sometimes you just don't want to. All I can say to that is sometimes a brake is good. Its felt good not worrying so much, and being so "on top of it all"......NOW I'm ready to be back on track. I'm still counting my DP and tomorrow my new week starts. I worked out today and I have dance tonight. Tomorrow I'm working out again and going running sat. Tomorrow starts a new week and a chance to get out of my funk and push through it. I'm so close to my first goal of being out of the 200's and I feel refocused.

I WILL GET THERE!!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I got my 50 lb ring!!! I lost 2.2 on Fri. I need to take a pic of my ring to show you, but trust me its pretty cool. I'm so excited 50 lbs is the most I have ever lost. Now I'm going to go way past that, I feel so empowered and really ready to finally get rid of this weight. The smallest I can remember weighing was when I met my cute hubby Mick. I weighed 185 lbs then (that was back when I was 18 and in 1999) yeah I'm dating myself here for those who don't know hehe.

Anyways I don't remember being any smaller then that, I never really paid attention till then. Now that weight seems so in reach and I'm excited/scared to go lower then that. I think the last time I was at my goal weight (145) I was like 12 years old. Its crazy but feels so achievable now, not just a far off dream. Its really starting to sink in that I can do this.

Like I said, I have lost 50 lbs before so this felt like "OK I did it again", but now its going in to uncharted territory and it feels do-able, but I really am kinda scared. I guess it just because I don't know what to expect from myself. I still haven't taken pics of me out anywhere. I'm saving that for when my Mom comes in June. Also we are going to Disneyland in July and I want to get a family pic again, in the same spot as our first trip to see the difference. I can see changes in the mirror which is nice and I can definitely see it when I work out, or just do something physical.

All I can do is take it one step at a time, it might be a slow crawl but I will get there soon enough, I just have to keep going.

Stats:
Staring weight: 255
Current weight: 204.4
Goal weight: 145
Total loss: 50.6 lbs!!

m

Tinkerbell Half

OMG!!! I am so excited I just found out that registration for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon will open June 12th! I cant wait to sign up, I have been waiting for this for so long!!! I just want to register and know I'm really going.

So if you go to the Tinkerbell web site you can have a reminder e-mail set up, they will email u as soon as registration opens (yes mine is all ready set up) :D

I CANT WAIT!!!!! WOOHOOO 13.1 mile run through Disneyland O yeah I'm so there!

Awesome WI

On fri I weighed in and lost 3.2 lbs!!!! I'm down 48.4 lbs and only 1.6 from my 50 lbs goal. 50lbs is the most I have ever lost before, and I'm so excited cause Onederland is right there. I cant wait to some day soon see that scale be in the one hundreds instead of the 2's. And it will happen very soon :)

Stats:
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 206.6
Goal weight: 145
Total Lost: 48.4 :)

Halfway.....almost

So I'm pretty much to my halfway point and (after finding before pics) I decided to was time to take some new ones so I can look back and see how far I have come. So I'm doing one of the hardest things I can by posting some pics.

Why be so afraid right? I have come along way, but I do have to admit its a bit embarrassing to see these pics and  know that was me just 7 months ago.......CRAZY!

So..........


..........................................


.....................................................


.....................O yeah I'm making you wait...............................


.............................................................................

OK................................................ here...................................................


Christal Before at 255lbs in Sept 2011................................Christal Halfway point at 209lbs April 2012

WOW! yeah that's pretty much all I can say. Besides I went down from a size 20/22 to a 16 now, and looking at these pics I notice how little my head used to look compared to my body........you see it now don't you? Man I looked weired!!!! Ok so be honest what do you think?

Struggle's

aaaahhhhh that horrible word we never want to say about anything, but truth is no matter how long or how much you love something eventually you will struggle with it.

Mine right now (if you can believe it) is running. I love running I really do, but lately the excuses of why I "cant" or "don't have time" to go are, coming easier and easier. I also have been slacking in my tracking, I just haven't been as on top as I should be. I'm doing good weight wise, I'm having small losses BUT I could be doing much better......and I know it!

Summer is right on top of us and I really want to be at my first big goal of being out of the 200's. As of today I'm 9.8lbs from that. I haven't been under 200lbs since before we decided to have Sky and that was 7 years ago!!!!!! On a cool NSV (non scale victory) I found a box of old cloths from that time and some of it fits me now :) and some I will be in too soon :D. I love when stuff like that happens.

OK back to struggles........how do you pull your self out of it? How do you just push threw it? How do you find the strength to remind yourself your worth all the sweat and tears that goes in to it?

Those questions are the answers, even though at times I don't believe it, or believe in myself, the dark clouds do pass, but I have to Push through, Pull myself out, and let the tears and sweat come no matter how hard or long it takes. Its not easy and it never will be but I am worth it and I need to keep proving it everyday.

So my list of goals for the week:
1) Run at least 4 days this week
2) Track EVERYTHING I put in my mouth
3) Stay with in my DP and WP
4) Say at least one positive thing to myself everyday
5) Wake up and smile first thing before I even get out of bed.

I love my little quotes I get off Pintrest and this one just seems so fitting for this week :)

Almost there!!!

I'm almost out of the 200's!!!!! I lost 2.5lbs this week and am so close too my first big goal. Right now I weigh 209 and have lost 46 lbs total :). 9lbs to go till I hit my goal and get my fist goal prize, a COACH purse!!! and at that point Ill be just over half way to my goal weight. I'm so excited, it hasn't been easy but it has been so worth it.

Also I cant wait till our next Disneyland trip in July. I have been looking at our old pics and I cant wait to see the change, I haven't been taking any pics of myself at all so summer will be fun when we hit theme parks and stuff :)


Stats
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 209
Goal Weight:  145
Total lost: 46 pounds

Sunshine

We finally got some and it felt good to play in it.

This week the kids are on spring break. Luckily yesterday and today has been amazingly nice. We went for a nice walk in the Japanese Garden not far from us and I took the opportunity to take some great pics of the kids. I needed to get a head shot of Sky for her up coming audition (shes auditioning for a play, The Wizard of Oz). It was so much fun walking around and looking at everything, and taking tons of pics. Not to mention a hour of non stop walking was a great way to rack up some activity points.

Today was just as nice :), so I had to get my running in and I brought the kids with me. They rode their scooters wile I ran and we banged out 3 miles together. They did so good, no complaints and even had a bit of energy to play at the park when we were done. Ever since they have been really quiet and not moving much :D hehehe.

It was also really nice when I had this women come up to me and say "good job mom! I was watching you run and think its great you have the kids joining you, more kids need to be that active" I told her "Thank you, I try" and she patted me on the back and said "well keep it up, they will love you for it when they are older and healthy" This short conversation totally made my day. It feels good knowing I'm doing the right thing for me health wise, but also my kids.

Here are some of the pics I took and Sky's head shot, what cha think? aren't they CUTE!!!

The loves of my life....

Cant wait to go back with Mick and get a family shot of this. I think its so cool.

The Cherry blossoms were every where and SO PRETTY!!!!

I love pics like this :)

No sibling picture day is complete with out a ninja fight.

Or just being as goofy as can be.

Here are some I got of Sky that are my FAVES!!!

She looks so grown up :(

Skys head shot :) she is up for Plays, TV, and modeling in case anyone out there is look for a cute girly :)

Run, run , run!!!

So as I said in a older post, I'm doing half marathon training right now. I am doing this program two times back to back. The main reason I'm doing it twice, is I have never ran long distances before. So I'm using this first time around to see how my body reacts, and to try all the little tricks and tips I'm learning to help keep my stamina going and my body from hurting along the way. So far I love GU!!! It really helps with energy, having a few pretzels along the way helps keep some salt in my system so my hands don't swell, and most of all my Nike socks and shoes are a foots dream.

So today loaded with all my "stuff" in my fanny pack, dressed light and wore my shooter sleeves to keep my arms warm, I took off for the longest run I have ever done in my life. It was windy, cold and raining pretty good. When I got out I started to talk myself out of going (I can really be my worst enemy sometimes). As I got going on my warm up walk I decided to run down the street instead of going to the trail (cause it was really windy) and on the street it didn't seem to bad. So I started my run and just kept pushing telling my self to not stop. Once I finally felt like I couldn't keep my legs going, I started walking. To my surprise I had ran 3 miles with out stopping!! During my 1/2 mile walk I ate a few pretzels, had my second GU pack and a small bit of water. I felt GREAT!!! then I happily ran my last two miles for a total of 5.5 miles!!! My legs felt like jello and once I sat my body began to tighten up. I was soaking wet and started to get really cold. The drive home was not easy.

Once I got in I jumped right in the shower to warm up then had a nice long stretch. I feel so good right now, and so amazing that I ran 5 and 1/2 miles, I didn't let anything (even myself) stop me and I couldn't be more proud. I love running! and after today the Tinkerbell Half marathon doesn't seem like such a unreachable goal :).

Back on track :)

SO after my WI last week I was more then determined to do what I was supposed to, to make sure I dropped some weight.

I tracked EVERYTHING I put in my mouth.
I only got to run 1 day but I made the most of it, and I did have dance class.
I made sure to get all my GHG in. Fruit, water and veggies are key.

Most of all I changed my attitude. Its amazing how much we let things we did in the past reflect what we tell our selves we are capable to do in the future. I have a bad habit of letting things I have done keep me from what I'm capable of doing. A big attitude change can help that, its just finding the courage (yes it takes alot of that), the will power, and the determination to change. Once you can do that (and its not easy and you wont always be able to do it), your attitude will change and so will your desire to do what you need to.

That is what I was able to do this last week and it paid off. I was able to lose 4.6 lbs this week :).
I lost the 2.4 I gained last week and another 2.2 on top of that. I couldn't believe it!!! It felt so good, but best of all it gave me the pus to keep going. I can do this, I have been doing this, and NOTHING can stop me. Not only did I get the joy of seeing the scale go down I also tried on some PJ's mick got me for Christmas, they fit but were a bit tight, today they fit amazing and are even a bit baggy :)

So stay strong, and no matter the draw backs keep pushing cause it will happen.

STATS
Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 211.4
Goal weight:     145 :) 66.4 lbs away
Down 43.6 lbs

You know me I love my little quotes....... (thanks pintrest)

A not so good week....

but I owned it and in the end that's all that matters. This past Friday I had a gain, ok so I have had gains before no big deal but this was my biggest gain to date. I had a gain of 2.4lbs!!! Yeah I gained back half of what I lost last week. Alot of things I'm sure played in to it like.....

1) I have a head cold and didn't work out much this week
2) TOM (time of month) came and was really bad, I even had a few small migraines.
3) just felt yucky and not my self all week long

BUT the main thing 4) I didn't track anything I ate this whole week, because I let the above things be my excuse to not track.

I know just by that I was going to have a gain, but I wasn't expecting the huge gain I had. I didn't stay for my meeting, I was working that afternoon so I wanted time to eat lunch and stuff before, but mainly I just wanted out of the building. When I got to my car I cried :( yep I cried like a baby. Once I got it out of my system, I drove to Trader Joes and did some food shopping for low points things and some dinners. I have been tracking my points like a made women this weekend. Still have a head cold, so the stuffy nose and cough is stopping me from running and doing much working out, but I'll be back in no time.

No matter how I got my gain I still needed to own it and most of all move on. I wont lie it hurt and I felt like I totally failed but I refuse to let that sad-putting-myself-down attitude get in my way of the big picture. I have to remind myself that I am worth this, I'm worth the time and effort it takes to do this. Sometimes I don't want to and that's fine too just as long as I own up to it.

You can really do it if you push it!

Today was one of many long run days to com in this half marathon training I'm doing. Today me and Star had to get 4 miles done. We don't have to run them all but we did want to run most. So at 9:30am we started our run, after a good light breakfast and a pack of Gu. We started out with a awesome attitude of getting this done and doing it smart so we didn't kill ourselves hehe. We ran (and talked, surprisingly) the whole way to the 2 mile mark. I could feel I was faster it was really cool. Then we walked 1/2 mile, during which we had some water a few pretzels (for the salt) and cooled down a bit. Then we ran the last 1.5 miles. All in all we ran a full 3.5 miles and walked 1/2 of mile 4. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! We were both so pumped and had so much energy from doing it we walked the mile loop hehe (so technically we walked/ran 5 miles)

This was the farthest so far I have ever ran, and it felt so good. Best part I also beat my best time :D It felt so good to push myself and accomplish something. Next big run in 2 weeks at 5.5 miles :/ kinda intimidating, but I can do it :)

WOW!!!

I'm so excited right now!!!! Mick can be my biggest temptation, He always finds something yummy to eat and I cant help but want some too. This week Mick as been home on vacation, ALL WEEK LONG! Its been so nice just having him to myself wile the kids are at school, but food wise its been a trial of my straight. I'm very proud cause I have done it. I counted everything that went in to my mouth, I weighed all my food, and made wise choices even when we went to breakfast.

My pay off for all that hard work...... -4.6 lbs!!!!!! O yeah baby I lost 4.6lbs for a total of 41.4lbs!!! I'M so excited and so proud of my self.

Stats...
Starting weight: 255
current weight: 213.6
Goal weight: 145

I running in the rain, O Im running in the rain

What a wonderful feeeeeeling, I'm running in the rain.......With Star and Mick :).

Mick is on vacation this whole week and is the best support I could ask for, he is running and working out with me and our friend Star this whole week. Today for the half marathon training we were supposed to do a 2.5 mile run. To our dismay its supposed to rain (and rain hard) this whole week, of course we woke up to a good amount of rain coming down. We all decided it didn't matter we were going running anyways. It was such a fun run, the rain wasn't too bad but enough for us to be soaked, we had way to much fun splashing each other with puddles, and all enjoyed a huge amount of laughs. It was a blast. Cant wait we run again thur and then sat and sunday :) Thank goodness for cloths dryers :P

Also I'm really pumped I have been so on plan its awesome. I have been counting every little thing that goes in my mouth and have been doing really good. I would love a big loss but will take what I can get. I'm so close to being out of the 200's its crazy, but a bad thing is I am getting really comfy where I'm at. I have to get out of that mind set. I'm not at a healthy weight, and I'm still 78.2 lbs away from my goal but being able to shop at target for cloths and bras now really is boosting my self confidence but making me think "O I'm ok now, I'm not as heavy as I was" BAD CHRISTAL BAD!!! I'm not ok and I need to keep going!

There are different hurdles during a weight loss journey, and each one needs to be tacked even the ones where you feel good but are not where you need to be. I'll get there though I just need to keep going.

Here is a awesome fun quote I found on Pintrest.

Running...

SO have I told you all how much I really LOVE running. I don't think I have ever done any type of physical thing that has ever made me feel so strong. Its hard don't get me wrong I can do 3 miles but its rough, lately 2 miles has felt a bit hard. Even with that in mind its still very empowering, I have crazy stamina and it still amazes me cause not so long ago it seemed so out of reach.

As I'm typing this I'm fighting back tears, I have felt so trapped in my body (and life) for so long. Running gives me a outlet and a way to prove to myself that I'm stronger then I knew and then others give me credit for. Its a very emotional/spiritual thing for me. I love being out doors in all kinds of weather and just being in awe of all that Heavenly Father has created. I have seen some amazing beautiful things on my runs, from animals, to city views, the sky in all colors and it truly takes my breath away. Then I feel so overwhelmed with love and gratitude, I feel so grateful to be able to run and to enjoy every bit. Running in the morning really helps to define my day and attitude. Also getting back in shape physically and mentally makes me feel great, and I feel like I'm not waisting this amazing life I was given.

I started this Half Marathon training program by Jeff Galloway who is RunDisneys official trainer. I love alot of his programs, and his tips have been so helpful too. Anyways if I do the training program I'll be able to do it twice before the Tinkerbell run in Jan 2013. Saturdays are going to be my long run days and next week I have 4 miles. That will be the longest I will have ever ran, its a bit intimidating. Once the miles really start adding up I will run/walk them, but I do want to run as much as I can. I'm so excited to do this though it make the Half Marathon feel that much more really for me...... Now to just be able to pay for the whole trip and registration :/ I want this so bad I will work something out :) hehe.

Here is another little saying I found on pinterest and completely agree with.....

318 days!!!

Till the Tinkerbell Half Marathon! I cant wait I'm so excited for this run. So as far as a update goes I'm well......AWESOME!!! I am now at 218 lbs (yep 37 lbs gone forever). I'm working out like a mad women just because I so love it. My fave thing Running :)

I got my Nike Free Run 2's........

 and I love them they are the BEST running shoes ever. They fit great right out of the box, so comfy and I love how flexible they are. I also got......

A Nike+ sports watch, my fave little gadget for tracking my runs. It came with the chip for my shoe (yep I have a chip in my shoe, man shoes have come a long way LOL) the chip sends my running info to my watch and the watch keeps track of my distance, pace per mile, total run time, and cal's burned. It then gets plugged in to my USB port and uploads all my info on to the Nike+ website. Its so cool to see all my runs and see where and when I slowed down or sped up. I love feed back :)

Running is my fave "exercise" ever and to think how much I hated it when I started a few months ago. Anyways back to the Half Marathon..... I cant wait for registration to go up, I'm so excited I want to just pay for it so I know I'm really going for sure. I got this great training program that's 23 weeks long. I have enough time to do it twice, the second time around it will end on race day (which its supposed to :)). I figured the first time I can really learn how my body (and endurance along with motivation) will do on long runs. Also there are some products I want to try that I have read a lot of runners use. One is this stuff called Gu. Its a energy gel you eat wile running that helps your body to balance out since 13.1 miles is a long way and eating in between isn't really a option, but your body need fuel to keep going.

Another thing is a Fuel belt (a fanny pack with cup holders lol) its flatter then a fanny pack, holds curved water bottles and doesn't really bounce as you run. A few have tabs to hold your bid numbers too.
Also I want to try Arm Sleeves. I'm so not a runner who likes layers, I get hot fast and like being cool during my run. Yes I sweat but I like feeling free moving, so wearing jackets and long sleeves isn't my thing, but some mornings its cold (I have ran in 38 degree weather and yes I took my jacket off half way through). So I want to get arm sleeves that are basically arm warmers, they go from your wrist to your arm pit and if you get hot your just roll them down.

I'm so excited to get training and also excited to kick up my exercise and weight loss. As far as WW's is going it awesome as well. I'm still losing at a awesome rate and I feel so good all the time. I know my body signs, I know when I'm done eating before I even really feel it. Its also crazy how many fruits and veggies I eat now. I crave them like crazy, I'm so excited its almost summer mmmmmm strawberries. I feel so good about myself too. I got some awesome boots and a jacket in a style I have wanted forever but never been able to wear. I also have been getting my nails and a peddie every 3 weeks to make me feel even more girly. One of the best parts of my weight loss, I'm almost to my first big goal!!!! I'm only 18 lbs till I'm out of the 200's and get to go shopping for a Coach purse :). O how I love goal prizes.

On all those awesome notes (you know your going to go look into all the stuff I talked about hehe) I want to leabe you with a grat quote I got off Pinterest .........

Stats
 Starting weight: 255
Current weight: 218
Goal weight: 145 (I lowered it by 5 lbs)